The Total Gym is a completely unique type of home gym - very popular as it's both affordable and space efficient.
These are the ones sold by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley on the late night informercials.
Basically you lie on an angled movable bench and use a pulley system to lift your own weight up and down the bench.
Resistance is provided in the form of gravity and your own body weight.
Inclines are adjustable so the steeper the incline, the harder you work. Total gyms can fold up to save space and are pretty easy to move.
The Total Gym lineup has been expanded in the past few years - with more advanced machines.
For example the Total Gym 3000 comes with a stronger pulley and cable system, chrome handles and upper rails, higher user weight capacity, more exercises, standard squat station and wing attachment.
The Total Gym XLS is the deluxe model with over 80 exercises, stronger pulley and cable system, padded glideboard with head support, longer warranty, wing attachment, leg pull accessory, pilates kit and upgraded squat station.
Plus you also get several DVD workouts including one for pilates and a health eating meal plan. Total gym reviews from users are also excellent - averaging about 4 out of 5 stars.
The main drawback of the Total Gym is that it is mainly used for toning, not building muscle so you won't get the kind of results that you would say, with a Bowflex Power Rod gym or a weight stack gym.
Bottom Line: Recommended
Total gyms are a completely unique type of home gym that uses gravity and your own weight as resistance. You can work your upper body, lower body, abdominal muscles, and cardiovascular system.
They fold up and are easy to move if you're short on space. Plus starting at under $400, they're easily affordable for the home gym on a budget.
The main drawback to these gyms is that they probably won't build muscle mass. They're mainly good for toning muscle. So if you're looking to build major mass, try a leverage gym, weight stack machine or free weights instead.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can save on the Total Gym by buying direct from the manufacturer. You also get several freebies when you buy direct from them. Plus they currently have a 10% off coupon code - Code 11001.
