Speediance Gym Monster 2 review: A tiny, tech-boosted home gym

Price When Reviewed

$3,749

Best Prices Today: Speediance GymMonster 2 Family Plus

3.599,00 €

4.389,00 €

The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is positioned as a latest-generation digital strength training station and is aimed at ambitious home gym users who want to replace traditional dumbbells with intelligent resistance technology. Within the growing market for connected fitness products, it represents the approach of combining as many forms of training as possible in a single, compact system — controlled via an integrated display and cloud-based training logic.

Design and workmanship

As soon as the pallet is delivered by a shipping company, it becomes clear that the Gym Monster 2 is no toy. Three large packaging units (with a total weight of just under 353 pounds, or 160 kilograms), one of which is extremely heavy and bulky, require some planning and strong helpers to transport them to the desired installation location.

This can be a real challenge in narrow stairwells or small basement rooms, and the main module, which makes up half that weight, is almost impossible to move safely on your own.

However, after unpacking and disposing of the packaging material, the initial effort is quickly put into perspective: Instead of having to screw together a large number of individual parts, as was the case with my EX90 PLUS cross trainer, the Gym Monster 2 is delivered largely pre-assembled.

The device has a simple, modern design and is very cleanly manufactured. The gaps, surfaces, and mechanics appear well thought-out and durable; nothing rattles or seems improvised.

Christoph Hoffmann

When unfolded, it measures 72.8 inches (185cm) in height and just under 27.5 inches (70cm) in width. With the base plate, the Gym Monster 2 is around 48 inches (122cm) deep; when folded, the space requirement is reduced to 14.5 × 27.2 × 72.8 inches (D × W × H).

With its slim, tall body, the Gym Monster 2 clearly stands out from classic multi-function stations, which often require a lot of floor space. Despite its small footprint of less than 3 square feet (without benches), the technology is completely integrated into the device: two 800-watt electric motors generate the resistance and allow not only classic loads, but also dynamic modes such as chain, eccentric or constant, which would be difficult to replicate with conventional weights.

Added to this is the adjustable cable pull with several height positions, so that in practice the device covers a wide range of exercises, from rowing and pressing to pulling and isolation exercises, without a cable pull tower dominating the room.

I tested the Gym Monster 2 in the Family Plus version. In addition to the actual device with its base plate and screen, the adjustable bench, barbell hooks, triceps rope, extension straps, ankle straps, handles, clips, and rings, this version also includes a rowing bench.

This allows the station to be used more like a modular system, whereas classic fitness stations often remain tied to a fixed exercise logic and require more compromises in terms of handle and bench setups.

Christoph Hoffmann

The included accessories present a mixed picture. The barbell is quite heavy and gives a stable, confidence-inspiring impression. The individual handles are not quite up to par in terms of quality and appear to be of a much simpler design in direct comparison. There is also room for improvement with the bench: Instead of practical quick-release fasteners, Speediance relies on conventional screw bolts.

According to the manufacturer, the main new features compared to previous generations of devices are the improved mechanics of the cable guide and the finer resistance control, which now works noticeably more smoothly.

The 21.5-inch touch display can not only be tilted, but also responds smoothly to swipe gestures — including a quick menu for volume, brightness, and system settings. In principle, the screen behaves like a large smartphone, including quick access to central functions. That may sound trivial, but it’s important. I never feel like I have to fight my way through “fitness equipment menus” — instead, I navigate through a modern training interface.

Assembly and commissioning

The actual assembly is surprisingly straightforward — despite the heavy weight. The assembly is logically structured so that even less technically savvy users can quickly achieve their goal without frustration. For someone like me, who rarely feels like doing complicated assembly work, this is a huge added value.

For me, the entire process, including unpacking, took just over an hour, with the actual commissioning being completed surprisingly quickly. In about 10 minutes, the device was ready for use in its place — free-standing, with no need to screw anything to the wall.

Then, at the touch of a button, the training platform is unlocked and folded down, the bench is assembled — in the adjustable version, this requires only two screws and no tools — and finally the power plug is connected. The system is then basically ready to go. It took me an additional 20 minutes or so to assemble the optional rowing bench from the Family Plus package.

Christoph Hoffmann

Good: Thanks to the integrated castors, the Gym Monster 2 can be easily positioned in the room for training.

The initial setup follows the familiar smartphone principle: registration by email, a short introduction, and then the complete system is available. The screen responds precisely, the menu navigation is self-explanatory, and you can connect to your own user profile directly on the device.

Christoph Hoffmann

The way the Gym Monster 2 guides new users is particularly successful. Guided programs explain not only how to perform the exercises, but also how to use the accessories correctly. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry and makes the system accessible even to beginners. Within a few minutes, you get the feeling that you are working with a mature product that does not require lengthy configuration.

In addition to the device display, the Speediance app is available for smartphones and tablets. It is not essential for training with the Gym Monster 2, but it does offer significant added value. Your training data is automatically synchronized so that you can view your progress, statistics, and training history at any time.

Christoph Hoffmann

What’s more, you can select, plan, and customize workouts and programs directly in the app and then start them on the device. The app thus serves as a central hub for planning, evaluation, and motivation, complementing your training on the Gym Monster 2.

