Home gyms are not a foreign concept, especially today with the evolving lifestyle and new norms. However, while many want to recreate the ambiance of a spacious gym, it’s not entirely possible for many inside their homes. That is why multi-functional equipment like the Total Gym became the answer!
The concept behind the Total Gym is the sliding board, which allows you to utilize your body weight as resistance while using a variety of attachments and accessories to adjust the workouts to your fitness level. Today, there are many Total Gym models, making it hard to sift through the good and the bad.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing 9 of the best Total Gym equipment, including our Top Pick, the Total Gym XLS, which is perfect for your home gym and total body workout!
Best Total Gym Models & Alternatives at a Glance
It is an all-in-one home gym system that is equipped to handle more than eighty exercises with six levels of resistance. It can load a maximum weight capacity of four hundred pounds and can target major muscle groups. It's suitable for stretching, cardio, and strength training exercises.
It's designed with a unique step paddle attachment, tuning the Total Gym into a high-intensity stepper machine. You can do over sixty different workouts, mirror rowing movements, and blast a full-body exercise.
A budget-friendly version of the XLS but can accommodate over sixty exercises and has a maximum capacity of three hundred fifty pounds. It comes with various accessories including pull-up bars and dips, two pieces of wing attachments, a square squat stand, and more.
Total Gym XLS – Best Overall
What we like
- No setup required
- Easy to store and use thanks to its foldable structure
- Ideal for a wide range of individuals
- Allows cardio and strength building workouts that target your upper and lower body
- Comes with unique accessories like a ribbed squat stand and a training deck
- Wing attachment enables a wider range of motion
- Padded head support
What we don’t like
- Height Limit
- On the more expensive side
- Some users say that the wheels may not be of good quality
- Suitable for toning, but there are other options that can give you better results
The Total Gym XLS is one of the premium and best Total Gym models that you can find. It’s a sleek and impressive universal home fitness machine that comes with an incline bench dedicated to ab crunches and, according to the manufacturer, is suitable for ages eight to eighty!
This exercise equipment is a handy structure that enables you to neatly fold it up to make it compact for storage. It can support a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs and can handle eighty exercises in one machine. With this, you can do cardio, strength training, and stretching exercises for a full-body burn.
The machine comes with a thick padded glide board with a double headrest and a reinforced frame, guaranteeing that it’s top-quality and worth every single penny. Also, the Total Gym XLS dimensions are (L x W x H) 90 x 19 x 43 inches.
When you get a Total Gym XLS, you also get several attachments and accessories, including a ribbed squat stand, leg pull accessory with two ankle cuffs, wing attachment, exercise wall chart, meal plan guide, and training deck. You also get access to the Total Gym TV for free training and extra guidance.
Total Gym Fitness Fusion – Best Versatility
What we like
- Comes with a row trainer
- The only Total Gym version that has a Step attachment
- Comes with a Pilates kit with a toe bar
- Includes five workout DVDs
What we don’t like
- Don’t include transport wheels
- Don’t have the best squat board attachment
- Not assembled completely
The Total Gym Fitness Fusion is the most versatile Total Gym model on the roster. You can use it for over sixty workouts, including strength training, cardio, and stretching. Furthermore, you can easily modify the machine to make it more or less challenging to suit your fitness level and body size.
The defining feature of this multi-functional home gym equipment is its unique step pedal attachment, turning your Total Gym Fitness Fusion into a high-level stepper machine. In addition, it also has a Pilates toe bar kit that can help you focus on sculpting and strengthening your core.
When you use this equipment in the lower setting, it can replicate an expensive Pilates reformer machine! Also, this apparatus can simultaneously work all the major muscle groups in your body. It can strengthen and tone your legs, arms, shoulders, and back as well as improve balance and build up stabilizer muscles.
The Total Gym Fitness Fusion has a maximum weight capacity of 205 lbs. and has twelve levels of resistance. It also comes with an ab crunch accessory, a leg pulley system, a row trainer, five workout DVDs, an exercise wall chart, a nutrition guide, and Rosalie Brown’s Fitspiration Guide!
Total Gym XL7 Force – Best Budget
What we like
- Includes a full range of accessories
- Affordable
- Comes with twelve levels of resistance
- Has a full-length protective floor mat
What we don’t like
- Has a Height Limit
- Lacks a beginner-friendly workout
- Bench is too short
If you want to experience a Total Gym workout but are looking for an affordable option, then you should check out the Total Gym XL7 Force. It’s a cheaper version of the popular Total Gym XLS.
Although it’s more reasonable compared to the others, this model still comes with various accessories, including a two-piece wing attachment, dip and pull-up bars, an adequate-sized squat stand, and more.
In addition, you can also get two workout DVDs but on an intermediate level and total-body focused. If you’re a beginner, then you might need to search online for other options. The Total Gym XL7 Force has a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. and has twelve resistance levels.
Total Gym Xtreme – Best for Beginners
What we like
- Designed with a device holder
- Allows a full-body workout
- Eight levels of resistance
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
What we don’t like
- No means to add a weight bar
- Basic attachments only
- Not ideal for people with a higher fitness level
The Total Gym Xtreme is the best version for beginners because it comes with a training deck and a device holder, making it more convenient to follow beginner workout videos. You can do eighty exercises with this machine which offers versatility but not in an overwhelming manner.
