Total Gym

I will admit, I was put off by the price tag and did some heavy comparison to the much lower cost version by Weider. But in the end I opted for the real deal, and I'm glad I did. But first, here's a bit of background. I've never been the athletic type so I've always been on the heavy side. I knew I had to do something when I was outgrowing my cloths "yet" again (I had refused to go from a 2x to a 3x kind of guy). Over the years I've done free weights, had a walking regiment, and even did some aerobic DVD's but nothing seemed fun...so I never stuck with it. I was initially looking at getting the bowflex, but the assembly and room needed were big downers; so I started looking at the Total Gym. I read many reviews and watched youtube videos to get an idea what the hype was all about. I saw a huge variety of excersize's that looked fun and challenging, so I went for it. I've owned this machine for three weeks and can already see results. As a matter of fact, the Total Gym is addicting. I LOVE working out on this machine. My workouts range from 20-30 mins and consist of basic chest, bicep, back, squat and ab excersize's. You really can get a total body workout in less than 30 mins. By the time I'm finished with my workout, I'm panting and feeling greate. After three weeks I have tons more energy and feel a lot stronger. The machine itself comes fully assembled, and if you watch the youtube videos on setting up the total gym before it arrives, you can be ready to work out when it arrives at your front door. They do include a video on setup/take down that's worth watching, but youtube was enough for me. Setup was very easy and I was impressed with the quality of the machine. The track/slide motion is very smooth and they pulley mechanism looks to be well made. I recommend starting at levels 1 or 2 when your first get it and start working out as your body will go into muscle shock. After my first workout, I was sore the next day, but not enough to stop me from working out. Take it slow for a few weeks. The people on the commercial make it look easy, but they have been using the Total Gym for years. My wife really loves the machine too. She's just as hooked on it, and has her own workout regiment that she does every day. The Total Gym XLS was WELL worth the money and I highly recommend it. Its easy to put up, take down and use. We also have the Ab attachment, and I highly recommend this too! I do 30 crunches a day (starting slow and building up takes time) and see a BIG difference in my abs. My belly has shrunk, and my love handles are almost gone. My wife has noticed my chest is getting hard and formed, along with my biceps and triceps. This is a big confidence booster for me! While the Weider version has good reviews and may be just as good...opt for the real deal, you wont be sorry.

I just wanted to clear this up, this is the same exact package that is sold by Total Gym Direct! The only difference is that TG Direct offers the AbCrunch as a bonus, but their package is more expensive and you can purchase the Abcrunch on Amazon and still be way below the cost of purchasing the package from TG! I ordered the Abcrunch, which comes with a DVD, and the Weight Bar and still paid way below the 60% off price of TG Direct. I would say to wait until you get your TG before purchasing any attachments because I received a promo code with my TG for $20 and $30 off for accessories to use on the TotalGymCatalog dot com. This Total Gym came with 5 DVDs (workouts at every level and includes a pilates dvd), the Pilates package, wall chart, training deck and holder, wing attachment. Everything you need to workout! There is no assembly, it comes fully assembled. I do recommend watching the set up dvd so you do not hurt yourself setting this up and you fully understand how it folds and unfolds. I did my first workout yesterday and I really feel it today. This machine is as smooth as butter! It is very quiet and appears to be of good solid quality. I bought a lesser quality type machine similar to this years ago and the difference is like night and day. My boyfriend is 6'4 and has no problems working out on this machine. The bench is almost 47" long x 16" wide and most of the exercises are done with your legs either bent up and crossed or sitting on your legs or with them hanging to the sides of the bench. This machine is 90" long and even doing squats there is still plenty of room. The workouts are fun to do and don't take that much time. I was shocked how fast time went by as I was working out. That is what keeps people motivated. The workout never felt redundant. I feel fortunate to have a room dedicated to working out because it is not a small machine and I will leave it unfolded. In a small apartment this might feel like an elephant sitting in the room, but if you are willing to fold it up after each workout, it folds up very compactly. Another bonus, if you have amazon prime you receive this machine in 2 days of ordering it!!! Whereas, the TG Direct site may take 10days! I am very happy with my purchase and will update if I notice any changes with this machine. If you are looking for a less expensive Total Gym you might want to check out the Total Gym 1800 Club package. It is 399. and comes with many of the same equipment as this package. I just happen to come across it on youtube. In fact, watching the video, it looked as if it came with the AbCrunch. It is worth checking out if this package is not in your budget. Now that I have the XLS, I do not see much of a difference between the two machines except for the price and change in the bench style. There may be other differences, but it looks to be very similar and at a much lower price! Update 7/27/2012 - I have been using the TG every other day with the beginning DVD and LOVING it!! I get really excited about working out now. Using the DVD is truly like having a personal trainer and I really sweat with the workout. I am so happy that I made this purchase and would recommend to anyone at any level wanting to get in shape. It gives a great cardio and toning/strengthening workout! At first I was a little worried I wasn't going to be able to keep up, but I just kept doing the best I could and now I love it and can't wait to work out. On days that I am not on the TG, I work out on my recumbent bike and am amazed how I feel now just in this short time. Sometimes I use the TG and the Bike on the same day and am working on doing that more.

