Let me get started by saying I did not purchase this through Amazon.com. I am writing a review here because when I wanted information on this unit I had a tough time finding any.
This gym is a great piece of equipment. I am 6''4" tall and around 285lbs. The gym holds my weight with no problem and is built very rigidly. The various parts all seem to be built well and all parts function great. The ropes are just that, not cables. The pulleys are plastic but are built strong. The glide board doesn''t remind me of a sofa, but provides great support and a reasonable level of compfort. It also glides effortlessly. The chrome is great and the grips on all handles are of superb build quality. Setting up the unit is a breeze since it comes nearly completely assembled. Folding and storage is quick as well. The included curl bar and leg shackles are great as well.
Now for the slightly bad. Since the unit folds it has a break in the glide rails that you feel during certain exercises. If the glide board get within 6 inches of the bottom most point you will feel a noticable thump. Nothing major by any means but can throw your balance a tiny bit during some exercises. The abdominal strap included is a joke. I would rather sit on a bed of nails than use this. Crunches of this unit are great, why bother with this gimmick. Finally if you are very tall or have very long arms some exercises are tough to do. I am 6''4" and max out the glide potential on 1 or 2 exercises. Again, not a big deal.
All in all this machine will get you sweating in a matter of minutes no matter what level of fitness you are. I keep it between levels 3 and 8 with no added weight depending on the exercise. It goes up to 11. I wouldn''t recommend this machine to someone who wants to look like Arnold, but if your goal is to get into great shape and build some muscle too, this machine is a great addition to your home.
My initial review will be short as I hope to follow-up with updates after using for a few months.
Initial thoughts:
WOW, am I impressed with the cost, value, workmanship, etc. I CANNOT believe this only cost $450 with free-shipping (how do they make money as this easily could go for much higher?). I placed my order on a Thursday and received the following Tuesday (under 5 days). This company REALLY knows what it''s doing. Their website is top notch, their product is superb and the cost is incredible. Packaging is above average with double boxing, Styrofoam, etc. Not one problem with the unit I began unpacking alone (recommend two people but I could not wait) and it took me about 10 minutes alone. I kept pulling out a piece of equipment after piece thought to myself, "what a value for the price!". One thing I wish they had as a better workout video that I could follow with the programs. The one they have shows how to use for the majority of the exercises.
Reason I wanted to get this review out there so fast was for others that are on the fence with this vs. the Total Gym. I probably spent 5+ hours on the Net and reviewed all units of this nature and the bottom line was the TT III was the best hands down.
I did initially try a few exercises and felt the ease and resistance (reason I have not put to the full test is I am painting my exercise room...decided to paint after I ordered) and am sure this will provide a great workout.
I 100% recommend over the Total Gym from the quality, price and value.
More to follow....
UPDATE: AUGUST 25th, 2010
Room is painted and ready to go. I followed the "beginners program" (3 sets of 12 reps each) to ease my way back into working out and I am sore. Not a bad sore but a good sore. I did not notice any bumps but it did take a little getting used to. I read one of the reviews, somewhere, that said it was boring after a month! DUH, look up the definition of exercise. Don''t blame this machine. I can see being involved in my workouts and not being bored.
The movements seem to be deceivingly easy but let me tell you, there is an impact that can be felt.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 10th, 2010
OK, this trainer is FUN, FUN, FUN. I glide (pun intended) through a 45 60 minute workout and never even notice the time go by. Does it work the muscles? YES with an aerobic/anaerobic workout that is one of the best I have experienced (compared to free weights and SoloFlex 15+ yrs ago, that I have used).
I would DEFINITELY purchase again without one hesitation, just wish I would have found this years ago.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 24th, 2010
Have been working out 3 days per week, 45-60 minutes per workout, 3 sets of 12 reps. Increased the levels by one to two notches and added extra exercises. I have noticed a significant increase in body tone (as much as one could in 4 weeks) and muscle. One caveat to this trainer... IT IS ADDICTING. I can''t wait to workout and see the results of my effort.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 19th, 2010
Still going very strong with my work-outs and I am STILL LOV''IN THIS machine. A couple of things that have come up:
1)Be careful when you start an exercise and make sure the cables (nylon rope) are not crossed, or they are not caught under the corner of the glide board.
2)Also, today the cable "slipped" out of the steel handle. It appears the clip that is attached to the cable is very thin and can inadvertently slide in between the opening at the handle (once you purchase the machine you will see what I mean).
