What's up, guys? Today we're diving deep into a detailed review of the Speediance Gym Monster 2, an intelligent all-in-one home gym that is compact, powerful and packed with state-of-the-art features.
Key features & First impressions
All-in-one design:
This AI-powered machine combines a squat bar, cable pulley system, Smith machine trainer, pulley station, rower, and more. No wall mounting, no complicated setup. Just plug it in and work out. But is it really the ultimate smart home gym? Let's break it all down and get started.
Build quality:
Robust steel frame with an elegant matte black finish.
Ultra-stable base (tested by shaking/jumping at 175 lbs – "it's pretty stable").
Warranty: 2 years (motor, screen, power supply), 1 year (accessories).
Notable details:
Eleven cable height settings provide a full range of motion and unlock a variety of exercise options. You'll also see a small rowing icon. This indicates the correct height setting for using the rowing bench. It's quick and easy.
Digital weight resistance:
Unlike traditional home gyms that rely on stacks of weights or resistance bands, the Gym Monster 2 uses electromagnetic resistanceto create tension during your workout. This means no bulky weight plates or cables, just smooth, quiet resistance that's digitally controlled. This makes adjustments quick, precise, and convenient. The internal cooling system is an improvement over the Gym Monster 1 and is impressively quiet. It prevents the internal components from overheating, especially during long sessions or when multiple users train consecutively. It helps the motor remain responsive and extends the machine's lifespan. A subtle upgrade that makes a big difference.
2.1 sound system:
The upgraded 2.1 sound system features dual 5-watt speakers and a 20-watt subwoofer for true stereo sound. Whether you're streaming your playlist or following a trainer's workout, the sound is clear, immersive, and deep without distortion. You can also link your Apple Music account to stream directly through the machine.
If you prefer Spotify: I've been informed that Speediance is currently negotiating streaming rights, with a possible launch expected in [date/timeframe]. third quarter of 2025Should this happen, it would make the already impressive sound experience even more versatile. Overall, it's a clear and noticeable improvement over the Gym Monster 1.
21,5" 1080p touchscreen:
The 21.5-inch 1080p touchscreen is sharp, vibrant, and highly responsive. Scrolling through menus, switching between workouts, and adjusting settings feels fast and fluid—without any lag. The larger screen makes it easy to follow coaching videos or monitor your stats from a distance. I also particularly appreciate the ability to swivel the screen horizontally.This is particularly helpful for keeping track of your form and progress during exercises like bench presses.
Smart control: Bluetooth ring:
This small, portable controller lets you adjust weight resistance during your exercise with a simple tap. There's no need to reach for the screen or interrupt your workout. This is especially useful during high-intensity sets or when you want to make quick weight adjustments mid-workout without wasting time or extending your rest period. I want to emphasize just how quickly I can change the resistance. I can switch weights during bicep curls without even putting the handles down. With dumbbells, I'd have to stop, put the weights down, choose a new pair, and readjust my stance before continuing. This kind of efficiency really enhances the workout and keeps the intensity high.
Wellness+:
The heart of this machine is Wellness+ Speediance's AI-powered training system personalizes your workouts based on your goals and performance. Wellness+ goes beyond simple weight recommendations: it creates customized training plans and programs tailored to your training style, goals, and fitness level. It tracks your progress, suggests exercises, monitors muscle recovery, and even schedules rest days for optimal performance. This AI feature requires a subscription ($24.90 per month or $249 per year), but all other core platform features remain free.
The AI is based on speed-based training (VBT) —an intelligent system that measures the speed of each repetition to track your power output. The faster you move, the more power the system detects and automatically adjusts the resistance to your performance. This dynamic, performance-oriented approach is ideal for athletes or anyone training for explosive strength, speed, and peak performance. However, if you focus on hypertrophy training (slow, controlled repetitions for maximum time under tension), your experience may vary.
In my case, the AI occasionally reduced the resistance because my repetition speed was consistent and deliberate. The set still felt doable, but the system assumed I wasn't pushing myself enough. According to Speediance, this is intentional: the current VBT design is optimized for strength-oriented training, not necessarily hypertrophy or endurance. Nevertheless, I would like to see future updates that better recognize different training styles—perhaps by tracking set completion or incorporating user input alongside repetition speed.
In my opinion, Wellness+ is particularly useful for beginner Or anyone who benefits from structured guidance. It takes the guesswork out of it, helps with long-term consistency, and keeps you motivated. Whether it's strength training, cardio, HIIT, yoga, or sport-specific routines – Gym Monster 2 covers it all.
Training modes:
Free Lift (Free Training):
This is essentially a freestyle workout with complete control. Simply adjust the cable height, attach your preferred handle or bar, select the resistance – and you're ready to go.Perfect for experienced users who know exactly which exercises they want to complete.
Rowing mode:
Gym Monster 2 also includes a rudder attachmentThis adds even more versatility to your workout. The main tower features a clearly marked cable attachment area, along with a specially designed rowing bar. The movement feels smooth and natural, making it a solid option for full-body conditioning and cardio training.
Custom mode:
Here you can create your own workout by choosing from a list of exercises. The best part: each movement is guided by a pre-recorded routine. Personal trainer accompanieswhich guides you through the correct setup and execution. It's a great middle ground: you get the flexibility to create your own routine, plus the added benefit of coaching guidance and setup tips. Simply choose your exercises, set the resistance and repetitions – and you're ready to go.
Follow-Along Library:
Then there are the Follow-along workout libraryThis section includes over 445 guided sessions from certified trainers. These workouts walk you through every step, including equipment setup and proper form. The sets are pre-programmed, but you can adjust the resistance to your level. You can filter workouts by muscle group, duration, experience level, or even trainer style. This is especially useful for anyone who needs structure, guidance, or a little extra motivation.