I had seen the infomercial on TV a time or two before but a couple of weeks ago, I was watching it in earnest. Not sure why that day was different but I was a little mesmerized. I noticed that it seemed to work parts of the body that I wanted to work. As I watched, I had that feeling..."what's not to like?" Well the price was steep so that was one thing not to like. Even with the payment plan and offer to return if not satisfied, I could envision disappointment and expense to return if it was not as exciting as it seemed on TV. I started researching on the web and found reviews stacked toward the positive side. I watched videos about the Total Gym XLS on YouTube and got more excited about it. Yes, I did read the couple reviews about disappointment in quality. I also read that the vast majority of people were quite happy with the quality. The ratio of positive to negative reviews led me to believe that a few had done something wrong or in fact got one of the small percentage of slightly defective units, but most seemed very happy with the unit. The price was still making me think twice but one day when I checked here on Amazon, the price was down quite a bit! I pulled the trigger. (The price seems to vary quite a bit, so shop carefully and pull the trigger when you like the price!) Delivery is by truck and the shipping company was fantastic. They allowed me to schedule an appointment by phone or via the web. The driver arrived minutes into the delivery window I had requested, and even called ahead to tell me he was on the way. In fact, he even helped me lug it into the living room. I probably could have got him to help me with it upstairs but I didn't want to push my luck. It's a heavy thing but was packed just right. Unpacking was easy, and I was able to lug it upstairs on my own. Some people will definitely need help moving it though. Like I said, it's heavy. Assembly was very easy, and even taking my time, I had it operational within 10 minutes. I popped in the DVD and skipped to some of the exercises right away. I kind of over did it that first day, but who wouldn't? The Total Gym XLS is smooth and seems to be very well built. I was (and still am) pretty excited about it. One reviewer had trouble with the pulleys after about six months. I'll let you know if I do (I'm about the same height and weight as he is) but in the early going, I can't imagine that I will have trouble. This thing seems to be built really well. Do heed the safety warnings. It's built to be safe but if you ignore the warnings, you could really hurt yourself. I suppose this is true of just about any gym equipment. Just think and be safe, and you will be plenty fine. It came with several accessories, but I've only tried one so far. I'll get to the others eventually. For now, I'm concentrating on the 6-8 minute work out program that comes with it. That doesn't sound like much but a week or so into it, I am already feeling results. Muscles are tightening and shaping just a little bit. The program exercises different parts of the body every day, and calls for only about 8 reps per exercise. That's a good starting point no doubt. I am doing 15 reps and will build from there. Each person is different. I also walk about 1.5 to 2 miles a day for aerobics. Hey, if you are in better shape than I am, you can start at a more advanced level and be quite happy. One thing I did not count on with this product is the extensive work out suggestions. The 6-8 minute work out is great for me, but the Gym comes with many dozens of cards with different work outs. Each card tells how to do the exercise, what part of the body it works out, some coaching tips, and many cards tell how to amp up the work out a bit. The cards are even grouped by body part that they work. There is also a chart with many exercises and of course, the DVD. So you are not on your own with this thing. There is lots of help provided. Setting the glide bar at different heights definitely allows you to fine tune your work out from beginner to advanced. I am looking forward to raising my height setting over time! As you can tell, I am pretty happy with my purchase! If you are contemplating buying one, watch the infomercial and know that it's not baloney. It works as they say. It's nicely built and seems like it will last a long time. You won't be overwhelmed or underwhelmed. I am pretty sure of that. I will check back in a few months from now and let you know if I am still as happy with it as I am today. I bet that I will be.