3)There is a little squeaking from one of the pulleys and creaking from the foot board (when I do squats). Also, I can feel the bump with the glide board however I use this as a guide to correctly do my exercise.
4)Be careful not to "cheat" and lean/pull back when doing some of the exercises. It is easy to not use good form but if you do, you will see the results and also not hurt yourself.
Why am I trying to be so detailed? Because there are not many reviews, besides Amazon and a few others) regarding this machine.
November 16th, 2010
Still going STRONG! I have being using for approx. 2 months. When the appropriate time comes in a conversation, I mention this awesome machine. I am 100% addicted. I have moved pull-ups to Level 9, Chest Presses at 8, Squats at 10, Curls at 8 and everything else at 7. Average workout time, with 10-12 minute warm-up routine is 45-60 minutes.
I have more energy and am getting in the best shape of my life at 47! Pants are looser, shirts tighter and LOV''IN IT. I was 198-200 before and now 193!
One thing to mention: earlier last week, the pulley pulled off (it appears the pin slipped out) and I went kind of flying off while a doing chest press. The bracket bent but was still usable and safe. I contact Bayou and asked for a replacement pulley. Not only, at no charge, did they comply but they are sending TWO and the pins via USPS. Their NO HASSLE service is truly no hassle.
Until next time......thanks for reading and PAY IT FORWARD;-)
UPDATE MARCH 2011
I stopped using this from Dec. 2010 Feb. 2011. No fault of the TT just busy with winter, MBA Program, work, colds and flu.....normal life. No excuses.
I started up the beginning of March 2011 and did not miss a beat. I worked by way back up to where I had left off. In fact, I think giving my body a little time to heal/rebuild has helped. My point is that it was easy to get back in the grove and I attribute that to the Total Trainer.
Still LOVE IT and plan to continue 3 times a week.
Until next time......thanks for reading and PAY IT FORWARD;-)
Buy Bayou Fitness Total Trainer DLX-III Home Gym Now
I have tried numerous home gyms: Free weights, Nordicflex Gold, Soloflex, Bowflex, and Powerblock dumbells, and I have worked out on the Nautilus, Hammerstrength, Cable machines, Free Weights and the Cybex machines. Through my experience of weight training for 10 years for fitness, a variety of exercises are necessary to keep interest going.
As a complement to free weights (Powerblock Rexan Pro), this gym completes what I need: variety for exercises to keep muscles growing. Cable exercises give constant tension when going through the entire range of motion. This machine replicates that feeling and simulates exercises similar to handstand pushups, pullups and every exercise for the body that you can think of (ie Bench, Rows, Curls, extensions, incline situps). The limitation comes to exercises for legs. Although 100 pounds can be added and an exercise similar to leg curls is available, you will need to look for other exercises to ''overload'' the muscles.
Instructions, a video, workout cards with prescribed routines are provided. The machine is 95% assembled except for the foot rest.
As for the machine, setup took less than 10 minutes. Motion is smooth with the ball bearing setup. Only certain exercises make you notice the notch in the middle of the track where there is a noticeable click (majority of exercises do not precipitate the clicking noise). The chrome finish and leather like vinyl cover with 2 inches of padding is nice. Action is smooth and the accessories included tops the higher end gyms such as the Infomercial Total Gym and Bowflex (ie straight bar, leg attachment, pull up and incline bar, deluxe oversized platform for leg exercises). The option to add weights is another advantage over conventional machines of this genre. One limitation is that ropes instead of cables were used; however, there is a lifetime replacement on the pulleys, cables and rollers (this is more than I can say for competitors). The foot rest could be designed to be sturdier (it does tend to sway slightly).
As for safety, two pins lock the incline in place (one metal, one plastic).
This machine is excellent for beginners, intermediate and advanced bodybuilders and athletes. Although not the end all for the advanced bodybuilders, this machine helps augment free weights and is excellent for a supplement to routines. For pilates enthusiasts, a pilates machine is available.
For my first workout, I did the following sequence:
Rows, Seated Bench press, Pull ups, Supine bench press (x3 sets)
Military presses, biceps curls, triceps extensions, squats and leg curls (x 3 sets)
The transition between exercises were pretty simple and circuit training can easily be implemented. Pulley position has to be changed when doing "advanced exercises" such as upright rows, supine bench presses, kneeling curls, etc.
Workouts are ''fun'' and I look forward to exercising regularly. Due to its flexibility and ease of changing resistance, two training partners of different levels can workout together without much trouble.
