Contents
You may have seen the ads for the Total Gym, and you might be wondering:
Does this really work?
Here’s the deal:
That depends on you!
The Total Gym is a home gym system for total fitness where you use your own body weight to do strength building exercises.It is extremely flexible, and allows you to work with every part of your body.
Since you are using your own body weight to train, the machine works well for everybody, old and young, big and small.
There are different versions of the home gym, the Total Gym Fit, the XLS and the GTS. More about this later.
Working With Your Own Body Weight
You may have seen the infomercial on TV, and perhaps you are sceptical about it, but it really is a pretty cool machine.
What I like about this home gym is this:
You are working with your own body weight, which allows you to build strength without risking injury.
It also allows everybody, regardless of shape or age to be able to effectively train in it.
The set-up of the gym makes it quite flexible, and you can train every part of your body.
I highly recommend the Total Gym XLS for anybody looking to get in shape, or lose weight, regardless of age or strength. A great home gym for beginners, intermediates and experts. This unit has a reasonable price, and offers tons of exercise possibilities.
Check Price on Amazon!
Endorsed by Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris appears in the infomercials, and he claims that he has been using the Total Gym as his main home gym for over 30 years, and if Chuck says so, I for one certainly will not contradict him….
How Does The Total Gym Work?
The idea behind the Total Gym is that your own body weight is all you need to get a great exercise, increase muscle mass and conditioning.
This home gym uses your own body weight as resistance. It has a platform mounted on adjustable rails. You then use the pulley handles to move that platform, and you exercise using your own body weight. If you want to increase the intensity of your workout you can adjust the incline of the bench.
This gym quite easy to use and it is also quite flexible, you can target any major muscle group of your body.
Is the Total Gym Effective?
When using your own body weight instead of piling up weights, you get a different kind of exercise.
You are working with what the body more easily can handle, and so you have less risk of injury.
Exercising with your own body weight is something everybody can do, regardless of size or age.
When done right you can get in amazing shape. You will not get as big muscles as you can get with regular weight training, but for most of us there is no need for that.
Women may be afraid of building muscle, and worry that they will look too muscular. You will not build that kind of bulky muscles using the Total Gym. Rather you will tone up and tighten up.
When you work with your own body weight, using resistance training and different movements, you will train all those smaller muscles in the body, resulting in a stronger and tighter look, and improved health.
Who Is This Gym Not Right For?
This home gym is not for everybody. Working with only your body weight means that you will not get very ‘pumped’. You will not get the kind of big muscles that you can get from working with heavy weights at the gym.
It is just not going to happen.
But you can get in awesome shape with the Total Gym, and build the kind of muscle and strength that improves your health and looks great on you, whether you are 30, 50 or 70.
Comparison of the Different Versions of the Total Gym
The base of the machine is the same regardless of the version that you have, but the difference is in the accessories and the upgrades.
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The XLS is the basic version, it offers around 80 different workouts with 6 resistance levels. Included is a squat stand, wing attachment and leg pull accessory. It also includes the DVD:s to get you started, the Wall Chart poster with exercises and the training deck.
This is the basic package, and it is enough for most people to get started with. If you want to try the Total Gym for the first time,
I would recommend going with this starter package. 80 exercises is enough for most, and this is the cheapest package after all.
The difference between the XLS, the FIT and the GTS is mainly in the accessories that you have available.
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The FIT is the updated version with 12 resistance levels. It enables you to do more exercises, and it has the AbCrunch accessory, an updated wing attachment and an ergonomic glideboard. It also includes the DVD:s to get you started, the Wall Chart poster with exercises and the training deck.
Should you buy this instead of the XLS? In most cases I don’t see the need. But if you are interested in the AbCrunch, an ergonomic glideboard and the increased amount of resistance levels you should check it out.
Having more resistance levels might come in handy, especially if you are sharing the gym with someone, like your partner or your child.
The base of the machine is otherwise the same as the XLS.
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The GTS is the Rolls Royce of Total Gym. It enables you to do over 250 exercises and has 22 resistance levels. It comes with an impressive amount of accessories, that enable you to do more exercises. It also has a better glideboard.
The price of the GTS is also impressively high. It seems to be focused more on fitness professionals then the average user, and the price reflects that.
It is also used in the GRAVITY® fitness program.
This obviously should not be your first Total Gym, and I think it is mostly purchased by fitness professionals, or for GRAVITY® fitness classes.
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The 1800 is a cheaper version, but it has all the essentials. Note that the user weight capacity is lower with this version, and that the glideboard does not offer any head support, unlike all the other versions.
