You’ve probably seen the commercials of celebrities endorsing Total Gym. Known for its effectiveness, especially in-home gyms, Total Gym machines have gained popularity over the years. However, the different Total Gym models on the market today can make choosing one, challenging.
Here’s a guide I put together that looks at many of the “available” Total Gym models – well there have been about 30 in total, original and new models.
Some models are unavailable and won’t be made available any time soon. They include the Total Gym 1900, 1400 and 1100.
However, you can still get parts for those models, like wheels and rollers.
Here’s a list of the popular models we’ve looked at – each is a link to a review of that model:
- Total Gym XLS
- Total Gym GTS
- Total Gym FIT
- Total Gym Supreme
- Total Gym Apex G5
- Total Gym Apex G3
- Total Gym Apex G1
- Total Gym 1900
Contents
Reviews of Total Gym Models
We start off our top overall pick and then an expensive Total Gym commercial-grade system, one which you’ll find in any good gym. As one reviewer said though, “Serious Machine for Serious Workouts“. As well as a big reduction in retail prices there is a 10% discount on some items plus other goodies. Look out for the promotion.
This article includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of the products we have discussed in this article, we may receive a small commission.
Total Gym XLS – Our Top Pick
The Total Gym XLS machine is known for its full-body workout system. The workouts recreate and strengthen your body by executing different familiar physical activities. It also offers over 80 possible exercises, which help work different muscle groups.
Its design is sturdy, comfortable, and can handle a maximum weight of 400 pounds. It has six resistance levels or in other words 6 levels of incline. The resistance is derived from your own body weight.
Included are three attachments, the leg pull attachment, a wing attachment, and an upgraded squat.
The machine also comes with rails that can easily fold into rollers and ladders, enabling easy storage. The Total Gym XLS also provides users with a nutritional program, four DVDs, and a meal plan.
Our choice of the best model for quality and price comes with a ribbed squat stand, wing attachment and leg pull accessory with 2 ankle cuffs.
- Total Gym Exercise Wall Chart – simple at-a-glance poster with 35 Total Gym exercises
- Total Gym Training Deck – Your Personal Training System
- Dan Isaacson’s Nutritional Program & Meal Plan
It also comes with three training programs for advanced, intermediate, and beginner users, a great exercise wall chart as well as a nutritional program.
The frame has a lifetime warranty, and parts are covered for six months.
Pros:
- Offers over 80 different exercise possibilities.
- Many attachments.
- Easy to store.
- No assembly required.
Cons:
- It may be a bit heavy to move when folded.
- Round footboard but that might just be me.
| Save an Extra 10% + FREE Ab crunch with the purchase of a Total Gym XLS Special Deal Here |
Total Gym GTS
The Total Gym GTS is the highest-end unit machine of all the available Total Gym models.
It is, without doubt, the best Total Gym machine that money can buy – but there’s the rub – it’s pretty darned expensive although what price for a machine that should last 20 years or probably a lifetime.
It has the most exercise options, the highest weight capacity, the most extended warranty, and the largest variety of accessories.
As you would expect for a fitness machine coming in at over $3000 retail it’s well made with smooth actions, lots of functionality and a comfortable, well-padded finish to the body slide.
This model comes with an almost endless list of exercise possibilities—more than 250—so you’ll never get bored. The possible workouts involve the body in all directions – an unrestricted range of motion.
It includes an extensive exercise pamphlet that details every exercise you can perform with the machine.
Compared to other models, this machine has the most accessories. The attachments include the telescope squat stand, soft-grip bars, a three-grip bar, and a six-piece strength package.
This device has 22 different resistance levels and a weight capacity of 650 pounds, so the GTS might just be the only comparable machine available if you’re a big guy (or girl) – don’t forget, that weight includes any additional weights.
The frame has a five-year warranty while the parts have one year, and the upholstery and rubber have 90 days.
The GTS is the only model that has higher available pulley settings so that chest exercises can be performed properly.
Pros:
- It offers over 200 different workout possibilities.
- Has 22 different resistance levels.
- Free professional set-up.
- High weight limit.
Cons:
- Quite pricey compared to other models.
- Much heavier than other models.
You can check out the assembly in the video and also get an idea of the extent of the GTS machine.
