Gym Monster 1 Vs. 2: Which One Should You Get For Your Home Workouts?

I’ve been obsessed with home fitness gear for years, and after owning the original Speediance Gym Monster for months and then upgrading to the Gym Monster 2, I wanted to share a straight-up comparison to help you decide if either fits your setup.

The main intent here is to break down their real-world differences, features, pros, and cons based on my daily use, so you can pick the right smart home gym without guessing. Whether you’re chasing strength gains or just staying consistent, this guide cuts through the hype.

Key Differences Between Gym Monster 1 And 2

I’ve put in serious hours on both machines, and the upgrades in the Gym Monster 2 aren’t just minor tweaks—they’re thoughtful changes that make daily workouts smoother and more enjoyable. Let me walk you through the big ones that stood out to me.

• Lighter Build for Easier Handling

The Gym Monster 1 weighed in around 187 lbs, which made moving it around my home gym a bit of a chore, especially when I rearranged furniture.

The Gym Monster 2 shaves off about 15 lbs, bringing it down to roughly 172 lbs.

This difference might not sound huge on paper, but trust me, when you’re folding it up after a sweaty session or positioning it in a tight space, that reduced weight feels like a game-changer.

It folds more compactly too, taking up less floor space when stored—perfect if your living room doubles as your workout zone.

I noticed this immediately when I unboxed the 2; it glided into place without straining my back like the original did during setup.

• Dedicated Rowing Slot for Better Positioning

One of my biggest gripes with the Gym Monster 1 was the rowing attachment—it worked, but the positioning felt off, forcing me to adjust awkwardly to get proper form. The Gym Monster 2 fixes this with a built-in rowing slot that aligns everything perfectly.

During my rowing workouts, I could feel the difference right away: smoother pulls, less wobble, and better engagement in my back and core. If rowing is part of your routine, like it is for me on leg days, this upgrade alone justifies considering the 2.

It turns what was a functional add-on into a seamless experience, reducing strain and letting you focus on power output instead of fighting the machine.

• Quieter Operation During High-Intensity Sets

Fans on these machines help with cooling the motors, but on the Gym Monster 1, it got noticeably loud during heavy eccentric reps or long cardio bursts, almost like a vacuum in the background. The Gym Monster 2 tones this down significantly with an improved fan design.

In my apartment, where noise travels, this meant I could blast through late-night sessions without waking the neighbors or drowning out my music. It’s not silent, but the reduction makes a huge impact on overall comfort, especially in multi-use spaces.

I tested this side-by-side by running identical HIIT routines, and the 2 stayed whisper-quiet even at peak resistance.

• Smoother Cable Management with Better Button Design

Cable catches were a small but annoying issue on the Gym Monster 1—the button sometimes snagged the cable mid-set, interrupting my flow and forcing a pause. The Gym Monster 2 refines this with a redesigned button that keeps everything gliding smoothly.

This might seem minor, but during compound lifts like lat pulldowns or cable flyes, any hitch breaks your rhythm and can lead to sloppy form. I appreciated the reliability in the 2, as it let me chain sets without frustration, boosting my workout efficiency and enjoyment.

• More Height Adjustment Options for Versatility

The Gym Monster 1 offered 9 height positions for the pulleys, which covered most exercises but left me wanting more for overhead work or low pulls. Stepping up to 11 positions on the Gym Monster 2 opened up new exercise variations, like better cable crossovers or tricep extensions at awkward angles.

This extra flexibility meant I could target muscles more precisely, especially in my shoulder and back routines. For taller users or those with varying exercise needs, it feels more customizable, adapting to your body’s proportions without constant tweaks.

• Enhanced Resistance Modes for Advanced Training

While both pack the same 220 lbs max, the Gym Monster 2 introduces four versatile modes with a more powerful engine.

The original had solid standard, constant power, and eccentric options, but the 2 adds finer control, like improved isokinetic resistance that feels more natural.

In my powerlifting-inspired workouts, this translated to better progressive overload—I could dial in speeds and holds that challenged me progressively.

The engine responds quicker too, reducing lag in dynamic moves, which kept my sessions intense without plateaus.

• Smarter AI Form Feedback and Tracking

The Gym Monster 1 had decent real-time form checks via its 3D sensor, but it occasionally missed subtle errors, like slight knee valgus in squats. The Gym Monster 2 amps this up with more accurate AI, catching issues faster and providing instant voice cues.

During a month of testing, it corrected my deadlift setup three times in one session, preventing potential tweaks. Plus, progress tracking feels more intuitive, with better 1RM estimates and personalized recommendations that actually evolved with my lifts.

• Expanded Workout Library with Better Personalization

Both have hundreds of guided workouts, but the Gym Monster 2 bumps it to 370+ with smarter scheduling. The original’s library was great for basics, but the 2 tailors plans more dynamically based on your past performance.

