Speediance V3.1 is here on my upstairs 2S, and after a few days of real workouts with the new firmware, I’m convinced “Safety Start” is not the safety feature it’s advertised to be. In this video I walk through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the V3.1 software and firmware combo, including slower cable retraction, unsafe slack behavior, and a massive downgrade to partner and dual‑load modes compared to the old software.We’ll test Safety Start in free lift, barbell, and handle movements, and I’ll show why it was clearly built to support upcoming Pilates features rather than to actually fix the real safety problems lifters were seeing. I also demo how the new firmware makes retraction noticeably worse than on my original Speediance downstairs, why dual‑load mode is more broken than ever, and how bringing back partner lifting without independent sides or a true guest profile is a step backward, not an upgrade.If you own a Speediance 2S or original Gym Monster and you’re wondering whether to update, how to stay safe with heavy eccentric work, and whether Safety Start should be part of your normal setup, this breakdown is for you. I’ll also cover how I actually lift (warm‑ups, one‑second pause vs relying on software “safety,” and why I’d rather risk the machine than my spine) so you can decide what makes sense in your own home gym.Timestamps (edit to taste): • 00:00 Intro – Speediance 2S vs original and V3.1 context • 03:10 New firmware, retraction changes, and why it feels worse • 08:25 Safety Start demo in free lift (and why I almost never use it) • 15:40 Dual‑load & partner mode: from real safety feature to downgrade • 24:10 Guest profiles, missing second user support, and UI gaps • 32:00 When Safety Start “helps” vs when it hurts your range of motion • 40:15 My real‑world lifting workflow and safety prioritiesIf you like deep‑dive Speediance testing, honest firmware reviews, and real training use cases (not just promo clips), hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments so I can test them in future videos.Suggested tags/keywords (copy/paste + tweak):speediance v3.1, speediance 2s, speediance firmware, speediance safety start, speediance retraction issue, speediance partner mode, speediance dual load, speediance review, smart home gym, digital weight, tonal vs speediance, fitness tech, toby on fitness tech

In today’s video I’m upstairs with the Speediance Gym Monster 2s running the new V3 software, and I want to break down why this update is both an upgrade for me and a frustrating step backwards for a lot of power users.I’ll walk through what actually changed in the V3 UI, why Free Lift partner mode disappeared, how the new Safety Start feature is supposed to work, and why my 2S currently shows a dead “firmware too low” button. I’ll also explain who the Speediance is not for—especially if your spouse wants a fully coached, English‑speaking female trainer experience—and why, even after 10M lbs on Tonal and over 1M lbs on Speediance, I still consider this hardware an upgrade.We’ll talk about why I mute coach audio and only use system sounds, how I set up eccentric‑focused custom workouts, and why bringing the handles back under load to the rubber stoppers is one of my favorite advantages over Tonal’s plastic‑on‑plastic design. I also dig into Speediance’s “family” and Workout Plus marketing, why you still can’t truly do custom partner/family workouts together, and what a good partner mode implementation should actually look like in Free Lift and Wellness/Workout Plus.If you’re debating Tonal vs Speediance, wondering what V3 really changes, or trying to decide whether this smart gym will work for you and your partner, this video should give you a real‑world, heavy‑use perspective instead of just brochure specs.Timestamps (adjust as needed):0:00 Intro – V3 software and who Speediance is NOT for2:10 Female coach situation (English vs Spanish) and guided workouts5:25 Why Speediance was an upgrade over Tonal for me8:40 V3 UX changes, sliders, and nagware they finally removed13:05 Free Lift partner mode: what we lost in V318:30 Safety Start, firmware issues on the 2S, and my lifting style24:10 Hardware limitations, Tonal 2 parallels, and new features only on newer units29:00 “Family” / Workout Plus plan and why it still isn’t real family training34:00 What I want from partner mode and final thoughts on V3If you like deep‑dive smart gym content, honest UX breakdowns, and real training talk (not just promo reels), hit like, drop your questions in the comments, and subscribe so you don’t miss future Speediance and Tonal updates.

