Total gym reviews- 12 best RATED machines and their accessories
Total gym workout machines have been around for a very long time, and they are one of the pioneers of making very durable and reasonably priced compact home gyms that are suitable for everyone regardless of their age and fitness levels.
The total gym has been reviewed as the BEST home gym equipment for people who are not big fans of weightlifting or using resistance bands. It’s the ONLY all in one world renowned home gym that can do all those gym workouts without using weights or resistance bands.
The total gym has been designed to do more than 80 workouts using low-impact motion. The glide-board, which is a sliding bench that lets you easily execute every exercise without over-complicating each move. It enables you to focus on your workout rather than worrying about whether you are doing your exercises the right way or the wrong way. The total gym was designed to keep you safe and injury free, which is often the case with using weights and gym equipment.
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The number one issue that I find with most home gyms is the fact that they are not easy to use and they usually target people who are at advanced fitness level. Despite that, all home gyms are labeled as being suitable for everyone, but the truth is that they are not designed that way.
I firmly believe that one of the main reasons why people quit working out and stop using their home gym that they bought for a hefty price is because most of these home gyms are not designed for all fitness levels. And that’s why you have to figure out what type of total/home gym is right for you by reading total gym reviews and other home gym reviews, so you know for sure that you are buying the right workout equipment.
The ultimate goal of getting the right workout equipment is to make you get fitter and healthier, but to achieve that, you need to stay motivated and committed, and that will only happen if you are enjoying your workouts and getting the right home gym will go a long way to help you achieve that.
In this total gym reviews article, I will review and try to give my very honest opinion about the most popular total gym workout machines that are on the market right now to help you make the right decision.
Here is a quick overview:
Model | Weight Capacity [lb] | Resistance Level | Number of Exercises | Height Limit | Dimensions (W× L×H) | Unit Weight (lb) | Warranty | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XL7 Best Value | 350 | 12 | 60+ | 5'2 | 16” x 92.5” x 43” | 55.65 | 1 year | |
1100 | 275 | 6 | 60+ | 16" x 91" x 43.5'' | 58 | 1 year | ||
Apex G3 Best for Beginners | 300 | 8 | 70+ | 6'2 | 15.5” x 93” x 43.25” | 53.2 | 1 year | |
Xtreme | 350 | 12 | 60+ | 6'5 | 16” x 92.5” x 43” | 1 year | ||
1600 | 250 | 8 | 60+ | 16" x 92.5" x 43" | 53.2 | 1 year Frame | ||
Fit | 450 | 12 | 85+ | 6'5 | 18.5” x 93” x 44.5 | 66 | Lifetime frame. 2 years parts | |
XLS Best Overall | 400 | 6 | 80+ | 6'2 | 19” x 90” x 43” | 68 | Lifetime frame. 6 months parts | |
Apex G1 | 300 | 6 | 60+ | 6'2 | 15.5'' x 93'' x 43.5'' | 53.2 | 6 Months | |
1400 Deluxe | 275 | 8 | 60+ | 16'' x 92.5'' x 43.25'' | 53.2 | 1 year | ||
Apex G5 | 375 | 10 | 80+ | 6'2 | 15.5” x 93” x 43.25” | 53.2 | 1 year | |
1900 | 350 | 12 | 60+ | 16" x 92.5" x 43.2" | 55.65 | 1 year | ||
X-Force | 350 | 12 | 60+ | 6'2 | 16” x 92.5” x 43” | 55.65 | 1 year |
And if you simply want to know the best Total Gym machine on our list, the one that gives you the best bang for your buck, or the most suitable home gym for beginners, here you go!
Total Gym Reviews Buying Guide
Total Gym XLS
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
The Total Gym XLS is the best choice regardless of your fitness level or age. This model offers a smoother resistance than any other home gym on this list and is built to last a lifetime. It also has one of the highest weight limits on the market, making it an excellent choice for larger users. I highly recommend this machine if you want a home gym that's worth the money and hype.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
The best-selling Total Gym machine. If you don't mind its price, the XLS is an absolute beast.
Total Gym XL7
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
The Total Gym XL7 is in a league of its own. This outstanding home gym is designed to give you maximum value for your money. With 12 adjustable resistance levels and a maximum weight limit of 350 lbs, this machine makes working out smooth and easy. The best part is that it is also ideal for beginners and can offer pros the intense workout they desire. Add the fact that this machine is super quiet during use, and you have the best home gym worth your bucks.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
Less pricey compared to the XLS and offers almost similar value.