I switched from generic strength programs on the 1 to goal-specific ones on the 2, like a 12-week hypertrophy cycle that adjusted weekly. This kept things fresh and motivating, reducing workout boredom that plagued my earlier routine.

• Improved Screen and User Interface

The 21.5″ tilting screen is similar, but the Gym Monster 2 has subtle UI enhancements for quicker navigation. On the 1, scrolling through workouts sometimes lagged; the 2 feels snappier, with better speaker integration for clearer audio cues.

In bright rooms, visibility improved too, making midday sessions easier without glare issues.

• Overall Build Quality and Durability Tweaks

The Gym Monster 1 was rock-solid, but the 2 refines edges like sturdier handles and a more stable base during heavy lifts. I noticed less vibration in the frame on the 2, which gave me more confidence pushing limits.

These aren’t flashy changes, but they add up to a machine that feels premium and reliable over time.

Also Read: Is OxeFit XS1 Worth It?

Key Features of The Gym Monster 1

When I first got the Gym Monster 1, it blew my mind how it crammed so much into one compact unit. Here’s what made it a staple in my routine.

• Digital Magnetic Resistance System: This was the hook for me—no clunky plates, just smooth 220 lbs adjustable in tiny 0.5 kg increments. It felt premium during cable curls or rows, with zero momentum from free weights. I loved how it switched seamlessly between exercises, keeping tension constant without adjustments.
• 21.5-Inch Tilting Touchscreen: The big screen became my workout command center, displaying form videos and metrics in real-time. Tilting it let me follow along comfortably from any angle, and built-in speakers kept motivation high with coach pep talks. It tracked every rep, showing power output that pushed me harder.
• Foldable Design for Space-Saving: At full size, it fit my garage corner perfectly, folding up to under 5 feet wide. This let me store it away when not in use, turning my space into a multi-purpose room. Setup was straightforward, no wall mount needed, which was a relief for renters like me.
• AI-Powered Form Correction: The 3D sensor scanned my movements, alerting me to imbalances instantly. For squats, it flagged if my knees caved, saving me from bad habits. Over time, this improved my technique across lifts, making solo workouts safer and more effective.
• Versatile Exercise Library: With 300+ classes, I never ran out of options—from yoga flows to HIIT circuits. The app integration let me schedule sessions, and progress logs motivated me to hit PRs weekly.
• Multiple Resistance Modes: Standard mode for everyday lifts, eccentric for slow negatives that built muscle faster, and constant power for cardio-like endurance. I mixed them in supersets, feeling the burn in ways traditional gyms couldn’t match.
• Bluetooth Accessories and Connectivity: Handles, barbell, and ankle straps connected flawlessly, with the ring controller letting me adjust weight mid-set without pausing. This kept flow intact during circuits.
• Smart Safety Features: Emergency stop if form went haywire, and auto-weight release for drops. It gave me peace of mind pushing heavy, knowing the machine had my back.

Pros of The Gym Monster 1

The original won me over with its reliability and value—here’s why it still holds up strong.

• Affordable Entry into Smart Gyms: At a lower price point, it offered pro-level features without breaking the bank. I saved hundreds compared to pricier competitors, getting digital weights and AI for what felt like a steal.
• Proven Durability Over Time: After months of heavy use, the frame showed no wear, and motors held calibration perfectly. It became my go-to for daily full-body routines, never skipping a beat.
• Simple Setup and No Maintenance Hassles: Unboxed and assembled in under an hour, no tools needed beyond basics. No oiling cables or buying plates—just plug in and go.
• Effective for Full-Body Workouts: The accessory kit covered everything from pulls to pushes, letting me ditch my old dumbbells. Compound moves felt powerful, building real strength.
• Engaging Guided Classes: The library kept workouts fun, with variety preventing boredom. I completed challenges that tracked improvements, turning exercise into a game.
• Space-Efficient Design: Folded neatly, it didn’t dominate my room. Perfect for apartments, allowing workouts without rearranging everything.
• Accurate Weight Tracking: Digital display showed exact loads, helping me log progress precisely. No more guessing like with free weights.

Cons of The Gym Monster 1

No machine is perfect, and the 1 had its frustrations that led me to upgrade.

• Heavier and Bulkier to Move: The weight made repositioning tough, especially solo. In smaller spaces, this limited flexibility.
• Louder Fan During Intense Use: It distracted during focus sessions, and I had to turn up music to compensate.
• Fewer Height Options Limited Some Exercises: 9 positions covered basics but restricted advanced variations, like precise cable angles for rear delts.
• Occasional Cable Snags: The button catch interrupted flow, requiring pauses that broke momentum.
• Basic Rowing Attachment: Form felt compromised, reducing effectiveness for back work compared to dedicated rowers.
• Slightly Less Responsive AI: Form feedback was good but missed nuances, leading to occasional uncorrected errors.
• Limited Advanced Modes: Only three resistance types, which felt restrictive for varied training styles.

