Latest news with #GymMonster2
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Speediance Gym Monster 2 review: A compact, tech-heavy home gym packed with features (and a few quirks)
Remember when "home gym" meant a dusty treadmill in the basement or enough equipment to fill a small warehouse? Those days are thankfully behind us. Today's smart home gyms are designed for real people with real space constraints — and Gym Monster 2 by Speediance is a perfect example of this evolution. As a personal trainer and seasoned fitness product reviewer, I can confidently say that the Gym Monster 2 is one of the best smart home gyms around, leaving me oohing and awwing for days. After putting this popular system through its paces, I'm thoroughly impressed with how much workout variety it manages to pack into such a sleek package. Some of the most thoughtfully designed features include hundreds of on-demand workout options, detailed post-workout reports, AI assist to help power through tough lifts and a super handy Bluetooth ring that makes using the machine incredibly intuitive. Starting at $3,750 for the Basic version when not on sale (I tested the Works Plus at $4,100), it's not a small investment, so I'll break down the pros and cons to help you decide if it's a worthwhile buy. I tested the Works Plus version of the Gym Monster 2 by Speediance, which includes the machine, several accessories and an adjustable bench, all of which come to your door in two boxes. At 172 pounds, you'll likely want a second pair of hands to help you unpack, but the two wheels located on the base of the machine certainly make moving it around easier once you have it unpacked. If you'd rather skip the hassle, Speediance offers white glove service, which starts at $150 for ground-floor delivery. After you have your Gym Monster in place and plugged in, you are good to go. Seriously. Everything is ready right out of the box. (The teeniest exception: If your system comes with a bench, you'll need to secure the legs with two thumbscrews, but it's still a tool-free assembly.) Gym Monster's Works Plus comes with tons of accessories, covering almost everything you could want in a home gym setup, including an adjustable barbell with a foam pad, ankle straps, single grips and a triceps rope, plus a Bluetooth ring and clip and spare cables. A button on the side unlocks the platform for lowering, but it doesn't have a hydraulic assist, so you'll need to carefully lower it yourself and use the locks to secure it. Once that's done, you're ready to start lifting. The Speediance Gym Monster 2 has a minimalist and unobtrusive design, with a footprint of under three square feet when folded. Despite its compact size, it doesn't skimp on thoughtful details. For example, the platform comes with a cushy foam pad that's attached magnetically, so you can peel it off to use elsewhere for crunches or yoga. It feels very sturdy too, and the platform is big enough for almost any movement you can think of. The bench adjusts easily and fits neatly onto the platform. The system offers 11 height settings for adjusting the cable pulleys to perform exercises like triceps pushdowns and biceps curls, or you can unclip them and attach them to the platform for movements like bench presses or squats. A nifty set of metal hooks slots into the vertical mounting brackets, so you can rack the barbell between sets without putting it down on the ground, just like at the gym. It's a simple but thoughtful addition that showcases the Gym Monster 2 as a complete home gym. One thing I found missing is built-in storage for the accessories. An accessory dock with hooks and a padded nook for supporting the barbell is available from Speediance for an extra $110. Otherwise, you'll need to find somewhere else to store the handles, grips and other attachments. The user guide for the Gym Monster 2 is actually helpful, unlike most fitness equipment manuals I've tried to navigate! The only real stumbling block was connecting the Bluetooth ring, which required a quick YouTube detour. After turning on the machine, creating an account and choosing a training goal — Get Fit, Build Muscle or Lose Weight — I was greeted by an easy-to-navigate home screen with a vivid 21.5-inch HD touchscreen display. As a first-time user, I was prompted to set a training goal with parameters including preferred training frequency, workout length, target weight and program duration. Then the software put together a preview of my workout schedule, complete with a daily calorie intake recommendation and training targets. It's a helpful launchpad for anyone new to building a training program. (That said, calorie intake is personal, and you should talk to your health care provider before adjusting your diet.) The 2.1 stereo speaker system below the display packs serious volume — great for pumping up your workout music, though you might need to dial it back to hear trainer instructions clearly. Just know that some of the included music should have a content warning. While the Gym Monster 2 is Bluetooth-enabled, it's important to note that you can't connect your own music player. The Bluetooth ring slides onto your index finger or attaches to the barbell with a clip and connects to the machine to control resistance. You can turn the resistance on or off, and when it's off, simply rotate the ring's button with your thumb to adjust weight up or down — no need to fiddle with the touchscreen mid-set. The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is