As somebody who has trained with weights for over 40 years, I always kind of "poo-pooed" the Total Gym as an infomercial gimmick. That is, until recently, when I picked up an XLS at a moving sale for $100. After playing around with it, I realized that these things are very versatile and have a lot of potential, especially as a supplemental piece of equipment. The other day, I snagged a FIT model with extra accessories, in unused condition, for $150. I'm very excited that I found that deal and I'll be passing the XLS along to a friend. These machines are available everywhere in the used market for a small fraction of what they cost new. Often in like new condition. Do your homework. With that said, even if purchased at retail, I think the Total Gym is a solid investment for somebody who's serious about having a very useful and versatile piece of home fitness equipment.
Thank you for the wonderful video and information. I appreciate you so much. Since it’s made stronger, would the Fit model be safer than the Apex for an elderly woman, 70 years old, that has gotten weak, unsteady and walking with a cane? I’m determined to get stronger. I know I will have to buy the XL squat stand. By the time you add the cost of the stand also, I’m considering buying the Total Gym Fit on eBay total gym outlet, Pre-Owned for $470 + 30 shipping. Comes with all the accessories I want, including the XL squat stand. Is that a safe place to purchase?
I went with the apex g1 model bc I live in an apartment and don't have a lot of floor realestate and it looked more compact than the other models, plus it was a cheaper option. I haven't really tried any other total gym model but so far the apex has been great
Nice video of the Total Gym models. I love the XLS model because of the weight bar holes on the top part on the glide board. Instead of adding weights to the upper part of the glide board why not loop a band on the weight bar and attach it to the bottom frame? The weight bar on the upper part of the glide board can be used as band pegs on the Total Gym.
Thank you for this great interview with skyler, it was great to hear his thoughts and advice on fitness, he has a great wealth of knowledge and a way of explaining things that once youve heard them , they stay with you, I really hope you two do another collaboration video like this again, you really do make a great team. Thanks again 💪👍
Hi, Thanks for the great video. I hope you’re still responding to comments. I have used a beginner total gym for years. Recently, though I developed POTS - a neurological disorder - from a faulty sinus surgery that damaged nerves and caused me to have, among other things, exercise intolerance. My doctors want me to rehab by doing isometrics, which I think I can do on the total gym just with one rep and hold, so my BP won’t become unstable. However, my beginner model (1400 model) is getting harder and harder to manage. When I got to raise the slide board, it gets stuck and is really difficult to get on level three and the tower also moves too much. I end up having to pull the bench up to level 3 with both hands and do this while the tower is unstable. The machine is old, like 6 years. Anyway, can you recommend a model that is smoother, easier to change levels, and easy to fold up? I’m nowhere near needing a weight bar at this point. But I want a machine that is well mad and is super easy to get into the levels, to operate (good slide on the bench) and easy to put away. Practicality for someone who is trying to rehab from illness. Thanks!
Hello. I'd say all TG models are equally cumbersome to really fold up and store. With that said I think the FIT is the easiest to move up / down on the tower. The cheaper APEX models have an advangtag in being lighter though for whatever that's worth. Hope that helps, but let me know if you have other questions on that.
Hi, I appreciate your knowledge and feedback on the TG. I’m on the fence between the TG and the B52 rack/smith machine from major fitness. Was curious on your thoughts on the rack vs. the TG. Thanks
The TotalGym is VERY underrated. In my opinion, you have to get one with holes for a weight bar. But there’s almost no exercise you can’t do on it. Doing squats with added weight is as good as any leg machine at the gym in my opinion.
@@froger3582 I’m not sure, but every one I’ve seen has. I got one of the cheapest ones as a backup and it had them. There’s even one (I can’t remember which one) that has holes at both the bottom and top of the glide board.
@@froger3582 I have the FitPlus. It’s a little more expensive now. I got it for $600 new on QVC but it’s twice that now. You can get cheaper model and it’ll still be great. There are also used ones floating around out there really cheap.