This home gym machine comes with an ab and leg pull attachment, dip bars, Tri-Grip shaper bars, wing attachments, squat stand, and a manual. While these are the usual attachment used in a Total Gym, you don’t get a lot of extras, unlike the other machines. Also, it does not have a hole to add a weight bar which is essential if you want to add more resistance.
Nonetheless, if you’re a beginner, you won’t need the other accessories as you can lose weight and get fit with the attachments that come with the equipment. This machine has a 350 lbs. weight capacity and twelve levels of resistance.
GR8Flex High Performance – Best for Bodybuilding
What we like
- Comes with a lifetime warranty on the machine and all the accessories
- Wide selection of attachments
- Fifteen resistance levels with an added fifty bound bands
- Multiple design selection
- No assembly needed
What we don’t like
- No weight bar attachment option
- Quality is not as good as a Total Gym
- Board made of canvas, not leather
The GR8Flex High Performance is an excellent option for bodybuilders who want to beef up and achieve their fitness goals at home. It’s a heavy-duty home gym equipment and provides the most resistance among the other models.
This equipment comes with two resistance bands (ideal for resistance training) that provide up to 50 lbs of tension, giving a solid fitness enthusiast more challenges to overcome! Aside from that, it also includes a wing bar, leg pull attachment, dip bars, smartphone holder, EZ curl bar, soft-grip handles, crunch ab accessory, protective mat, and a sizeable squat stand.
Furthermore, you get to enjoy this machine in a stylish, military-inspired design, a fresh pearl white scheme, or a stunning gold aesthetic! It can load up to 450 lbs maximum weight capacity and has fifteen levels of resistance.
Other standout features of the GR8Flex High Performance are the number of accessories and the lifetime warranty. Most Total Gyms have a 1-year warranty, and others range from six months to three years. This just proves how confident the manufacturers are with their products. Usually, the length of the warranty signifies how well-made a product is.
Total Gym Apex G5 – Best for Value
What we like
- Has many excellent accessories (leg pull accessory, wing attachment, etc.)
- Great value for money and affordable
- Compact and sturdy – will not take much space
- User-friendly regardless of the fitness levels
What we don’t like
- Low weight capacity
- Needs assembling
- Foam handles on the pull-up bar and dip station – collect sweat
- No additional weight plates and bar option
While the Total Gym Apex G5 is much cheaper than the Total Gym XLS, it is nearly at par in terms of the quality of the machine. You can do over eighty exercises, with ten levels of resistance and a maximum weight capacity of 375 lbs. One thing that you may find troublesome is you need to set up the Total Gym Apex G5 after purchasing.
However, it should not take more than an hour and is simple, as mentioned by some of the users. Once you’re done setting up, you can start using this workout equipment together with the included exercise and nutrition guides and access to the Total Gym TV, where you can see all the workouts you can do with your brand new home gym system.
The other accessories included in this exercise equipment are the wing attachment, large squat stand, dip bars, leg pull accessory, training deck with holders, two stability mats, workout DVD, and more!
The entire machine measures 93 inches long, 43.25 inches tall, and 15.5 inches wide. It also has a padded glide board with a pillow headrest and is made from a high-quality steel frame with auto-lock height adjustment.
The Total Gym Apex G5 can help you strengthen, tone, and condition your upper and lower body muscles. Also, it can assist in weight loss, body sculpting, health and energy maintenance, and more!
Total Gym TG Blast – Best for Core Improvement
What we like
- Includes a wall chart and instructional DVD
- Allows to perform progressive workouts
- Gives your core muscle group a good workout
- Compact and easy to store
What we don’t like
- Not ideal for taller people
- Less weight capacity
- Fewer accessories and attachments
This Total Gym variation is the best for basting your core muscles. It can help you tone and strengthen your core and improve your overall balance and stability. With this machine, you’ll be able to execute planks, pikes, and abdominal crunches in proper form.
You can use the Total Gym TG Blast for a progressive fitness program starting from beginner to expert level. It can load a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs and comes with an instructional workout DVD that will help you get a good workout!
If your priority is shaping your abs and defining your midsection, then this Total Gym variation is perfect for you. Although, the only downside to this is it comes with fewer accessories and attachments. If you want a diverse workout routine, other models would be able to give you better assistance in achieving what you want.
Fusion Motion Portable Gym – Best Alternative
What we like
- Portable and ideal for traveling
- Activates the upper and lower body muscles
- Comprehensive exercise guide
- Versatile set up with various accessories
What we don’t like
- More expensive compared to others of its kind
- Not the best equipment for free weight exercises
- Some pegs are inaccessible, as mentioned by other customers
The Fusion Motion Portable Gym enables you to pack a gym inside your bag and bring it wherever you go. You can use it in the comfort of your home or in your hotel room when you are on an extended business trip. Thanks to its eight attachments for toning and shaping, this fitness equipment can effortlessly sculpt your lower and upper body.