As a Physical Therapist myself, I have worked with this machine in the clinical setting for years. Almost every outpatient PT clinic has one of these. Of course, this model is not the clinic model, but I feel that it is similar enough to provide everything I need for home use. Pros: *The machine works all parts of the body. It comes with a whole bunch of exercise cards, but you can also use your imagination. *This model has the foot plate. I would not buy a Total Gym that does not have this option. In my opinion, the machine is almost worthless without it, it cuts out about half of the exercises *The cards include routines, not just exercises. There are several options to choose from *The pilates attachments are great! This adds a whole new dimension to your workout options. *variety. Between the regular TG exercises, the routines, Pilates, the videos, you will have a difficult time getting bored with this. *adjustable for all skill levels. At work, I use this for patients who are of varies skill levels including: elderly, post-operative, deconditioned, or for high-level athletes, you name it. This can be used for just about anybody. Cons: *the home model is more difficult to adjust than the clinical models. It may be too heavy for a significantly deconditioned person, or someone with significant balance deficits. *the foot plate is too small. The foot plate need to be about another foot higher. Foot placement needs to be higher to avoid the knees going over the toes during a squat to decrease strain on knees. This may be a problem with someone with knee pain. I end up using the Pilates bar instead of the foot plate because it sits a bit higher. This is why I didn't give it 5 stars. If the home model came with the same foot plate as the clinical model, I would have no hesitation giving it 5 stars. After several years of using this at work, I decided to get one for my own home, and I couldn't be happier with it. It is definitely worth the money (as long as you get it on sale)

I've had my Total Gym for three weeks now and have been on it every single day; I was worried that it might arrive damaged due to all the complaints about that being an issue, but it was fine. It is heavy to schlepp up the staircase--get a friend or two if you can. That should be workout #1. It basically comes put together, but figuring out how to unfold it was a bit of a challenge. The accessories you take on and off as you do this exercise and that, which took a bit at first but I'm getting much faster with it. When I workout with the DVD I keep the control by me so I can pause and rewind if I get confused about changing the accessories or if it takes me longer than it takes the workout leader. As a 40something woman who does a lot of dog hiking and horse riding, I find that this works muscles that I do not use in my normal life. This is a good thing, of course, and why I got the TG in the first place. If you are someone who is in moderately fit to out of shape, this is a good piece of equipment to work out with; if you want to win body building contests I doubt this is your best choice. Even though I am fairly active when I started some of the shoulder and arm things I was really huffing puffing and cussing. The leg workouts I can set the TG at a higher intensity setting for a good workout; the arm stuff I set it at a lower incline since I am weak there at present. Squats and toe raises and whatnot I can do all the day long, but those straight arm pullovers and snow angels are EVIL. Which is the whole purpose of getting the thing in the first place. The set came with a DVD with 6 to 8 minute workouts and after three weeks of doing a single routine every day I am now bumping it up to two per session. For someone who is not ready to hang feet first and do inclined sit ups like nobody's business right out of the gate, this is a helpful start. It's enough to build without killing yourself and getting discouraged, and once it gets easy you can either double up workouts or else raise the incline (or both as you get fitter). There are also longer workouts on another two DVDs provided, but I am working up to that yet. My jeans are liking me better, for sure, and while I have not lost weight I have lost inches and can tell that the exercises are getting easier. I find that doing a short workout every day is much easier for me to keep on with rather than a bigger workout that leaves me sore every other day or three days a week. The TG XLS seems to be sturdy and is easy to use. The DVDs are clear and give good descriptions and advice while you workout. I have the wall poster up to check out and have done some workouts from the card deck provided as well, so even if you are not a follow the leader on the DVD type you can get a good workout plan put together.

The setup was a pinch and it's so easy and versatile to work out on. I am doing exercises I could never do at home before, like pull-ups and back rows, and it makes working out a lot more fun. I would recommend this to everyone that wants to get in shape and bulk up. After the first workout I felt very sore the next day and pretty sore the first week, but after 2 weeks I've already noticed muscle gains. Update: March 16, 2013 It has been a year and a half since I started using my Total Gym XLS, and I still love it and use it every week. The quality and reliability of each workout has not gone down at all, and I even had on 50 lbs to the extra weight bar attachment, and it still glides with no problems or concerns. After having this for so long, I have found out what works and what doesn't in terms of exercises. The deck that comes with it is great, and has many excellent workout moves, but a majority of them are a waste to perform. Find muscle group exercises that work for you, alternate every week, and stick with them. I also found a ton of great exercise variations (especially for the abs) online and on YouTube. For me, I now perform bicep, shoulder, some tricep, and chest exercises with my own dumbbells and barbells. I use the Total Gym bench for chest because it acts as a great incline/decline bench. For all other muscle groups, I use my Total Gym. Overall, I'm still very happy with my purchase and the improvement of my health it has provided me. I'm sure it will last for many more years. Update: August 25th, 2021 It’s hard to believe but I have had this for 10 years now and it still works like it’s new. The only signs of wear are on the bench; it has ripped slightly around the top corners but it doesn’t impact use at all or look like it’s going to rip further. It’s my fault too because I had it in storage with stuff sitting on top of it for years while I was in college. There’s also freckle sized rust spots that dot the metal bar the bench slides on, but it’s only aesthetic and not corroded. It has survived at least 3 moves, extended time being outside in all sorts of weather, extended storage collecting dust and cob webs, and garage/indoor use. The handles and pulley system are still perfect. It still provides a great resistance workout. If I recall, your weight + added weight to the bar shouldn’t exceed 300 pounds, so after that a gym would be better. But I still use this every day and really enjoy the versatility of it. After having it for so long I’ve been able to tweak certain moves and create my own that really add to the overall value.

