I tested the Speediance Gym Monster 2: the connected gym that will replace your coach!

When you don’t have time to go to the gym, or when the gym is too far away, you are often tempted to set up a machine at home. However, combining advanced technology, compact design, and sports versatility is not an easy challenge. Not everyone can dedicate an entire room to fitness at home. Yet, the Speediance Gym Monster 2, which I had the opportunity to discover at CES in Las Vegas last year, has managed to meet all these constraints, quickly establishing itself as the preferred solution for those wishing to invest in a connected home gym. From its robust design to its rich library of guided exercises, the Gym Monster 2 disrupts the codes of home weight training. Combining a digital motor, artificial intelligence (AI), various accessories, and virtual coaching, this machine aims to transform the daily lives of athletes of all levels. And I must admit that it has everything it needs to succeed!

Designed for both beginners seeking guidance and enthusiasts wanting to regain the intensity of a gym, the Gym Monster 2 leverages user feedback and takes a technological leap. Between innovation, immersive experience, and compactness, what does this reference of connected fitness really offer? A complete overview of its strengths, weaknesses, and promises after an in-depth test conducted in real conditions over several months.

In brief: Speediance Gym Monster 2

• Solid and stylish all-in-one device, designed for saving space: suitable for all types of interiors
• Digital weight adjustable to the gram, synchronized dual motor, smart resistance management, and haptic feedback
• 21.5″ touchscreen interactive, smooth interface, and access to hundreds of sports programs
• Extensive pack of accessories provided (bar, handles, strap, bench, Bluetooth ring…) to tailor the machine to one’s goals
• Integration of AI (Wellness+) for personalization, body tracking, and customized advice
• Evolving software offers, premium content via subscription, partial compatibility with other health apps
• High prices but consistent with premium quality: Works, Works Plus, and Family Plus packages
• Perfect for transforming your space into a home coach with cutting-edge technology

Introduction to the Speediance Gym Monster 2

The brand Speediance has made it its mission to set a new standard in the world of home fitness. The Gym Monster 2 integrates the best of recent technologies: digital resistance, embedded AI for real-time adaptation to performance, and a constantly updated exercise catalog. In the face of competition, this model makes an immediate impact with the promise of a smooth, dynamic, and personalized training experience.

The digital weight here is no longer a gadget but the very essence of the device: it allows for instant adjustments, even during a set, and offers surprisingly realistic sensations. This technology avoids the handling of dumbbells, plates, or disks while securing the experience with customizable limits. More than ever, versatility prevails: thanks to the various accessories, each user can customize their workout beyond just basic movements.

Compared to the previous model (yes, we are already on version 2), several new features are noteworthy. The synchronized dual motor promises increased accuracy of resistances, Bluetooth management has been enhanced to connect accessories and music, while the software interface has been enriched with a real home coach powered by AI. User feedback has been heard: more programs, easier navigation, better thought-out accessories, and reduced bulk for tight spaces. These developments mark Speediance‘s commitment to remaining the leader in the segment against emerging solutions that are often less versatile or less robust.

Design, assembly, and use of the Gym Monster 2: ergonomics, touchscreen, and connected accessories

The first contact with the Gym Monster 2 impresses with the quality of its packaging: the box, although bulky (nearly 200 kg at delivery), ensures optimal protection for each component thanks to specific foams and meticulous arrangement.

Be careful, it is better to have at least two people for reception and setup!

Assembly, often dreaded for this type of equipment, turns out to be surprisingly simple: only a few manipulations are necessary. A video guide accessible from unpacking, clear and intuitive, accompanies novices step by step. It’s appreciated that most elements benefit from pre-assembly, limiting the risk of error. The Gym Monster 2 itself requires virtually no assembly. The rower (in Family version) demands a bit more work, but nothing insurmountable.

Once installed, the machine makes a statement without ever being overwhelming. When unfolded, it occupies around 160 x 70 cm, but its folded mode (70 x 50 cm) allows it to be easily relegated against a wall, making this device truly compact for a living room or small apartment. Note that two small wheels even allow for relatively easy movement.

For opening, a small button on the side allows unlocking the Gym Monster 2:

And once unfolded, do not forget to lock the blocking legs at the bottom of the machine:

This is important because during exercise, if you pull the ropes at the top of the machine, it might want to fold back (yes, this is from experience…).

In any case, the design, made entirely of brushed steel, reinforces the feeling of solidity and high quality.

On the accessory side, it’s complete: handles, dumbbell, triceps rope, ankle straps, adjustable bench, and a Bluetooth ring, which we will revisit later.

Each piece fits easily: a press on the “chrome ball,” and you insert the ring of the accessory. You release: the hold is impeccable.

No need to position clamps, blockers, or anything else: a time saver in daily use and a large variety of possible exercises very quickly!

These “balls” will allow fixing each accessory. But they can also change position: 10 heights in total, as well as a fix to the ground for other types of exercises.

Conveniently, the bench has folding feet, which also saves some space.

Once the feet are unfolded, it can be used flat or inclined, at various possible angles. A lever on the side allows you to adjust it in seconds.

The tour would not be complete without mentioning this gigantic 21″ screen.

The Speediance Gym Monster 2 indeed comes with a large touchscreen, supported by a large speaker at the lower part:

At the back, you discover a connectivity that should allow for expanding the screen’s use:

The software interface of the screen, running on Android, has been revamped: the handling is quick, with a tile system reminiscent of the best mobile app standards.

The language choice is made from the first startup, as well as the connection to Wi-Fi, account setup, or Bluetooth synchronization, which opens the door to numerous features, including music playlist management and integration of the famous Wellness+.

