Total Gym Review

We have all seen the infomercials with Chuck Norris, Christie Brinkley and several other celebrities.  So the question is, is the Total Gym all it's cracked up to be?  In my review we will explore just that question.  There are many different versions of the Total Gym, the largest difference between them is on some versions you can add weight resistance while on others you can't. 

The good:

The Total Gym has a LARGE variety of exercises that can be performed on it, so it's hard to get bored.  This alone makes the Total Gym worth because if you get bored with equipment and stop using it, it's not going to do you any good.  

Since you will not be lifting any actual weights with the Total Gym, you do not have to worry about dropping one on your foot or any other weight lifting related problems.  The Total Gym also has a board to lay on so even if you have back problems you are supported for most exercises.

Because you are only using a percentage of your body weight, exercises like the pull up, which most people can't do, are doable on the Total Gym.  The Total Gym has several adjustable resistance levels that use a different percentage of your body weight so you can continue to work your way up as you get stronger.  This also makes it a machine that both men and women of all fitness levels can use. 

The bad:

There really isn't much to say here.  The leg exercises are perhaps the thing that are lacking the most but you still have plenty to select from.  If you are a bodybuilder and looking to use massive amounts of weight, the Total Gym is probably not for you (though if you have a version that allows you to add weight resistance, that helps).  Though you can get around that by doing things like a 1 arm pull up, it just takes a little longer. 

The price can be a little high depending on the model you get but there are various models that cover all budgets. 

Final verdict:

With it's wide range of exercises (including Pilates for the ladies), back support and various levels of resistance, the Total Gym is a great piece of equipment that 95% of people from all age ranges can use.  I highly recommend it.