In a recent interview, part 1 can be found here, that we conducted with Benny Zhang of Speediance, we discussed the shifting dynamics within the fitness industry, particularly the rise of 'smart' trainers and AI-powered workouts. Speediance is at the forefront of this trend, developing products that seamlessly integrate advanced technology into home fitness routines. Their innovative fitness solutions leverage AI to tailor workouts to individual users, enhancing both effectiveness and engagement.
Zhang emphasized how Speediance's equipment is designed with a user-centric approach, ensuring that the technology not only meets the demands of fitness enthusiasts but also encourages those new to exercise. By incorporating smart features, such as real-time feedback and personalized training programs, Speediance aims to inspire a wider audience to adopt healthier lifestyles. This alignment of technology and fitness reflects a growing trend towards more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable workout experiences.
If you are in the market for your first piece of workout equipment or need to upgrade or replace your old stuff, take a look at Speediance. A full review is coming soon, but for now, lets get into the second part of the interview.
If you missed part 1, you can find it here.
Active: Is there a subscription model after purchasing the equipment?
Benny Zhang: Not at this time.
Active: What, if any, is the benefit that a digital weight system with direct drive motors provides versus free weights or ‘standard’ gym equipment?
BZ: First, Smart Training Modes: It provides a level of customization and control that’s difficult to achieve with free weights, enhancing your workout efficiency and effectiveness. For example, Eccentric Mode increases resistance during the muscle-lengthening phase, which is hard to replicate with free weights. It maximizes muscle growth and strength by providing greater resistance when your muscles are strongest, allowing for more effective and efficient training.
Next, Precision and Adjustability: The digital weight system allows for precise adjustments in 1-pound increments, enabling you to tailor the resistance exactly to your needs. This precision is especially beneficial for progressive overload and fine-tuning your workouts.
Then, Space Efficiency: Unlike traditional weights that require a lot of storage space, the compact design of a digital weight system, especially one as compact as Speediance's, takes up minimal space and is easy to store when not in use.
Last but not least, Smart Features: Advanced features like Assist Mode with Exhaustion Detection and various smart training modes help customize workouts to your fitness level and goals, ensuring that you're training efficiently and effectively.
Active: How does Speediance provide real-time workout data back to the individual? Can your AI provide feedback on whether the individual is doing the workout correctly?
BZ: When you're doing strength training, it's important to find the appropriate training weight as you progress. Setting the right weight will maximize your efforts, which is what people call the principle of progressive overload. The integrated AI function in Speediance Gym Monster learns your current training performance and sets a reasonable initial weight for each workout to ensure that your training can be as efficient as possible.
Similarly, its AI functions are able to dynamically adjust the weight and set the number of repetitions for your next set of training based on your current performance in the previous set. This ensures that each set of training and each movement can maximize efficiency.
Active: Previously, you mentioned Space Efficiency; on average, how much room does this machine require vs. conventional workout equipment?
BZ: The Speediance Gym Monster is designed to be highly space-efficient compared to conventional workout equipment. When unfolded, it covers about 9.6 square feet. When folded, it takes up only about 3 square feet. In contrast, traditional workout equipment like a bench press, squat rack, or free weights often require much more space. A typical home gym setup can easily occupy 50 to 100 square feet or more, depending on the equipment and layout.
Active: Are there any safety features built into the system to assist the individual?
BZ: Unlike other at-home fitness systems, the feature that sets Speediance apart is its different modes of assistance. These modes include: Chain Mode, Eccentric Mode, Standard Mode and Constant Mode. With these modes, the machine can adjust the exercise based on how well you are doing, making progressive overload super obtainable for every user. It literally sets you up for success.
Also, with the Spotter Mode turned on, if you get stuck during a movement and are unable to finish, the machine will detect this and automatically reduce the weight for you.
Besides the Assist Mode (Spotter Mode), the digital weight system and Bluetooth ring make adjusting weights on the fly simple and safe, so you're never lifting more than you can handle. Additionally, our pro-led classes guide you through proper form and technique, minimizing the risk of injury. With these features, you can work out confidently and safely at home.
Active: Is there any maintenance that needs to be done?
BZ: Maintenance for the Speediance Gym Monster is quite simple. Here are the key points:
- Basic Cleaning: Just perform light cleaning to keep it free from dust and dirt. Avoid letting water enter the machine.
- Power Supply: If you won't be using the machine for an extended period, it's best to unplug it.
- Cable Lifespan: The machine will alert you on the interface when the pull cables need replacing based on your usage.
Active: What does the warranty look like?
BZ: Main Components: The motor, display, and power supply are covered for 2 years.
Accessories: All accessories are covered for 1 year.
During these periods, any quality issues will be addressed with free repairs or replacements, ensuring you have a reliable and functional machine.
Active: What does the future look like for Speediance? Are you working on other types of equipment or more features that can be used with the present machine?
BZ: The future looks exciting. With excellent hardware and AI-powered software, Speediance will keep innovating and bring revolution to everyone's fitness life.
We are working on new models, though we can't disclose details at this moment. Additionally, we're continually enhancing the current machine's capabilities through software updates, adding new features, and improving functionality. As our library of training classes grows, the Speediance Gym Monster will offer even more value. With a wider range of content, users will have access to an increasingly diverse and effective workout experience. This ensures that your Speediance Gym Monster will keep evolving and offer even more value over time.
We'd like to thank Benny Zhang and the entire Speediance team for sitting down with us for this interview. As you can see, the future of at-home, AI-powered, smart home gyms looks very bright. If you would like to check out what Speediance is doing and what they have to offer, check out their website at Speediance.com. Currently they are offering two main models; Gym Pal and Gym Monster - which come in a variety of variations.
We are looking at doing a full review of the Speediance Gym Monster, so keep your eyes out for that.
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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