I have a couple questions. (1) Is there any significant difference in difficulty/ weight in folding these up moving them out of the way? My wife is petite (110lbs) and I’d like her to be able to move this around too with limited space. (2) how hard is it to swap out the wheels? Do you have a video on how to do it? Thanks !
My XL is great...even bettr I got it for 150$ w/ attachments on CL....my only regret is laughing at the TG and not giving it a chance...took an injury to sell me on them. Good stuff thnx!
I did the hack for a weight bar with a clothes hanger at the top because I have the 1900 model which doesn't have the holes for a weight bar. I have loaded up to 180 lbs plus I weigh 170 and it has held up well.
This was really helpful. I feel very lucky because I got the Fit in the middle of the pandemic in 2020 when gyms were closed and you couldn’t find and exercise equipment anywhere. On top of it, I got it with all the attachments for less than $700.00. Now I’m thinking about getting a second TotalGym and the Apex seems like a great option. But after watching this, I’m wondering if I should skip it because I’m used to the smooth glide board on the Fit and the Apex might be a rougher ride.
@@hybridresistance makes sense. Thank you. Just picked up a XLS mint for $150. Upgrading my old “Pro” version. The XLS glides like butter in comparison. Your videos are the best out there for these machines. 👌🏻
I may be making a whole video on why I don't have one, but a couple of primary factors is for sure the COST (with delivery) and that it's not very portable. While no question they're awesome, I think I can get all the benefits with these models.
Hi Mike, do you know if the glideboard on the Fit can be rotated 180 degrees so that the holes for the weight bar are at the top of the glideboard rather than at the bottom?
When I sit at the bottom of the glide board near the squat stand with my legs hanging on both sides and pull upwards, the top of the board lifts up off the rails once it clears the halfway point.
@@hybridresistance I just got a used XLS. Underside of glide board, compared to online images, appears to be undamaged. Especially at the lower 3 levels of the XLS, when I sit at the lowest edge of the board with legs hanging on either side, I lean back to gain maximum extension for my arms, and once the top part of the board clears the halfway point, it lifts up off of the rails, which can displace the board laterally so it is no longer moving smoothly. Or it just keeps hopping up and down, which is annoying and distracting. Another thing I noticed is at Level 1, if I simply move the board upwards with my hand, this causes the cable to fall off the hook. This is because the handles are on the floor, which means that the cables are not taut. Also, at the lower levels the pulley drags along the middle rail, and at level 1, this dragging can cause derailment when doing an exercise. I may need to buy the weight bar attachment and see if I can secure the pulley to the bar to keep it from dangling. Also, I need to design a securing method to keep the top of the board from lifting up. I know it is designed this way so that the user can remove the board, but it is annoying when using the device and sitting at the lower edge.
How much smoother is the fit than the apex when going slow? And how much smoother Is the apex when you change the wheels vs the apex with stock wheels. I bought an apex g3 and had to return it because it had too much friction and would catch sometimes when going slow
The APEX models are noticeably rough with the stock wheels. Not necessary bad (and you'd probably get used to them). But obviously they didn't work out for you. The APEX wheels are very smooth when replaced via HUCK products wheels.
@@hybridresistance thank you! Been loving the videos in helping me learn about these machines. I will be buying in January. I may even splurge and get the Fit if it goes on sale.
I'd go with the heavier models, either the XLS or FIT because they can handle more weight. But I'd again defer to the FIT model on that because of the levels of resistance. I also find the plates sit better on the FIT compared to the XLS when they're at the bottom.
@@hybridresistance it seems to have the same height as the Fit (11), it uses Ropes instead of cables (seems more sturdier to me but I haven't used total gym) You can put weights on it (not a seperate accesory), a seperate pulley just for legs. The shoulder attatchment is interchangeable, you can use it on the bottom or the top of the machine. I love doing behind the back pullups with it.
