Total Gym Force vs Total Gym 1600 [3 Crucial Factors!]

Contents

It’s All Still Total Gym
Key Differences
Pros and Cons
Value or Performance?

With so many Total Gym models out there, it can be confusing picking the right one for you. All the numbers and acronyms and buzzwords can be tiring, but don’t let them keep you from getting a home fitness solution to your fitness problems.

There are two very popular models at different ends of the Total Gym spectrum that offer different experiences while still maintaining the feel and effectiveness people have come to expect from the Total Gym name.

Let’s compare Total Gym 1600 vs Total Gym Force to see how they stack up!

It’s All Still Total Gym

Before we get into the differences, let’s clear a few things up first.

For starters, these models are both still Total Gym systems (see a review breakdown of other popular models here); they both use your bodyweight to create the resistance you need for strength training instead of using weights or flexible resistance bands .

They are both simple machines that endeavor to meet your fitness needs with the minimum amount of equipment and space. As with all Total Gyms, the fold up for easy storage .

The Total Gym 1600 and Total Gym Force also both come with the famed Total Gym extras to help you get started on the path to fitness.

Included are exercise DVDs, exercise charts and nutrition and meal plans.

Assuming you buy the machines from an official Total Gym retailer, they come with limited one-year warranties. Be careful with the 1600, however, as this model is no longer manufactured or sold direct from Total Gym, so you’ll have to buy through a retailer.

Dimensions

Both the Total Gym 1600 and Total Gym Force are virtually the same size and take up the same amount of space. The Total Gym Force is slightly heavier due to sturdier construction and additional features, but it isn’t a drastic difference.

Length: 92.5 inches
Width: 16 inches
Height: 43.25 inches

Total Gym Force

Key Differences

After their basic functions and standard extras, this is where the two models diverge. There are significant differences in performance, stability and, of course, price.

Performance

Simply put, the Total Gym Force can do more than the Total Gym 1600. It comes with a couple of extra attachments that are either not compatible with the 1600 or just are not included.

These include the leg pull, ab crunch and wing attachments . These open up several more exercises that you can perform on the Total Gym Force but not the 1600. More options for you means more customizable workouts.

The Total Gym Force also has more resistance levels than the 1600. The Force has a total of 12 whereas the 1600 only has 8 levels of incline .

Because of this, you can more precisely set your level of resistance that you want on the Total Gym Force. However, keep in mind this does not drastically increase the maximum resistance available; that is still limited by your own bodyweight.

Total Gym 1600

Now, does all of this extra control mean the Total Gym Force will get you in better shape better or faster than the 1600? Not necessarily. It only means that if you have specific fitness goals in mind or have strict preferences for what exercises you do for specialized purposes (say, sports training), then the Force is much better equipped to do that for you.

However, if your goal is just to lose weight and just be generally fit, then you don’t really need much more than the 1600’s 60+ exercises and 8 resistance levels.

Stability

Here is one of the biggest differences between the Total Gym Force and the 1600. The Total Gym Force has a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. This limit is well above the 1600’s weight limit of 275 pounds . It also comes with an included stability mat that helps hold the machine in place. You would have to buy an extra mat to go with your 1600 for the same effect.

If you’re a larger person, you will appreciate the Total Gym Force’s extra strength and not have to worry about the frame buckling or braking. The 1600’s low weight capacity has been a point of contention for customers for a while, and later models like the Force address this.

If you are a lighter person, though, this will not be a problem for you. Just bear in mind that if muscle mass is one of your goals, muscle is heavier than fat and you may gain weight despite being in better shape and healthier. Don’t forget about the weight limit and crush the machine with your massive muscles!

Price

As you may expect, the Total Gym Force is more expensive than the Total Gym 1600. Not only does it have more features but it is a more recent model. The 1600 will be much more affordable.

It should be noted however that as mentioned above, Total Gym no longer manufactures or sells the 1600 direct so your aftermarket support may be limited or even non-existent. This could end up costing you more than the difference in price, so choose your retailer wisely.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick rundown of what was gone over here.

Total Gym Force

Pros

More exercise options
More resistance levels
Higher weight capacity
Better stability

Cons

More expensive
Extras may be unnecessary for novices

Total Gym 1600

Pros

60+ exercises more than enough for anyone to get in shape
Very affordable
Still includes similar extras package as higher-end models

Cons

Fewer exercise options and resistance levels
Discontinued model so uncertain aftermarket support
Lower weight capacity

Value or Performance?

If you have read our Total Gym reviews, and the choice is between these two for you, think about what you hope to achieve and how much you want to pay for it. If you don’t care about getting ripped or training for a wrestling tournament or something and just want to get in shape for a bargain, then the 1600 is for you. Want your muscles to be toned or get serious about that sport and are willing to pay a bit extra for a fit body? Go with the Total Gym Force; it will do you right.