Total Gym Review

Time for our Total Gym Review . . .

No doubt you've seen the television commercial for this exercise equipment featuring Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley. In spite of all the hype surrounding this product, the truth is, if you want to lose weight, achieve totally ripped abs, or just tone up, strength training is absolutely essential. And if the idea of heavy weight-lifting or endless repetitions with dumbbells makes you yawn, then the Total Gym is a great alternative.

It allows you to develop muscle and burn off fat by using your own body weight for resistance. The machine is also designed to be gentle on your knees, tendons, and joints.

Instead of using bars or heavy weights, you use a unique system of pulleys which work every muscle in the body effectively. Depending on which version of the Total Gym you select, there are a variety of attachments and kits which can be used to expand the functionality of the machine.

The Glide board that you lie upon adjusts to different inclines as a means of adjusting resistance levels and making each workout or each rep easier or harder.

Let's take a closer look at specific models . . .

Total Gym XLS

The system to go with for most people will be the newest option, the Total Gym XLS. It is the most expensive model, but it is also the one that will deliver the biggest changes in your body. It is capable of performing over 80 different exercises, thanks to a variety of included accessories and attachments.

For instance, it comes with a Pilates kit which turns your Total Gym into a Pilates machine, providing a whole new range of workout options. The squat stand it comes with is also upgraded and more durable than the one included with the other models.

Other benefits of the XLS are that it holds users up to 400 pounds and includes an upgraded, more durable pulley design. The Glide board that you lie on to perform the exercises is padded for your ultimate comfort and includes a headrest. Even the handles on the pulley feature more padding, for extra comfort.

The only real downside to the XLS model is that it is much heavier than the other two options. While it does fold up for storage, most users opt to just leave it in one place because of the machine's weight.

Total Gym 3000

If you really want something lighter or need to stick to a tight budget, there is always the Total Gym 3000 and the Total Gym 2000.

The 3000 model will hold users up to 300 pounds and is capable of performing over 60 exercises. It is basically the basic Total Gym model without all of the upgraded design features that are found on the XLS. It does include one attachment and a standard squat stand.

Total Gym 2000

The 2000 model is just the original Total Gym frame with no attachments, no upgrades, and no extras. It is lighter in weight but will only safely hold users up to 250 pounds.

Surprisingly, it is still capable of performing around 40 exercises and still offers the lifetime warranty on the frame, just like all the other models.

It is rather simple to choose between these models. If you have the space to permanently set up your machine and can swing the higher price, the XLS is going to be your best choice.

Yet, the 3000 and 2000 could be better picks if you want to perform only basic exercises and do not need all of the upgrades and attachments which make it more functional.

Christie Brinkley demonstrating exercises on the Total Gym . . .