This is not a complete review of the features and specifications of the Total Gym XLS. I have owned and used a Total Gym 1000 for 8 years, and finally purchased an XLS this year. This review includes my observations as a long-term Total Gym owner.Note: I''ve updated this review after 20 months of ownership (October 20, 2012).
First: The Purchase Price
The ''regular'' price is almost $2000. A smart consumer will watch the prices on Amazon and on Total Gym''s website, because the machine regularly sells for less. Much less. The offers change everyday (and are almost always accompanied by "Offer Ends Today") but have been hovering around 50% of the regular price. Wait. Watch the totalgymdirect.com website. The prices sometimes drop to 60% off. Search for discount coupons on the internet. Many can be combined with the sale price, even when they say they cannot. I purchased mine for $774 with the ab attachment (after using a discount code). But later there was a 60% off sale, which combined with the $200 off discount code got the price down to under $600 with the ab attachment. I wish I had waited!
Next: The Qualities of the Machine.
Think what you will of Total Gym''s pricing and marketing practices. The machine is excellent (but definitely NOT worth $2000!). I loved my 1000 model, and the XLS is better.
The real strengths of the Total Gym lie in its use of real weight (your body weight) rather than bands or rods for resistance. The feel is excellent and the exercises are perhaps more fun because you''re moving (my primal brain loves the motion).
The adjustable resistance and configuration of the Total Gym make it possible for a person to undertake exercises they normally would not be able to do: pull ups and ''handstand'' push ups with the included wing attachment for example. You can slowly improve and increase the weight over time (and add even more weight with the optional weight bar). I have seen great improvement as a result. The same is true of squats with the included squat board. You can slowly (or rapidly) build up your leg strength from a lower level. Hint: when you need even more resistance, start doing one leg squats with the weight bar on. Killer.
Optional Attachments:
I wouldn''t necessarily purchase the press up bars (you can use the wing attachment) or the dip bars (you can work your triceps in other exercises. Try the inverted military press with the wing attachment.).
The weight bar is a necessity when you get beyond the highest setting on the machine (44% of your body weight). Total gym should wise up and provide retainer clips with the bar though. I can''t believe they expect loose free weights to stay on the bar while you''re moving! If you buy the bar, go to a fitness supply store and ask for the spring locks for a 1 inch weight bar. They should cost $5 for two. You might also want to find some spacers to keep the weights from rubbing against the vinyl on the glideboard. Two short pieces of 1 inch inside diameter pvc pipe work well.
The Ab Crunch attachment is definitely worth buying. You can see the results quite quickly. Ultimately, though, to get a visible six pack, I had to use the Total Gym as a slant board, doing sit ups while holding a 50 lb. free weight. Nothing''s ever easy, is it?
Some Exercises the Total Gym Does Not Do Well
The Total Gym is not really a ''total'' gym. You would be well advised to purchase a set of dumbbells to use along with the machine. You can use the TG as a bench when you''re using them.
Why do I recommend the dumbbells? The Total Gym bench press and chest fly exercises are too awkward to bother with. The cable/pulley position is not right for these exercises, and regardless of the manufacturer''s claim that this awkwardness requires you to use all kinds of extra stabilizer muscles, the fact is, you cannot properly isolate the muscles you''re trying to focus on. The dumbells are also much better for bicep and tricep curls. And they''re cheap!
Clearly, experiences vary. In the comments, Jake wrote: "I used a total gym for years. I never found the chest or flys all that awkward. They take a little getting use to, but if you''ve ever used a cable machine in the gym for chest movements (a great piece of equipment) it''s very similar. It takes a little practice to get it focused in on the chest, but so do dumbbells and barbells. I''m not saying the Total Gym is better than free weights, i''m just saying the above exercises on it are not worthless once you''ve had some practice at them."
Be Aware of the Length of the Machine / Be Careful to Avoid Injury!
