Force USA Monster G12 Strength Trainer Home Gym Review 

Force USA Monster G12 review

February 5, 2021

When you’re a fitness enthusiast and you have limited space at home, it can be difficult to keep in shape. Some gyms cost way too much and other types of equipment may be expensive too. That’s why you need an all-in-one gym set like the Force USA Monster G12.

Today, we’ll be talking about all the Force USA all-in-one gym trainers and giving an in-depth review of the G12 model. Keep reading to find out what features and specifications the Force USA Monster G12 can offer you.

If you are looking for one piece of gym equipment for your home and have the money and space the Force USA G12 provides everything you need for your full-body workout combining 9 strength training machines into 1. Add in its commercial quality stainless steel construction, and both pin and plate weight loading and you can replace almost every other piece of strength training equipment in your home.

Force USA’s Line of All-in-One Trainers

Force USA has five all in one trainers in their range which are the following:

  • Force USA G3
  • Force USA G9
  • Force USA G6
  • Force USA G12
  • Force USA G20

The Force G3 and G9 models are plate weight loaded machines. On the other hand, the G6, G12, and G20 models are pin and weight plate (plates are sold separately) loaded all in one trainers. All of the Force USA all in one trainers can be used for a home gym but the G20, their highest-end model, is a commercial machine that is found in many gym facilities. If you are looking for a dedicated leg press, check out our review of the Force USA Monster Leg Press Hack Squat Combo.

G12

force USA G12

Specs

The Monster Force USA G12 all in one trainer is a pin and plate loaded machine and the weight rating for the unit is 992lbs. The functional trainer smith machine can handle up to 772lbs of weight and the chin-up bar can support up to 772lbs. Force USA’s G12 pulley ratio is 1:1 with 100lbs loaded onto the machine which creates resistance of 100lbs. Other units such as the G6 have a 2:1 ratio which means that you need to select more weight to get the same resistance. As an example on a 2:1 ratio pulley, you would need to have 200lbs on the weight stack to get 100lbs of resistance.

All cables are 6.2mm nylon coated that are mil-spec aircraft quality ropes that are tested to lift 2000lbs.

Force USA is known for making space-saving weight training equipment. The G12 trainer is no exception. The dimensions for the exterior of the Monster G12 are 79"W x 49"D x 89"H. Dimensions for the interior of the G12 are 43"W x 34"D x 79"H. You only need a 8'3"ft ceiling height to be able to use the G12.

Features

The Force USA Monster G12 trainer is compact and has the smallest external depth when compared to all the G-series machines. This means it will take of less of your available workout room space. It is also shorter and there is more interior space for exercising in the G12 compared to the G6.

Another excellent feature of the Monster G12 trainer is that it’s the only model you can place flush against a wall. The other models in the Force USA all in one trainer series need additional space to fit weight plates.

Even though the Force USA G12 model is the most expensive unit compared to the other trainers, your still very likely to save money. First, with 9 different strength machines in 1, there will be few reasons to have a gym membership. Second, the G12 comes with everything you need aside from weight plates to exercise, you won't need to purchase several other expensive accessories in order to fully use it.

The two included 200lbs weight stacks make changing weights faster compared to the plate loaded G3 or G9 trainers. This makes circuit training much quicker and more efficient on the G12 not to mention the additional exercises that are possible with the included attachments and weight stacks.

9 Strength Training Machines in One

force USA G12 9 Strength Training Machines in One

Force USA’s Monster G12 model has nine strength training machines integrated into one unit. Let’s take a look at what these strength training machines can do for you.

Power Rack

The Monster G12 power rack is technically a half-rack because it has two columns located in the front and isn’t fully enclosed with columns at the back.

But you can do all the same barbell exercises with a half-rack. With the versatility of the power rack you can perform over 40 free weight barbell exercises such as the following:

  • Deadlifts
  • Squats
  • Bench presses
  • Overhead presses
  • Incline bench press
  • Seated press
  • Upright row
  • Power shrug

You’ll appreciate that the power rack on the Monster G12 unit offers commercial-grade J hook components and safeties that can be adjusted to any height you want. There are removable barbell protector sleeves that extend the life of your barbell as well.

The power rack is made with heavy-duty gauged rolled steel tubing that’s powder and clear coated to add durability to the unit.

Functional Trainer

Force USA’s Monster G12 has a functional trainer that has two pulleys on its own column. These pulleys connect with cables to the two included weight stack components that weigh 200lbs each, located at the back of the unit.

The functional trainer and cable crossovers allow you to do over 75 different exercises. What’s more, it includes six attachments and features 16 height positions so you can perform exercises for the chest, back, arms, shoulders, and legs.

You get the following standard cable accessories with your functional trainer:

  • Nylon stirrup handles
  • Lat pulldown bar
  • Short angled bar
  • Long straight bar
  • Triceps rope
force USA G12 plates

Vertical Leg Press

Force USA includes a vertical leg press in the G12 functional trainer that you can use on a bench or on the floor. The vertical leg press is a removable attachment that allows you to perform exercises for your glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

The leg press uses the same design as the Force USA Monster G6 and G9 leg plates and it installs onto the smith machine using a pin on each end of the leg press attachment. It’s easy to install and uninstall the vertical leg press thanks to the pop-out pins.

