Back to training
I used to go to the gym regularly. Nothing extreme, but consistent enough to see progress and have a routine. At some point, that changed. First, I skipped individual sessions, then entire weeks. In the end, going to the gym was no longer a regular part of my life. My bank account was the one getting the workout!
The reason wasn't a lack of interest in training, but rather the effort involved. Driving to the gym after work, training during peak hours, changing or waiting on equipment – all things that are trivial individually, but which, in total, lead to people skipping it more and more often.
The obvious solution would be to assemble your own home gym. A weight bench, barbell, weights, and perhaps a cable machine are sufficient for many exercises, but they require space that you don't necessarily have at home. Alternatively, there are compact all-in-one systems like the Speediance Gym Monster 2, which combine as many exercises as possible in a single device and, ideally, can even be stored away again.
I first encountered the device at IFA. I tried it out briefly; it was technically interesting, but difficult to assess how much of it would actually be relevant in everyday life. Some time later, it arrived at my home and was able to demonstrate exactly what had remained unclear at the trade fair.
The test was therefore less about what the device could theoretically do, but rather how much could actually be achieved in everyday life, and above all, whether it ultimately accomplished exactly what I had previously failed to do: get back to training regularly.
What the Speediance Gym Monster 2 actually is
The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is essentially a cable machine with electronically generated resistance. Training is performed using two cables that can be attached to the floor or to the machine's vertical rails. This allows for pulling movements from below, above, and at shoulder height.
In combination with accessories such as a barbell, handles, ropes or even a rowing bench, the device covers a large part of classic strength exercises.
Instead of weight plates, there are two 800 W electric motors that generate tension on the cables. Each motor provides up to approximately 50 kilograms of resistance, so the combined maximum total load is about 100 kilograms.
The resistance is adjusted dynamically in small 0,5-kilogram increments. This is significantly more precise than with traditional dumbbells, where adjustments are usually made in 2,5- or 5-kilogram increments. Furthermore, the resistance can be set not only statically but also changed during the movement. In addition to a classic mode, there are variations where the weight increases, for example, when lowering the weight or as the movement progresses.
The Gym Monster 2 is controlled via a 21,5-inch touchscreen directly on the device. Weights are set, training modes are selected, and workouts are started here. Operation is complemented by a Bluetooth ring, which allows the resistance to be activated or adjusted during the exercise without having to touch the screen.
Delivery and assembly
Before you can even start training, the machine first has to be put in place, and that's where it quickly becomes apparent that "compact" is a relative term. The Gym Monster 2 arrives in several large packages on a pallet and weighs in at a hefty 78 kilograms. Moving it alone is practically impossible, especially if stairs are involved.
The actual setup, however, is surprisingly straightforward. The device arrives largely pre-assembled, and essentially only the bench needs to be put together. After switching it on, the setup is done via the touchscreen. The Gym Monster 2 runs on an Android-based operating system, so the controls feel very familiar. Menus, navigation, and settings function similarly to a large tablet.
Additionally, the device can be connected to the Speediance app for Android and iOS. This allows you to view training data, plan workouts, and track your progress. While the app isn't essential, it's a useful addition if you want to monitor your workouts even when you're not using the device. After 20 minutes, everything is ready for your first workout.
The Gym Monster 2 looks significantly tidier in the room than a traditional home gym. When folded, it takes up relatively little space at 0,37 x 0,69 x 1,85 meters and can even be moved slightly using two small wheels. When unfolded, it extends to a depth of 1,22 meters, providing ample room for most exercises.
The build quality makes a solid impression. Nothing feels flimsy, the mechanics run smoothly, and the screen blends in well with the overall design.
The first workouts require some getting used to.
The first few sessions with the Gym Monster 2 primarily require getting used to the machine. Not the exercises themselves, but the equipment. Initially, you'll navigate through menus and experiment to find the right settings. During the exercises themselves, the video tutorials are helpful, explaining the necessary accessories and cable positions at the beginning of each exercise, and demonstrating the correct execution.
