Total Gym
- Thread starter nspire
- Start date
Jess_jugs
Cathlete
I have one. Well, it's my brother's that he has stored here for a couple years!! I think I used it a few times when he first brought it here, but it just seemed to be a pain to unfold and use. I really got easily bored with it! I'm sure you could get a good workout on it though! HTH!
Matiana
Cathlete
I used to have one to. It wasn't too bad. I bought it many years ago when I knew nothing of fitness so I didn't utilize it to its fullest potential. I think if it's used properly it would be an okay fitness machine but I don't think it has Chuck Norris potential. I wouldn't buy one this time around.
sbaxterharris
Active Member
We have one
I purchased the DELUXE version for my husband last christmas. I did think it was REALLY expensive, but he loves the concept of stretching while you build muscle. Does he use it as much as I thought - NO. I cannot judge though because I own a pretty large investment in CATHE products and have all the great fitness accessories to go with it and I don't use it like I should either.
It is a very nice piece of equipment. It is stable, it is very unique in its design. I do use it for pilates as well. We have both worked out on it and I have had serious DOMS from it, especially in the abs. I cannot stress enough that even though my husband does not use it like he should and even thought it was rediculously expensive - HE LOVES IT and would no sooner part with it than his PS3!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for me I far prefer it to a home gym(you know the all in ones with the leg extension, bench press, fly machine etc). It gives a variable to working out that contrasts free weights and does give a nice stretch. IMHO It folds up easily (ours is in my workout room and I am very stingy with my 11 X 14 room and require MUCH floor space for my step workouts - so it has to be folded back up when not in use and it does fit just fine in the closet) and once you spend the time to learn the different excercises (and they are endless) it is pretty cool. Kind of like STS (though not as fabulous as everything CATHE is simply the BEST) you have to spend the time to do EVERY excercise to find the perfect setting and then you can exploit its full potential.
I purchased the DELUXE version for my husband last christmas. I did think it was REALLY expensive, but he loves the concept of stretching while you build muscle. Does he use it as much as I thought - NO. I cannot judge though because I own a pretty large investment in CATHE products and have all the great fitness accessories to go with it and I don't use it like I should either.
It is a very nice piece of equipment. It is stable, it is very unique in its design. I do use it for pilates as well. We have both worked out on it and I have had serious DOMS from it, especially in the abs. I cannot stress enough that even though my husband does not use it like he should and even thought it was rediculously expensive - HE LOVES IT and would no sooner part with it than his PS3!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for me I far prefer it to a home gym(you know the all in ones with the leg extension, bench press, fly machine etc). It gives a variable to working out that contrasts free weights and does give a nice stretch. IMHO It folds up easily (ours is in my workout room and I am very stingy with my 11 X 14 room and require MUCH floor space for my step workouts - so it has to be folded back up when not in use and it does fit just fine in the closet) and once you spend the time to learn the different excercises (and they are endless) it is pretty cool. Kind of like STS (though not as fabulous as everything CATHE is simply the BEST) you have to spend the time to do EVERY excercise to find the perfect setting and then you can exploit its full potential.
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princessbear
Cathlete
I have the TG 14000. I got it year or so ago to get myself started back with working out. I think it gives a good workout and the stretch is great. I really did not like the instructor though - I found him annoying 
I don't even use my TotalGym anymore since Cathe - I'm thinking of selling it actually since it is sitting in my closet. I bought all the attachments too - some of which never have been used. If I can't sell it - it may be a good machine to use on "rest weeks" between STS - for pilates and stretching.
Oh, as to your question - it gave me a great workout, except for legs. I needed weight on my legs so I ende up buying the optional bar that I could plate load for extra weight. That helped.
My only suggestion is to not order the ones you see on the infomercial. When I was ready to purchase mine, I researched and asked questions. A woman I work with said the informercial onces are really flimsy. Go to "efisportsmedicine.com" They are the creators of the total gym and produce higher quality versions (and really not that much more $$$).
Mary
Mary
I don't even use my TotalGym anymore since Cathe - I'm thinking of selling it actually since it is sitting in my closet. I bought all the attachments too - some of which never have been used. If I can't sell it - it may be a good machine to use on "rest weeks" between STS - for pilates and stretching.
Oh, as to your question - it gave me a great workout, except for legs. I needed weight on my legs so I ende up buying the optional bar that I could plate load for extra weight. That helped.
My only suggestion is to not order the ones you see on the infomercial. When I was ready to purchase mine, I researched and asked questions. A woman I work with said the informercial onces are really flimsy. Go to "efisportsmedicine.com" They are the creators of the total gym and produce higher quality versions (and really not that much more $$$).
Mary
Mary
Govtgirl
Cathlete
"Ditto" to the comments above. I have a TG14000, and it's a very sturdy piece of equipment. My husband got it but now prefers to go to the gym, and I ....just don't like it! It's so sturdy that it's too heavy and awkward for me to move the bench up and down, and changing the accessories is a pain.
A warning to those trying to sell the 14000 or any other deluxe brand. Either they don't sell, or you'll get peanuts. Like, $150 on something that cost $1500 originally there are just too many out there. I will probably give mine to a friend at work, just to free up room so I can step!
A warning to those trying to sell the 14000 or any other deluxe brand. Either they don't sell, or you'll get peanuts. Like, $150 on something that cost $1500 originally
there are just too many out there. I will probably give mine to a friend at work, just to free up room so I can step! 
netsnotes16
Cathlete
I found one at a church garage sale for 5.00. Purchased 2 vhs' from a vidiot. It is still in the garage. I have to create space in my workout area. Haven't tried it yet though.
Have something close
I have a Total Trainer (very much like the TG), and I like it. Been clearing out a lot of equipment I no longer use, like the Bun & Thigh Rocker, Lateral Trainer, Top Ten Trainer, Health Rider & Nordictrack skier, but I'm keepin' my Total Trainer, Urban Rebounder & Airdyne bike. I got the TT on ebay for around $300 a few years ago, and it compares very closely to the Total Gym.
For those of you who have TG's, heres a link to exercises:
http://www.totalgym.com/learn/exercises.html
I have a Total Trainer (very much like the TG), and I like it. Been clearing out a lot of equipment I no longer use, like the Bun & Thigh Rocker, Lateral Trainer, Top Ten Trainer, Health Rider & Nordictrack skier, but I'm keepin' my Total Trainer, Urban Rebounder & Airdyne bike. I got the TT on ebay for around $300 a few years ago, and it compares very closely to the Total Gym.
For those of you who have TG's, heres a link to exercises:
http://www.totalgym.com/learn/exercises.html
ldy_solana
Cathlete
i had one but sold it. as somebody mentioned its a pain to roll out and set up then adjusting everything to get the best resistance. i really did try to give it a shot for ever a year but just to much better with my weights and tubings(with door attachments). i bought it for $50 at a yard sale nearly brand new at play it again sports gave me just about what a paid for it back. they loved the fact i had all the manuals with it.
kassia
kassia
princessbear
Cathlete
It does give a pretty decent leg workout especially if you don't want to use weight - but even on the top rung it wasn't enough for me.
I'm going to post mine on craigslist and see what I can get for it ... with all the attachments (some that I bought separately) I think I spent close to $1800 for it... ugh. It's all paid for, but I don't see myself using it anymore.