Total Gym Apex G3
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
The Total Gym Apex G3 is the mid-range home gym solution from the Total Gym Apex Series. This machine can support users who weigh up to 300 lbs and is ideal for users of all ages and fitness levels, especially beginners. With the Apex G3, you can perform over seventy exercises.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
Comfortable, easy to use, and just right for beginners.
Before reviewing total gym machines… Will total gym help you lose weight?
Before we dig in and start reviewing the different types of total gyms. You need to decide on whether total gym is the right workout equipment for you or not.
The bottom line is that total gym is designed for people with beginner and intermediate fitness levels. To cut the chase, if you are a pro athlete or someone who is experienced weightlifter or some marathon runner, then total gym is a waste of your time and money.
But, if you are someone who is a beginner or even someone who works out 2-4 days per week or likes to run on weekends, and feel that you need to challenge yourself and try to get fitter and more toned and lose weight in the process, then I can gladly say that total gym is definitely going to help you achieve that.
PROS and CONS of Total Gyms
PROS OF TOTAL GYMS
1- All in one workout equipment. It means that you will not need to buy another piece of equipment to do other exercises that total gym doesn’t cover. It covers more than 85+ exercises, which means whatever exercises you want to do, you will be able to do using the total gym.
2- Total body workout equipment. Because it covers so many different exercises, you will be able to work out so many different muscles, and this is where so many home gyms fall short.
3- Uses low-impact system. The low impact system was designed to be user friendly and very safe. whatever your fitness level is, you will enjoy working out on the total gym because it’s so easy to use and getting used to.
4-Uses body weight. The combination of the low-impact glideboard and your body weight will make you feel that you are in full control of every single move, which not the case with weights and gym equipment.
5- Switching between exercises is a seamless experience. The ultimate goal of the total gym design is let you focus and enjoy your workout and this is where you will notice it the most. Switching between exercises is really easy and smooth.
7- Total gyms need NO assembly. All total gyms come fully assembled and that’s my favourite thing about total gyms. As you might know that assembling workout equipment takes really long time and it’s a very painful experience.
8- Includes all accessories. Total gym comes with all the accessories at no extra cost. Let’s face it, most fitness equipment come with no/limited accessories and you end up paying extra for those, which is a rip off.
9- Workouts are 10-20 mins long. The workouts range between 10-20 mins. And they have a quick workouts for those days when you have very little time to do anything.
10– Some total gyms cam take up to 400lb.
CONS OF TOTAL GYMS
1-Some total gyms are longer than expected. Some people get very surprised that the total gym was longer than they first anticipated. Make sure that you check the dimensions, so you don’t get stuck figuring out where to put it.
2- You have to remove accessories to do some exercises. The only thing that annoyed me a little bit was that some accessories where in the way, and you have to move them before you can do more exercises.
3- Some customers reported that it can be squeaky and noisy after long use. Despite the fact that total gyms are made from steel and they are very durable, but some screws can get loose and they start to make noises. I have to say that never happened to me personally but it something to remember.
4- Their warranty differ from model to model, so you need to make sure that you know what kind of a warranty you are getting.
5- Every models come with more accessories than others.
6- Most models (if not all) don’t let you add weights to make exercises more challenging.
REVIEW OF MOST POPULAR TOTAL GYMS
As you know, that there are different models of total gyms on the market and every single one of them has its CONS and PROS. That’s why, when it comes to figuring out what are the main differences between the different models, and then deciding on which one to get, it’s not that easy and you need to do your home work.
I really do feel that it’s really important that you get a very clear idea to what each model does and/or doesn’t do, so at the end, you can make the right decision and purchase the one that is going to work for you.
In simple words; the Total Gym XL7 Home Gym is a beast. First of all, it goes up to 12 levels, which makes it truly suitable for beginners and experts alike. This machine was built to last. It super sturdy and quiet and everything about it says professional.
It holds up to 350 lb and like I said, it’s very sturdy and just lets you focus on your workout rather than worrying about annoying noise or moving parts while you work out.
