I picked up a brand new Total Gym Xtreme at a garage sale today for next to nothing based solely on watching your channel over the last few months. I’ve got a Rogue Rhino, barbell, squat rack, and plates, and the Total Gym is doing a fantastic job filling the gap I’ve had since I don’t own a functional trainer. Plus, my wife and kids are more interested in using the Total Gym than my other equipment, so that is a huge plus. Thank you!
I agree with you regarding the overhead press with a resistance band on the TG. I used to hate OHP with dumbbells or barbell because of the pressure on the spine. After I saw you demonstrate the resistance band OHP on the Total gym, I tried it and it's now become my favorite lift. Makes it so much easier to isolate and go heavy and it feels great.
Total Gym is circuit training perfection. Has multiple variations you can do. I get a good workout in 30 minutes. I like free weights for things like squats and deadlifts which I do on a different day. I watch these videos and get ideas. I’m a senior now a feel a lot better because of using my Fit model. It’s a winner for me.
@@hybridresistance I should have included that today I had surgery on my right foot. One of my toes needed repair. Because of this I can’t do squats or deadlifts but because using the Total Gym doesn’t require me to use my toes to stabilize I can continue my workouts and I can use my heels to do hack squats. It’s a great machine.
I own four home gyms: a garage gym, a basement gym, an extension room gym, and a backyard patio gym. I have a Total Gym in my basement gym. I use my Total Gym to do eccentric training and using Vladimir Zatsiorsky's Repeated Effort and Submaximal Effort Strength Training Methods. The Repeated Effort Method is lifting nonmaximal weight to failure, which is the best strength training method for muscular endurance and hypertrophy (size). The Submaximal Effort Method is lifting nonmaximal weight for intermediate repetitions (e.g., 12 to 15 or more repetitions), which is the 2nd best strength training method for muscular endurance and hypertrophy. The Total Gym only allows me to lift nonmaximal weight (i.e., a fraction of my bodyweight), so if I want to use Zatsiorsky's Maximal Effort Method (lifting as much weight as I can), I don't use the Total Gym. I also don't use my Total Gym for Zatsiorsky's Dynamic Effort Method (lifting nonmaximal weight as quickly as I can), even though I could. I just prefer using my Total Gym for exercises to failure, even though for some exercises to failure requires over 100 repetitions. For eccentric (the muscle lengthening phase of strength training), the Total Gym is ideal.
I always wanted a total gym for the longest time but this channel was the one that motivated me to get one! Love my Apex 5. Makes working out so much more convenient!!
Im not the most coordinated so I sit on the sliding board during a workout. Putting my feet in furniture sliders prevent my feet from dragging on my stall mats. Hopefully I can someday surf on my total gym like you do!
I think Total Gyms are amazing fitness machines for teenagers just beginning their weight training journey AND those like myself who are 50 and looking for a weight machine that's effective and easy on the joints. Awesome channel Mike!
I think Total Gyms are amazing fitness machines for ANYONE and EVERYONE who wants to begin or continue or return to regular exercising at home. It is an all-ages tool! I have been using Total Gym (with lapses) since 1999. There is a large sub-population of exercisers and weight-lifters and gym rats who are are dedicated, even fanatical in their pursuit of working out to build big muscles and to develop "weight-lifter physiques." Many of those people may scoff at the Total Gym, as wine connoisseurs may scoff at inexpensive table wines that are available in the supermarket. MOST PEOPLE are not these dedicated exercise fanatics, but everyone should be exercising regularly to maintain health and strength throughout one's life. The TOTAL GYM is a perfect all-in-one tool for MOST people. It is inexpensive, durable, versatile, accessible, and it REALLY WORKS to help anyone develop, improve, and maintain body strength and limberness. I think that people in the industry who disregard or dismiss the Total Gym as ineffective "infomercial gimmicks" either HAVE NOT tried them at all or not enough to discover their real utility. (There are certainly people in the field who have praised the Total Gym.) I, for one, do not have the space, money or INTEREST in acquiring the kind of home gym Mike has built, or in maintaining a gym membership, which requires monthly payments and traveling some distance to access the gym. For me and for many, the Total Gym is the perfect home exercise solution.
