Total Gym Review

The Total Gym comes with a 1 year warranty and risk free 30 day trial offer. That's a very good deal in a home gym in this price range, so if you don't like it just send it back. The Total Gym is also used by over 7000 fitness centers, hospitals and rehabilitation clinics worldwide so that is an obvious vote confidence. The Total Gym works in a unique way - it uses your body weight as resistance against the consistent pull of gravity. You adjust your body on the glide board, which rolls up or down on an incline plane, allowing you to become the weight. You literally "pull or push your own weight" up the incline.

It is sold through a slick infomercial featuring Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkly. There are several different machines to chose from:

Total Gym 1000 or 1100 ($199)

Total Gym 1500 ($249)

Total Gym 1700 Club ($429)

Total Gym 2000 and 3000 ($500-$1000)

Total Gym XL (that's a model for tall people)

Total Gym 14000 ($1195)

Total Gym 24000 (high-end model, very expensive :)

starting at around $250. Some models cost over $1000 with the upgrades. There are also videos and various other fitness products one can purchase.

In all honesty, I don't think you're getting your money's worth going over the Total Gym 2000 series. Or in other words, spending more than $500 bucks for it. Why? Simply, for the average user, a more basic model should meet all your needs. Essentially, all the models do exactly the same thing, with the only major differences being a few little extra add-ons, slightly thicker (heavier duty) construction, ability to hold more weight, or accommodate for a taller person. Other than that, you're NOT getting your money's worth going with the super high end models. Heck, if I were to spend $1500 bucks on a Total Gym, I'd rather get a complete machine workout station. ;-)

Here's a quick over view of the major differences between the Total Gym models:

* Total Gym 1000, 1500 has max weight of 250lb. Total Gym 2000, 3000 has max weight of 300lbs, while the 1700 club model goes up to 325lbs

* Total Gym 1000, 1500, 1700 uses 1/2 inch foam. Total Gym 2000, 3000 models use 3/4 inch and 1 inch respectively

* Total Gym 1000, 1500 allow up to 50% use of body weight as resistance. Total Gym 2000, 3000 allows up to 60% (Note, the Total Gym 24000 model allows up to 70% with 10 levels, but for the amount it costs, its not worth it)

* Total Gym 1000, 1500, 1700 has 1 year warranty. Total Gym 2000, 3000 has lift time for frame and 2 years for parts.

You'll notice that the biggest features step up is between Total Gym 1500 and Total Gym 1700. So depending on your budget, I think you get the most out of your money with the Total Gym 1700 Club. Total Gym 1000 is by far the cheapest, but it's also the skeleton model, and the next level up 1500 isn't that much better but costs you $140 more. So, that's something to consider.

The Total Gym is a little difficult to move around , due to being bulky and heavy.

It is not for bodybuilders, there just is not enough resistance to pump iron.

Home exercise machines are expensive and offer less options than a health club.

The Total Gym may protect you from embarrassment, but that pressure can be a powerful factor in maintaining your motivation.