Speediance Gym Monster 2 Review
Updated March 2026 First impressions · First tested March 2026 · 1 video
It's not very tall and it fits in a basement, and I didn't believe magnetic resistance could feel that heavy until I pulled on it. The main unit shows up ready to go, no assembly. The catch is the platform is heavy and awkward to raise and lower by yourself. First impressions only. I'll tell you how it holds up once I've used it longer.
Buy it if
- Buy it if your gym is in a basement and a rack won't fit.
- Buy it if you don't want to load and unload plates.
- Buy it if you want a coach on the screen telling you what to do.
- Buy it if you like gadgets, like a ring that changes the weight from your finger.
Skip it if
- Skip it if you don't want a gym that needs wifi and updates.
- Skip it if you'll be moving the platform up and down by yourself a lot.
"You wouldn't think that magnetic resistance could feel like that, but holy smokes, that's awesome."Me, on my first pull at max weight
Photos
Pictures from the videos
Before you buy
What I don't love
The platform is a two-hand job
There's no gas shock. You hold the release button and lower it slowly, and I needed both hands to do it.
It's heavy
I carried it down to my basement by myself. It has a lift built in, but having a second person would've been a lot easier.
The rower takes some work
The main unit needs no assembly, but the AeroRow has lots of little pieces. I grabbed the wrong screw at first.
Updates and add-ons
It's connected to the internet, so expect updates. The custom training plan sits behind the Wellness Plus subscription.
Watch the videos
Every video I've made on it
Newest on top.
I'll tell you how it holds up after real training.
Can a 6'5" guy use this?
Unboxing, screen setup, the first pull at max weight, the Bluetooth ring, and putting together the bench and AeroRow.
Questions I get
Does the Gym Monster 2 need assembly?
Not the main unit. It ships ready to go. The bench takes two bolts, and the AeroRow takes the most work.
How heavy does it go?
The screen topped out at 220 lbs, 110 per side. At max, holy smokes, that's some tension.
How does it ship?
Mine came by freight. They called to schedule it, it showed up within a couple days of ordering, and they put it right in my garage.
Does it need wifi?
You connect it during setup, and it pulled a firmware update right away. It'll still work without updates, but you won't get the latest stuff.
What's the Bluetooth ring?
It clips on the bar or goes on your finger, and you turn a dial to change the weight while you lift. I'd never seen anything like it.
Specs
| Max resistance | 220 lbs (110 per side) |
|---|---|
| Main unit assembly | None, ships ready |
| Delivery | Freight |
| Included in my package | Bar, AeroRow, incline bench, Bluetooth ring, belt extender, angle adapters, rope, ankle straps, J-hooks |
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