I’m 63 and needed something at home to tone and maintain muscle, while also being careful with my knees. I am going to go unbox a TG Apex G5. Your comment is encouraging!💖
Thanks Stevie. For sure I think it depends on the person and exercise, but probably still much easier on the back than a regular pull-up. Did that just start happening, because I remember you telling me (and this video th-cam.com/video/o2KVucVFHF0/w-d-xo.html) that one of the things you loved with a tg was that you could still do pull ups or back stuff without pain.
TG is a must have the footprint is small the use case is huge! People have them for 30 years! You sold me on it or would never invested in one appreciate you! Disagree on legs if you go slow mo with some heavy bands those leg presses are grueling! And I can isochain deadlift nearly 500 lbs! The lying leg curl is a gym quality movement!
Thanks my friend. You can for sure tax your legs in many ways, I just found them more cumbersome (or personally uncomfortable) then just stepping off and using something else. And yes, there's some great single joint leg moves on there for sure.
I picked up a brand new in the box total gym fit signature series for 600 AUD (400 USD) from market place. The original guy got it from a op shop. Such a great machine, I have also gotten my wife into using it now. Thanks to you for your videos, you are definitely the main reason I got into TG. Great video as always 😀
Great video. Total Gym plus any other equipment is better than the other equipment would be without a Total Gym. And, for an home gym, I think a Total Gym is indispensable. Too many exercises provided by one simple machine to ignore it. I like your gym setup and can't wait to see what you'll be doing with it.
Thanks brother. A key thing is for sure if you've got other equipment is having a space where the TG can be set up and or broken down easily. Doing the pre-exhaust / compound sets with it have been awesome with the new layout. Thanks for watching
That's crazy. I've chest pressed with 90lb power blocks DBs on a cheap knockoff and never had that happen. Definitely wouldn't recommend it though. If the safety pin is in, that basically shouldn't happen.
Hey Brah! I finally found you on IG- but to comment on this, when I hurt my back a while ago I needed something that could help me get back to where I currently am now. The TG is a must have for anyone but I’m amazed that many don’t have or even want one. I have fellas coming over and they are a bit overweight and they can’t do one body weight dip so with the TG, they can at least do some tricep work..we can go on and on on the benefits but the real ones already know!..can wait to see you at the next homegym con if you are going and I shall greet you with the gladiators hand shake lol
Hey brother, I was going to ask, are you "fit king Keith"? If you're going home gym con, I will be there. I'm going to be going through your stuff to check out that sick gym of yours.
I also believe a person's individual circumstances cam factor into buying a Total Gym or not. I feel that for people who already own their own place can buy a total gym because they have a more permanent place or apartment. However, for renters in small apartment places and sign a lease. The place they stay in isn't permanent and moving a total gym can be a hassle when people move. Just a thought
@@emilyng2844 this is an excellent often overlook point. I got all sorts of demographics and people in different states in life. Sometimes we often forget there’s a lot of people out there who want to work out from home but one reason or another can’t get a full set up.
I just got a TG Apex G5 that I am ready to unbox. You make a good point, so I think I will store the shipping box up in the roof rafters of the garage so I can rebox it if I move!
The Total Gym is a wonderful machine. You can do everything in less time than a gym, you can use different angles etc. if you have a little space, when don't you use it, you can unfold that for save more space
You can easily beef up resistance for leg presses by looping heavy duty loop resistance bands. Slowing down your reps in a HIT or Super Slow format will work your entire body. Good job on yet another informative video.