Unlike cable machines with free weights, the resistance is not constant but is actively applied. You first get into the starting position, then activate the weight, simultaneously starting the repetition or set. A timer runs concurrently, clearly separating rest periods from work.
The Bluetooth ring is indispensable at this point. While starting the workout via the display is possible, it's simply impractical depending on the exercise. Anyone lying under the bar or doing a squat doesn't want to have to get up to press a button. The ring allows you to activate, pause, or adjust the weight directly during the movement, so your workout flow isn't interrupted.
The ring solution isn't quite perfect, though. The ring fits rather tightly on the finger and feels somewhat bulky, especially during longer workouts. Furthermore, the controls are quite sensitive. Occasionally, it's easy to accidentally trigger the weight before you're ready. While this never proved dangerous during testing, it does cause a brief moment of alarm, especially at the beginning.
After about a week, most things become second nature. You know where to press, which cable position is right, and which setup works for your exercises. However, the training isn't entirely uninterrupted. Depending on the exercise, the cables need to be repositioned or accessories changed. While this is faster than at the gym, it still interrupts the flow of the workout regularly.
How the training feels
For many exercises, the Gym Monster 2 closely resembles a classic cable machine. Rowing, curls, tricep extensions, and many shoulder exercises feel smooth and controlled. The resistance is consistent, easily adjustable through fine weight increments, and responds almost instantly to every movement. It's easy to forget that you're not actually lifting any weights.
The difference becomes more apparent as soon as you move towards classic compound exercises. With bench presses or squats, that typical feeling of a heavy barbell is missing. There's no inertia, no slight swinging, no body weight that needs stabilizing. Similarly, dynamic movements or lifts feel less natural because the body's motors don't react instantly to every rapid change in load.
This makes the training more predictable, but also less raw. You're working less against a moving mass and more against a smooth, consistent pull. Anyone coming from free weight training will notice this difference immediately.
In addition, there's the cable guidance. Depending on the setup, the resistance doesn't come from exactly above or below, but slightly offset. This means movements have to be performed more consciously, because small imbalances are noticed more quickly. At the same time, not every exercise feels exactly like its counterpart in a gym.
Five months later
Over the past five months, the Gym Monster 2 has become part of my routine. Not every day, but I've been able to fit three weekly workouts into my daily life. For me, that was the biggest advantage of the machine, because being able to start training quickly and easily is what kept me going.
Over time, it becomes clear which features are truly relevant. The more than 300 guided workouts, ranging from strength training and HIIT to cardio, are particularly helpful at the beginning. You try them out, get a feel for the possibilities, and discover new exercises. After a few weeks, however, I automatically switched to creating my own training plans or using the free mode.
The same applies to the smart features. The device provides a solid analysis of training sessions, but it doesn't replace your own judgment. Among other things, it tracks repetitions, range of motion, speed, and force distribution. From this, it generates estimates for maximum strength and suggestions for future weights.
Additionally, fitness watches can be paired via BLE, allowing data such as heart rate to be included in the analysis. Most of these features are available without a subscription. Optionally, there is a paid "Wellness+" model that offers AI-generated training plans, additional content, and advanced tracking such as nutrition logging.
What I personally found lacking in the "smartness" of the device was genuine form control. While it recognizes that you're training, it doesn't detect whether an exercise is being performed with proper technique. The assist mode only offers limited help in this regard. It functions more like a spotter, intervening if the weight is too heavy, but it doesn't replace feedback on technique.
Over time, minor weaknesses also become apparent. Some accessories, such as the single-handed grips, appear to be of lower quality than the rest and show signs of wear more quickly. Furthermore, as training progresses, the resistance limit of around 100 kilograms approaches. This is sufficient for many, but those who train heavily will reach its limits sooner or later.
More could have been done on the software side as well. Despite being based on Android, the system remains closed. Users cannot install their own apps, which would have been particularly useful for additional tracking or fitness apps. Direct integration of streaming services like Spotify is also missing. Music can only be played from external devices via Bluetooth.