Also Read: Comparison of Speediance And Oxefit Smart Gyms.

Key Features of The Gym Monster 2

Upgrading to the 2 felt like leveling up—same core DNA, but refined for even better performance. These features kept me coming back daily.

• Upgraded Digital Resistance Engine: Still 220 lbs, but with four modes now, including a more responsive isokinetic option that adapts to my speed. In bench presses, it provided smoother resistance curves, mimicking real free weights better than the 1.
• Enhanced 21.5-Inch Screen Experience: The screen tilts smoother, with brighter visuals and faster load times. Speakers deliver crisper audio, making guided classes feel like having a trainer in the room. I streamed my own playlists easier too.
• Compact Foldable Frame with Reduced Weight: Lighter and smaller when folded, it tucked into my closet effortlessly. The base feels more stable unfolded, handling dynamic moves like battle ropes without shifting.
• Advanced AI Form Tracking: The sensor is sharper, catching micro-adjustments in real-time with voice feedback that’s less robotic. During lunges, it corrected my stance instantly, accelerating my form gains.
• Larger Personalized Workout Selection: 370+ classes with AI-driven plans that evolve based on my data. I followed a customized strength program that ramped up intelligently, hitting goals faster than generic ones on the 1.
• Dedicated Rowing and Pulley Enhancements: The rowing slot transformed lower body days, and extra pulley heights unlocked creative exercises like single-arm snatches. It expanded my repertoire beyond basics.
• Quieter Cooling System and Smoother Cables: No more fan whine drowning out focus, and cables pull without snags. This made long sessions tolerable, boosting consistency.
• Integrated Progress Analytics: Deeper insights into volume, power, and recovery suggestions. It predicted when I’d plateau and suggested deloads, keeping my training smart and sustainable.

Pros of The Gym Monster 2

The 2 elevated everything, making it my new favorite for consistent gains.

• Refined Ergonomics for Comfort: Lighter frame and better positioning reduced fatigue, letting me train longer without soreness from setup issues.
• Superior Noise Control: Quiet operation meant anytime workouts, ideal for shared living or quiet hours.
• Expanded Customization: More heights and modes tailored workouts to my needs, unlocking new muscle targets.
• Smarter AI for Faster Progress: Accurate corrections and plans accelerated results, with data that motivated me daily.
• Enhanced Rowing Experience: Dedicated slot made it a true multi-tool, rivaling standalone machines.
• Smoother Overall Operation: No snags or lags kept sessions fluid, increasing enjoyment and adherence.
• Better Value for Long-Term Use: Upgrades justify the cost for serious users, with features that grow with you.
• Improved Audio and Visuals: Clearer cues and screen made classes immersive, like a personal coach.

Cons of The Gym Monster 2

Even with upgrades, it’s not flawless—here’s what still bugs me.

• Higher Price Tag: The premium comes at a cost, which might deter budget-conscious buyers.
• Still Caps at 220 lbs: Great for most, but powerlifters might outgrow it eventually.
• No Hydraulic Assist for Folding: Lowering the platform requires effort, a minor strain post-workout.
• Handles Could Feel Sturdier: They work well but seem a tad lightweight for very heavy pulls.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: The extra modes take time to master, overwhelming at first.
• App Dependency for Full Potential: While core works offline, best experience needs connectivity.
• Space Still Matters: Though compact, unfolded size requires commitment in small rooms.

How The Gym Monster 1 Changed My Daily Routine?

Before the Gym Monster 1, my home workouts were inconsistent—scattered dumbbells, boredom from repetitive sets. This machine unified everything. I started with basic full-body circuits three times a week, using the digital resistance to progressively overload without injury risk.

The AI form checks were a revelation; one session, it flagged my squat depth, preventing knee issues I’d had before. Over time, I built a routine around it: Mondays for push, Wednesdays pull, Fridays legs. The guided classes added variety, like a 20-minute HIIT that left me gassed but energized.

Tracking power metrics motivated me to beat yesterday’s numbers, turning workouts into measurable wins. It saved time—no commuting to the gym—and fit my schedule perfectly. Drawbacks like noise didn’t deter me because the convenience outweighed them.

For anyone starting out, it’s a solid foundation that builds habits.

Also Read: Comparison of Speediance And Vitruvian Smart Gyms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

In wrapping this up, I’ve shared my journey with both Gym Monsters to help you make an informed choice. If you’re like me—busy but committed—these machines can transform your fitness without the gym hassle.

Consider your space, budget, and goals, and you’ll find the right fit. What do you think—ready to upgrade your home setup?