I saw the Total Gym XTREME at Costco today and it seemed pretty interesting for $300. It's a budget model, but it might still fit my needs, which are to stay toned. Has anyone used one?

I had one for a year or so, and only got rid of it due to health problems. I liked it. A general, universal solution for workouts at home. It wouldn't replace free weights for serious body building, but for general toning or maintenance, great.

Would Chuck and Christie steer you wrong?

Have had the XL model for at least over 15 years. Excellent overall workout machine, imo. The only things I had to replace was the wheels earlier this year. One of them finally chipped, so I replaced all four. Back to smooth riding again.

Ha ha, bought the thing when Chuck didn't sport the ridiculous moustache and didn't dye his hair black.

How smooth is the pulley system? I had a Bowflex years ago that worked well going out, but had poor resistance going back.

Is there a difference between them outside of attachments?

You can use it for 30 days for $1 from Chuck.

https://totalgymdirect.com/sho...iAkdXeUKuw&gclsrc=ds

What is the difference between the one above and the one at Costco?

https://www.costco.com/total-g...oduct.100519748.html

Had mine for at least 25 years. Also on the second set of wheels. The Total Gym, some dumbbells and an Elliptical machine are what I use for exercise.

Over the years it has sat occasionally when I joined a gym. Today, it works perfectly for my needs. At my age the dr. recommended higher reps and lighter weights, so the TG is perfect. There are several videos online showing different workouts.

I can't speak to the difference between the Costco model and others. I bought mine from an infomercial. It has the Press Up bar attachment, the foot rest for squats and another attachment for incline sit-ups. But you can find several attachments, also online for different exercises if the Costco model doesn't have them.

i suppose it would be better than nothing

but I would suggest - if you are getting started - get a high quality bench, a good floor mat and several sets of dumbbells.

10s / 15s / 20s / 25s etc to get started

way more variety of exercises you could do

slowly over time add equipment as necessary

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A purchase for your New Year resolution?

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
A purchase for your New Year resolution?

No, I like to exercise at home. I have been waiting to catch a deal on PowerBlocks and saw the Total Gym walking into Costco.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
A purchase for your New Year resolution?

No, I like to exercise at home. I have been waiting to catch a deal on PowerBlocks and saw the Total Gym walking into Costco.

I liked the Total Gym........some of the time. Great workout, good for the body. The problem for me was my banged up knees and getting on and off the sliding board...it always felt awkward.

Go with the Powerblocks. Those and a basic bench will do wonders. I love mine.

If you are willing to use it 4-6 days a week and improve your nutrition it will work for you. If it becomes a coat hanger and you routinely eat garbage it will not. There is no silver bullet to being "physically fit". However, if you decide to make changes in your lifestyle and work hard, almost any equipment will work.

quote:

Originally posted by jsbcody:


I liked the Total Gym........some of the time. Great workout, good for the body. The problem for me was my banged up knees and getting on and off the sliding board...it always felt awkward.

Go with the Powerblocks. Those and a basic bench will do wonders. I love mine.

I used my Bowflex weights until one of them broke. Something broke off one of the knobs you twist, so I'm looking forward to replacing them with PowerBlocks.

I've been using my Power Press for push-ups and like it, but want some variety. It would also be nice to have a machine that lets me work my legs.

My main concern with the Total Gym is the pulley system. The Bowflex I owned years ago didn't let me work the negative very well. It just didn't feel like there was any resistance going back. I'm looking for something that offers consistency in both directions.

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
If you are willing to use it 4-6 days a week and improve your nutrition it will work for you. If it becomes a coat hanger and you routinely eat garbage it will not. There is no silver bullet to being "physically fit". However, if you decide to make changes in your lifestyle and work hard, almost any equipment will work.

Good advice. I exercise pretty consistently, but I'm getting a bit bored with the equipment I own and would like some variety.

I was also looking at the OYO, but worried it would have a pulley system similar to the Bowflex I mentioned above. The Total Gym seems like it would be easier to use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D...ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Based off of this thread I started looking at these. I just stumbled across a special this weekend where you get the $1900 Total Gym Plus with a bunch of accessories from QVC for $699. The link is actually on the Total Gym website to QVC. I'm ordering one now.

Total Gym FIT Plus with 14 Resistance Levels and XL Squat Stand

Check out Bayou Fitness. They make one I think is sturdier.