Thanks brother. I for sure spent time doing that, but I still just find it awkward and am not really a fan of where I feel it in my legs compared to other off machine exercises. Still not bad for another leg alternative for workouts
@hybridresistance I am alot older, so not quite as strong as I once was. I got into the sliding bench realm based on your videos. Keep up the good work.
I was with you until I went to their website and saw it was $2600. I don’t doubt you could do a lot of effective movements on it but that’s insane for what it is especially as an add-on piece to a larger home gym. For that price you could get two stack loaded BoS cable towers, or even a Voltra unit if space is limited.
As mentioned in the video you don't need to buy the latest and greatest. I'm getting excellent use of an older XLS model that I picked up off Facebook Marketplace for $100 here in Australia (where new Total Gyms are even more expensive). That said, that Evolve model does look good.
I just bought a barely used XLS for 150 dollars on Facebook marketplace place. I love it. I’ve been using it more and more and will be using it today. You can get all sorts of creative with it. Body weight exercises are great because it helps reduce any kind of injury and helps you tone up at the same time. I just do high reps. I’ve also have a resistance bands as well. Much better than having bulky weights all over my small apartment. One other thing I have is an inversion table I’ve had for about 20 years. I still use it every other day and do ab exercises on it as well as maintain spine health. (I had artificial disc replacement about 9 years ago) I’m only 40. But an inversion table is great for overall health, something about going upside down for a while reverses the circulation and helps better circulation through out the body once you go right side up. Two machines I love. Total gym, then inversion table
I've got the commercial grade RS Encompass with a 640-lb load weight. No plans to get rid of it even though I also have a REP PR-5000 rack and Ares 2.0.
I gave my used Fit model to a friend to help him after a motorcycle accident and it dramatically helped his re-hab, in fact, I cant't get it back now and he watches your channel all the time Mike. Did you get rid of your fit & GTS model?
In the realm of home equipment that is scoffed at and goofy at first glance... what is your opinion on a rebounder (mini trampoline)? To but stress on the musculoskeletal system without impacting the knees or spine as much --- injuries --- thoughts?
I actually have one (cellerciser) and do think they have value. The whole thing about moving the lymphatic system is also legit. It's folded up right now, but whenever it's set up. The whole house along with the kids are constantly jumping on it.
I'll definitely specify to "try at your risk", but I've found the bigger models (FIT, XLS, or Evolve) have more space under the lip of the glide board where I generally will fix 41" bands. But there's a lot of ways to anchor bands such as on the weight bar with a shorter diameter band.
TOTAL GYM?? Lol Get a roll and fold incline, decline bench and a power block style DBELL to 90 lbs… u need nothing else and takes up minimal room in a closet…
@@FireBladeRR-RSP amen brother. It’s just another tool like DBs. You could choose to just that and nothing else but for anyone wants something else to add or can’t afford a dbs, these can do things that dbs cannot. Learned this during the lock downs that I used these more than my 90 power blocks. Appreciate you watching and God bless.
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I picked up a brand new Total Gym Xtreme at a garage sale today for next to nothing based solely on watching your channel over the last few months.
I’ve got a Rogue Rhino, barbell, squat rack, and plates, and the Total Gym is doing a fantastic job filling the gap I’ve had since I don’t own a functional trainer. Plus, my wife and kids are more interested in using the Total Gym than my other equipment, so that is a huge plus.
Thank you!
I agree with you regarding the overhead press with a resistance band on the TG. I used to hate OHP with dumbbells or barbell because of the pressure on the spine. After I saw you demonstrate the resistance band OHP on the Total gym, I tried it and it's now become my favorite lift. Makes it so much easier to isolate and go heavy and it feels great.
Thanks so much for that comment. Very happy to hear the exercise was helpful.
My bottom line is if I could only have one piece of equipment hands down it would be my total gym.
Leave it to Lou to sum it up nicely.
Total Gym is circuit training perfection. Has multiple variations you can do. I get a good workout in 30 minutes. I like free weights for things like squats and deadlifts which I do on a different day. I watch these videos and get ideas. I’m a senior now a feel a lot better because of using my Fit model. It’s a winner for me.
