The Total Gym might just be one of the most versatile, surprisingly effective tools in home fitness, whether you’re a beginner, athlete, or somewhere in between.
Total Gym workouts combine the benefits of bodyweight exercises, cardio, and resistance training in one sleek machine, and they can help you build muscle, burn fat, and improve flexibility without needing a room full of bulky equipment.
With just a simple incline adjustment, you can go from targeting your arms and shoulders to toning your legs and core, all while reducing the stress on your joints.
The best part? The movements mimic natural, functional motions that make you stronger in real life—think lifting grocery bags, climbing stairs, or keeping up with the kids.
Whether you’re short on time, space, or both, the Total Gym can be a game-changer, allowing you to squeeze in effective, enjoyable workouts from the comfort of home.
Let’s check out the benefits of Total Gym workouts and exercises for helping you build a strong, healthy body.
Benefits of Total Gym Workouts
The Total Gym has several appealing benefits, particularly for those looking for low-impact, efficient workouts in a compact, versatile design.
However, it’s best suited for general fitness, light to moderate strength training, and maintaining functional mobility.
While it’s a solid investment for a home gym, those looking for intense strength training or specialized equipment might find it lacks the depth and capacity of more traditional gym setups.
1.) Compact Design and Space Efficiency
- Benefit: The Total Gym’s foldable, compact design is a major draw, especially for those with limited space. Unlike bulky machines or a collection of free weights, the Total Gym can easily fit into a corner or be stored away, making it one of the best treadmill alternatives and workout machines for apartments or smaller home gyms as
- Consideration: While the space-saving design is practical, the Total Gym may not fully replace larger equipment if you’re aiming for advanced strength training. It’s best for moderate resistance exercises rather than maximal lifting, so those accustomed to traditional gym equipment may feel limited.
2.) Low-Impact Workouts for Joint Health
- Benefit: Using bodyweight resistance on an adjustable incline helps reduce impact on joints, making it suitable for those with knee, hip, or shoulder concerns. Movements on the glide board tend to be smooth, supporting joint-friendly exercise without sacrificing intensity.
- Consideration: While low-impact workouts are certainly beneficial, the Total Gym may not provide enough resistance for those used to heavy lifting, so it might not meet the needs of all fitness levels. Advanced lifters looking for greater joint stability or rehab might find that targeted strength exercises, like those with bands or weights, offer more variety.
3.) Versatility in Exercise Options
- Benefit: The Total Gym offers a range of exercises for the upper body, lower body, and core, often combining movements that engage multiple muscle groups. This versatility makes it an all-in-one workout solution for anyone looking to combine strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise.
- Consideration: While versatile, there can be a learning curve to correctly use the glide board and adjust the equipment for each exercise. For some users, this may make it more complex to jump from one exercise to the next, potentially interrupting workout flow. It may take some practice to build a routine that flows smoothly from one move to another.
4.) Time-Efficient Workouts
- Benefit: Total Gym workouts focus on compound movements, allowing you to target multiple muscle groups at once. This can lead to shorter, more effective workout sessions, which is a big plus for anyone juggling a busy schedule.
- Consideration: While workouts on the Total Gym can be time-efficient, this assumes a user knows which exercises to do and has a consistent setup. Since transitioning from one exercise to the next might require re-positioning, it could be challenging for those who want a seamless, time-crunched workout without interruptions.
5.) Suitable for All Fitness Levels
- Benefit: The adjustable incline allows users to tailor the resistance level, making the Total Gym accessible for beginners through to intermediate users. It’s an appealing feature for those who want a machine that can adapt as their fitness improves.
- Consideration: While it’s certainly adaptable, those seeking highly specialized or intense resistance training may find the Total Gym falls short. Advanced athletes or strength-focused individuals might outgrow its capacity for challenge and need heavier weights or equipment that offers more resistance for targeted muscle gains.
Best Total Gym for Homes & Apartments
Each of these Total Gym models is engineered to support full-body workouts through compound movements, helping users achieve balanced strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
Whether you’re seeking affordability, versatility, or advanced features, Total Gym offers a model to meet various home fitness needs.
1.) Total Gym Optima
- Best for Budget-Friendly Full-Body Workouts: The Total Gym Optima is designed to deliver a well-rounded workout without a high price tag. It offers 60+ exercises and comes with essentials like a leg pulley and wing attachment for more exercise variety. The machine is compact, lightweight, and folds up for easy storage, making it ideal for small spaces or apartments. It’s particularly suitable for beginners or those looking for a practical fitness tool on a budget.
- Key Features: Foldable design, multi-functional attachments, support for cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises, and easy setup.
2.) Total Gym XLS
- Best for All-Around Versatility and Durability: The Total Gym XLS is one of the brand’s most popular models, known for offering over 80 exercises that cater to users of all fitness levels. With a sturdy 400 lb weight capacity and six resistance levels, it’s suited for a broad range of exercises. The XLS also includes a suite of extras like workout DVDs, a nutrition plan, and an exercise wall chart, providing a more guided fitness experience for those committed to a structured workout plan.
- Key Features: Six resistance levels, padded glide board with head support, wide range of exercises, durable frame, workout DVDs, and exercise chart.
3.) Total Gym FIT
- Best for Advanced Users and Expanded Resistance Options: The Total Gym FIT offers enhanced features with 12 levels of resistance and a 450 lb weight capacity, making it ideal for advanced users or those seeking more workout variety. It also includes a more comprehensive accessory set and additional workout programs on DVD. The added resistance options make it great for progressing strength training over time and provide an extra challenge for experienced trainees.
- Key Features: 12 resistance levels, higher weight capacity, extensive accessory set, comprehensive DVD workout programs, and compact storage option.
Read Next: Total Gym Review: What is the Best Total Gym to Buy?
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