Review of the Total Gym

We have seen a wide range of exercise and workout equipment come and go but which ones have staying power and are really effective?

You have probably seen the infomercial for the Total Gym several times - per day. After deciding that I did not want to continue going to the gym in the dead of winter, I thought that I might give the Total Gym a try. I first wanted to find out the total cost after the 60 day trial period.

I found out that there are actually three options when you place your order. When you call, you will be given the cost of the Total Gym 4000, which is the most expensive. I didn't want to spend that much money so the representative said I could order a refurbished model, which are Total Gyms returned after the trial period. These models have been replaced with all new parts. The final option is the Total Body XLT which is half the cost of the 4000. The only difference is that the weight capacity is 200 lbs. instead of 300. I ordered that model. Customer service was great and they expressed shipped it at no additional charge. I received it within 3 days! I was so excited.
I was determined that this would not be another piece of exercise equipment that became a fixture for me to throw my clothes.

When it arrived, it was already assembled - which was a definite plus. There are many attachments and over 60 exercises that can be done on the Total Gym.

The instructions provide easy to follow steps for setting it up for use and folding it when you are done. However, be careful when adjusting the height levels and unfolding it because there are many ways in which you can injure yourself if you are not careful. I think I have found most of them.

Regarding the leg pulley, only one came in the package for the model that I ordered. I placed a call to customer service to ask if there had been a mistake and should I have received two. The representative confirmed that only one did come with my particular model but I was pleasantly surprised with she said she would send me the two larger ankle supports - free of charge. I received them within a week.

There are additional attachments that can be ordered for an additional cost. One of these include a Pilates kit. Incidentally, the leg pulley is a part of that so you only need to order a Pilates bar. The costs for the attachments are very reasonable.

 

Overall, I have been extremely happy with the Total Gym. I am always a little skeptical when I see these infomercials and think that all of the people raving about the product are just paid actors. This is not the case with the Total Gym.

My arms are more toned and slender. Many women have the problem of the “swinging fat” under the upper arms but I have noticed definite toning and less swinging. Since using the leg pulley attachment, I am more flexible and have also noticed more toning of the inner and outer thigh area. My butt has a little more lift than it did before. My total workout routine is about 30 minutes.

Based on my experience, I feel that the claims regarding the Total Gym are honest and credible. I highly recommend the Total Gym. It is an effective piece of equipment and if you use it, you WILL see results and feel the difference. Is it worth the cost? Being that you do not incur finance charges and the monthly payments are about the same as most monthly gym memberships, I would say definitely "YES!"