These training programs are available

Several training programs and modes are available for the Speediance Gym Monster 2 Family Plus, which can be used via the integrated display and training software.

Guided workouts & coaching: The Gym Monster 2 Family Plus offers over 500 guided training programs, ranging from strength and full-body workouts to functional units. These include structured strength training, HIIT sequences, flexibility, and core workouts, as well as programs specifically designed for specific goals such as muscle building, fat loss, or improving fitness.

Strength training: Classic strength training series are well represented. These include programs for bench presses, squats, deadlifts, rows, and other basic exercises, where resistance and repetitions are specified or suggested. AI support automatically adjusts resistance and progression to your progress.

Cardio training and short workouts: In addition to pure strength training, the system also offers cardio options — such as rowing sessions (with optional rowing machine in the Family Plus package) and dynamic short workouts. These programs are a good link between endurance and strength.

Mobility, yoga, and flexibility: Gentler sessions for mobility, stretching, or yoga are also integrated. They are particularly suitable for warming up, regeneration, or as a supplement to strength training.

Free training and custom workouts: In addition to the pre-designed programs, users can put together their own workouts and save them in the system — ideal for individual training plans or personal routines.

Training plans with AI adaptation: Some versions offer structured training plans spanning several weeks, with AI dynamically adapting the program to performance and progress and making suggestions for optimal training sequences.

More training options with a wellness subscription

The Wellness+ subscription from $19.99 per month (on offer, otherwise $24.99) for the Speediance Gym Monster 2 adds AI-supported, personalized features to the training device. While you can use the Gym Monster without a subscription for classic strength training and many standard workouts, Wellness+ picks up where individual coaching begins. The system analyzes your training data, recognizes progress, and automatically adapts training plans to your goals — such as muscle building, fat loss, or general fitness.

Christoph Hoffmann

Over time, the AI learns which loads are appropriate for the user and makes recommendations on weight, repetitions, and recovery. Wellness+ also offers advanced evaluations and holistic approaches such as nutrition, sleep, and stress tracking, provided you use these functions. You also get access to additional programs and regular new content.

Overall, Wellness+ makes the Gym Monster 2 less of a pure training device and more of a digital personal trainer. The subscription is subject to a fee and is particularly worthwhile for users who appreciate structured plans, motivation, and data-based optimization.

The (daily) workout

The real strength of the Gym Monster 2 becomes apparent in everyday training. Depending on the program I select, I am guided through the workout and always receive precise instructions on how and when to use the accessories correctly.

The digital resistance of 110 pounds per motor completely replaces traditional weights and allows for finely graded adjustments without changing discs or moving dumbbells.

Strength training, functional units, and even rehab-related workouts can be realistically simulated. The system really comes into its own with guided strength programs: pace, repetitions, and resistance work together effectively, making the training structured and challenging.

Less convincing are programs that have little to do with the device, such as floor-based yoga sessions. Here, the display is too high to be used effectively during the exercise. Such content feels more like an additional offering. Therefore, I can only recommend pure training plans without using the device to a limited extent.

In my opinion, weight adjustment during ongoing exercises is not always optimally solved. Since the adjustment is made via the touchscreen, this can be impractical for exercises such as bench presses when both hands are already on the bar. The Bluetooth ring, which serves as a practical remote control under load, significantly mitigates the problem, but it does not solve every situation in which one would actually expect haptic quick control directly on the bar.

Apart from these points, the Gym Monster 2 impresses with its enormous versatility and, in practice, replaces a complete home gym in just a few square feet.

Our experience after a few weeks of training: Strength and accessory workouts are very well suited to the device, because that’s when the Gym Monster 2 really comes into its own. Content that focuses heavily on mat work on the floor, on the other hand, is less elegant because the screen remains fixed to the device.

Is the Gym Monster 2 worth it?

The Gym Monster 2 from Speediance is one of the most impressive smart strength training devices for home use currently available. It combines genuine, progressive strength training with an extremely space-saving design and sophisticated digital training control.

The workmanship, mechanics, and resistance feel are of a high standard and completely replace classic dumbbells in practice. The system is particularly strong when it comes to guided strength and accessory workouts, where resistance, tempo, and exercise selection are sensibly interlinked to enable structured, challenging training.

The app integration directly on the large touchscreen is fast, intuitive, and easy to understand, even for beginners. Weaknesses are evident in the weight adjustment during individual exercises, which is not always ideal. Content that is not directly related to the device seems more like an add-on.

Overall, the Gym Monster 2 is clearly aimed at ambitious users who train regularly, have limited space and are looking for a technically mature all-in-one home gym — and that’s exactly what it delivers.

Technical data

• Dimensions: Unfolded approx. 48 × 27 × 73 inches, folded approx. 14.5 × 27× 73 inches (D × W × H)
• Weight: Approx. 172 lbs
• Display: Tiltable 21.5-inch HD touchscreen with 1080×1920 pixel resolution
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
• Resistance & motor: 2 × 800 watt PMSM permanent magnet synchronous motors
• Maximum digital resistance: 220 lbs, or 110 lbs per side
• Digital weight increments: Approx. 1 lb
• Audio: Stereo speakers 2 × 5 watts subwoofer 20 watts
• Resistance modes: Classic, increasing at end movement, increasing in the negative phase, uniform