Dip Station

You’ll love that the Monster G12 has a multi-grip dip handle attachment that provides various width options for you to select from. The 21" width is narrow and allows you to perform closer grip dips that target the triceps. With the 27.5" grip width you can perform wider grip dips that target the chest.

This dip handle adjusts vertically on the power rack and it’s compatible with resistance or weight belts. Each handle on the grip dip handles is rubber coated and 30mm thick which provides a comfortable and non-slip hold.

Smith Machine

The counter-balanced smith machine has a fixed barbell that’s compatible with Olympic weight plates and you can load up to 772lbs on the barbell. There are commercial-grade guide rails that allow for smooth and comfortable movement. This is because the smith machine is angled for natural body movement for a safe workout.

You can easily re-rack your smith bar to any height position you want because of the ergonomic design. Additionally, the smith machine is fitted with safe lock and release mechanisms and a catch so you can exercise safely without a spotter. With the smith machine you can do the following exercises:

  • Split squat
  • Hack squat
  • Seated shoulder press
  • Rear delt row
  • One-arm row
  • Hip thrust
  • Glute bridge

The smith machine is perfect for female lifters because it allows them to perform all the popular exercises that target the legs and glutes.

Chin-Up Station

Force USA includes a chin-up station on the Monster G12 all in one trainer. This is a multi-grip pull-up and chin-up machine with a 772lbs weight rating.

It has two oblique bars, four short bars, and two long bars. These bars allow you to use various grip positions. There are knurled grip positions that include close grip, underhand, overhand, and wide grip movements.

The handles of the grip chin-up bar are rubber coated and are 38mm thick for a non-slip and comfortable grip.

Core Trainer

There is a core trainer included in the Monster G12 unit that features a rotating landmine station. This rotating landmine on the core trainer allows you to perform rotational torso training.

When you connect this landmine to an optional barbell you can do an array of upper body training exercises with your core trainer.

Suspension Trainer

The suspension trainer on the Monster G12 allows you to expand your exercise possibilities. You can install suspension training equipment such as the TRX or gymnastic rings. Note that suspension training equipment is not included with this model but sold separately so you'll need to budget for the expense.

Low Row

The leg press attachment can also be used as a footpad for low rows using the cable pulley system adding yet another exercise option for your back. The low row is great for targeting your lats and helping you build a wider back as well as your biceps and rhomboids. The low row is a staple of any strength or bodybuilding workout routine.

Assembly

The Force G12 doesn’t come pre-assembled so you’ll have to put it together yourself. There is a user manual that shows you exactly how to assemble the Monster G12. If you’re unsure of how to put the unit together, you'll find many helpful videos online. On the other hand, there are third party assembly services you can opt for, available by contacting the Force USA. While this is an extra cost many users find it worthwhile as assembly can take a while if you are doing it without the help of a friend.

Attachments & Accessories

There are plenty of attachments and accessories included with the Monster G12 Force USA unit including the following:

  • Multi-grip chin-up bar
  • 2 x 200lb weight stacks
  • Suspension trainer rings
  • J hooks safety spotting components
  • Landmine station and handlebar
  • Safety spotter arms
  • Functional training bar
  • Lat pulldown bar
  • 2 nylon stirrup handles (adjustable)
  • Small grip frame bar
  • Pull down rope
  • Multi-grip dip handles
  • Leg press and low row footplate
  • Pull down knee holder
  • Barbell storage
  • 6 weight plate holders
  • 2 Olympic lock collars
  • 6 Olympic spring clips
  • 2 extension chains
  • 4 spring snap clips
force USA G12 accessories
PROS
  • Comes with over 20 attachments
  • Nine strength training machines in one
  • Comes with 2 weight plate stacks (400lbs total)
  • Excellent customer service
  • Space-saving unit compared with other all in one home gyms
CONS
  • Difficult to assemble
  • Doesn’t come with a bench or barbell
  • While compact for what it is, you can't store it in the closet when not in use

What Customers are Saying

Customers state that it takes a long time to assemble the Monster G12 trainer and that the instruction manual is difficult to follow. But once assembled customers love how sturdy and compact the unit is and the many exercises they can perform with the all-in-one Monster G12.

FAQ:

Does it come with weights?

Yes, the Force USA G12 includes two 200lbs weight stacks.

What’s the minimum ceiling height?

The minimum ceiling height for the Force USA G12 is 8'3".

What’s the pulley ratio?

The pulley ratio for the Force USA G12 is 1:1. So if you have 100lbs loaded the resistance will be 100lbs.

Closing Thoughts:

The Force USA Monster G12 is the Swiss army knife for all in one strength training machines. It’s ideal for people who have limited space and or large households who want a machine that offers a full range of exercise options for your body. It's high-quality construction and high maximum weight limit ensure it will not only last for many years but also allow you to progress in your strength training journey without becoming obsolete.

If you’re tired of paying money to go to the gym, get the Force USA Monster G12 instead to create a dynamic home gym. It’s a stable, durable all in one functional trainer that you can use whenever you want without paying a monthly gym membership fee.

About the author 

Kevin Lee

Health and fitness have always been a passion for me; whether its being in the weight room, going for a run before work or even participating in a half iron man triathlon. ShapeJunkie was created to share to knowledge and love of fitness with others.

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