If you’ve ever wanted a home gym, but struggle with space, it’s time to checkout a home gym. While you can absolutely set up a variety of dumbbells, we did that for years. But this Speediance review will help you understand the value of these slim machines with a 220lb max resistance.
This isn’t your old Chuck Norris machine (you remember those commercials, right??).
Speediance Gym Monster Review
The Speediance is a full body workout machine that can be used for cable workouts, barbell workouts, rowing or as a ski erg. And talk about space saving, it really is a very small footprint and would absolutely work well in many of the apartments or condos we lived in previously!
Out of the box, I think it was a race to see if my husband or I would get to use it first. He immediately picked out one of the pre-programmed workouts and dove in. Which actually worked out great for me, so we could figure out a number of things together.
Speediance uses a dual motor drive system, which does make it possible to better even out the weight between sides and make those small adjustments. What’s really nice about the adjustments is that the machine is also going to track all your workouts and movements per body part, which better allows you to track progress.
Getting Started
Easy to set up profiles for every user so you can start with 1 lb or work hard on that barbell squat with 220lbs.
No need to screw it to the wall.
No wiggling or instability.
After setting up your profile, I recommend doing the strength assessment workout. This is going to help test your strength in a variety of common movements and those weights will then then guide your workouts. The AI will help determine the appropriate weight (which you can adjust) and will help progress you as it sees you moving easily through the range of motion.
The strength assessment alone might feel like a workout, so once you are ready to start use the search feature to scroll through the variety of programs OR start a free lift.
I dove immediately in to a free lift, which is quick and really useful, but means you aren’t tracking your weights by a specific movement. If you want to do that, you can set up a custom workout and that will help with automatic timers as well.
Because I think it helps to actually see this fully in motion and to share some of the key features, I’ve got a video review for you before additional details.
Pre-programmed Workouts
As noted, David loves following a guided workout. It’s what got him on the Nordictrack all winter (thank you iFit).
Here are a few of the things that he’s noticed:
- Overall the programs are good, maybe not as slick as iFit and their bigger budget
- Some of the movements are lacking form cues, like deadlifts and that could be an issue for newer lifters
- He really likes the notes it provides on uneven force (right vs left side), if you aren’t pausing long enough between reps or not using a full range of motion
- Assist Level 1 didn’t seem to change anything, but Assist 2 would drop the weight 15 lbs if you didn’t hit the full range of motion…felt like if 1 worked it would be ideal with a more modest adjustment
- The weights recommended based on his assessment had him going way heavier than he has in years, while he could do it, he was crazy sore later
All of that to say that it’s going to really help get you learning the machine, learning how to lift and keep you focused. But you also need to pay attention to your body and know what you’ve been doing prior to starting these cable machine movements.
Even though I’d been lifting 40-50lbs for some back movements, it felt wildly different on the cable machine. I was definitely sore from a different motion and super excited to be able to change things up.
Also remember as you test going heavier, you still need good grip strength!
Speediance Specifications
- Adjust weight digitally by individual pound increments per side
- Free Lifetime Membership to programs (currently 370 workouts)
- Available on Amazon (Starting at $3,200)
- Available directly from Speediance (Bigger sale prices often show here)
Speediance vs Tonal
- Speediance has no membership fees
- Tonal has more fluid follow along programs
- Tonal maxes at 200lbs and Speediance at 220Lbs
- Speediance is free standing, no wall mounting
- Tonal has long lever arms that move to give you different angles
- Speediance allows you to move around the actual cable on the platform
- Speediance provides rowing option
Drawbacks to Speediance
While there is no real assembly required, I do have some issues with delivery. This stand weighs over 200lbs and there is no white glove delivery option. That means it’s a pallet shipped to your driveway or the front of your apartment building, they will not be bringing it up or down stairs and unboxing.
Ours needed to move from the garage to the basement and this was a TASK. Other brands do offer full set up as part of your purchase, so I feel like this is something they’ll have to add in the future.
Additionally, there’s no user manual or even a guided tour when you first start the machine. It’s not hard to figure out, but little things like how to adjust the music wold have been helpful!
Other FAQs
A few things I couldn’t find because there is no real manual.
How to adjust the volume on Speediance?
When you start a workout, swipe down from the top. Then you can change the volume of the music, instructor and machine sounds. I tend to turn it all off completely, but there is a big library of different music available.
Is there a Subscription?
No. Unlike most of the other home gyms or mirrors, you get lifetime access to all the programs.
It’s possible that will change in the future.
What are the Differences in Options?
There are a couple of different packages which change the accessories, but not the actual machine.
The most basic has a flat bench and the handles you’ll need to get started. The bench we had was higher than what comes with the machine so I do think it’s good to use theirs (it also feels really stable).
Next level up allows you to use the machine for rowing as well. And I’ll be honest after that, they start to get kind of funny with that the packages really add.
Ok, I’d love to hear if you’ve tried any similar home gyms? Are you interested in this one?
Let me hear your feedback and questions.
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