You will get all the basics though, the work out tools you need and the instructional DVD:s.
I have yet to do larger individual reviews of all the different versions, but that will be coming soon. But I think this comparison is enough to give you a larger picture of what unit is best for you.
I highly recommend the Total Gym XLS for anybody looking to get in shape, or lose weight, regardless of age or strength. A great home gym for beginners, intermediates and experts. This unit has a reasonable price, and offers tons of exercise possibilities.
Check Price on Amazon!
Are you still not sure which unit is best for you?
If you are on a low budget, and are ready to sacrifice a little comfort for a reduced price, the Total Gym 1800 is a good choice for you. Even though this is the budget version, it still has been getting very good user reviews online, and people seem very pleased with it.
If you like the idea of a supportive headboard, and a more comfortable well padded glideboard, the Total Gym XLS might be for you, it also offers more flexibility and different exercises than the 1800.
The Total Gym Fit is basically the XLS upgraded. The base is the same but it has an ergonomic glideboard, and upgraded gym accessories. Having 12 different resistance levels is a plus, especially if there are more than one person using the machine.
The GTS is the elite version, and the price reflects that. It has a lot of great functions and gym tools, but it is also priced at a totally different level. I would recommend you to start slow, and try one of the cheaper versions before you consider this one.
Getting Started
You will receive a line of DVDs to help you get started, with a beginners program, an intermediate program and an advanced program. You will also receive an Exercise Wall Chart, a poster with 35 exercises.
Included is a training deck with cards featuring exercises that you can put on the machine while working out. This is to help you see the exact exercise you want to do, and make sure you do it right.
User Questions
Here we have answered some of the most common questions we get regarding the Total Gym.
Will I lose Weight?
How motivated are you? You will get a DVD that guides you through the exercises and a nutritional/meal planning guide.
Basically it provides you with tools for weight loss.
How you use those tools are up to you. Keeping it in the closet and eating junk food will not make you lose weight, even if you buy the most expensive version…
This is a fitness tool, and weight loss is a by product of that fitness. Keep using it and you will gain muscle, and conditioning, and as a result you will lose fat.
What size is it?
The different versions of the home gym has different sizes:
XLS
Unfolded: 19″ Width x 90″ Length x 43″ Height
Folded: 19″ Width x 51″ Length x 9″ Height
FIT
Unfolded: 18.5″ Width x 93” Length x 44.5” Height
Folded: 18.5” Width x 50.5” Length x 8.5” Height
1800
Unfolded: 16” Width 92” Length 43.75” Height
Is it good for women as well as men?
Yes, it is. Since you work with your own body weight, it works equally well for both genders. You can also adjust the amount of strength you need to use by adjusting the incline of the bench.
Can I get a good cardio workout with it?
Yes, you can. What you get out of Total Gym equals what you put into it. You can definitely get your cardio going. You can not compare it to the kind of cardio workout you get from something like running or biking though. It is not as intense as that, but yes, you can get a good cardio workout.
Will I just put it in my closet after a month?
Look:
That is all up to you and your motivation! How does your closet look now? Do you have 5 other home gyms gathering dust there? Then this might follow. Stay motivated and it will not happen.
How long is the workout?
20 minutes per day can get you pretty far. You want to do enough to feel it, and get the heart rate going. This is all up to you though, your goals and the time you have to spend. As with any home gym, the more the better.
Just vary the exercises and don’t do the same 2 -3 exercises every day, as that will put a lot of pressure on those muscle groups, and can lead to over training of those areas and potential injuries.
Jesse Young
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Total Gym System
Pros
- Anybody can use it
- Work out with body weight
- Very versatile
Cons
- Will not build large muscle
- Not cheap
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
9.80
Value for Money
9.70
You can add additional weight to the XLS and the FIT model by purchasing the weight bar for 20 bucks. Also for those looking to build muscle, try taking pulley system off the bottom of the glide board. You are then working with nearly 100% of body weight. The GTS is a commercial model and is hydraulic also. But I do agree the XLS is the best model and most user friendly.
How is the Quality of XLS compared to cheaper models like 1400 or 1800 or supreme? I have read reviews of pulley wires, rails and/or glideboard rollers wearing out within a year or so… is the quality better??
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
8.10
Value for Money
9.00
love my total gym…the dvds are amazing…easy enough but challenging when you really need it to be, have lost 85 pounds and feel and look healthier…thanks!
How long did it take you to lose the 85 lbs?
