Choosing a home gym rig isn't just about resistance levels or price — it's about whether the machine actually fits into your daily life. Two of our most popular all-in-one strength trainers, the Gym Monster 3S and the Gym Monster Ultra, are built on the same philosophy but aimed at different situations.
Below, we'll look at where they differ and which setup makes the most sense for your home.
How Much Room Do They Actually Need?
Space is usually the deciding factor, and it's where these two machines differ most. The Gym Monster 3S folds down to a compact 0.25 m² and, unfolded, takes up around 0.84 m² — light enough on the floor at 86 kg. That makes it a realistic option for flats, box rooms, or any space where every square metre counts.
The Gym Monster Ultra is a different proposition. Folded, it needs 0.59 m²; unfolded with its lat pulldown arms extended, it takes up roughly 2.08 m² (or 1.41 m² without the arms), and weighs in at 125 kg. If you've got a dedicated training room or garage gym, the Ultra rewards the extra space with a much broader range of motion.
One dimension worth double-checking before you buy, especially in older properties with lower ceilings: the Ultra stands 2.27 m tall when fully extended, against 1.85 m for the 3S — a 40 cm difference that can matter in converted lofts or period homes.
Training Range: What You Can Actually Do on Each
- Pull-ups: Built into the Ultra's frame as standard; the 3S doesn't offer this movement at all.
- Lat pulldowns: The Ultra comes with lat pulldown arms; on the 3S, you'll need a separate accessory to train this pattern.
- Cable system: The 3S runs a single vertical cable pair with 20 positions in total (19 vertical, 1 low). The Ultra triples the setup with three cable pairs — high, vertical, and low — giving you 33 positions (1 high, 27 vertical, 5 low). For crossover-style cable work and pulldown angles, that extra range makes a real difference.
Day-to-Day Handling
Beyond raw specs, the Ultra has been refined for smoother daily use:
- Platform height: The 3S needs you to bend down and press a button; the Ultra lowers with a simple foot release.
- Accessory changes: The 3S uses a ball-and-socket fitting that needs both hands; the Ultra switches accessories one-handed.
- Cable arm adjustment: The 3S relies on pulling a locking pin; the Ultra uses a push-and-slide mechanism for quicker transitions.
- Standing platform: 0.54 m² on the 3S versus 0.88 m² on the Ultra, giving noticeably more room to move during compound lifts.
Gym Monster Ultra or Gym Monster 3S: At a Glance
| Gym Monster 3S | Gym Monster Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint (unfolded) | 0.84 m² | 2.08 m² (with arms) / 1.41 m² (without) |
| Footprint (folded) | 0.25 m² | 0.59 m² |
| Height (unfolded) | 1.85 m | 2.27 m |
| Weight | 86 kg | 125 kg |
| Pull-up bar | Not included | Built in |
| Lat pulldown | Optional accessory | Included |
| Cable pairs | 1 (vertical) | 3 (high / vertical / low) |
| Cable positions | 20 | 33 |
| Platform release | Manual button | Foot release |
| Accessory swap | Two-handed | One-handed |
| Resistance modes | Standard, Chain, Eccentric, Fixed Speed | Standard, Chain, Eccentric, Fixed Speed |
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for the Ultra if:
- You have a dedicated training space and want a full studio-style setup at home
- Pull-ups and lat pulldowns need to be integrated
- More than one person in your household trains, with different goals and preferred movements
Go for the 3S if:
- Space is tight and every square metre in your home matters
- You're happy training without integrated pull-up or lat pulldown functions
- You want a compact machine that still covers serious strength training