I have seen this and shown it in another video. I've mentioned that for me personally it's not really for me. I've even had people send me email pictures where they've rigged pulleys under there. I just think the basic TG press is better and or a basic DB bench press.
![[UNCUT] บอสพอล แผลงฤทธิ์ บอสพระ-นักร้อง ก. โดนแฉยับ! I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 21 ต.ค. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XKf6HeftoPI/mqdefault.jpg)
As somebody who has trained with weights for over 40 years, I always kind of "poo-pooed" the Total Gym as an infomercial gimmick. That is, until recently, when I picked up an XLS at a moving sale for $100. After playing around with it, I realized that these things are very versatile and have a lot of potential, especially as a supplemental piece of equipment.
The other day, I snagged a FIT model with extra accessories, in unused condition, for $150. I'm very excited that I found that deal and I'll be passing the XLS along to a friend. These machines are available everywhere in the used market for a small fraction of what they cost new. Often in like new condition. Do your homework. With that said, even if purchased at retail, I think the Total Gym is a solid investment for somebody who's serious about having a very useful and versatile piece of home fitness equipment.
Very awesome! Great to hear of that deal and that it's working out for you.
Thanks for sharing all of that. I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you for the wonderful video and information. I appreciate you so much. Since it’s made stronger, would the Fit model be safer than the Apex for an elderly woman, 70 years old, that has gotten weak, unsteady and walking with a cane? I’m determined to get stronger. I know I will have to buy the XL squat stand. By the time you add the cost of the stand also, I’m considering buying the Total Gym Fit on eBay total gym outlet, Pre-Owned for $470 + 30 shipping. Comes with all the accessories I want, including the XL squat stand. Is that a safe place to purchase?
Thanks for another great video. I have been using FIT for 5 plus years and love it more every day.
Great to hear David. Thanks for watching.
I went with the apex g1 model bc I live in an apartment and don't have a lot of floor realestate and it looked more compact than the other models, plus it was a cheaper option.
I haven't really tried any other total gym model but so far the apex has been great
Thank u for all your videos. You're my total gym guru. Just received my Fit today and just finished setting it up. I'm in love with this machine.
Awesome to hear from you and happy to hear you're enjoying the content.
Nice video of the Total Gym models. I love the XLS model because of the weight bar holes on the top part on the glide board. Instead of adding weights to the upper part of the glide board why not loop a band on the weight bar and attach it to the bottom frame? The weight bar on the upper part of the glide board can be used as band pegs on the Total Gym.
I still found (for whatever reason) even that can cause this clicking sound from the bar hitting the bend of the machine.
@@hybridresistance Wow, I thought the clicking sound would be a non-factor but I guess it has to do with the design. Thanks for replying.
Thank you for this great interview with skyler, it was great to hear his thoughts and advice on fitness, he has a great wealth of knowledge and a way of explaining things that once youve heard them , they stay with you, I really hope you two do another collaboration video like this again, you really do make a great team. Thanks again 💪👍
If he’s ever up for it, I’m definitely good to do another one. Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching the video.
Hi,
Thanks for the great video. I hope you’re still responding to comments. I have used a beginner total gym for years. Recently, though I developed POTS - a neurological disorder - from a faulty sinus surgery that damaged nerves and caused me to have, among other things, exercise intolerance.
My doctors want me to rehab by doing isometrics, which I think I can do on the total gym just with one rep and hold, so my BP won’t become unstable.
However, my beginner model (1400 model) is getting harder and harder to manage. When I got to raise the slide board, it gets stuck and is really difficult to get on level three and the tower also moves too much. I end up having to pull the bench up to level 3 with both hands and do this while the tower is unstable. The machine is old, like 6 years.
Anyway, can you recommend a model that is smoother, easier to change levels, and easy to fold up? I’m nowhere near needing a weight bar at this point. But I want a machine that is well mad and is super easy to get into the levels, to operate (good slide on the bench) and easy to put away. Practicality for someone who is trying to rehab from illness.
