The Total Gym?

[syphinhexx]

Basically to explain my situation,

I've got an injured right shoulder and can no longer use free-weights, one of the reasons I've gotten into such terrible shape in the first place. But anyways, I need to lose about 100 lbs to get back to where I want to be. I'm looking for a piece of equipment that will allow me to work my chest and arms while providing some cardio and the Total Gym is looking pretty good.

I have no real desire to get into any better shape than just toning a little and losing fat and can get a new Total Gym for under $400. Is this machine worth it or should I look into other ones? If so, are there any in the $1-500 range anyone would reccomend?

Thanks,

[daniel327]

IMO, something like the Powertec Basic Trainer is superior to the Total Gym.



http://www.powertecfitness.com/p-28-...er-p-bt13.aspx

The problem with the Total Gym is that it makes the exercise too easy, as opposed to a chip/dip/push-up station that uses your entire body weight as resistance.

[Wildtim]

For what you want to accomplish a diet and some body weight work on the floor will get it done.

[zalcrux]

I have no real desire to get into any better shape than just toning a little and losing fat and can get a new Total Gym for under $400. Is this machine worth it or should I look into other ones? If so, are there any in the $1-500 range anyone would reccomend?

Thanks,

I would recommend that you use that money instead on better nutrition and start walking/jogging. What is toning?

[daniel327]

For what you want to accomplish a diet and some body weight work on the floor will get it done.

I agree that floor exercises are useful. However, the value of pull ups and dips in a body weight routine should not be under estimated.

[RemainDieHard]

I would recommend that you use that money instead on better nutrition and start walking/jogging. What is toning?

Toning is that mythical spot fat reduction that does not exist lol.

[RemainDieHard]

Basically to explain my situation,

I've got an injured right shoulder and can no longer use free-weights, one of the reasons I've gotten into such terrible shape in the first place. But anyways, I need to lose about 100 lbs to get back to where I want to be. I'm looking for a piece of equipment that will allow me to work my chest and arms while providing some cardio and the Total Gym is looking pretty good.

I have no real desire to get into any better shape than just toning a little and losing fat and can get a new Total Gym for under $400. Is this machine worth it or should I look into other ones? If so, are there any in the $1-500 range anyone would reccomend?

Thanks,

That machine is overhyped waaaay overpriced for what it is. I know the infomercials make them look like miracle workers and the best thing since sliced bread. Just as they do with those ridiculous ab-inventions. I guarantee you Craigslist is overflowing with those things for a fraction of the new price. There's probably one at your local thrift store for $20.

How do they call it a "total" gym? It doesn't even work your legs! Your legs have way bigger muscles and burn way more calories than your arms! And 100#s to use is going to take some serious calorie burning on the regular. Pretty much anything is cheaper and better for your goal than that. For example:

Eliptical machine
Mountain bike
Wii with Wii fit, Zumba, Just Dance
Adjustable dumbbells
Punching bags - speed bag & heavy bag

IMO, something like the Powertec Basic Trainer is superior to the Total Gym.



http://www.powertecfitness.com/p-28-...er-p-bt13.aspx

The problem with the Total Gym is that it makes the exercise too easy, as opposed to a chip/dip/push-up station that uses your entire body weight as resistance.

Those would be better for skinny weak guys.

OP at 100# overweight he probably can't do a pullup or a dip. And even if he builds the strengh, he's going to need heavy lifting and cardio to make best progress. Not much cardio from doing low reps of dips and pullups.

[throwaway3441]

It doesn't even work your legs!

They have "squat stands" for lower body workouts. See http://smile.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE1.../dp/B00B48ISLU, for example.

I'd go with bodyweight fitness but if you're going to go the Total Gym route I'd go with a knockoff. In my opinion the cheapest Total Gym worth considering is the XLS for $599 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Total-Gym-XL...-/161080879377) but you could get a comparable unit for less from Bayou Fitness:

http://smile.amazon.com/Bayou-Fitnes.../dp/B000N2ZZJQ
http://smile.amazon.com/Bayou-Fitnes.../dp/B000N2VSAG

If you're going to spend less than that I'd go with the Weider I linked to.

[aclockworkoi]

I would recommend that you use that money instead on better nutrition and start walking/jogging. What is toning?

I think everyone must think us equipment forum members are "tone deaf"

[RemainDieHard]

They have "squat stands" for lower body workouts. See http://smile.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE1.../dp/B00B48ISLU, for example.

I'd go with bodyweight fitness but if you're going to go the Total Gym route I'd go with a knockoff. In my opinion the cheapest Total Gym worth considering is the XLS for $599 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Total-Gym-XL...-/161080879377) but you could get a comparable unit for less from Bayou Fitness:

http://smile.amazon.com/Bayou-Fitnes.../dp/B000N2ZZJQ
http://smile.amazon.com/Bayou-Fitnes.../dp/B000N2VSAG

If you're going to spend less than that I'd go with the Weider I linked to.

Do you have any of those or are you shopping around also? I just can't imagine anyone using one of those for more than a few times before saying "this is lame" and it just collecting dust.

[Murser]

The jump around in your living room, body weight and rubber band workouts from beach body will help you lose fat while building a little muscle. They're common on Craigslist, cheap and don't take up any permanent space.

[zalcrux]

Do you have any of those or are you shopping around also? I just can't imagine anyone using one of those for more than a few times before saying "this is lame" and it just collecting dust.

Lame? You clearly haven't watched this video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SthxcKGyLso

[throwaway3441]

Do you have any of those or are you shopping around also? I just can't imagine anyone using one of those for more than a few times before saying "this is lame" and it just collecting dust.

I had an older version of the Weider. It wasn't for me but I passed it on to a family member and he's used it regularly. I figure it's what you make of it.

[RemainDieHard]

Lame? You clearly haven't watched this video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SthxcKGyLso

WOW! I'm going to sell my lat tower right now and do those exercises for an hour a day!

Because lunges and pushups require actual effort. And there's no gimmick involved when done on the floor. Better do them on a sled with rollers. Lol.

Seriously though, a lat tower with low row feature is a zillion times more beneficial and versatile than the total gym.

[syphinhexx]

So basically I would probably just be better off doing pushups, sit ups and spending the money on a bicycle? I kind of like the idea of bicycles, might be a more fun way to shed some weight anyways.

[Rob80202]

Bicycle is not a good idea. Yes, when you ride a bicycle, all your muscles work. But they work only to support tone. For the development of muscle, use a total gym.

[Rob80202]

And by the way I use Total Gym XLS

[JustTheDad]

Deleted.
Suckered.
2014...

[FlySwiftPanda]

Total Gym is a good way to get in great shape before summer arrives.

[CW3RetiredUSA]

In response to the complaint that the TG is not difficult enough I'd point out that on mine (a Total Gym Fit) using an optional freeweight bar, you can bring the sled/body load up to 450 pounds. At the highest incline that lets you safely perform "own body weight" exercises like dips or squats at 197 pounds.

[CW3RetiredUSA]

In response to the complaint that the TG is not difficult enough I'd point out that on mine (a Total Gym Fit) using an optional freeweight bar, you can bring the sled/body load up to 450 pounds. At the highest incline that lets you safely perform "own body weight" exercises like dips or squats at 197 pounds.

And I'm 70, not 51. Have not yet figured out how to correct that.