Many reviewers have commented on this issue. It''s well over 7 feet long unfolded. It will take up a great deal of space in a small room. You will also need a fair amount of space around the sides to allow for your arm movements with the cables during exercises. I leave mine setup, and it is basically THE item in my exercise room.
CAUTION: be careful if you''re going to fold it. It is really easy to get your fingers caught in the wrong places. Even when you think you''re safe, that glideboard suddenly moves! I''ve had a few painful pinches that could have been a lot worse if I hadn''t reacted quickly.
In the comments, Ed offered this excellent advice: "I''ll add to your first CAUTION about the moving glideboard: inserting a short safety hitch pin into the storage hole on the lower end of the glideboard keeps it from moving when folding the TG XLS. Storing the unit is described in Step 2 on page 12 of the XLS Owner''s Manual. Note: when not in use, the safety hitch pins can be stored in the hole slots at the bottom of the Training Deck Holder."
CAUTION: if you have long hair, put it in a ponytail at the least! Your long hair WILL get caught in the wheels if you don''t put it in an elastic. Guaranteed. ;)
Quality My Experience So Far (20 months in, as of October 2012).
Not long after I wrote this review, I noticed some very light indentations where the wing attachment presses against the rails. They are not in the roll zone (so the glide board doesn''t roll over them) and have never increased in depth, despite the fact that I routinely use the total gym with an additional 145 lbs. on the weight bar (a total of about 330 lbs). Someone else mentioned similar dents in their review (and returned their machine), so I thought that it was worth mentioning that I had a similar, albeit better, experience.
Reviewer CRT had trouble with his wheels. Despite piling the weight onto mine, I haven''t had that problem yet, so there must have been quality control problems that affect some units and not others. Obviously, your mileage may vary. The bearings in the wheels on my old 1000 model were still good after 8 years, but the surfaces of the wheels were pitted, so I make sure to wipe off the rails of the XLS occasionally to prevent that from happening. If you get pitting, you can feel it. If you need to replace any parts, I''ve seen nothing but good reviews about Huck Products. I''ve never used their parts myself though, so check out reviews of their products for yourself.
Overall Impression
I bought the XLS after using the TG1000 for years. I don''t regret the purchase at all, and I love the extra accessories. The machine is worth purchasing if you can get it at the reduced prices discussed above. If not, consider a used model or a lesser model. The 1000 model is still available online in Canada for about $160, shipping included (as of January 2011). QVC sells similar inexpensive models in the U.S.
I always see great deals on Craigslist, and if you live near a major city, a used machine is a great option. Find the owners manual online, make a parts list (so that you can ensure nothing is missing), and take someone with you when you go to see the machine for safety''s sake.
Do I still use the Total Gym?
In the comments, a reader, Susan, asked me whether I still use the Total Gym. I do: "I still use the Total Gym every second day, and do cardio on the days between (with a day or two off every week -sometimes work gets in the way!).... I use free weights as well, and I ended up buying a rack and bench system for bench presses and squats, because my wife thought I was going to drop the weights and kill myself one day. The thing is, I would never have gotten to lifting those heavy weights without the total gym, and the total gym is still best for about half of the weight training exercises I perform. I could use it for more of the exercises if I needed to, but since I have the weights, I use them." By the way, if you get to the point where you need a rack system, consider converting an old Soloflex machine for that purpose (Google "Soloflex Hybrid"). It''s by far the least expensive option.
I am 5'' 10", 185 lbs, not near the advertised maximum recommended capacity of 400 lbs.
I am not pleased with the overall quality. When I spend the extra money for the top end model, I have high expectations. This model has failed to meet them, and I wonder if I would have been just a well served with one of the two lower end units. The wheels and bearing are just not top end quality. My unit started to become creaky and squeaky right about the six month point, but it wasn''t until it became distractingly noise and rough at about the eight month point that I became concerned.
The parts have a six month warranty. Even if I had taken action within this period, I would be facing the same issue again shortly (I assume). I ended up purchasing after-market wheel/bearing from Huck Products for $75 (inc S/H). The machine now feels like I had expected, better than original. Butter smooth.