Thanks!
Hello. I'd say all TG models are equally cumbersome to really fold up and store. With that said I think the FIT is the easiest to move up / down on the tower. The cheaper APEX models have an advangtag in being lighter though for whatever that's worth. Hope that helps, but let me know if you have other questions on that.
Hi, I appreciate your knowledge and feedback on the TG. I’m on the fence between the TG and the B52 rack/smith machine from major fitness. Was curious on your thoughts on the rack vs. the TG. Thanks
It really depends on your own individual interests, goals, and space. Ideally I’d say both since you might be able to find a TG used fairly easy.
The TotalGym is VERY underrated. In my opinion, you have to get one with holes for a weight bar. But there’s almost no exercise you can’t do on it. Doing squats with added weight is as good as any leg machine at the gym in my opinion.
Do they all come with the holes or just certain models? Which one do you use?
@@froger3582 I’m not sure, but every one I’ve seen has. I got one of the cheapest ones as a backup and it had them. There’s even one (I can’t remember which one) that has holes at both the bottom and top of the glide board.
@@froger3582 I have the FitPlus. It’s a little more expensive now. I got it for $600 new on QVC but it’s twice that now. You can get cheaper model and it’ll still be great. There are also used ones floating around out there really cheap.
I have a couple questions. (1) Is there any significant difference in difficulty/ weight in folding these up moving them out of the way? My wife is petite (110lbs) and I’d like her to be able to move this around too with limited space.
(2) how hard is it to swap out the wheels? Do you have a video on how to do it? Thanks !
My XL is great...even bettr I got it for 150$ w/ attachments on CL....my only regret is laughing at the TG and not giving it a chance...took an injury to sell me on them. Good stuff thnx!
Awesome to hear. Can't beat that price.
I did the hack for a weight bar with a clothes hanger at the top because I have the 1900 model which doesn't have the holes for a weight bar. I have loaded up to 180 lbs plus I weigh 170 and it has held up well.
Always great informative videos, thank you! I'm looking for a link to the bands you use, I'll try looking at your other vids.
Here you go. There actually on sale now which is not too often. amzn.to/3TDRMxa
How to go about ordering one of these from East Asia (Hong Kong specifically), will shipping costs be astronomical?
I honestly have no idea about that but I have heard they are expensive to ship to Asia.
Love my tg fit from CL. Thanks for the great ideas!
No one knows these units as well as yo do,great review as always.
Chuck Norris disagrees. Please don't upset Chuck. 😉
Appreciate it Lou!
This was really helpful. I feel very lucky because I got the Fit in the middle of the pandemic in 2020 when gyms were closed and you couldn’t find and exercise equipment anywhere. On top of it, I got it with all the attachments for less than $700.00. Now I’m thinking about getting a second TotalGym and the Apex seems like a great option. But after watching this, I’m wondering if I should skip it because I’m used to the smooth glide board on the Fit and the Apex might be a rougher ride.
You can always upgrade the wheels with Randy’s from Huck Products. I have a few videos with him on the channel if you’re curious.
@@hybridresistance I would love to watch that. Do you think with the new rollers that Apex bench is as smooth as the Fit with the stock rollers?
On the XLS did you only have the rubbing sound with the weight bar on the top set of holes?
Yes, this is a commonly reported problem people have been having with these and the reason they plugged up the top weight bar hole.
@@hybridresistance makes sense. Thank you. Just picked up a XLS mint for $150. Upgrading my old “Pro” version. The XLS glides like butter in comparison. Your videos are the best out there for these machines. 👌🏻
Have you spent any time with one of the GTS models? The price tag (and the weight rating) on those is rather eye popping.
I may be making a whole video on why I don't have one, but a couple of primary factors is for sure the COST (with delivery) and that it's not very portable. While no question they're awesome, I think I can get all the benefits with these models.