Welcome back to Toby On Fitness Tech! In this video, I finally answer a question I’ve been getting since my extreme six‑month transformation: “What training split do you use?” Instead of a simple “push–pull–legs” or “bro split” answer, I walk through why the real answer is: it depends on your goals, your recovery, and your schedule today.I break down the exact Arnold Blueprint–style push–pull–legs program I used on Tonal in 2023 to go from morbidly obese to fit under a massive calorie deficit, including how I modified it into blocks to make it work on a smart cable machine. Then I contrast that with the full‑body (minus legs) Speediance programs I built afterward, how I structure warm‑up sets vs. hard sets, and why I stopped trying to lift every single day.You’ll also hear how a daily “lunar challenge” forced me into a classic bro split, what actually grew best on that approach (hello, arms day), and how jiu-jitsu, running, and injury history shape my current split and priorities. The goal of this video is to help you pick the split that you’ll actually stick to—whether that’s PPL, full body, or a body-part split—so you can build muscle safely and sustainably with the time and tools you have.If you’re into smart home gyms like Speediance or Tonal, cross‑training with jiu‑jitsu, or just trying to figure out the best way to structure your week without burning out, this one’s for you. Like, comment with your current split, and subscribe for more deep dives into training, tech, and real‑world physique buildingTraining Splits & Philosophy[00:04] Intro: Answering the "What training split do you do?" question.[01:02] Transformation Context: Training used to lose weight vs. training used today.[01:54] The Arnold Blueprint: Using PPL (Push/Pull/Legs) on Tonal for initial physique building.[05:24] Workout Structure: Explaining the 6, 12, 15, and 25 rep sets.[06:57] Machine Efficiency: Adapting exercises based on attachment height (L0-L3 vs. L6-L9).[09:57] Transition to Full Body: Moving to a "full body minus legs" variant for maintenance.[15:39] The Bro Split: Switching to targeted muscle days for the Speediance Lunar Challenge.[17:15] Final Verdict on Splits: Choose based on your current lifestyle and goals.Safety & Cross-Training[18:25] Free Weights vs. Digital Weight: Safety concerns and the "two spotters" argument.[21:25] Training to Failure: Why machines are safer for solo trainers.[23:50] Managing Primary Objectives: Balancing lifting with running and Jiu-Jitsu.[25:41] Tracking Strain: How different activities (like Jiu-Jitsu) impact recovery and "Body Battery."Fitness Tech & Wearables[27:53] Garmin vs. Whoop: Comparing trackers and why the Whoop is preferred for combat sports.[29:10] The Whoop 5 & Sensors: Thoughts on the new generation and subscription costs.[31:50] Whoop Strength Trainer: Criticisms of the "walled garden" approach and manual entry.[34:13] Garmin Daily Suggested Runs: Issues with max heart rate settings and cross-training data.[39:40] Value of Cardio: Why cardio is important beyond just "calorie burning."[01:00:44] Choosing a Device: Why the 265S was chosen for its lightness and sleep tracking.Personal Updates & Future Content[50:00] Weight Progress: Preparing for a race while maintaining a higher body weight (225 lbs).[52:55] Speediance Updates: Teasing a future video on the V3 software changes.

This video breaks down how Speediance calculates one‑rep max (1RM) and PRs, why the “Customize” section caps manual entries at 220 lb, and how to legitimately reach 260 lb in programmed lifts like deadlifts using dynamic modes instead of free lift. It also walks through real on‑screen examples where a heavy deadlift session updates 1RM from the 200s up into the high 300s after 260 lb sets, proving the machine isn’t limited the way a frustrated buyer claimed. What you’ll learn • How Speediance’s Gain Muscle, Stamina, and Strength modes use your 1RM and PR history to set working weights and warm‑ups. • Why typing over 220 lb in the Customize field gets auto‑capped, and how to bypass that by letting the dynamic modes handle heavy sets. • The difference between workout‑level stats and lift‑level stats, and where to actually find your true 1RM, max weight, and volume history in the app/device. • Why extra reps with “Unlimited Sets” turned on usually do not create new PRs unless you also increase weight, and how that shapes safer, slower progression. • How Speediance currently handles progression (or doesn’t) between workouts, and why manual overload is often required on the latest software. Who this is for • New Speediance or 2S owners confused by the 220 lb cap and worried their machine can’t hit full stack in real workouts. • Tonal and smart‑gym converts who want to understand how Speediance’s 1RM and PR logic differs from strength scores and aggressive auto‑progression. • Home lifters who care about tracking, progressive overload, and using dynamic modes (especially eccentric) to get more out of every rep. Call to actionIf you’re running a Speediance and want smarter progress, not random numbers, watch this breakdown, dial in your 1RM correctly, and start using dynamic modes the way they were designed. Hit like, subscribe to Toby on Fitness Tech, and drop any Speediance or Tonal questions you want covered in future deep dives.