Sorry ... this is a long one. I'm really excited about my new Total Gym XLS! I've been watching the infomercials about this machine for years. I'm a former athlete in the "over fifty" category now and lately have been feeling like I've been losing muscle mass at a scary pace. Honestly, I have no desire to see the inside of a gym ever again but decided I needed to do something. I have two very expensive aerobic-type exercise machines and I hate them both. So ... I ordered the Total Gym XLS. The reason I just gave you my "life's story" is to encourage other "mature" folks to give this a try. First, the Total Gym arrived well-packaged and completely assembled! Hurrah! The XLS package comes with lots of goodies ... quick start instructions and DVD, accessories for the machine, a creative exercise card system, and a whole library of DVD's that can take you as far as you want to go! I was literally working out within 10 minutes of opening the box. The machine is made really well. Pin system is easy to use, pulleys are very smooth, and the body board g-l-i-d-e-s beautifully. The machine folds/unfolds easily and I can roll it into a closet with no hassle. My one comment regarding this: Make sure you place both safety pins fully in the correct holes before attempting to move the machine in its folded/upright position. If not, the body board may shift and catch your fingers. I've only had the XLS for a few weeks but for the first time in about 20 years, I actually wake up looking forward to working out! There are so many options for exercises and the machine is so smooth that I can do a complete workout (all muscle groups) from 20 min - 1 hour. I don't know what the "action" difference is, but I really like it. At the end of my workouts, my muscles feel "used" but good, and I'm not sore for the following two days. I've been impressed that some of my flexibility is coming back, too. Feels great! AND, believe it or not ... I've dropped 8 lbs. without making any other lifestyle changes. I can DEFINITELY handle that! Wish I had purchased this gem a long time ago. If you're on the fence, give it a try. You can have your own whole home gym forever for less than the annual cost of an elite gym membership. (And, ladies, you don't have to shower and do hair/make-up just to use it!!) Kuddos to Mr. Norris, Ms. Brinkley and the entire Total Gym team for putting together such a great product. Thank you for continuing to encourage us all to stay fit!

OK this is going to be long. The summary is -- get this machine! In 2000 I bought the very basic total gym from Costco. At that time I was having a lot of issues with my joints. I literally started at the bottom doing one arm and one leg exercise. When I could do ten reps I added another exercise, and when I got to several exercises I raised the height. By 2012, although with occasional flareups, my pain level was definitely down and I was able to swim and walk better than I had been able to in years. In 2012 I had a DEXA (bone) scan which showed I had bone loss and was close to osteoporosis. I decided I needed to kick up the weight bearing exercise. I purchased this model mainly because you can add weights to it, which you couldn't do with the basic model; but also for the pilates. Again I slowly added exercises and then slowly added weights. Four years later (and what prompted me to finally write a review) I had another DEXA scan. My T-score has remained steady and the bone mass in my femur has INCREASED. I use this 5 days a week, 2 days arms, 2 days legs, and I do the Pilates routine that came with this once a week. Ab stuff is mixed in with all of them. My arm/leg days take about half an hour, the Pilates takes me about 45 minutes. As others have mentioned, there is a tremendous variety of exercises that you can do. Having it at home makes it much easier to do regularly. Although I do still belong to a gym (for pool access), I would never be able to get there 5 days a week to do the weight training that I can do with this machine. I haven't had the durability issues others have mentioned but then I am pretty small. I have had the cover on the sort of cushion at the top tear. But then I am pretty small. Really really I credit this machine with reducing my pain, saving my ability to do other physical things I like to do (swimming, walking), and even saving my bones. It has literally changed my life.

This is perfect for what I Need gives me a great workout easy to set up aswell

appareil de gym complet avec plein d’exercice possible. bonne qualité. peut être difficile a déplacer seul (lourd). Pas difficile a monter. satisfait.

Great piece of equipment particularly for the more senior person as there is little chance of injury, we are very happy with our total gym it does everything that we want for our home gym.

Excellent service, shipped on time, equipment in perfect condition. Amazing DVDs presentation on machine capabilities. After only 10 days of 1/2 hour use a day, I have seen significant results! Exercising with this machine rewards with feeling the pleasure of your body in motion. Versatility makes this product unique for building the body at the convenience of your home. I have already recommend it to all my friends and co- workers.

Un aparato que balancea y promueve de forma practica tus articulaciones, musculos y energia. Lo llevo usando 4 semanas y mi estado de animo y vitalidad ha contribuido a un mejor estado de animo.