Total Gym FIT
Unlike other models, the newer Total Gym FIT machine respects your joints using low-impact motion. It has 12 resistance levels and offers over 85 exercises for cardio health, strength, and flexibility. It can hold a maximum weight of 450 pounds.
Like most Total Gym equipment, the FIT comes assembled. It also comes with four attachments, including the popular ab crunch accessory, leg pull attachment, two-piece wing attachment, and upgraded squat stand.
You can also expect to find six workout DVDs, a nutritional program, and a meal plan to help you reach your fitness goals. The machine is also sturdy and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport. The frame has a lifetime warranty while the parts have a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- No set-up required.
- Over 85 workout possibilities.
- 12 resistance levels.
- The package includes six workout DVDs, a meal plan, and a nutritional program.
Cons:
- Pricier than other models.
- Pulleys being low makes targeting the chest challenging.
Total Gym Supreme
If you don’t want to invest more than you have to on home gym equipment, then you should consider the Total Gym Supreme. Compared to other models we have reviewed, the Total Gym Supreme is the least expensive option but it can still provide an excellent workout. This model offers users 60 exercise possibilities and 12 different resistance levels.
The Supreme can hold a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds. It comes with four attachments, including the ab crunch, leg pull, tri-grip shaper bars, and squat stand. It also comes with four workout DVDs and a meal plan.
Pros:
- No set-up needed.
- 12 resistant levels.
- Cheaper compared to other models.
- Over 60 workout possibilities.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a lat bar.
- Not ideal for users over 6 feet tall.
- Lower weight limit compared to other models.
Total Gym Models Availability
Total Gym has come out with new models and series quite often over the many years they’ve been going and it can be quite confusing what it all means.
Getting your hands on one of these home fitness machines has been difficult lately and the older series of models 1900, 1400, 1600 and 1100 are models now and generally unavailable, however, we’ve kept the reviews – perhaps there might be a chance of refurbished ones.
3 models that appear to be in stock on Amazon are the Total Gym Apex G5, Apex G3 and the Apex G1.
More Total Gym Models In Stock
Total Gym Apex G5
Each of the 3 available Apex models has slightly differing specs from each other. The G5, being the more expensive, has as you might expect the highest spec with 80+ exercise possibilities and 10 levels of resistance. The weight capacity is also bigger at 375 lbs.
The Apex G5 also has the most attachment options including a wing attachment, a larger squat stand, leg pull accessory, dip bars, 2 stability mats, training deck with a holder. The training card deck is the plastic card holder for all the flash cards showing the various exercises. Very useful.
Also along with other models Total Gym TV access, exercise & nutrition guides, users manual & DVD.
Nice pillowed headrest although call me pedantic but I prefer the square design. The footboard is circular too. All Total Gym machines have a footboard except the Apex G1.
With the G5 unlike the other “G’s” you can add a weight bar (comes as an extra) to add to the bottom with regular plates if you want even more resistance.
Pros:
- Most versatile of the Apex models.
- Steel frame – height adjustment automatically locks in.
- No assembly – just unfold and go.
- Quiet – smooth action
Cons:
- Folding for storage can be heavy.
- You may need to adjust some of the exercises for very tall people >6ft 2″.
Total Gym Apex G3
The Apex G3 has similar attributes to the XLS model and is a bit cheaper. It has 8 levels of resistance with 70+ exercise options.
The Apex G3 and G1 both have the leg pull feature accessory. A feature that can be used for arm as well as leg exercises.
Supports weight 300 lbs. The G3 includes a cable pulley system, wing attachment, leg pull accessory, dip bars and squat stand.
There are 2 floor mats to place under each end to keep the machine stable on a flat surface which is a nice touch adding some protection to the floor.
Included is a “Start it up” DVD flip chart and the Total Gym TV on-demand video platform for workouts.
Like most of these designs, and not just the Total Gym the space consumption is in the length of the model. So check that against where you want to use it.
In use, the machine measures 93-inches in length, 43.25-inches tall, and 15.5-inches wide. There is a 1-yr warranty
Pros:
- Quiet – smooth action.
- Versatile machine, comparable with more expensive models.
- Weight bar can be added for more resistance.
- No assembly – just unfold and go.
Cons:
- Folding for storage can be heavy.
- You may need to adjust some of the exercises for very tall people >6ft 2″.