With this home gym unit, you can work your arms, glutes, and legs using the two resistance bands. Also, it can help you achieve the perfect push-up form with your choice of static or dynamic handlebars. This portable gym can help you stimulate your core using the ab roller wheel and enable you to experience the burn coming from the tricep bar.
Compared to other home gym bundles, the Fusion Motion Portable Gym has a higher weight capacity of 290 lbs! Plus, it has a detailed instruction guide of two hundred exercises sectioned from beginners to advance.
Aside from that, while other home gym equipment can only support normal to light loads, the Fusion Motion Portable Gym is steel-reinforced, so it can handle heavier and more intense workouts and withstand heavy resistance bands.
TRX All in One Suspension Trainer – Best Cheaper Substitute
What we like
- Comes with multiple cords
- Affordable
- Can easily connect with nearly everything
- Includes about forty exercise
What we don’t like
- No standardized bench
- Limited to lifting your own bodyweight only
- Not enough to build muscle mass
If none of the Total Gym variations fits your budget or does not provide the cardio training or free weights exercises that you’re looking for, then this equipment maybe your best option. The TRX All in One Suspension Trainer is a popular suspension trainer ideal for full-body workouts.
This home gym system comes with a suspension anchor, suspension trainer, door anchor, access to the TRX Training Club app, and a getting started manually. Studies show that using fitness cords within workout programs can help engage smaller specific muscles. So, you can use the various training cords in different resistance levels to achieve your body goals.
One of the main reason suspension belts are great is their concentration on movement-based training. You can incorporate multiple exercises that can burn a good amount of calories at a fast pace. If you have no idea what to do, you don’t need to fret since it also comes with a thirty-five paged guide with a variety of exercises.
These suspension bands don’t come with a bench, but many people use a standard weightlifting bench as a substitute. It’s affordable, perfect for beginners, and you can use them for a long time. Also, it can take a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs.
Final Verdict
If you go through the internet, you’ll see a variety of Total Gyms available in the market. There’s the Total Gym GTS, Total Gym Supreme, Total Gym Fit, and many more. However, out of the different Total Gym models we’ve encountered, the best Total Gym for us is the Total Gym XLS.
Not only does it have a high weight capacity and is made from premium materials, but also the variety of workouts it offers and the accessories that come with it make this Total Gym model a league of its own. Although it’s more expensive than the others, it’s still worth it because of the inclusions and the full-body burn you can experience.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more go-to type of Total Gym, then you can check out the Fusion Motion Portable Gym. It’s an easy setup and pack-up equipment that’s lightweight enough to bring to travels. In addition, it also comes with different accessories and a guide to help you achieve your body goals!
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Total Gym To Improve Your Home Gym Systems
As mentioned before, there are many Total Gym machines with excellent qualities. Because of this, choosing the one that’s ideal for you can be a difficult task. There are multiple elements that you must consider to ensure that you’re buying the one that you need.
Some of the factors include your fitness goals, budget, and added value of the equipment in your home gym. Once you sort this out, you’ll have more confidence that you made the correct choice for the requirements that you have.
Fitness Goals
When it comes to fitness goals it varies from person to person. Some may want to have a slimmer arm or toned legs. Others are aiming to beef up for a bodybuilding competition. However, two main objectives are always on top of the list, losing fat and building muscles.
If your goal is to increase your muscle mass for a pumped and fuller upper body, look for a home gym machine that has weight stacks or weight plates. This type of equipment will enable you to work out with the weight you need to boost and strengthen your muscles.
Alternatively, if you’re target is to burn calories and tone your body, any home gym equipment would work, but resistance-based options are ideal. With this, you’ll be able to guarantee weight loss due to the low-weight and high-repetition workout sets you can perform.
Stability and Durability
Similar to any gym equipment, the stability and durability of the machine are essential aspects that you should review. It’s hard to trust a piece of wobbly equipment when doing pull-ups or compound exercises. Instead of executing each movement in proper form, you’ll be more concerned about the machine breaking when you do a particular move.
Aside from that, these factors are crucial because you don’t want a machine that will last only for a few months. Your target should be a piece of equipment that can journey with you until you reach your fitness goals.
Furthermore, consider the weight and height limit of the machine and choose the one that suits your requirements. Once you nail it down, you’ll be more comfortable when working out, and you can leave your worries behind and focus on activating and toning your upper and lower body!
Versatility
Another aspect that you should look into is the versatility of the equipment you’re purchasing. How many exercises can you do with it? What are the attachments that come with it? The more activities that you can do and the more attachment you have, the better since the more versatile your fitness program will be.
In addition, consider what types of workouts you can do with the machine. Is it solely for cardio, or can you do strength training and low-impact workouts? Again, the more varied, the better for you.
Price
The price may be the factor that will probably play the most significant part when you decide. The price points of Total Gyms and other alternatives depend on the model, features, performance level, and more. The most affordable ones are around two hundred dollars, while the most expensive and premium-quality ones can reach up to four thousand dollars.
Ask yourself how much are you willing to spend on the equipment. If you have a few extra bucks, invest in a higher quality model because it will last longer, and you will have more varieties in your workouts.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry; there are other affordable models that may have fewer attachments but can still help you fulfill the body that you want.
