Total Gym Review

Sunday, January 12th

2025 Home Gym Reviews

Total Gym

• Type of Home Gym: Bodyweight resistance bench
• Cost: $1,049 to $3,995 ($2,040 mean price)
• Different Models: 3
• Financing Available: Yes
• Resistance: Depends on bodyweight
• Return Policy: 30 days
• Warranty: 5 years - Lifetime
• Shipping: Free

Appearing on late-night TV with stars Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley since the 90's, Total Gym is a home exercise system first made for rehab centers. Both Norris and Brinkley have been fans of Total Gym for three decades, praising it as an efficient way to stay fit even with packed schedules.

Incline and cushion

The sloped, cushioned board supports your back well, and the smooth glide prevents pressure on the joints. This explains why Total Gym was popular in physical therapy. The system uses 6 to 60 percent of your body weight to create resistance, which you can tweak for harder or lighter workouts. Adjust the board's angle and position to work on various muscles and exercises.

Training tools

When you buy the Total Gym system, you get a detailed exercise chart, a collection of workout DVDs, and a card deck that shows all the exercises you can do with Total Gym, plus the suggested number of reps. Total Gym TV is a new perk that allows you to watch Total Gym workouts anytime and on any device. They have a free version called Basic, which gives you a mix of new and old workouts. If you want more, they have a Premium version too. With Premium, you get new workouts when they come out and can also watch all the old Total Gym DVD workouts from the Total Gym app or on their website.

Total Gym XLS is $1,049

There are three models of the Total Gym. The XLS is the most basic of the lineup with 60 possible exercises and 6 resistance levels. It includes a leg pull attachment, ribbed squat stand, and wing attachment. The machine weighs 68 lbs and is priced at $1,049.50. There's a lifetime warranty on the frame and 6 months for parts. Notably, it comes fully assembled, reducing setup time. Given its features and price, the XLS might appeal to beginners, seniors, or those looking for a standard workout without too many additional features.

Total Gym FIT has 85 exercises

The Total Gym FIT is a mid-tier model, priced at $1,649.95. It provides over 85 exercises with 12 resistance levels. Add-ons include the AbCrunch, an upgraded squat stand, leg pull attachment, and a 2-piece wing attachment. It has a more extended warranty than the XLS with a lifetime coverage on the frame and 2 years on parts. Like the XLS, it comes fully assembled. Its increased exercise and resistance options might be good for those wanting a bit more variety and intensity in their workouts without going to a professional grade.

Total Gym GTS is overpriced

The Total Gym GTS is the most advanced and pricey option among the three, at $3,995.00. It can accommodate 200 exercises and 22 resistance levels. In contrast to the other models, it requires assembly, but this service is included. The warranty differs with 5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and upholstery, and 90 days on foam and rubber. It has a lat bar attachment, squat stand, and a 6-piece strength package. The GTS requires freight shipping, but that should also be included. We're not sure this home gym is really worth the price. We think Total Gym products are best suited to seniors, those with limited mobility, and absolute beginners to working out, and we wouldn't recommend any of those demographics spend $4k on a bench on sliding rails. For that price, you could afford a nice Smith machine with accessory attachments.

30-day free trial, but return shipping isn't covered

Total Gym has an offer that lets you try out their equipment for 30 days at home before deciding if it's right for you. This is the only company we've reviewed with such a trial. You do have to make a first payment, and if your state charges sales tax, that'll be added too. After the 30 days, if you choose to keep the equipment, they'll charge your card every month until you've paid in full. The good thing is if you want to pay everything off early, you can, and there's no extra fee. Just remember, if you decide to send it back within the trial period, you'll have to cover the return shipping costs. Also, even though Total Gym doesn't add interest to their monthly payments, your credit card company might, so it's a good idea to double-check with them. The return policy follows the same 30-day timeframe and shipping fee caveats.

Ideal for fitness newcomers

Total Gym's home gym systems are a great fit for seniors, new moms working on post-baby weight, or anyone aiming to shape up at home. For those seeking a cost-effective and user-friendly home workout solution, Total Gym is a great option. However, if you're deeply into bodybuilding, Total Gym rigs won't be the best fit, given their reliance on body weight and limited resistance adjustment.