Your thoguhts on the Total gym

[stedyedy]

I was just watching some late night infomercials and every night the total gym is advertised, in my opionion it looks **** but i havent actually used it for a real workout.....Just wondering what you guys thought about it, im talking about the one that chuck norris is on

[musclekid2010]

it is a piece of ****,my friend has it and i used it once,i hated it,i wasnt really gettin any pumps at all

[RiPPEDTiDE]

i think it's just good for females or people that don't wanna workout hardcore and just wanna "get a lil workout in" you could probably do enough stuff to maintain a fitness model look.

[SLTS]

but if it has resistance isnt it enough to stimulare growth?


im not gonna sit here and say they work...but im not going to say they dont either.

not until i try one

[Ulyanov]

I've tried it at the store, and seen the infomercial way too many times, and it seems like a nice machine, but there's no way I could do a full work out on it. It'd be a nice thing to have in a gym though, to supplement a real workout.

My first post. Wee.

[LiFtInIsFuN]

all it does is tone u up...... i havent used it with the weights on the bar underneath it tho... but i own totaly gym 1000.. and i didnt get big off it, it helps tone and stuff.

[RiPPEDTiDE]

the best home gym...beside a room full of free weights...would probably be the bowflex but you gotta sell your house just to afford one.

[Mark21087]

If you aren't a hardcore bodybuilder, it is fine. The exercises are fun do do b/c your whole body moves.

[Jon_85]

if u use the total gymn ull be built just like chuck norris :D

[SLTS]

Originally posted by Jon_85
if u use the total gymn ull be built just like chuck norris :D

really!? dude id love to be built like that when im his age!

[eltorro]

chuck norris can whoop some ass

[Jon_85]

Jet li is awesome. Whod win out of Bruce Lee and Jet li who u think would win?

[thewrestler14]

Are you kidding Bruce Lee is the best martial artist of all time. He could kick Jet Li's ass with a pillow.

[bigjay00]

good for toning but thats it

[BeefMaster]

Tried it just to say I did.I can honestly say I had a better workout mixing a protein shake. Chuck Norris claims to have used it for the past 21 years....dont think so! :D Now on the other hand, if Christie Brinkley comes with it..... ;)

[jackleg]

Sorry for the posting on something this old, but Chuck Norris has been using the Total Gym for at least 20+ years. I came across an old issue of Black Belt magazine that had the best of the Chuck Norris articles and 2 from 1981 showed Norris working out on the TG. It is quite different than the one he promotes now. It looked like it had about 20 levels of resistence. Also in one article Norris stated he and his family did use others types of equipment to stay in shape, Nautilus and free weights.

[thor93]

i own the "body former",which is a total gym clone.
yes,if you go on it with a negative attitude thinking,"i'm gonna try this just to be able to say it sucks",then your workout on it will indeed definetely suck.but that goes the same for even free weights.if your really not into it and you just decide to nonchalantly and casually do a free weight workout just to tell someone it sucks because you dont really feel interested in working out then yeah,it'll suck as well.
however,if you take this supplementary based machine with the proper approach and use it for all of what it's worth then you can 1)get in a great warm up and conditioning based workout before hitting the free weights and 2)use it after your free weight workout as well to really finish off your chest and especially shoulders.
i've gotten in some tremendously stimulating shoulder workouts on my total gym clone.also,the straight arm pullover is a very dynamic and safe alternative to doing dumbell pullovers.these really overload the tri's,abs,and ribcage region,promoting enhanced pec development.if you put your mind to it and go at it for all it's worth it'll surprise you with it's credentials.btw,i've put plates on the shoulder pad attatchments and this allows me to do one handed rows with 50 lbs added onto my 180 lb frame.so it does have it's place amongst a balanced and complete workout in conjunction with free weights.
when my gym membership runs out in august i will do 20 min on the "body former"followed by 30 min on free weights and then conclude with another 10 on the "body former".

[BloodSugarSxMjk]

I agree with Thor that it's probably a good piece of equipment for supplementing a free-weight workout, but I'd never use a Total Gym by itself. I bought one a few years ago, when I was 17, and ended up selling it and putting the money toward a free-weight setup instead. The one I bought was a lower-end model, though--not the nice one they show on infomercials.