Four dynamic resistance modes:
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Standard mode: It delivers smooth and consistent resistance, similar to a traditional cable machine in a commercial gym. Ideal for classic strength exercises like flyes, bench presses, rows, curls, and tricep extensions. The digital weight system excels with precise, steady resistance throughout the entire range of motion—without the clunky feel of stacks of weights or plates. Whether you're performing slow, controlled repetitions or explosive movements, the resistance remains consistent, maintaining tension on the muscle throughout the entire range of motion. For beginners and advanced users alike, this mode offers that familiar gym feel—only smarter and quieter.
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Chain mode: One of the more unique smart features of the Gym Monster 2. This mode imitates the effect of training with real chains in a traditional gym setup: The resistance increases during the concentric (lifting) phase of the movement.For example, when performing a biceps curl, you might start the repetition with 25 lbs, but halfway through or near the top of the curl, the resistance can increase to 33 lbs. The goal is to maximize resistance where you are strongest (typically near the top of the movement) and reduce the load at the beginning of the movement where you are weaker. It's a smart way to overload your muscles more effectively and safely. This type of training is excellent for building explosive strength and power.It forces your muscles to remain activated and accelerate throughout the entire repetition, which can lead to better performance and muscle activation in the long run.
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Eccentric mode: One of my favorites. This mode focuses entirely on the eccentric (lowering) phase of your movementThe resistance increases as you lower the weight. For example, with triceps pull-downs, you might start with 30 lbs, but the resistance could increase to 40 lbs as you lower the weight. This method intensifies the negative portion of the movement, allowing you to focus particularly on muscle tension and control. Eccentric training is known to build muscle mass and increase strength more efficiently than training the concentric phase alone. By slowing down the lowering phase, you increase the Time under tensionThis leads to deeper muscle engagement and greater muscle growth. Anyone looking to build strength and mass with more precision should definitely try this mode.
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Fixed speed mode: Ideal for mobility and hypertrophy training. This mode maintains a constant repetition speed upright, no matter how fast you pull or push. This means that whether you feel strong or exhausted, the speed of your repetition remains the same throughout the entire movement with constant tension. One advantage is the regulation of movement control. By ensuring a constant speed, it prevents the impulse to jerk the movement or "cheat"—which often happens with heavy sets. This mode is valuable for hypertrophy training because it forces you to maintain a steady pace Maintain this throughout your set. This can lead to a more controlled contraction and deeper muscle engagement – important factors for muscle growth. Slowing down the movement in a controlled and consistent manner increases the time under tension and ensures that the muscle is fully activated.
Security features:
Let's take a look at the safety features and modes that make the Gym Monster 2 particularly suitable for solo or partner training.
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Assist mode: A fantastic feature that can be crucial during solo training. If you're struggling with a heavy set, this mode offers some additional helpby adjusting the resistance to make the last few repetitions easier. It's like having an invisible training partner by your side, giving you the necessary boost without sacrificing your form or risking injury. There are two levels: the first reduces the resistance by about 2-3 lbs when a struggle is detected, and the second offers a greater reduction of approximately 3-4 lbs under the same conditions.
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Spotter protection: Especially important for solo training. If something goes wrong during a set, the machine intervenes immediately to prevent injuries, giving you the necessary support. Safety without a human spotter.
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Partner Mode: An absolute game-changer for partner training. Each side of the machine works with independent resistance stagesThis allows two users to perform different exercises at different intensity levels simultaneously. This mode is also perfect for SupersetsSince each side is independent, you can set different weights and exercises on different sides. This allows you to quickly switch from one exercise to the next. z.B. from bicep curls on one side to tricep extensions on the other, without having to reconfigure cables or change attachments.
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Safety unlocking system for the base platform: This adds an extra layer of security. At first glance, one might think that pressing this button would cause the base to drop, but it is... two steps requiredYou first have to slide the base towards the tower and then press the button to release it. This thoughtful design is especially ideal when children are around and ensures that the base stays securely in place when not in use. As an extra precaution, I also have a Rubber rope around the base I tensioned it to secure it firmly when not in use. Safety always comes first, and this extra step gives me peace of mind.
Overall, these features significantly increase the versatility of the Gym Monster 2 while also providing an additional level of safety and comfort.
Pros vs. Cons
And we'll start with the advantages:
It is a All-in-One Smart GymIt combines several machines and functions in one compact system, saving space and offering great versatility.
No assembly requiredUnpack, set up, and start training immediately. No complicated instructions or tools required.
Compact and foldable designPerfect for home gyms with limited space. It offers a full-body workout when unfolded and requires minimal storage space.
Dynamic resistance modes with unique options such as eccentric mode, fixed speed mode and chain mode to target different aspects of strength and muscle growth.
Powerful AI and security featuresIntelligent resistance adjustments, spotter protection, and assist mode make workouts safer and more effective.
Ideal for multi-person households. Multiple users can seamlessly switch between settings, making it a great option for families or training partners.
Okay, let's move on to the disadvantages:
It carries a Premium priceAlthough the price reflects the advanced features, it is still a higher investment compared to traditional gym equipment.
It requires electricity.The machine will not work during a power outage and it depends on a power outlet.
The digital resistance It can feel different than free weights. Some users might find the digital resistance less intuitive or less satisfying compared to the feel of traditional free weights, especially when lifting heavy weights.
Final thoughts:
The Gym Monster 2 is a powerhouse for anyone who wants a compact, technology-driven home gym.
Ready to try it out? Check out Gym Monster 2!
Transparency note:
Complete test material: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b-zwsOsuqU
YouTube Channel: The Home Gym Experience