equipped with AI that monitors how many reps you complete at a given weight — and predicts your one-rep max (how much weight you can lift for a single repetition). You can watch that number increase as you progress with your lifts, which is pretty motivating. The system offers two AI assist modes you can enable mid-workout that help if you're stuck in the middle of a rep. Mode 1 only kicks in when you're struggling with the lifting phase of a movement like standing up from a squat or pressing a barbell over your head. It lowers the weight just enough to help you complete that final rep safely — perfect for training to failure. Mode 2 activates if you pause for too long at any point in your range of motion, automatically reducing weight whenever you stop moving. The catch? Mode 2 doesn't know if you're struggling or just taking a moment to psych yourself up, so you'll need to disable it if you prefer longer pauses between reps. A great way to get accustomed to the machine is to use the Gym Monster 101 workout, a comprehensive fitness program designed for Gym Monster newbies. Using the barbell Romanian deadlift as a demo move, the on-screen trainer took me through some lifting modes, including an impressive eccentric mode that lets you add extra resistance. The real-time feedback is where this system shines. A color-coded bar chart shows your power per rep — fantastic for spotting strength imbalances. And the machine actually warns you if one side of your body is significantly weaker than the other. A line graph tracks your range of motion throughout each exercise. Post-workout reports include your duration and volume, plus you can rate your perceived exertion on a 10-point scale and get movement-specific feedback. The system even gamifies progress with badges for milestones like your first 10,000 pounds lifted or 10 completed sessions — a clever way to encourage consistency and chase new personal bests. Everything in my plan, from barbell upright rows to cable woodchops, felt comfortable with smooth resistance from the cables. But I did find that the set and rep recommendations — nine sets of 18 reps for each of four exercises — were far too much. I'd never suggest that much volume for an exercise, even for an advanced lifter. Fortunately, the system offers plenty of flexibility beyond these preset programs. Below the selection of recommended workouts, the bottom of the home screen offers three options for other ways to work out: All Workouts: These are grouped by category, for example, HIIT or Recovery, which you can filter by difficulty. You can also choose from over 80 programs of varying lengths. Custom Workouts: Build your workout program from over 400 movements. For each movement, you can choose a preset — gain muscle, stamina or strength — and sets, resistance range, rep scheme and rest time suggestions. Or you can customize your entire program. Free Lift: A true DIY approach, here is where you choose your resistance level, lifting mode, accessories and AI assist mode, if you want it. This is great if you have no specific routine in mind or are experienced enough not to need cues from an on-screen trainer. It's worth noting that some movement names can be confusing. Experienced lifters typically associate "compound lifts" with exercises like the barbell bench press, back squat or deadlift — heavy lifts that engage multiple muscle groups. However, with the Speediance Gym Monster 2, "compound" refers to performing different movements simultaneously, such as a lunge with a right-arm horizontal pull and left-arm overhead press. I wouldn't recommend these types of movements due to the coordination required, which can detract from focusing on the target muscle group. With all its impressive features, the Speediance Gym Monster 2 does have some drawbacks worth considering. I'm impressed by the sturdy adjustable barbell, but the plastic single-hand grips feel flimsy in comparison. The 220-pound max resistance might also limit more experienced lifters. And while the platform is decently sized, larger people might have trouble positioning themselves comfortably. On the tech side, my only gripe is that connecting your own music player to the speaker would be a nice touch. Then there's the price. The Gym Monster 2 starts at $3,749 for the Basic package, which does not include a bench. The Works, which comes with a flat bench, is $3,950, while the Works Plus, which includes an adjustable bench, tops out at $4,100. At the highest end is the Family Plus package, which includes an adjustable bench and a rowing bench for $4,499. It's a serious financial commitment for an incredibly versatile machine, but it likely won't meet your needs if you lift heavy. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
CNET
08-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Fitness and Wellness Deals Worth Adding to Cart on Amazon Prime Day July 2025
Speediance is known for its AI-powered home workout machines. For Prime Day, its original Gym Monster is on sale for 30% off (originally $3,049) and the Gym Monster 2 (originally $3,749) is 10% off. The Gym Monster is meant to be used as a strength training smart home gym in your living room complete with cables and the AI experience. If you want to take it a step further, the Gym Monster 2 is the newest version and offers a smaller footprint and folds down to only 1.2 feet. Either way, this all-in-one machine can help get you in shape in the comfort of your own home with 350 coach-curated workouts.
Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
I tried the Speediance Gym Monster 2 — here's what I love (and don't)
As someone who juggles work, parenting, and staying fit in between, I'm always on the hunt for anything that makes working out easier, more efficient — and ideally — enjoyable. I've been a competitive runner since the age of 12 and tend to let strength training slip, but that changed when I got my hands on the Speediance Gym Monster 2 Family Plus. This compact, all-in-one digital gym offers commercial-grade workouts your whole family can use at home. Even my tween son joined in. I was more skeptical about my husband — a former personal trainer who lifts so heavy he's been kicked out of franchise gyms. I wasn't sure if he was more of a monster than the machine. But after using it consistently for a few weeks, I have some thoughts. I've been using the Speediance Gym Monster at home, and it seriously levels up my workouts. It gives me up to 220 pounds of adjustable digital resistance, so I can target everything including: chest, back, legs, arms, shoulders and even core. Whether I'm doing squats, curls, presses or rotations, the movements feel smooth and controlled. It's helped me build strength, improve balance and actually feel like I'm training my whole body. When the package arrived, it was massive. The three-piece delivery (main unit, bench, and rowing parts) came on a pallet, and the boxes were extremely heavy. If you're considering this machine for a small apartment, know that you'll need space to set it up — and someone to help you carry it upstairs or through narrow doorways. Luckily, I was able to spread out the equipment on the lawn and get started. The Family Plus is Speediance's most comprehensive package. It includes everything in the lower-tier kits, plus rowing components: barbell hooks and adjustable barbell, extender belt, tricep rope, cable handles, ankle straps, adjustable bench, rowing bench, and rowing bar. One thing it doesn't come with? Nordic ski handles — you'll have to buy those separately. Setup is straightforward and takes about an hour. No wall-mounting required — though I'll come back to that later. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Let's start with the basics: this machine is sleek, smart and surprisingly compact. If you're tight on space, the foldable design is a major win. We have a dedicated home gym, but for apartment dwellers, the ability to tuck it away is a huge plus. Once I downloaded the app, paired the Bluetooth ring, and ran through the quick tutorial, I was off and running — literally, with a jogging warm-up. The touchscreen interface walks you through each move with crystal-clear visuals. There's no fumbling through confusing dials or clunky menus. Within minutes, I was doing squats, curls, and rows like I had a personal trainer in the room. And technically, I did. The coaching feels present and the music in each workout is energizing without being overwhelming. The Gym Monster 2 boasts some impressive smart capabilities designed to enhance safety, progression, and personalization. That said, the line between 'smart' and 'AI' is a little blurry here. While Speediance markets it as AI coaching, it felt more like smart automation to me — adjusting resistance based on performance without much true personalization. What really stood out was the versatility. One day, I'm doing resistance training for legs and glutes, the next I'm following a cardio session. The machine supports a wide range of exercises without needing a dozen pieces of equipment. Still, this is one of its biggest strengths. The system automatically tweaks resistance as you improve and helps maintain good form. For someone like me — who tends to overdo it — that level of support was appreciated. What really stood out was the versatility. One day, I'm doing resistance training for legs and glutes, the next I'm following a cardio session. The machine supports a wide range of exercises — even cable movements — so I can target different muscle groups without needing a dozen pieces of equipment. Apple Health integration and guided programs in the app are nice extras, especially on days I didn't feel like coming up with my own routine. Let's talk about the price. At $3,800 on sale, this machine isn't cheap. While I think it offers solid value — digital weights, AI tracking, multiple workout styles, and no gym commute — it's still a significant investment. If you're on a tight budget, it could be a deal-breaker. Another limitation: resistance caps at 220 lbs (100 kg). That's more than enough for most users — myself included — but