[s8163j]

The TotalGym isn't a bad machine but don't expect to get big from it. The problem with it is that is uses your bodyweight for resistance and that isn't enough for some muscle groups, like legs, back and chest. Still, the TG isn't bad for the "fitness model" look, but if you're trying to look like a bodybuilder the TG simply won't do it for you.

[Tyciol]

Much as Jackleg has done, time for a bi-annual ressurection! :)

I think TotalGym looks like an excellent device for variation and allows some interesting exercises. I think it's neat how you're on a moving platform, it probably gives a very unique feel. Also interesting using the body weight for resistance.

For anyone who BW is enough, why not just put some plates on the moving sled thing, or do some one-arm exercises, or where a weighted vest, or put a barbell on your knees? *shrug* BW is probably plenty for most arm things.

Besides variation for strength, it looks like an awesome thing for arm endurance. Arm endurance exercises are fun!
but if it has resistance isnt it enough to stimulare growth?Exactly!

all it does is tone u up it helps tone and stuff.
good for toning but thats itDie.

[Barry Bonds]

check out what they have at www.bayoufitness.com

[HitItHard]

Much as Jackleg has done, time for a bi-annual ressurection! :)

I think TotalGym looks like an excellent device for variation and allows some interesting exercises. I think it's neat how you're on a moving platform, it probably gives a very unique feel. Also interesting using the body weight for resistance.

For anyone who BW is enough, why not just put some plates on the moving sled thing, or do some one-arm exercises, or where a weighted vest, or put a barbell on your knees? *shrug* BW is probably plenty for most arm things.

Besides variation for strength, it looks like an awesome thing for arm endurance. Arm endurance exercises are fun!Exactly!
Die.

uhhhhhhh

[gnstalodz]

I had it sitting in front of my tv and i would always be on it. Just sit there watchin tv and working out. i got very tone arms b.c of it and a better core. I say get it, just dont use it for ur only workout, do it pre workout

[Brother Steel]

I was just watching some late night infomercials and every night the total gym is advertised, in my opionion it looks **** but i havent actually used it for a real workout.....Just wondering what you guys thought about it, im talking about the one that chuck norris is on

I have written about the Total Gym several times on this forum. I was in an auto accident years ago and used a Rehab/PT version of the Total Gym. It was a great machine. If you want to get into shape and tone up I would, say go for it. One thing don't buy the cheap TV version get the same type they use in the rehab centers they are not much more (the basic PT model is cheaper) in price than the Chuck Norris version and a whole lot better made.

The 14000 looks like the same model I done my rehab on (people use this one day in and day out in PT) and costs around $1200 dollars. The Chuck Norris version costs around $1550 dollars. I like Chuck Norris but why pay more and get less?

Here is a link to the real Total Gym made by FFI: http://www.efisportsmedicine.com/home/product-line/gyms/total-gym-14000.htm

(PT = Physical Therapy)

[thor93]

uhhhhhhh


Check out the T.G videos on my youtube channel.
My machine is actually called "the body former".....I bought it back in 2002 on hsn for the total price of $166.....Overall....It is Quite Good For Upper Body.

[CosmikDebris]

I have a total gym 2000 that my parents bought back in the mid 90's and now i use it all time along with my free weights. I use the TG with a weight bar to add more resistance.

[RedHulk]

I am very happy with my total gym. I was raised on free weights. I was taught to lift the old school hard core way, and I loved it.
But I saw a total gym for sale for 140 dollars. It was name brand total gym, but it was the stripped down version. I figured I could use it for some isolation and cable exercises. So when i bought it, I did about 90% of my workout on free weights, then used the total gym for the other 10%. Within a month I was using it 50/50 (about half of my workout). Now, for awhile now, I have been using only the total gym. With free weights I have torn my left rear delt, right pec minor, blew my back out, and really messed up my knees. With the total gym, I not only get the best pump ever, but I do not feel any negative pressure on any of my joints or tendons.
I am not the biggest guy around, but I am bigger than the average guy, and according to the mirror and measuring tape, still getting bigger, and the ONLY thing I use is the total gym.