Thanks for sharing William
@@hybridresistance I should have included that today I had surgery on my right foot. One of my toes needed repair. Because of this I can’t do squats or deadlifts but because using the Total Gym doesn’t require me to use my toes to stabilize I can continue my workouts and I can use my heels to do hack squats. It’s a great machine.
I think total gyms are definitely worth it. You can do a full body workout quickly and you can have such variety definitely 💯 recommend them
Thanks as always brother.
I own four home gyms: a garage gym, a basement gym, an extension room gym, and a backyard patio gym. I have a Total Gym in my basement gym. I use my Total Gym to do eccentric training and using Vladimir Zatsiorsky's Repeated Effort and Submaximal Effort Strength Training Methods. The Repeated Effort Method is lifting nonmaximal weight to failure, which is the best strength training method for muscular endurance and hypertrophy (size). The Submaximal Effort Method is lifting nonmaximal weight for intermediate repetitions (e.g., 12 to 15 or more repetitions), which is the 2nd best strength training method for muscular endurance and hypertrophy.
The Total Gym only allows me to lift nonmaximal weight (i.e., a fraction of my bodyweight), so if I want to use Zatsiorsky's Maximal Effort Method (lifting as much weight as I can), I don't use the Total Gym.
I also don't use my Total Gym for Zatsiorsky's Dynamic Effort Method (lifting nonmaximal weight as quickly as I can), even though I could. I just prefer using my Total Gym for exercises to failure, even though for some exercises to failure requires over 100 repetitions.
For eccentric (the muscle lengthening phase of strength training), the Total Gym is ideal.
Awesome comment. Lot of information dropped in there. Thank you
I always wanted a total gym for the longest time but this channel was the one that motivated me to get one! Love my Apex 5. Makes working out so much more convenient!!
Great to hear my friend. Thanks for sharing.
Im not the most coordinated so I sit on the sliding board during a workout. Putting my feet in furniture sliders prevent my feet from dragging on my stall mats. Hopefully I can someday surf on my total gym like you do!
I think Total Gyms are amazing fitness machines for teenagers just beginning their weight training journey AND those like myself who are 50 and looking for a weight machine that's effective and easy on the joints.
Awesome channel Mike!
Excellent point. My kids who are not yet teenagers all love using it. I'll for sure have them training on it as they age. God bless brother.
I think Total Gyms are amazing fitness machines for ANYONE and EVERYONE who wants to begin or continue or return to regular exercising at home. It is an all-ages tool! I have been using Total Gym (with lapses) since 1999. There is a large sub-population of exercisers and weight-lifters and gym rats who are are dedicated, even fanatical in their pursuit of working out to build big muscles and to develop "weight-lifter physiques." Many of those people may scoff at the Total Gym, as wine connoisseurs may scoff at inexpensive table wines that are available in the supermarket. MOST PEOPLE are not these dedicated exercise fanatics, but everyone should be exercising regularly to maintain health and strength throughout one's life. The TOTAL GYM is a perfect all-in-one tool for MOST people. It is inexpensive, durable, versatile, accessible, and it REALLY WORKS to help anyone develop, improve, and maintain body strength and limberness. I think that people in the industry who disregard or dismiss the Total Gym as ineffective "infomercial gimmicks" either HAVE NOT tried them at all or not enough to discover their real utility. (There are certainly people in the field who have praised the Total Gym.) I, for one, do not have the space, money or INTEREST in acquiring the kind of home gym Mike has built, or in maintaining a gym membership, which requires monthly payments and traveling some distance to access the gym. For me and for many, the Total Gym is the perfect home exercise solution.
I’m 63 and needed something at home to tone and maintain muscle, while also being careful with my knees. I am going to go unbox a TG Apex G5. Your comment is encouraging!💖
Great video as usual.