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
4.60
Value for Money
7.90
I purchased a Total Gym many years ago…..shortly after purchase they had a problem with part of the machine and were to issue a replacement part. I never got a chance to receive the replacement part, due to a space problem and the gym got stored. I recently got it out of storage but I am a little afraid to use it because of the part that was to be replaced. Can I still get that part or contact Chuck himself? Ha
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
9.20
Value for Money
9.00
I am on my second Total Gym. Purchased the first one 1997 and wore it out. Got the second one in 2014. I do a 20-30 minute circuit-training workout on the TG 3-4 times/ week. I went from 220 lbs to 180 lbs in the first year of using the TG (size 38 pants to 32). I also added bike riding into my exercise routine about 2 years ago.. Love the TG because it’s convenient, easy to use, and gives the results I’m looking for. I just turned 69 by the way !
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
10.00
Value for Money
10.00
I’M 65 – BEEN USING TG SINCE 1999 (WHEN I QUIT JOGGING) — ONE OF THE BEST INVESTMENTS I EVER MADE — ORIGINAL XL1000 LASTED 15 YEARS — ON MY SECOND ONE NOW TOO ! — DOES EXACTLY WHAT CHUCK SAYS IT WILL
I had a TG and am about to buy another. I am struggling with purchasing the GTS or FIT. Concerned about bilk of GTS
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
10.00
Value for Money
10.00
Are you still looking into getting the Total Gym? A new model just came out – Total Gym Fusion. I just got it from QVC. It’s great! It’s pretty much a standard Total Gym with Pilates equipment added in. I got it last night, put it together in less than an hour (the extra accessories is what took all the time – the TG was actually only minutes to put together), and used it within 2 hours of having the box delivered. It works great!
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
9.70
Value for Money
9.80
Way to go Jim I love my The my family has 2 wife also enjoys it CLS or fit is the way to go or the 1900 try it for a month it great.
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
9.90
Value for Money
9.50
I love working out on mt TG XLS. I am a dialysis patient with a graft in my left arm, so heavy lifting is out of the question. TG meets my needs for total body workout.
Question. How long should I continue with beginner workout DVD? I am starting my third week.
Thanks my TG family!!
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Total Gym Force vs. Platinum Plus? Fairly wide price difference, but the cheaper, Force, Has more resistance levels at 12.
Never tried Total Gym yet… thinking of buying one, finally! Hope to lose at least 15-20 lbs!
I found two Total Gym models at Costco – Total Gym 1600 and Total Gym Force. Can anyone please help me decide? Or give me some feedback, please!
Thanks a lot!
U want the xls ive lost over 4 pant sizes and 50. Llbs with mine since march 2017 giving only 20 minutes 3 to 4 xs per week
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
9.80
Value for Money
9.70
I bought the Fit model in January. Used the training videos and recommended routines and absolutely hated it and regretted canceling my gym membership. I was actually losing my hard earned mass! I did a lot of research and found some great fitness coaches online and changed the workouts to slower, controlled movements rather than the quicker cardio pumping moves. I am a convert now… love the muscle I’m seeing and the familiar soreness the day after. I replaced the gym and a home Pilates reformer with a single piece of equipment that is efficient and time saving.
Hiya, I travel with my job. What is the actual weight of each of the Total Gyms? Anyone know? The dimensions are listed on their site but not the weight.
Thanjs, V
If you can lug a total gym around an airport, you don’t need one.
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
8.70
Value for Money
9.10
Just bought the XLS used. Weight is about 50 lbs or so. I work for the railroad and travel year round. I bring it to my hotel room everywhere. Love it. Tried many other exercise devices. This is my favorite. The others remain in storage
I ve been using the total gym XLS since 2011. i love it. I also combine it with free weights and cardio. The TG also stretches you. I use John Peel’s exercises as well as. the cards. When I am in a hurry and dont have time to go to the gym or want a quick workout, i jump out of bed and on to the TG. You get what you put into it. Im 61 (almost 62) and toned and feel fit and healthy. I use this machine almost daily but I like to switch up or combine it with free weights (bench presses, lats, etc).. I believe that John Peel’s workouts ( I get them on You tube) really work the muscles to failure. That is what I need.
You can use it by itself or use it as a warm up to free weight training. The TG is definitely worth it! Great workout in a short time span.