[ImBIGGERThanU]

i got one for christmas... a name brand total gym... love it. i tend to mix my workouts up a lot (keep my muscles guessing)

I'll hit the gym 2-3 times a week... totalgym or TRX or plain body weight (pushups and it's many variations, pullups, plyometrics) on the other days....

the beautiful thing about the total gym is the great stretches you can get. and you can adjust the weight from light to heavy and switch exercises without doing more than getting up and turning around. i would say it's a little bit better for upperbody/core workouts than the legs. but it makes it fun.

sometimes after the gym i might put it on low weight and stretch out on this thing... or get the blood flowin..

don't waste your time with the clone ripoff copycat ones... make sure its the totalgym

bottom line... you CAN get a great work out with this thing.
as someone said before, its a great supplement i wouldn't JUST use the total gym but i like mixing it up.

[VooDooATL]

I was just watching some late night infomercials and every night the total gym is advertised, in my opionion it looks **** but i havent actually used it for a real workout.....Just wondering what you guys thought about it, im talking about the one that chuck norris is on

I can't understand why folks say its so bad and you can't build muscle on it. Lets say you are 200lbs, so 65% of your weight is about 130lbs. If I can curl 130lbs I think I will have some decent size on my arms, and when that gets easy you could do them one hand. Someone 200lbs doing 130lbs curl isn't bad at all.

Sure it isn't going to replace squat/dead/bench but it can certainly work, actually I avoid flat bench as I don't want another rotator cuff injury. Still it can be a very effective machine for well under $300, heck the Weider clone is like $100 and you can add straps for an extra 50lbs (for that same curl, 180lbs now).

I may be wrong but it sounds like a good choice for a limited space/budget problem.

[thunderchild]

I am a little late to this party, but I am using my TG quite a bit. I still squat, deadlift and chin, but i am using my TG alot for the other exercises. I have added 50 lbs. to it with the weight attachment. It makes a difference believe you me. Try the swimmer exercise with extra weight. You will have a whole new outlook.

[dtrrman]

Just consider it another tool in the toolbox.

[thor93]

I can't understand why folks say its so bad and you can't build muscle on it. Lets say you are 200lbs, so 65% of your weight is about 130lbs. If I can curl 130lbs I think I will have some decent size on my arms, and when that gets easy you could do them one hand. Someone 200lbs doing 130lbs curl isn't bad at all.

Sure it isn't going to replace squat/dead/bench but it can certainly work, actually I avoid flat bench as I don't want another rotator cuff injury. Still it can be a very effective machine for well under $300, heck the Weider clone is like $100 and you can add straps for an extra 50lbs (for that same curl, 180lbs now).

I may be wrong but it sounds like a good choice for a limited space/budget problem.

if you're 200 lbs,you are lifting the equivelant of 130 lbs,yes.65% of 200 is 130.if you add 50 lbs though,it will not make it the equivelant of 180 lbs.you always have to break it down to 65% of what weight is on the thing.if you are 200 lbs and you add 50 then you gotta go and calculate 65% of 250 lbs,which would be 162.5 lbs.not 180.you have to calculate 65% of that 50 lbs you added which would be broken down to 32.5 lbs,which is 65% of 50 lbs.
So yes.if you're 200 and you add 50,then the resistance goes from 130 to 162.5.still a good substaintial and legitimate difference right there folks!

[mendozer]

that looks good for the inactive individual, but i tried it on the highest angle and it wasnt hard at all. MAYBE for toning low intensity.

marketing it with chuck norris isnt helping either haha

[blueretina]

I have had a TG 1000 for about 6 years. I keep telling my wife it is underrated. she never uses it, but i do. Originally I bought it used for abt 100$ to practice chinning, which i couldn't do. but since it only inclines up t0 a pretty low point , the first night i put it on a 2 foot elevation( lets call it a solid chair), and i cannot complain about the amount of work i have to do to chin. would guess in the old setup i could go to abt 85-90% of body weight, more or less. I Also think the rowing exercise, and the biceps curls work well, as does the military press, but you are upside down....
As an assited chins exercise i think it is great, i only wish i could get it to do assited dips, but don't know how to. also i can't really say it does anything for my legs.
but as above, i think it is a solid design/function, and if you need someplace to do incline chest press with Db's I even like that.
maybe i won't need to get a bench.would love to have plate loading capability, but it might be too skinny to handle the weight.