I do feel lower back discomfort and even pain at times when doing pull ups on the Total Gym.
Thanks Stevie. For sure I think it depends on the person and exercise, but probably still much easier on the back than a regular pull-up. Did that just start happening, because I remember you telling me (and this video th-cam.com/video/o2KVucVFHF0/w-d-xo.html) that one of the things you loved with a tg was that you could still do pull ups or back stuff without pain.
TG is a must have the footprint is small the use case is huge! People have them for 30 years! You sold me on it or would never invested in one appreciate you! Disagree on legs if you go slow mo with some heavy bands those leg presses are grueling! And I can isochain deadlift nearly 500 lbs! The lying leg curl is a gym quality movement!
Thanks my friend. You can for sure tax your legs in many ways, I just found them more cumbersome (or personally uncomfortable) then just stepping off and using something else. And yes, there's some great single joint leg moves on there for sure.
I warm up on my totalgym with one set of exercise then I go to my Dumbells or my machine but total gym is great on your joints
I picked up a brand new in the box total gym fit signature series for 600 AUD (400 USD) from market place. The original guy got it from a op shop. Such a great machine, I have also gotten my wife into using it now. Thanks to you for your videos, you are definitely the main reason I got into TG. Great video as always 😀
Thanks so much and another great example of the deals you can find on these machines.
Great video.
Total Gym plus any other equipment is better than the other equipment would be without a Total Gym. And, for an home gym, I think a Total Gym is indispensable. Too many exercises provided by one simple machine to ignore it.
I like your gym setup and can't wait to see what you'll be doing with it.
Thanks brother. A key thing is for sure if you've got other equipment is having a space where the TG can be set up and or broken down easily. Doing the pre-exhaust / compound sets with it have been awesome with the new layout. Thanks for watching
I saw a funny video of somebody’s Total Gym collapsing because they were performing dumbbell flyes using heavy weights on it. 😆
That's crazy. I've chest pressed with 90lb power blocks DBs on a cheap knockoff and never had that happen. Definitely wouldn't recommend it though. If the safety pin is in, that basically shouldn't happen.
Hey Brah! I finally found you on IG- but to comment on this, when I hurt my back a while ago I needed something that could help me get back to where I currently am now. The TG is a must have for anyone but I’m amazed that many don’t have or even want one. I have fellas coming over and they are a bit overweight and they can’t do one body weight dip so with the TG, they can at least do some tricep work..we can go on and on on the benefits but the real ones already know!..can wait to see you at the next homegym con if you are going and I shall greet you with the gladiators hand shake lol
Hey brother, I was going to ask, are you "fit king Keith"? If you're going home gym con, I will be there. I'm going to be going through your stuff to check out that sick gym of yours.
I also believe a person's individual circumstances cam factor into buying a Total Gym or not. I feel that for people who already own their own place can buy a total gym because they have a more permanent place or apartment. However, for renters in small apartment places and sign a lease. The place they stay in isn't permanent and moving a total gym can be a hassle when people move. Just a thought
@@emilyng2844 this is an excellent often overlook point. I got all sorts of demographics and people in different states in life. Sometimes we often forget there’s a lot of people out there who want to work out from home but one reason or another can’t get a full set up.
I just got a TG Apex G5 that I am ready to unbox. You make a good point, so I think I will store the shipping box up in the roof rafters of the garage so I can rebox it if I move!
The Total Gym is a wonderful machine. You can do everything in less time than a gym, you can use different angles etc. if you have a little space, when don't you use it, you can unfold that for save more space
Great point. Chaining exercises together is a straight up breeze with these.
You can easily beef up resistance for leg presses by looping heavy duty loop resistance bands. Slowing down your reps in a HIT or Super Slow format will work your entire body.
Good job on yet another informative video.
Thanks brother. I for sure spent time doing that, but I still just find it awkward and am not really a fan of where I feel it in my legs compared to other off machine exercises. Still not bad for another leg alternative for workouts
@hybridresistance I am alot older, so not quite as strong as I once was. I got into the sliding bench realm based on your videos. Keep up the good work.