Today we’re diving into the ongoing debate about Mike Israetel’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. As a brown belt myself with firsthand competition experience and having seen Israetel live a event back when he was a brown belt, this controversy is close to home. I share my thoughts on the critiques circulating online—including breakdowns by experienced jiu-jitsu practitioners—and offer some perspective on what these criticisms actually mean.I discuss common misunderstandings about belt levels, recount experiences from my own coaching and competition days, and give insights into how competitive skill, athleticism, and belt promotion really work in jiu-jitsu. You’ll hear honest opinions about critiques from public figures like Greg Doucette and Ariel Helwani, and why not every video clip tells the whole story about someone’s true grappling ability.Whether you train, coach, or just follow the sport, tune in for a nuanced take on internet criticism, competition realities, and why context matters when evaluating someone’s jiu-jitsu credentials.Like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation!

Welcome back to Toby on Fitness Tech! In today’s update, Toby breaks down his experience with both the Speediance 2S and the original Speediance smart gym, sharing honest insights from over 600,000 pounds lifted and daily participation in the new Lunar Flow Challenge. He covers the latest software updates, achievement tracking, differences in device processors, and quirks in hardware—like cable wear, angle adapters, and grip accessories.Are you wondering whether to buy the Speediance 2S or the original? Toby compares the performance, scrolling smoothness, and value of the machines—including tips for scoring budget-friendly open-box deals with full warranty support. You’ll also hear how injury (hello, broken finger!) changed his lifting strategies, and how these devices fit real life, from keeping up with kids to progressive overload for jiu-jitsu and everyday strength.Highlights: • Speediance 2S vs. Original: processor upgrades, user experience, and affordability • Navigating new challenges and features on the devices • Practical tips for cable wear, bench setup, and grip strength • Honest feedback on hardware like ropes, clips, and angle adapters • Real-world benefits—from strength training to family funQuestions or experiences with Speediance or Tonal? Drop a comment below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more fitness tech reviews, personal stories, and updates.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & Challenge Update2:30 – Achievement Tracking & Lunar Flow5:45 – Device Performance & Processor Differences9:10 – Tips for Bench & Cable Setup14:00 – Hardware Review: Ropes & Adapters18:00 – Overload Training, Grip, and Injury Stories23:00 – Buying Advice & Open-Box Recommendations27:00 – Q&ASubscribe for more fitness tech deep-dives, gear reviews, and Toby’s ongoing workout journey!

Join me as I dive deep into my extreme weight loss transformation—going from 242 pounds to 188 pounds in just six months. In this honest and fully transparent video, I share every step of my journey: the setbacks, the reality of using prescription medications like GLP-1s, TRT, and more, as well as the strict routines and sacrifices involved. I discuss my past experiences with weight loss drugs, why I chose a different approach this time, and what really worked for my health and physique. This video is about authenticity—what it truly takes, medically and mentally, to achieve serious results, and why it may not be right for everyone.Whether you’re considering your own transformation, curious about new weight loss technologies, or just want real talk about the costs and trade-offs, this is for you. I’m here to answer any questions about my protocol, training, and how I continue to maintain the results—no gatekeeping, no sponsorships, just my story. Drop your questions in the comments and I’ll reply or even make a follow-up video.

Join us on Toby on Fitness Tech for a special episode called “Lily Lifts,” where Toby is joined by his daughter Lily for a fun family workout session! In this video, Toby demonstrates his custom Speediance cable machine routine while Lily follows along, trying each exercise with adjustable reps and weights. Experience a series of kid-friendly lifts, including lat pull-downs, bicep curls, and reverse flies, and see the difference between adult and child approaches to fitness.Throughout the workout, Toby shares tips about safe lifting for kids, equipment setup, and lessons learned from other machines like Tonal. Lily brings her energy—with candid commentary and plenty of laughs—making this episode perfect for parents interested in sharing their love of fitness with the whole family.Featured exercises include: • Kneeling single-arm and two-arm lat pull-downs • Bicep curls with Speediance adjustments • Supine reverse fly for shoulder health • Rowing and bench fly movements • Tips for introducing young children to resistance trainingWhether you’re a parent looking to get your kids involved, or just curious about the Speediance system, this video is a great showcase of safe, supervised lifting with fun, education, and plenty of encouragement. Lily also gives a quick shout-out to her own game streaming channel!Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more fitness tech reviews, family workouts, and training tips. Have a great day!