for me the biggest downside is, if i fold it up, it is basically as if i don't have it, it just doesn't get used, if i have to fold it out everytime. at my old apartment, it was out next to the TV, and ai used it pretty often...
Moral of the story, it is good, but keep it ready and accessible at all times. actually that goes for all my training stuff...

Blue

[thor93]

I have had a TG 1000 for about 6 years. I keep telling my wife it is underrated. she never uses it, but i do. Originally I bought it used for abt 100$ to practice chinning, which i couldn't do. but since it only inclines up t0 a pretty low point , the first night i put it on a 2 foot elevation( lets call it a solid chair), and i cannot complain about the amount of work i have to do to chin. would guess in the old setup i could go to abt 85-90% of body weight, more or less. I Also think the rowing exercise, and the biceps curls work well, as does the military press, but you are upside down....
As an assited chins exercise i think it is great, i only wish i could get it to do assited dips, but don't know how to. also i can't really say it does anything for my legs.
but as above, i think it is a solid design/function, and if you need someplace to do incline chest press with Db's I even like that.
maybe i won't need to get a bench.would love to have plate loading capability, but it might be too skinny to handle the weight.

for me the biggest downside is, if i fold it up, it is basically as if i don't have it, it just doesn't get used, if i have to fold it out everytime. at my old apartment, it was out next to the TV, and ai used it pretty often...
Moral of the story, it is good, but keep it ready and accessible at all times. actually that goes for all my training stuff...

Blue


-You can do seated dips on the T.G...at least something that has a similiar effect on the muscle that is...Just press straight downwards while you're seated upright(not laying down).You can do these on any level of incline as well.They work awesome when supersetted with regular presses.

-T.G is also great for doing Tricep pressdowns.With these,you lie down,unlike the seated tricep dips.

-As for the Assisted Pullups.After i do a warm up set,I Do Em One handed for 4 sets,then switch back to regular assisted style and knock out another few sets to get a Really Good Burn.

-Note:Find the right incline height for your own individuality when doing the One Handed Pullups.I Usually stick with the highest or next to highest incline for the one handers.I also switch back and forth from overhand to hammergrip style.

[Tyciol]

Total gyms are basically just really cool and weird.

Think about this... your limbs are moving... so it is open chain but...

You are also moving too, because the sled you're on is moving! So it's also closed chain!

That's so weird!

You will never get to stimulate any compound leg pressing with this thing, but for arm stuff, and isolation leveredge-type stuff for legs (or arms) I could imagine it holding out a while.

[thunderchild]

It is possible to do leg pulls on the TG. You take the chin up bar and put it at the top. You then hook your feet in it and pull your self up. Don't try it on the highest part first. Try it on the lower area and do the leg pull ups. You will have a new experience.

[n00b in WI]

holy ****..this thread started in 2002...

[tienshanpai]

Are you kidding Bruce Lee is the best martial artist of all time. He could kick Jet Li's ass with a pillow.

I would have to say after about 14 year's takign kung fu, which is what Jet Li studied, and after seeing him in action, not just movies but in defense demonstrations, he is a lot more knowledgeable and has built upon the theories of mnay great masters, bruce lee included, and would IMO be able to deal with bruce lee. HOWEVER, bruce definitely single-handedly brought and spread kung fu and martial theory in general and thought way outside the box, and has changed a lot of things. Jet is just simply the best probably alive today.

[Bo DeLone]

I have the Weider Total Bodyworks which is a knockoff of the Total Gym. Its really good for the price actually it was around $100.

Its especially good for back pullups and rows and makes a good combo doing supersets with free weights back and forth combos

[fenixzona]

used to own a total gym and I though that it was a great little machine. You are not gonna get huge with it, but if you supplement it with pushups, pullups, and situps you will get a perfect workout. You will gain strength and muscle tone/mass. It is great for the boxers/mma type guys who value the maintenance of their flexability while getting into great shape. If you get one, make sure it is one where you can add weight plates.

