Speediance has leveled up its popular smart strength machine with the Gym Monster 2. Imagine a freestanding Tonal (without all the wall-mounting hassle) that packs up to 220 lbs of resistance but doesn’t rope you into a monthly subscription. While the Gym Monster 2 might look similar to the original, there are several significant updates that set it apart.
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Speediance Gym Monster 2 – video review
A quick overview of the Speediance Gym Monster 2
The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is a freestanding smart strength trainer that delivers up to 220 lbs of digital resistance in a compact, space-saving design. With an improved whisper-quiet design, upgraded speakers, smoother resistance, and four resistance modes, it supports a range of exercises without wall mounting or a required subscription.
Pros
- Compact and freestanding design
- Four resistance modes
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Smoother Resistance
- Wide variety of pre-built classes and programs
- No Subscription Required
Cons
- 220lb max resistance may be too low for some users
- Limited music options
- Few coached classes
Improved and space efficient design
If you’re short on space, you’ll appreciate that the Speediance Gym Monster 2 requires less than 3 square feet with the platform folded up. It requires a bit more space when in use since you’ll need to unfold the platform, but it is still very space efficient.
Also, since no wall-mounting required, you can pretty easily move it around as needed. The Gym Monster 2 is even easier to move than the original since it weighs a bit less (171 vs 183 lbs) and the transportation wheels are wider (20 vs 12mm).
Speediance also improved the platform’s safety with a lock-button that’s harder to press by accident. No more worrying about curious kids or pets unlocking the platform by mistake. For the original, I have always used a bungee-cord to help store the platform upright as an extra safety precaution, but now that’s no longer necessary.
With the original Gym Monster, you would definitely notice a fairly loud fan running whenever you use it. Now, thanks to an improved design and cooling system, the Gym Monster 2 is whisper-quiet when in use. This makes it a lot easier to use for those working out early in the morning before everyone else is awake.
Adjustable cable and resistance options
The Gym Monster 2 allows a huge variety of movements with adjustable cables that can move along the uprights or down onto the platform. The highest position of the uprights has also been raised by a few of centimeters, slightly improving the experience for taller users. And if you want to use Speediance as a rower (which is an optional attachment that has also been improved), there’s a new cable slot dedicated for it.
For resistance, the Gym Monster 2 is able to load up to 220 lbs (110 lbs per side), with four modes to choose from:
- Standard: Good old constant resistance, like lifting traditional weights.
- Chains: Adds resistance on the lifting (concentric) phase.
- Eccentric: Increases resistance on the lowering (eccentric) phase.
- Constant Speed: Adjusts weight based on speed
Because you cannot use momentum like you can with free weights, the 220lb max feels more like 250lbs when compared to traditional equipment. For most users, this will be more than enough, though more experienced lifters, may find the max weight here too limiting.
The loading on the Gym Monster 2 is also a lot smoother than the original. Not that it was terrible before, but at heavier loads, it is very noticeable how much smoother the new equipment is.
Better speakers and specs
The Gym Monster 2’s touchscreen is the brain of the operation. Here, you can browse exercises, adjust weight, track reps, and even catch your range of motion. Below the screen is a new 2.1-channel front-facing speaker that is much louder and sounds much better than the original.
Unfortunately, there’s currently not a lot of music options to utilize the new speakers. There are several generic radio stations to choose from, but you are out of luck if those don’t interest you. A Spotify integration would do a lot of good here.
Speediance also significantly improved the internal specs running the Gym Monster 2. The CPU, GPU, and memory have all been significantly upgraded. As of now, the improved specs don’t make a noticeable difference. However, since Speediance constantly rolls out new features, and is seems focused on adding new AI integrations, the spec boost will definitely help keep the Gym Monster 2 more future proof.
No monthly subscription fees
Speediance is still offering free life-time member subscriptions with each purchase, which is a big selling point here. While there might not be a ton of instructor-led classes (there are currently about 50), there is a huge variety of pre-built classes and programs to choose from. There is also an easy-to-use custom workout builder included as well.
Speediance Gym Monster 2: Final thoughts
The Gym Monster 2 takes everything we loved about the original and makes it better—quieter, smoother, easier to handle, and more intuitive. If you’re looking for a compact, digital strength trainer that doesn’t chain you to a monthly fee, this could be just the thing.
For existing Gym Monster owners, the improvements are nice but are really not enough to justify an upgrade. But for those who are look for a compact home gym, the Gym Monster 2 makes an even stronger case for itself than before.
Buy The Speediance Gym Monster 2 Here
(**Connect The Watts readers can use discount code “Colin” for an additional $120 off)
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