In my opinion, what makes this exercising equipment great value is the accessories that are included in the price, which are:
- AbCrunch accessory
- Wing attachment
- Leg pull accessory
- Dip bars
- Press up bars
- Leg stability mat
- Squat stand
- Workout DVDs
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
As you can see, this is well worth the investment if you are seriously considering buying professional-grade exercising equipment at a great value. Same as the other model, it comes fully assembled, and you can store it easily.
#2. Total Gym 1100
ATTENTION: 1100 is discontinued on Amazon- Please check out these upgraded new models: TOTAL GYM APEX G1 TOTAL GYM APEX G3
Total gym 1100 is the most basic one of them all. It’s the lightest one and comes fully assembled. You can fold it up and/or unfold it with ease, and usually, one person can do that without any help.
It’s suitable for people of different sizes. If you are worried that it probably won’t be suitable for someone who is 6 feet or taller, then let me assure you that this is not an issue with the total gym 1100.
Some people who are 6 feet and taller that have used it more than 6 years said that they never had any problem with range of motion or its stability and it holds up to 275 LB in weight despite the fact that it’s a light weight equipment.
It comes with with leg and wing attachments, which allow you to do squats and pull-ups respectively. It also comes with a comprehensive exercising chart that covers so many different exercises, which I found very helpful.
Despite being the basic model, total gym 1100 covers more than 60 exercises and it’s one of the mos popular total gyms out there. It has 6 levels of resistance which I feel that it can limit your progress if you are at a advanced fitness level.
The ONLY complaint that I have regarding this model is that it doesn’t have all the extras that you will get with latest models.
If you are a beginner and looking for your first home gym, then this one will tick all the boxes and more.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
The Total Gym 1100 gives you good value for your money. It is cheap, easy to use, and highly durable. If you want a home gym that will offer you excellent stability while you exercise, the Total Gym 1100 is a great choice.
The Total Gym Apex G3 is of the newest models in the Apex Series by Total Gym. The Apex G3 is typically cheaper than the G5 and just a little pricier than the G1.
This model is ideal for burning calories, building and toning muscles. Like most Total home gyms, it is perfect for users between the ages of 8 to 80. The Apex G3 is one of the few home gyms that are super easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
It comes with eight adjustable resistance levels and a maximum weight limit of 300 lb. The Apex G3 offers users over seventy exercise options to choose from and provides a full-body, low-impact workout.
This machine is highly durable, versatile, and affordable. Thanks to its padded, ergonomic glide board, the Apex G3 offers users maximum comfort during exercise.
When it comes to attachment, the Total Gym Apex G3 comes with the following:
- Exercise wall chart
- Wing attachments
- Bar clips
- A wall chart
- Leg pull attachment
- Nutrition guide
- DVDs and access to online streaming workouts.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
If you are new to home gyms or working out, the Total Gym Apex G3 is an excellent choice for you. This machine is easy to use and offers a full-body, low-impact for safe exercises.
#4. Total Gym Xtreme
The Total Gym Xtreme is one of the most popular home gym solutions from Total Gym. The machine is designed to give users a low-impact and full-body workout that minimizes the risk of an injury during exercises.
Many users love that this model comes with twelve resistance levels, which is quite rare for a machine within its price range. It offers over sixty exercise options and can support users who weigh as much as 350 lb. The Total Gym Xtreme does come with a short warranty, but its versatility and durability make it worth the money.
In terms of attachments, the Total Gym Xtreme comes with the following:
- AbCrunch Boards (allows over ten ab exercises)
- A squat stand (great for performing lunging and squatting exercises with ease)
- Wing attachment
- Leg pulley system (allows users to perform different leg exercises)
- Adjustable Training Deck/Device Holder
- Tri-Grip Shaper Bars
- Exercise Guide
- Nutrition manual
- Total Gym TV access
- User manual
- DVD
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
The Total Gym Xtreme is an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee which is something many users love about this product. With twelve resistance levels, this machine offers a more intense workout than most home gyms on the shelves.
#5. Total Gym 1600
ATTENTION: 1600 is discontinued on Amazon- Please check out these upgraded new models: TOTAL GYM APEX G1 TOTAL GYM APEX G3
If you are thinking about getting the Total gym 1600, then you won’t be disappointed. It feels very sturdy, stable and it can take some serious beating, if you are worried about its durability. It has 8 levels of resistance, which is more than enough of a challenge and will accommodate anyone’s fitness level.