[Dewket]

Ok, I have read all the posts and I have decided to put my own two sense in on the matter. I own a Bayou Fitness DXL. This machine is very similar to a Chuck Norriss Total Gym but also different in alot of great ways. For starters the Bayou fitness allows you to workout on an incline of 70% of your bodyweight. I weigh 215... so 70% of 215 is about 150lbs. of resistance. In addition to the 150lbs of resistance it also has a plate bar that runs horizontal to the sled and can be loaded with up to 45lbs on each side. So if you do the math, for someone like me at 215 at level 10 on the machine and also maxing out the weight on each side of the weight bar that is a total of 240lbs of resistance. Now I am not the strongest man in the world at the age of 28 (When I was going to Gold's Gym about 6 months ago I was deadlifting 405lbs for 5, Benching 315 for 2, and squatting 355 for 3), but this machine has been kicking my ass! There are some movements that really don't get as stimulated or as exhausted as they use to (legs/lower back) but I am also not looking into being the next Mr. Olympia either. I run 3 times per week (3 miles each time) and work out on this machine in a 4 day split style (Monday: Chest/Tris/Abs/Run. Tuesday:Back/Bis/Legs. Wednesday:Shoulders/Abs/Run. Thursday: Off. Friday:Chest/Shoulders/Abs/Run). Alot of you have been making the statement about how this machine will tone you up. That is correct and also not correct. Toning has to do with dieting and cardio. Being toned is having low bodyfat to show off all the hard work. Now this machine may tone you up because you can put it on a lower setting and just rep out until you are completely exhausted which would be burning some fat. But this machine will not tone you up if you do as I do and put it on the highest setting with all the weight on it too. There are some exercises (puller-overs) that are so mentally and physically draining I can't bare to think of it right now!!! All in all this machine is not for everyone and I completely understand that. My brother who is only a little bit stronger than me in all areas I mentioned absolutely hates my bayou fitness because he loves the gym, the atmosphere, the people, the cold iron, lifting heavy, etc. I love that stuff too but I also feel the pain and stiffness in my hips and shoulders and I'm only 28. I have good form and everything but just think how I am going to feel when I am 58!!! I thought it was time to maybe take some time off (1 - 2 years) to really recover from all my aches and pains, lose 10 lbs, get in great cardiovascular health, etc. It's a complete change of pace but one I am enjoying thus far. If anyone has any specific questions about my routine or the bayou fitness or anything at all please feel free to ask. ------ Dave

[thunderchild]

I am interested in your routine. I have the TG that you can add weight to . I have it on the highest setting with 50 lbs. on it. I am going to add some more 30 lbs tonight. What is your routine? Mine is a split also. Quite simple actually. I also throw in some chins.

Mondays: Pullovers/Pulldowns

Tuesday: Squats/Calf raises (These are done on my Frank Zane Leg Blaster)

Wednesday: Swimmer/Upright rows

Thursday: Dips

Friday: Military Presses on the TG.

I do 4 sets to failure each exercise.

I started at an even 200 lbs. @ 5' 7.5". I am now down to 166.2 lbs. It took me 4 month's of use but it works for me!

[thor93]