At some point I want a fit. But for rn I have a used 1700 club with a bunch of attachments, and That is working fine. Great video!
I love hearing from people using older models and maximizing their use.
And it will continue to work just fine.
Hi Mike, do you know if the glideboard on the Fit can be rotated 180 degrees so that the holes for the weight bar are at the top of the glideboard rather than at the bottom?
Unfortunately it can't.
When I sit at the bottom of the glide board near the squat stand with my legs hanging on both sides and pull upwards, the top of the board lifts up off the rails once it clears the halfway point.
What model do you have?
@@hybridresistance I just got a used XLS. Underside of glide board, compared to online images, appears to be undamaged. Especially at the lower 3 levels of the XLS, when I sit at the lowest edge of the board with legs hanging on either side, I lean back to gain maximum extension for my arms, and once the top part of the board clears the halfway point, it lifts up off of the rails, which can displace the board laterally so it is no longer moving smoothly. Or it just keeps hopping up and down, which is annoying and distracting.
Another thing I noticed is at Level 1, if I simply move the board upwards with my hand, this causes the cable to fall off the hook. This is because the handles are on the floor, which means that the cables are not taut.
Also, at the lower levels the pulley drags along the middle rail, and at level 1, this dragging can cause derailment when doing an exercise.
I may need to buy the weight bar attachment and see if I can secure the pulley to the bar to keep it from dangling. Also, I need to design a securing method to keep the top of the board from lifting up. I know it is designed this way so that the user can remove the board, but it is annoying when using the device and sitting at the lower edge.
How much smoother is the fit than the apex when going slow? And how much smoother Is the apex when you change the wheels vs the apex with stock wheels. I bought an apex g3 and had to return it because it had too much friction and would catch sometimes when going slow
The APEX models are noticeably rough with the stock wheels. Not necessary bad (and you'd probably get used to them). But obviously they didn't work out for you. The APEX wheels are very smooth when replaced via HUCK products wheels.
@@hybridresistance is the fit a lot smoother than the apex with huck wheels? and how smooth is the gr8flex?
When is the fit going to be updated or net gen?
I know something is in the works, but I'm not sure how far out it is.
Hey did I miss the link for the upgrade wheels?
You can check those out at HuckProducts.com
@@hybridresistance thank you so much!
Are the 6 levels on the apex the same as on the XLS?
Roughly yes.
If you wanted to spend 1k or less what model would you recommend? G5, XLS, or maybe a Gr8flex?
If you didn't mind spending close to 1k than the XLS otherwise I'd shoot for this G5 with upgraded Huck Products wheels.
@@hybridresistance thank you! Been loving the videos in helping me learn about these machines. I will be buying in January. I may even splurge and get the Fit if it goes on sale.
@@travisg1962 appreciate the positive comments brother. All the best with your purchase
What is the best one for building muscle and size??
I'd go with the heavier models, either the XLS or FIT because they can handle more weight. But I'd again defer to the FIT model on that because of the levels of resistance. I also find the plates sit better on the FIT compared to the XLS when they're at the bottom.
@@hybridresistance Thank you.
I wish you could get a hold of a Bayou Total Trainer. I thinks its better than all of these
Me too!
@@hybridresistance it seems to have the same height as the Fit (11), it uses Ropes instead of cables (seems more sturdier to me but I haven't used total gym) You can put weights on it (not a seperate accesory), a seperate pulley just for legs. The shoulder attatchment is interchangeable, you can use it on the bottom or the top of the machine. I love doing behind the back pullups with it.
👍
How mach
A good way to use the weight bar at the top of the sliding bench on the XLS:
th-cam.com/video/AMK-REGyN54/w-d-xo.html
I have seen this and shown it in another video. I've mentioned that for me personally it's not really for me. I've even had people send me email pictures where they've rigged pulleys under there. I just think the basic TG press is better and or a basic DB bench press.