@@MrCox2121 thank you so much for watching, always appreciate it
I was with you until I went to their website and saw it was $2600. I don’t doubt you could do a lot of effective movements on it but that’s insane for what it is especially as an add-on piece to a larger home gym. For that price you could get two stack loaded BoS cable towers, or even a Voltra unit if space is limited.
As mentioned in the video you don't need to buy the latest and greatest. I'm getting excellent use of an older XLS model that I picked up off Facebook Marketplace for $100 here in Australia (where new Total Gyms are even more expensive). That said, that Evolve model does look good.
Yes, as Nick commented below, you definitely don't have to spend a lot of money to get one of these machines. I found one once for $15.
@@hybridresistance Yeah fair enough if you get a good deal used. I was just blown away by the wild prices on the new models.
Total gyms are awesome ! Love my XLS !!!
Thanks Fred.
I just bought a barely used XLS for 150 dollars on Facebook marketplace place. I love it. I’ve been using it more and more and will be using it today. You can get all sorts of creative with it. Body weight exercises are great because it helps reduce any kind of injury and helps you tone up at the same time. I just do high reps. I’ve also have a resistance bands as well. Much better than having bulky weights all over my small apartment. One other thing I have is an inversion table I’ve had for about 20 years. I still use it every other day and do ab exercises on it as well as maintain spine health. (I had artificial disc replacement about 9 years ago) I’m only 40. But an inversion table is great for overall health, something about going upside down for a while reverses the circulation and helps better circulation through out the body once you go right side up. Two machines I love. Total gym, then inversion table
@@TheFailedmessiah always always really appreciate these types of real world comments and feedback. Thanks so much.
I've got the commercial grade RS Encompass with a 640-lb load weight. No plans to get rid of it even though I also have a REP PR-5000 rack and Ares 2.0.
That says a lot right there. Thanks Kyle
@@hybridresistance yeah, when you can load that much weight, leg work isn't an issue
I gave my used Fit model to a friend to help him after a motorcycle accident and it dramatically helped his re-hab, in fact, I cant't get it back now and he watches your channel all the time Mike. Did you get rid of your fit & GTS model?
Thanks Dan and great to hear that our friend is making good use of the machine. I do still have both the FIT and GTS
Have you ever used a Bow Flex? If so, what did you think about it?
I technically used one back in high school, but not recently. For the space it takes up, I just feel there's better options out there for machines.
What rollers you recommend add some extra weight in roller broke in 20ms
Huck Products makes the best replacement parts.
In the realm of home equipment that is scoffed at and goofy at first glance... what is your opinion on a rebounder (mini trampoline)? To but stress on the musculoskeletal system without impacting the knees or spine as much --- injuries --- thoughts?
I actually have one (cellerciser) and do think they have value. The whole thing about moving the lymphatic system is also legit. It's folded up right now, but whenever it's set up. The whole house along with the kids are constantly jumping on it.
Which total gym model is good and the right attachment points for resistance bands
I'll definitely specify to "try at your risk", but I've found the bigger models (FIT, XLS, or Evolve) have more space under the lip of the glide board where I generally will fix 41" bands. But there's a lot of ways to anchor bands such as on the weight bar with a shorter diameter band.
Still have GTS?
Yes, I still got. It's basically off camera in the garage
TOTAL GYM?? Lol
Get a roll and fold incline, decline bench and a power block style DBELL to 90 lbs… u need nothing else and takes up minimal room in a closet…
@@FireBladeRR-RSP amen brother. It’s just another tool like DBs. You could choose to just that and nothing else but for anyone wants something else to add or can’t afford a dbs, these can do things that dbs cannot. Learned this during the lock downs that I used these more than my 90 power blocks. Appreciate you watching and God bless.
@@hybridresistance good point