Ok, I have read all the posts and I have decided to put my own two sense in on the matter. I own a Bayou Fitness DXL. This machine is very similar to a Chuck Norriss Total Gym but also different in alot of great ways. For starters the Bayou fitness allows you to workout on an incline of 70% of your bodyweight. I weigh 215... so 70% of 215 is about 150lbs. of resistance. In addition to the 150lbs of resistance it also has a plate bar that runs horizontal to the sled and can be loaded with up to 45lbs on each side. So if you do the math, for someone like me at 215 at level 10 on the machine and also maxing out the weight on each side of the weight bar that is a total of 240lbs of resistance. Now I am not the strongest man in the world at the age of 28 (When I was going to Gold's Gym about 6 months ago I was deadlifting 405lbs for 5, Benching 315 for 2, and squatting 355 for 3), but this machine has been kicking my ass! There are some movements that really don't get as stimulated or as exhausted as they use to (legs/lower back) but I am also not looking into being the next Mr. Olympia either. I run 3 times per week (3 miles each time) and work out on this machine in a 4 day split style (Monday: Chest/Tris/Abs/Run. Tuesday:Back/Bis/Legs. Wednesday:Shoulders/Abs/Run. Thursday: Off. Friday:Chest/Shoulders/Abs/Run). Alot of you have been making the statement about how this machine will tone you up. That is correct and also not correct. Toning has to do with dieting and cardio. Being toned is having low bodyfat to show off all the hard work. Now this machine may tone you up because you can put it on a lower setting and just rep out until you are completely exhausted which would be burning some fat. But this machine will not tone you up if you do as I do and put it on the highest setting with all the weight on it too. There are some exercises (puller-overs) that are so mentally and physically draining I can't bare to think of it right now!!! All in all this machine is not for everyone and I completely understand that. My brother who is only a little bit stronger than me in all areas I mentioned absolutely hates my bayou fitness because he loves the gym, the atmosphere, the people, the cold iron, lifting heavy, etc. I love that stuff too but I also feel the pain and stiffness in my hips and shoulders and I'm only 28. I have good form and everything but just think how I am going to feel when I am 58!!! I thought it was time to maybe take some time off (1 - 2 years) to really recover from all my aches and pains, lose 10 lbs, get in great cardiovascular health, etc. It's a complete change of pace but one I am enjoying thus far. If anyone has any specific questions about my routine or the bayou fitness or anything at all please feel free to ask. ------ Dave


70% of 215=150
150+45+45=240.....yes....but no.
45+45=90....yes,but not so fast!(now,....70% of 90!!)
70% of 90=(65)...around that.
NOW we do the math.
150+65=215.
So Yes,when the 45's are added on each side of the machine,you have a total of 305,which winds up equaling 215(you're bodyweight) after you calculate 70% of 305.
On Something like pullups though,it WOULD Indeed feel more challenging than doing pullups on a regular pullup station.The Reason is that,on a machine,you are forced to do them totally 100% strictform,wheras,on a pullup bar,you can cheat by kipping up and swinging you're body for added momentum.

[Dewket]

Thor, You're right. I didn't even realize when I wrote it that I was writing only 70% of my body weight as opposed to 70% of the total weight which is the correct amount. Thanks for catching that. Either way, it's still alot of weight for a Total Gym type workout. It's no power rack but it's definitely getting the job done. And for the pullups, I don't know what it is but that workout completely destroys my rear delts when I do them. I use to be able to do 23 Marine Corps pullups (no kip, no sway) when I was about 210lbs. Now I am about 215lbs and I do 15reps on a 70% incline and my rear delts are on fire!

Thunderchild:
As for my split this is what it usually looks like:
Mon: Chest/Tris/Abs/Run.
Tue: Back/Bis/Legs.
Wed: Shoulders/Abs/Run.
Thu: Off
Fri: Chest/Shoulders/Abs/Run
Sat/Sun: Run on the beach/light workout/maybe nothing at all/go for a walk with my wife.... it really depends on what I'm in the mood for.

[thunderchild]

Run on the beach!! Damn, I am trying to get close to the water now. Looking for that good waterfront property I will live in forever.

[IntensityX]

the best home gym...beside a room full of free weights...would probably be the bowflex but you gotta sell your house just to afford one.

OMG tell me you didn't say that lol :D

[DiamondDelts]

It's a piece of crap.

[kikitwitme]

It's a piece of crap.I hate to disagree with DD but... but its worse than crap. Don't bother with one. You know all those models you see using those machines on t.v.? They probably never used one. They were just hired for the commercial and never used one since.

Save your $.