not for my husband. He found it lacking for some lifts. Although he did find it a great workout for curls. If you're a serious powerlifter or advanced athlete, this might not meet all your needs. I also ran into a few minor bugs — the screen froze mid-exercise once or twice; the music can come on extremely loud; and sometimes it didn't properly register a completed set. Ending a workout early always triggers a 'Why are you stopping?' prompt, which gets old fast. These aren't dealbreakers, and Speediance seems to be releasing updates regularly, but it's something to keep in mind. This is my biggest complaint: for something labeled 'Family Plus,' I expected more built-in safety features. The machine is very heavy and doesn't anchor to the wall. While it sits flat and stable, that's not enough around small kids. If a child were to climb on it or pull at the bench, it could be dangerous. I strongly recommend setting the Gym Monster 2 up in a low-traffic area and wish Speediance offered a wall-mount option or safety accessories. For now, it's on parents to be extra cautious. So, who is this for? In my experience, the Speediance Gym Monster 2 Family Plus is ideal for busy parents, runners looking to add strength training, or anyone who wants an all-in-one solution without commuting to a gym. It's smart, space-saving and makes workouts feel a little less like a chore — and that's a win in my book. Would I recommend it? Yes — especially if you're looking for a home gym that covers strength, cardio and guided training in one compact package. Just be prepared to spend big.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scouted: This All-In-One Weightlifting Machine Will Replace Your Gym Membership
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. The Gym Monster 2 is probably not for people like me, but it should be. The target audience for a $3,000+ all-in-one weightlifting machine is, I'd imagine, people who are so dedicated to getting their daily reps in that they're willing (and able) to drop big bucks on a device that replaces all your barbells and hand weights with one surprisingly compact device. But for someone like me, someone whose experience with weight training was largely limited to bicep curls and resistance bands, this device gave me the confidence to approach weight lifting outside of a high-pressure gym environment. The weight section at every gym I've been a member of always seems intimidating. Most of the machines seem wildly unintuitive, the popular machines always have a line, and I feel self-conscious bench pressing without any weight plates loaded on (but isn't the bar alone, like, 45 pounds?). The Gym Monster 2 replaces a whole gym's worth of machines with an adjustable device that uses resistance to provide counterweight of up to 220 pounds. It's got a large touch screen for picking guided routines (either with a coach or AI), seeing demonstrations, and checking progress. The whole device easily folds up when not in use, with roughly the footprint of a floor mirror. Each workout automatically counts your weight, reps, and rest times. The first few times I needed to adjust the position and accessories between exercises, it took me longer than the provided rest times. Even with the ability to extend the rest for 15 seconds, I hit a point where the timer would not increase and I was warned that resting too long would impact my performance. After a few swaps, I got better at understanding how the machine functions, and switching between positions was super easy. Every exercise has an on-screen video and written instructions, so you can try to mirror your form to the example you're seeing and you get… moderately helpful feedback from a robotic-sounding AI coach. If you're unbalanced and pulling harder with one arm or resting too long between reps, it will tell you. At the end of a set, you'll get a suggested weight for the next set, which you can choose to implement or not. And unlike traditional weights and weight plates that can require increments of five or 10 pounds to add on, you can select single pound increments all the way up to the device's max. These adjustments are easy, thanks to the Bluetooth-connected ring that you wear on your index finger. You can easily increase weight by scrolling with your thumb and start and stop workouts. This is an especially helpful safety measure for bench-pressing and other exercises where a spotter is traditionally recommended: if you hit the button to stop, the machine will remove all additional weight. At one point during hip thrusts, I was positioned so my feet were not perpendicular with the ground, and