If you’re in the market for a smart home gym machine and have a clear idea of your workout preferences, the Speediance Gym Monster 2, starting at $3,749, might be worth considering. This machine is notably less expensive than the Tonal 2, which retails at $4,295 plus additional costs for accessories and membership fees. The Gym Monster 2 stands out for not requiring a subscription and being freestanding, eliminating the need for wall installation. However, these benefits come with some trade-offs, as the Gym Monster 2’s overall experience is less refined compared to the Tonal 2.
The Gym Monster 2 lacks live classes and offers limited form feedback, making it less suitable for beginners seeking an easy and safe way to build muscle and burn fat at home. In contrast, the Tonal 2 remains the Editors’ Choice for smart strength training due to its comprehensive features.
Design: Freestanding and Functional
The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is available in four different bundles: Basic ($3,749), Works ($3,949), Works Plus ($4,099), and Family Plus ($4,499). The Basic bundle includes essential components such as the machine itself, a Bluetooth ring, an adjustable barbell, and various handles and straps. The Works bundle adds a flat bench, while the Works Plus upgrades to an adjustable bench. The Family Plus offers additional features like a rowing bench. For testing, Speediance provided the Works Plus bundle.
Despite lacking a weight stack or attached handles, the Gym Monster 2 resembles a home exercise machine. It measures 73 by 28 by 15 inches when folded and features a U-shaped frame with a flip-down mat. The machine’s control panel, resembling a large tablet, is mounted on an arm that descends from the top of the frame. The base houses the power supply and magnetic motors, contributing to the machine’s 172-pound weight. The design allows for easy mobility, thanks to wheels on the base, providing a significant advantage over the Tonal 2, which requires professional wall-mounting.
Functionality and Usability
The Gym Monster 2’s mat is a large, foldable slab with rubber feet and a foam rubber pad for traction. When unfolded, it expands the machine’s footprint to 28 by 48 inches. The mat locks in place with metal bars for stability during use. The machine employs cables running from the base to various handles, providing resistance for exercises. Adjusting these cables can be cumbersome compared to the Tonal 2, which uses a more straightforward system.
The Gym Monster 2’s control panel is a 21-inch touch screen, serving as the primary interface. While the display quality is adequate for workouts, it lacks the vibrancy of higher-end screens. The machine includes a Bluetooth control ring for easier adjustments during workouts, though its sensitivity can lead to accidental changes in resistance.
Workout Selection and Subscription Options
Unlike its competitors, the Gym Monster 2 does not require a subscription, offering hundreds of workouts with video guidance at no extra cost. Users can also create custom workouts from a selection of over a hundred exercises. For those seeking more detailed fitness tracking, the Wellness+ subscription is available for $19.99 per month or $119.88 annually, providing AI-powered coaching and progress tracking.
However, the Gym Monster 2 lacks live classes, a feature offered by Tempo and Tonal machines. Speediance provides nearly 200 fully guided workouts, but these are pre-recorded and lack the engagement of live sessions. The machine offers minimal feedback on form, relying on motor data rather than advanced sensors like the Tonal 2.
The Experience: A Practical Workout Solution
In terms of exercise performance, the Gym Monster 2 functions effectively as a cable-driven weight machine. Each motor provides up to 110 pounds of resistance, slightly less than the Tonal 2’s 125 pounds per arm. For most users, this resistance is sufficient for a comprehensive workout.
The machine’s exercise tracking capabilities enhance its utility, offering data on reps, sets, and range of motion. While the Wellness+ subscription provides custom workout plans, the lack of live classes and limited trainer interaction may not justify the cost for some users.
Overall, the Speediance Gym Monster 2 offers a cost-effective alternative for smart home gym enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize flexibility and affordability over advanced features. While it may not match the sophistication of the Tonal 2, it provides a practical solution for those seeking to enhance their home workout experience without breaking the bank.