Item has a 1 year warranty on the remainder of the parts.
Highly recommend Bayou Fitness and the DLX III!
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5 years later and I still use this machine. The chrome is as good as when I received it and surprisingly, the nylon cords are holding their own. For durability, versatility and ease of use, there is no other gym that can do the job in the limited amount of space it takes up.
Read Best Reviews of Bayou Fitness Total Trainer DLX-III Home Gym Here
I used to go to a gym and just do regular workouts to stay in shape, but I was never a gym rat with bulging muscles. I just stayed in shape as best I could. Then I got married and two kids later I was 30 pounds overweight. It was very hard to find time between work and two small kids to get back to the gym so I floundered. I researched the Total Gym (the Chuck Norris / Christy Brinkley machine) and a few others before I cam across the Total Trainer by Bayou Fitness. All the reviews I read seemed to say you get everything the other gyms offer (and more) for less money and the same (or better) quality. So I took a chance on the DLX III since they had a full money back guarantee. It''s been the best $400 or so bucks I''ve spent in a LONG time! Here are some of the key features that have made me extremely glad I bough this gym:
1. It folds up EASILY in seconds (literally) and can be rolled just as easily out of sight.
2. It unfolds even more quickly than it folds up.
3. The attachments that it comes with (pull up bar/leg press pad, etc) attach and come off very easily so switching exercises is super quick.
4. The quality of the machine feels great! It glides smoothly and nothing feels cheap on this thing.
5. The intro and Workout DVD that come with it are a great way (at least for me) to get started with a complete workout on the machine rather than trying to plan what I was going to do next. The DVD is cool because it pairs exercises to show you how to combine two different exercises into a continuous set.
6. IT''S FUN TO USE!!! This is the most important thing about any exercise equipment especially if you are a normal person who just wants to stay more fit but would really rather be doing something else!
On a separate but related note, my wife really appreciates the machine because it takes up almost no space when it is folded up, so it''s not an eyesore to her.
There may be better deals out there on this machine, like at the Bayou Fitness site where I got mine, so shop around.
Wherever you buy it though, I really think you''ll have enough fun on it to use it at least a couple of times a week. And let''s be honest, if you are doing no exercise now, then two times a week is a big step forward! So be realistic and reasonable with yourself and have fun!
Want Bayou Fitness Total Trainer DLX-III Home Gym Discount?
I did not buy this from amazon but directly from the manufacturer, Bayou Fitness.(same price)
After watching the Total Gym on QVC for a little less than $300 I checked it out because I like the idea of this type of machine.
After checking that specific model on QVC only held 250lbs (I am 375) I looked at Total Gym''s site. For a model that handles 350lbs it is well over $1000 and made in China too boot.(manufacturer gets the savings but still slams the end user with high prices)
I then checked out amazon and up popped the Total Trainer (love the play on the name LOL) and I started to research. The model I was interested in was the DLXIII because of all the add on features for only $70 more then the DLXII (basically same unit but with less features)
I spoke with customer service at Bayou Fitness who was great. I asked why should I buy your product versus the Total Gym. She said only because of price because the Total trainer is High quality and she cannot speak for the Total Gym''s quality but only the pricing for a comparable product. I thought that was a great answer and honest.
So I took the leap and bought the DLXIII. Came yesterday and while Fedex did a number on the box, the contents were just fine. When I opened the box and took the unit out (no assembly needed except attaching the extra attachments). I immediately checked the welds on this unit and was pleasantly surprised of their quality (no messy welds)and as well happy that it was made in Taiwan versus China for reasons too numerous to go into with this review.
I got the machine setup in 10 minutes and after reading the excellent manual as well as all the excellent training cards (8x11 with a gloss finish)I have not checked out the DVD yet but I will get around to it. I did my first workout and WOW is all I can say. Super smooth. Super Heavy duty. With 375 of my lbs, that machine does not flinch!!!! (this unit can hold 400lb person. (plus an additional 100lbs of weights)
What a great product and I will agree with Bayou Fitness. Get it because of the price over the Total Gym Brand. Why spend $1000 plus when for half the price you get a unit with more features and better specifications.
Looking forward to a slimmer and more fit me in the future!!!
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This product is displayed without a good description of actual size. We were looking for a tumbling mat and these looked like a good option. We bought 2 hoping to link them together. Instead of being 4x8 they are 2x6. I would return them but the kids opened them after they arrived.