Total Gym Apex G1
You can pick up the Apex G1 for even less than the G3 but personally, I think it’s worth paying that bit more for the footboard alone.
Other than not having the footboard these 3 models are similar. Both have excellent padding on the slide board and a solid steel frame.
The G1 has a little less exercise capacity with 6 levels of resistance and over 60 workout variations.
Like the G3 though it supports a maximum recommended weight of 300 lbs (don’t forget that that includes any additional weight you might add apart from your body weight).
And it includes a wing attachment, leg pull accessory, exercise wall chart, the Total Gym TV access as well as an exercise & nutrition guide.
When unfolded the Apex G1 measures 93 inches in length, 43.25 inches tall, and 15.5 inches wide. So that’s the same as the G3 and G5 and then they give just a 6-month warranty compared with the other 2 Apex models, 1 year – weird.
Pros:
- Like the G3, G5, well made and nice action.
- Quiet.
- Good price
Cons:
- Short warranty.
- No footboard.
- Less well made.
Total Gym 1900
The Total Gym 1900 is one of the earlier models on the market. This machine offers over 60 exercise possibilities and 12 different resistance levels – that is incline adjustments.
It also has six additional accessories, which is more than the previous and high-end models. These attachments include dip bars, a multi-functional bar, press-up bars, leg pull, ab crunch boards, and Pilates bars.
The maximum weight capacity for this model is 350 pounds. It also comes with two workout DVDs and a flip chart.
Pros:
- No assembly required.
- Comes with six attachments.
- Has 12 different resistance levels.
- Offers users 60 different workout possibilities.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a squat stand.
- Heavy.
Differences Between the Various Total Gym Models
Comparison Chart
Here’s a chart that shows the major differences between the Total Gym models we’ve reviewed above.
| Models | Exercises | Resistance | Capacity | Attachments |
| Total Gym GTS | 200+ | 22 | 650 lbs | 8 |
| Total Gym XLS | 80+ | 6 | 400 lbs | 3 |
| Total Gym Fit | 85+ | 12 | 450 lbs | 4 |
| Total Gym Supreme | 60+ | 12 | 275 lbs | 4 |
| Total Gym Apex G5 | 80+ | 10 | 375 lbs | 4 |
| Total Gym Apex G3 | 70+ | 8 | 300 lbs | 4 |
| Total Gym Apex G1 | 60+ | 6 | 300 lbs | 3 |
| Total Gym 1900 | 60+ | 12 | 350 lbs | 6 |
| Total Gym 1600* | 60+ | 8 | 250 lbs | 4 |
| Total Gym 1400* | 60+ | 8 | 250 lbs | 4 |
| Total Gym 1100* | 60+ | 6 | 275 lbs | 2 |
*not currently in stock
Number of Exercises
The number of exercises you can perform with a Total Gym workout bench depends on the attachments a model has. The more accessories, the more exercise possibilities there are. The average range of the Total Gym machine is between 60 and 200.
Resistance Levels
The resistance levels are also another factor that differentiates Total Gym machines. The higher the resistance levels, the more control you have during a workout. Resistance is provided by increasing the plane of the activity area, manually controlled via the upright. The resistance levels for the Total Gym range, range between six and 22. On some models, more resistance can be applied by adding a weights bar.
Weight Capacity
The models also differ when it comes to weight capacity. As with all exercise machines, a higher weight capacity indicates durability and improved machine robustness. The weight capacity of all the models varies between 250 and 650 pounds.
Extras
Pricier Total Gym benches come with more attachments compared to the other models. With every model, you get workout DVDs. However, the number varies depending on the model.
Summary
Total Gym machines are known for being portable, functional, and providing a full-body workout using a pulley system and your body weight as resistance. It can be used for a cardio workout as well as for strength training, a good all-round machine.
Total Gym is not the only “kid in town”. We’ve made a comparison between it and the Vigorfit unimaginatively called Vigorfit vs Total Gym.
While there may be a few other models available, these are the top selections that should fit the bill for anyone. Hopefully, you can make the right choice of exercise machine for intensive home workouts.
Our Final 2 Total Gym Models
For us, we went for the Total Gym XLS for overall functionality, build quality and extensive features. For a better price although with fewer features and probably a less durable finish we went with the Total Gym Apex G5.