I ended up pushing the mat and my feet off the device's base. Since your own body weight on the mat is what helps keep the device stable, the Gym Monster 2 began to tilt as I pushed the bar up with my hips. I clicked the ring, and the weight instantly cut, stabilizing the device. As a weightlifting novice, I appreciated how much hand-holding existed. Exercises are labeled as beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and the demo videos and instructions made me feel more confident than I ever have approaching a weight machine at a gym. And the stats provided are super motivating—you can track your progress and see an aggregate of how much weight you've lifted that week. For cardio days, the add-on rowing machine bench turns the Gym Monster 2 into a sweat machine. As with most screen-equipped fitness machines, there are also many workouts that you can follow that don't even utilize the machine's features, from HIIT to yoga to stretching. Be warned: while the Gym Monster 2 requires minimal assembly, it's delivered in an absolutely giant box (the weightlifting and rowing benches come in separate boxes). It's about 200 pounds, so especially if you'll need to get it up or down stairs, it's best to go in with a plan (and maybe some extra hands). Once out of the box, set-up is super easy. Plug it in, connect to the internet, and you're set. The rowing bench requires some additional assembly, but nothing anyone who has put together Ikea furniture would struggle with. The amount of trash and recyclables generated by the packing was eye-popping (three large contractor bags filled with plastic and pounds of cardboard), but perhaps that's the trade-off for everything coming incredibly well insulated from shipping damage. Additionally, Speediance's manufacturing origins in China are sometimes pretty evident, with oddly translated text and generic soundtracks. Ultimately, the price tag means this device is best suited for someone with a serious commitment to weightlifting, but if you're looking for a machine that delivers a ton of utility in a small space (and have a budget that can support it), the Gym Monster 2 delivers.
WIRED
20-03-2025
- WIRED
The Speediance Gym Monster 2 Combines Cardio and Weights in One Small Machine
I learned how to lift in college when I was running track, and I fell in love with the feeling of a heavy dead lift, squat, and clean. I've been lifting for the last decade, but it's never been the same since I lost access to my elite college weight room. I mostly work out at home with adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells, but I've reached a point where I need something heavier. I need my barbell and plates back. So I was stoked to review the Speediance Gym Monster 2, a magnetic-resistance cable machine that looks a lot like a normal weight-lifting rack but can fit in my home. I've been using it for a month now, and I've totally integrated it into my workout routine. I really enjoy using it (I didn't love the past magnetic-resistance machine I tried), and it's allowed me to step up my big lifts, like dead lifts, squats, and bench presses. Photograph: Kristin Canning Tricked Out The Gym Monster 2 is a magnetic-resistance cable machine with a rack, screen, foldable platform (with a removable squishy pad), and so. Many. Accessories. The standard package comes with a bench, adjustable barbell, barbell hooks, barbell pad, tricep rope, cable handles, extender belt, ankle straps, and a Bluetooth ring and clip (more on what that does later). This is the second version (duh) and is more compact and lighter then the first iteration, and has one higher level for the cables on the rack pillars. It was really easy to set up—no assembly required. It has a small footprint. When folded, it's 14.6 inches long by 27.2 wide by 72.8 tall; unfolded, it's 48.0 inches long. With a total resistance of 220 pounds, it can't help you with your heaviest lifting, but the smart features and easy-to-use system make it a really cool home workout machine. Price-wise, it's a little less than the Tonal 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), and you also don't need to subscribe to a membership to access most of the workouts. Photograph: Kristin Canning There's a lot to love about the Gym Monster 2. It feels much more like a traditional weight-lifting rack than other magnetic-resistance cable machines I've used in the past, thanks to the two tall pillars that can hold the cables. Similar machines, like the Vitruvian Trainer+ that I've tried, have cables that attach only to the platform, which makes certain lifts and positioning quite challenging.