[mofrizzle]

i never thought i would say this, but the tg is a great machine. as a long time hard core body builder, i found it necessary recently to drastically change my lifting habits. i have had recurring shoulder/rotator cuff unjuries, as well as issues with elbow tendons and god knows whats next. anyway, my wife bought me a lower tier total gym for the purpose of helping me to rehab after my last surgery. i got to where i implemented the tg into my workouts as i got back to the other equipment( i have at complete home gym free weight set up. as well as power blocs, which are awsome). what i started doing initially, was adding weight plates to the tg by just laying them on top or bottom. this got difficult as i kept adding weight. so i soon ordered a 100 lbs weight vest from v-max( check out their website or ebay. i am so completely happy with the results i've gotten thus far, that i don't see myself ever going back to the free weights. i added a slight incline stool to the tg as well and with the 100 lbs weight vest, i am able to move enough weight to challenge myself on every exercise. i weight 180- 185 and i maintain and even continue to build muscle. i implement the power blocs to help with different arm isolation exercises, but the tg more than meets all the upper body and some lower body movements. i am also able to change the angles at which i lift , to complement or help with any sore body parts. the weight vest and blocs do the rest. if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask....

[mofrizzle]

or better yet, suggestions.

[thor93]

i never thought i would say this, but the tg is a great machine. as a long time hard core body builder, i found it necessary recently to drastically change my lifting habits. i have had recurring shoulder/rotator cuff unjuries, as well as issues with elbow tendons and god knows whats next. anyway, my wife bought me a lower tier total gym for the purpose of helping me to rehab after my last surgery. i got to where i implemented the tg into my workouts as i got back to the other equipment( i have at complete home gym free weight set up. as well as power blocs, which are awsome). what i started doing initially, was adding weight plates to the tg by just laying them on top or bottom. this got difficult as i kept adding weight. so i soon ordered a 100 lbs weight vest from v-max( check out their website or ebay. i am so completely happy with the results i've gotten thus far, that i don't see myself ever going back to the free weights. i added a slight incline stool to the tg as well and with the 100 lbs weight vest, i am able to move enough weight to challenge myself on every exercise. i weight 180- 185 and i maintain and even continue to build muscle. i implement the power blocs to help with different arm isolation exercises, but the tg more than meets all the upper body and some lower body movements. i am also able to change the angles at which i lift , to complement or help with any sore body parts. the weight vest and blocs do the rest. if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask....



Now this is a "REAL post" from Someone who "REALLY Actually" gave this thing a chance and utilized it to it's fullest potential.those who like to Dog Out the total gym and similiar types of equipment(weider 5000,bodyformer,etc) are the types that go on it with an allready highly negative,pessimistic inclined skeptic minded approach to begin with.
they feel highly critical of it to begin with.they mock heavily at the very concept that it presents.
Until you decide to actually try and take a workout seriously while using the total gym,do not be pre-judgemental.It's alot like if i were to say,"oh,bicycling sucks" without actually taking an hour long medium-high intensity ride...it's like if i went on it and rode for a minute and then decided to make my conclusion of bicycling by going..."look,i'm on the bike and it's nothing.it does nothing....hee hee hee....see?...it does nothing....hee hee hee."

[DiamondDelts]

Tried it, had it, trashed it. It sucks.

[mofrizzle]

you wouldn't think so if you tried my workout on it. plus i like it. thats all that matters. trust me, i've tried a lot of things.

[thor93]

you wouldn't think so if you tried my workout on it. plus i like it. thats all that matters. trust me, i've tried a lot of things.



X2 here.

people that dog it out went on the chest press at half maximum incline,did a few reps and concluded that it doesnt feel hardcore enough.

to those who scoff and smirk at the total gym and likewise machines,lay down on you're stomach and try one handed pullups on the highest incline the next time you have the opportunity to try out one of these machines.
do half reps when you cant do full or 3/4 reps anymore,then switch to two handed and keep crankin away till you're doing half reps with these as well.
then,go two or three notches down and go immedietely into tricep pressdowns,go back to the highest incline and do more of the pullups and then go down two or three notches again and knock out some tricep extensions.then go into flyes,then go into chest presses.

you will realize then that you're in the middle of a KILLER circuit based total upper body muscle blast session.

warning:it's an aquired re-adaption to high intensity fitness and circuit training...NO 1 and 2 minute rests with THESE WORKOUTS!!!