You need to know that the 1600 version holds up to 250lb in weight and comes fully assembled. And the best part is that it comes with an array of accessories:
- Multi-function attachment
- Leg pull accessory
- Dip bars
- Press up bars
- Squat stand
- Workout DVDs
- Exercise Flip Chart
- Exercise Guide,
- Nutrition Guide
As you can see that it comes with so many accessories that will help you target so many different muscles, which lets focus on the areas that you want tone up first.
The thing that you need to keep in mind is that this unit comes only with 1 year warranty and doesn’t have the popular abcrunch accessory that a lot of people really like.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
While the Total Gym 1600 is one of the older models from Total Gym, it is still one of the best choices if you want a durable home gym and you don't mind purchasing it from other vendors.
Total gym XLS is top of the line home gym that is considered to be the BEST total gym on the market. In simple terms, Total gym XLS is a high gym quality equipment that will last a lifetime. It holds up to 400lb of weight and covers the most exercises in comparison to the other total gyms.
It’s built in a way so that you don’t need to have so many different attachments which will make your workout more effective and efficient, as you won’t waste your time attaching and detaching stuff every time you need to do different exercise that requires an attachment.
The only downside is the price. It’s by far the most expensive total gym and if you never had a total gym before, then I would recommend that you try the other models before considering this one.
The Total Gym XLS model comes with three add-ons and the following attachments:
- A guide
- A ribbed squat stand
- Leg pull attachment
- An exercise card deck
- Ankles cuffs
- A wing attachment
- Five workout DVDs
- A wall chart
- Dan Isakson's Nutritional Program & Meal
- Three training programs
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
The Total Gym XLS is a winner for many reasons. Not many home gyms offer as much durability and comfort at a great price like the XLS. This model offers a whopping 80 exercises and a smoother resistance than most home gyms on the market. Little wonder that it's the best-selling Total Gym machine on the market. Worth the shot? Absolutely.
The Total Gym Apex G1 is the first model in the Apex series from Total Gym. This home gym is designed to make working out at home comfortable, easy and affordable.
It comes with a padded, ergonomic glide board that offers extra comfort and flexibility during exercises. The model also features an auto-lock height adjustment feature.
In terms of attachments, the Total Gym Apex G1 comes with the following:
- Exercise guide
- Wing attachments
- Bar clips
- A wall chart
- Leg pull attachment
- A nutritional guide
- DVDs and access to online streaming workouts.
- Upright caps
- Safety Hitch
- Wheel kit
- Tube roller
- Front crossbar
- Glide board
- Cable kit
- Handle
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
The Total Gym Apex G1 is an excellent buy if you want a home gym that is very affordable. This home gym is one of the few budget-friendly home gyms on the market that offers excellent stability and durability.
ATTENTION: 1400 is discontinued on Amazon- Please check out these upgraded new models: TOTAL GYM APEX G1 TOTAL GYM APEX G3
The Total Gym 1400 Deluxe is definitely an upgrade on the total gym 1100. The first thing to note is that it has 8 resistance levels where the Total Gym 1100 had 6 resistance levels, which will make your workout more challenging as you improve your fitness level.
It also includes more accessories than the basic model which will help you to do more targeted exercises. It’s much more robust and sturdier than the basic model as well, so you don’t have to worry about it wiggling or making noises while working out or doing fast paced exercises.
Just like the total 1100, it holds up to 275 lb and it’s suitable for people of all sizes. It covers more than 60 exercises as well as it comes fully assembled. The folding/unfolding mechanism is really smooth and effortless and takes no time to store, which is really a huge plus when buying a compact home gym.
Best of them all, It comes with 10 years warranty and I think that’s really handy to have when the time comes.
The thing that caught my attention with The Total Gym 1400 Deluxe is that people of different fitness levels seem to rate this machine highly , which is a rarity for a workout equipment in this price range.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
The Total Gym 1400 Deluxe offers maximum versatility, allowing users to perform over 60 exercises with ease. It also comes with multiple accessories to make working out easier and more effective. You can achieve a full bodywork with this machine.
#10. Total Gym Apex G5
The Total Gym Apex G5 is the top-of-the-line model in the Apex Series from Total Gym. Many users loved that this model offers a full-body, low-impact workout and is also easy on the wallet.