With Wellness+, Speediance adds a “wellness coach” layer powered by AI above the Gym Monster 2: the idea is that the system learns both from your sessions and your current state to adjust your training over time rather than serving you a fixed program. Specifically, the service emphasizes overall fitness tracking (body preparation, recovery, sleep, stress, cardio capacity) and uses this to recommend sessions tailored to your goals, with more interactive daily support (little nudges when it’s time to ease up…or push a little harder). Wellness+ also aims to centralize your data by linking the app, Speediance devices, and third-party platforms like Apple Health or Strava, and adds functions around nutrition (journaling/recognition of intake) to complete the loop.

Good to know: the subscription is not essential to use the Gym Monster 2, and the basic functions remain accessible, but the advanced plans and AI features are, however, linked to Wellness+ and your account.

Finally, note the ability to launch a simplified session even without an internet connection: handy in case of an internet outage (you won’t have an excuse not to do your session ;-).

As we can see, Speediance has thought of everything. And this attention to detail makes a difference. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, the simplicity of the initial setup and the absence of any hiccup in navigation lays the groundwork for a truly satisfying experience. This ergonomics ideally prepares you for exploring the advanced features and the software heart of the machine.

• Touchscreen 21.5″: high resolution, ergonomics designed for fitness
• Intuitive navigation: smooth scrolling, exemplary touch responsiveness
• Multiple accounts possible for the whole family
• Fast Bluetooth connection: accessory integration, health tracking, personal playlist

Features, programs, and artificial intelligence of the Speediance Gym Monster 2

The strength of the Gym Monster 2 lies in its advanced functions. The digital weight, managed by a synchronized dual motor, provides on-the-fly adjustment with metric precision on the load. The user creates their profile, selects their goal (strength, HIIT, cardio), and lets the AI calibrate resistance or suggest variations: chain mode, eccentric, assistance…

• Chain mode: the weight is progressively increased as you approach the upper limit, which constitutes a unique challenge for your training
• Standard mode: offers resistance that corresponds to the selected weight, ensuring consistency throughout the training
• Eccentric mode: allows isolation of the negative movement phase during a workout and increases resistance as you return to the starting position
• Constant mode: allows for a constant speed or resistance during the movement, which is ideal for a stable pace and a safe rehabilitation workout

At every moment, the effort can be modified via the screen or the Bluetooth ring, making the training interactive and evolving. This ring turns out to be quite practical, as it can be attached to the dumbbell, for example, or even to a finger, keeping the weight controls within easy reach.

A knob at its end allows adjusting the weight (by turning) and activating or deactivating the load by pressing it.

Rechargeable via Usb-C, it’s a really handy accessory.

The entire body is engaged thanks to a catalog of over 500 sessions, renewed every quarter.

Each family member can follow a personalized progression plan, perfectly suited to their needs, whether it is targeted weight training, gentle fitness, or a cardio challenge. For example, here I have a profile as well as my son:

The diversity of accessories – bench, connected bar, handles, triceps rope, ankle straps, and Bluetooth ring – allows for a multitude of exercises without ever touching traditional weights.

• Strength, HIIT, cardio, abs, glutes, or arms programs
• Virtual coaching with AI avatar, which corrects posture and adapts exercises in real time
• Synchronization with third-party health applications, detailed feedback on progress
• Musical sessions to create via Bluetooth interface, although remote pairing remains improvable

The user experience during workouts is smooth: the digital resistance adjusts silently, without jolts. The sensations are close to professional equipment, but the practicality of the home gym format brings real comfort. The Speediance Gym Monster 2 also benefits from certain securities absent in traditional gyms. For example, in bench presses, if you struggle with the last repetitions, the machine can “feel” it and cancel the weight to prevent accidents.

Fun detail: sessions can be performed with music, as the Gym Monster 2 comes with various integrated playlists. We just regret that Spotify, for example, is not integrated, as the screen runs on Android, so it shouldn’t have been too complicated (but Android seems well barricaded to prevent installing anything else by yourself :/). However, you can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to the screen to stream your own music through the built-in speaker, so at least there’s that.

I’ve made a little video preview of how it works and some possible exercises (very far from representing all that can be done, especially since I am not a personal trainer ;-)

Conclusion

The Gym Monster 2 targets several profiles: urban athletes pressed for time, families, seniors wishing to remain active, or even bodybuilding enthusiasts seeking expandable and reliable equipment. Its compactness, simplicity, and accessory diversity appeal, but the maximum resistance (about 100 to 120 kg depending on the version) could frustrate some very advanced athletes.

The Gym Monster 2 delivers a promise: to train at home, benefit from intelligent guidance, and enjoy an immersive and motivating experience. The AI powered technology brings a real gain for beginner or intermediate athletes, but does not yet completely replace humans for the fine nuances of advanced coaching. For those in search of performance, space-saving, and innovation, the Speediance solution stands as a high-end, robust, and evolving choice.

Regarding pricing and offers, the whole range is available in several versions:

The software offering relies on Wellness+: included for the first year, then in the form of a monthly subscription (~35€). This platform coordinates AI coaching, automatic session creation, body tracking (monthly report), and synchronization with partner apps. However, some advanced features remain paywalled after the trial period.

Personally, I prefer the Works Plus version, which is very complete but does not include the rower. Indeed, I appreciate the Gym Monster 2 for its compactness when folded. The bench can also be folded. But the rower is in a single block, quite long. Fortunately, it can be stored vertically, but remains very bulky in my opinion, compared to the Gym Monster 2 and its adjustable bench alone. When you are looking for compact equipment due to lack of space, this is an important detail.

Speediance Gym Monster 2

3595€ 4195€

I want it!