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
9.20
Value for Money
7.80
I bought my total gym around 1990. An FM 853. Looks like at TG 2000, but came with squat pad. Didn’t think much of it at the time. Upper body workouts were pretty good but leg workouts were lame, no challenge at all. Was ackward to get into position and dismount for some of the exercises. Often, it was easiest to just fall off the board, which was ok because I had it on carpet. Lack of head rest hurt my neck. Left the unit deployed which was a big mistake. Wife would use it to hang laundry, so if I had any willpower to exercise at all, it was squashed by the thought of having to deal with all that laundry. Fast forward 27 years. I have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Diagnostic machine at metabolic doctor says my legs lack muscle. Walking helped to a point, but now I need to do strength training to dig myself out of this hole. Seems silly to join a gym when I already had the Total Gym, so, I have cleared off the laundry and dusted it off. Works like new. The laundry didn’t hurt it at all. I also got some new accessories that weren’t available at the time, such as a pull up bar, weight bar, pilates kit, and the 80 exercise card deck. I’m a guy, so I wasn’t sure about the pilates kit, but it is supposed to help your core muscles, needed for balance. I have balance issues, so I’m for anything that can help. Ok, the exercises no longer seem lame. I can only manage the lowest setting on the upper body excercises so plenty of room to grow there. Perspiring like crazy, which I didn’t remember happening before. Using a folded towel as a head rest helps a lot. I am at level 6 for double legs squats, but level 4 for one leg at a time. Weight bar should help when I get there. Currently, can do 8 of the exercises in an hour before calling it quits. Went through the whole exercise deck, marking the resistance level so I can arrange things for minimum setup changes. Still ackward getting in and out of position. If you look at some of the you-tube videos, you will see the difficulty people have if they don’t edit out that part. On some exercises, it is still easiest to just fall off of it. Now I fold it up each time so my wife can’t use it for laundry. In summary, now that strength training is something I have to do instead of something I ought to do, I am far more appreciative of this machine than when I bought it.
Im contemplating on buying a total gym xli as I’m a really big guy I weigh 135kgs and struggle to lift my own body weight even doing a pull up is the machine easy to use.
Hi I would really like to hear from anyone who has the TG FUSION. I’m seriously considering getting it, but truthfully am not an “assemble bits and pieces” person.
I got it about 3 weeks ago and I LOVE IT!! I am new to working out so I am still learning all the exercises but it is really easy for me to use. I have a bad back and knee issues and it puts no pressure on the knee what so ever. The back is iffy but that being the motherboard of my upper body, everything is going to make it uncomfortable but I have to say that I am impressed. I haven’t lost anything on it yet but I keep being told to give it time. Especially since I have never done any strength training. You will love it. I got it off of QVC because of the payments and I am so happy I did. I have been looking at Total Gym for over a year now but couldn’t justify the money especially not knowing if I would actually do it or not. But I don’t see myself quitting any time soon. Purchase it if you haven’t already!
I am a runner and do not enjoy weight training. That said, I know it is important to weight train to avoid injury and keep my body toned. Do you have a suggestion for what excercises I should do with my total gym to accomplish this? I don’t want to be on it longer than 30 minutes a session , 3 days a week tops. With two kids, I only get so much time to work out, and, mentally, I need to run! Thanks(:
Efficiency
0.00
Ease of Use
10.00
Value for Money
10.00
IT DOES EXACTLY WHAT CUCK NORRIS SAYS — I’M 65 & HAVE BEEN USING ONE FOR 20+ YEARS — 5’6″ 155lbs & AS STRONG AS ANYONE REASONABLY NEEDS TO BE
IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO BENCH PRESS 2 MILLION POUNDS OR SQUAT 7 TONS IT WILL STILL GIVE YOU A DECENT WORKOUT
WILL IT WIND UP MAKING YOU LOOK LIKE ARNOLD – NO
I’VE DONE IT ALL — HEAVY WEIGHTS — TOTAL WASTE OF MY TIME – MY JOINTS WEREN’T MADE FOR THAT
RUNNING — BIKE – NORDICTRAK
NOW I DO TREADMILL & TOTAL GYM (SOME WEIGHTED PUSHUPS A COUPLE DAYS A WEEK)
IF I HAD TO GIVE UP ONE IT WOULD BE THE TREADMILL
THE TOTAL GYM IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON THAT JUST WANTS TO STAY IN SHAPE & MAINTAIN STRENGTH
I have read through all the comments and reviews, and don’t have any information yet about which of the total gyms might be best suited for someone who lives in a small city type one bedroom apartment. Because of my age, and the apartment, it might not be suitable for lugging a 50 lb piece of equipment from living room up two steps from there to the bedroom every time I would use it. The bedroom on the other hand does not have enough free space to set up such an item. Is anyone on this forum familiar with just how heavy and bulky it may be for a space like mine? The commercials make it sound like it’s easy to use and then fold up to put under the bed. I would never be able to lug it up and down stairs to use and then put away.
Any comments from you guys are welcome.