The Apex G5 offers over 80 exercises and can support users who weigh up to 375 lb. With ten adjustable resistance levels and an array of accessories that make working out easy, the Apex G5 is a great buy. This model is ideal if you are looking to lose weight, stay fit, build or tone your muscles, or improve energy.
For attachments, this model comes with:
- A larger squat stand
- Wing attachment
- Leg pull accessory (great for performing a variety of leg exercises)
- Dip bars
- Training deck with holder
- Two stability mats
- Exercise Guide
- Nutrition manual
- Total Gym TV access
- User manual
- DVD
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
If you want a home gym that is affordable and offers a broad range of exercise options, resistance levels, and offers a higher weight limit than the Apex G1 and G3, the Total Gym Apex G5 may be the right home gym for you.
For more details, check out: Total Gym Apex G5 – Is It The Right Home Gym For You?
#11. Total Gym 1900
ATTENTION: 1900 is discontinued on Amazon- Please check out these upgraded new models: TOTAL GYM APEX G5
This is another total gym that is very popular. The first you will notice about the total gym 1900 is that It comes with 12 resistance levels and holds up to 350lb which the 1600 model didn’t.
The other good news is that it comes with all the extras that we like:
- Harness for leg exercise
- The palates bar
- Hand bar with foot pads
- 90 degree hand bars
- Hand bar with armrest
- Another set of hand bars
Bear in mind that the 1900 model doesn’t include the mat that XLS model has, which means that you need to purchase that separately if you really want it. However, this model does come with so many accessories and my bet is that you probably won’t need to buy anymore accessories.
Just like with every total gym, it comes fully assembled and lets you do more than 60 exercises. And again, it’s suitable for all fitness levels.
Some people did complain about the fact that this model is a touch heavier than the other models, and I’m not sure this is case as far as I’m concerned. But, it might need some assembly, which depends on the seller that you are going to buy from.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
You can't go wrong with the Total Gym 1900, especially if you want a home gym that gives you smooth resistance, offers close to 60 exercises and doesn't put a strain on your wallet.
#12. Total Gym X-Force
Total gym X-force is comparable to the XLS and FIT models. It has 12 resistance revels and comes with the same accessories that XLS model comes with, and they are:
- Abcruch accessory
- Wing attachment
- Leg pull accessory
- Dip bars
- Press up bars
- Leg stability mat
- Squat stand
- Workout DVDs
This model holds up to 350 lb in weight and feels very stable and sturdy. I might add that some people did find it not as sturdy as the XLS and FIT models, but it doesn’t mean that this model is not. In fact, it's very sturdy and a gym quality and most people won’t have this problem with X-force model.
Pros
Cons
Takeaway
Apart from the warranty, the X-Force is an excellent deal for many reasons. It is affordable, supports users that weigh up to 350 lb, and can easily be stored in compact spaces. What's more? It has a lot of positive customer reviews, which means this machine is quite good.
Total gym accessories that you must have
AbCrunch Accessory – you will be able to do over 10 ab exercises. Like as I said before, this accessory is the most popular and for a very good reason. If you toning you abs is one of your priority, then I strongly believe that the Abcrunch will help you achieve that.
Wing Attachments – This attachment comes with almost all the models. You can attach it to either top or bottom rails to tone up your upper and lower body muscles. You can do leg curl with straight arm lift, pull up, shoulder press, and more.
Leg Pull Accessory – This is very effective for targeting all sides of your legs. You will be able to tone and strengthen your thighs, hamstrings, glutes and more.
Dip Bars – This will definitely make your pectorals, shoulders, chest and triceps muscles scream because of how effective it is at targeting these muscles.
Durable Stability Mats – If you need to make your total gym more sturdy and stable, then you can place one at each end of the total gym.
Squat Stand – As the name entails, this is an amazing accessory for targeting your lower body and especially your glutes and legs.
Press-up bars– This attachment will help you strengthen your triceps and shoulders and also work as a pull-up bar.
Final thought
Based on my personal experience, total gym is one of the best compact home gyms out there. It accommodates almost all fitness levels and it’s very affordable. It’s suitable for all ages and sizes and holds up to 400lbs (depending on the model).
All total gyms come fully assembled and all you need to do is take it out of the box, unfold it and start working about immediately.
Bear in mind that not all models come with the full set of accessories, and also the warranty is not the same with each model.
That being said, you are getting a gym quality home gym that’s built from durable material and will last a lifetime.