The additional features of the XLS over the other models include (with my comments):
400 lb weight capacity for total strength and stability (if an average 185# user wore out the wheels....??)
Upgraded comfort system (True...good quality)
Upgraded pulley and cable system (No problems yet)
Flexible nylon strap handles (These are upgrades for lesser models; haven''t tried the other style for comparison)
Upgraded squat stand (Again, an upgrade for other models)
Padded glideboard with head support (Redundant...see second item)
Chrome package (whoopee)
Exercise capability over 80 exercises (OK...not quite sure why the lower models show 40 and 60...must not have some of the attachments)
With the exception of the first feature (400#), I cannot complain. There is no doubt the XLS is clearly a much better machine than the models carried in Dicks or Sears.
The Total Gym 2000 and 3000 advertise max capacities of 250 and 300 lbs respectively. More research into the quality of those models'' wheels/bearings should be part of any comparisons. It might be worthwhile to buy either of these models and upgrade to Huck''s high quality wheels (they have other parts as well) when the time comes.
3 stars is a bit of a low-balled exaggeration. If I could, I would say 3.8 on my subjective Amazon scale. Just under my 4.0 threshold of mostly satisfied and glad I made the purchase. But rounding up to 4 stars minimizes my current dismay at shelling out $75 a few months after the warranty period.
I will post this review on the Total Gym Direct where I purchased it (for ~$, not the current ~$)...let''s see if it makes it past the editors.We had seen so many different types of equipment that we didn''t know which ones really provided an excellent workout without killing us in the process. My wife and I were very happy when we received this product with minimal setup (10 minutes) and we were following the DVD moments afterward. What a great workout! We also have a bowflex, but this new equipment can do things the bowflex can''t. We use them in unison and recommend the Total Gym to anyone willing to workout 15 minutes every other day.
Read Best Reviews of Total Gym XLS Trainer Here
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.
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I purchased this as my first piece of equipment for my home gym. I had been contemplating the Total Gym since 2004 and finally took the leap. What a great product! It came assembled, but did take some finesse to set up because it was heavier than I expected. Nonetheless, it''s "heavy size" is good because it is a stable and solid machine.The best features are as follows:
1) Deck of cards -there is a variety of workouts and makes it easy for me because it pre-plans rather than having to go in and plan out an efficient workout. It takes 3 minutes to order the deck of cards for my workout and I am ready to go.
2) The ease of the machine -it slides smoothly, there is no noise, and it feels more consistent than some of the pieces of equipment at my local gym.
3) Results -I felt immediate results and the progress seems to be better than at my local gym. This machine helps in ensuring proper form and it is a better alternative to free weights at home. I feel that I have not lost out in any way by canceling my gym membership ... in fact, I think I have gained!
4) Professional and enticing look -I must say it catches people''s eyes when they see this machine and a lot want to know, "What is it? Does it work? How does it work?" I still cannot get over the fact that I own one. It has a professional look to it, not the look of a cheap and flimsy machine that you can purchase anywhere else.
5) Colors -Blue and black go great! It looks like a state of the art piece of equipment and feels as such too. (I am a girl, colors and the look is quite the winner on this one :-))
Some improved suggestions:
1) Wing attachment warning -The wing/pull up bar is located under the Total Gym. When taking it apart, do NOT forget to pull it out. I completely did not realize and began to slide on the board, when it got stuck, I thought it was because of the Styrofoam under, so I forced the board forward, causing a small tear on one of the handle bars. (I am still bitter about that months later!)
2) Price -I got a great deal on my machine when I purchased it a month and a half ago ... today, I see it went down quite a bit on price, so I am a little bummed about that, but still know that I got a good value for my money.
All in all, you get what you see, no gimmicks, and you will love it. If anything, consider your busy home/work/family life and put a time value on driving out to the gym to wait for some of the machines if not all. It''s nice to NOT have to share and be able to get a decent workout. Total Gym has made a lifelong customer out of me and I regret it took me 6 years to get one.
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