Pros: variety of workouts in one piece of equipment; consistent resistance throughout exercise; quality construction
Cons: not for serious weight lifters; accessories pricey
The Bottom Line: Seriously consider your fitness goals. Total Gym provides for a moderate level of fitness. It is not for the serious weight lifter or athlete.
I purchased my Total Gym 14000 to continue my physical therapy after a debilitating neck injury. I was using a model 24000 at my therapy appointments and was impressed with the impact of the exercises my physical therapist had me performing. It did not take long for me to be sold on the Total Gym. I rushed to sell my free weights and home gym, setting out to buy a Total Gym.
The retail models and the Total Gym XL simply did not compare with the 24000 at my therapist's office. I know: what did I expect?
I took a leap of faith and ordered the 14000 directly off the Total Gym website. Models were compared side-by-side and features were discussed at length. Since I tend to put exercise equipment through the ringer, I wanted the quality, durability and flexibility of the 24000 and 26000 models, just not the price tag.
The shipping was not too bad- $80 since I live on the West Coast- but a bitter pill without the option to pick it up myself. It arrived, via UPS, within 10 days of my order (although some accessories were on back order and took a full month) and was well-packaged. In fact, it took longer for me to unpack it and cut up the cardboard for recycling than to put the gym together and get my first workout in.
Under the guidance of my therapist, I found the workouts on the Total Gym to be challenging and effective. The cable system provides a continuous level of resistance throughout the range of movement. The smooth action of the glide board and cable pulleys allow for slow, concentrated movements. You feel both the muscular contraction and subsequent stretch through the full range of the exercise. By slowing down your movements, unlike the traditional jerking motions oft seen in free weight lifting, the economy of motion transfers into a muscular exertion. The quality of your workout increases proportionately.
Having a physical therapist guiding me through my workout regimes was definitely invaluable. Although I would not recommend going through what I went through to get the advise/assistance of a professional, I would encourage seeking out a trainer. The included workout DVD was good, but my therapist really knew how to create pain (in the good sense) on the Total Gym.
I purchased a boat load of accessories with my Total Gym. Many were rather pricey and I regretted paying for most of them. My Total Gym did come with a Pilates package, as part of a promotion at the time of my purchase, which is, unused and still in it's packaging. Other accessories, such as the press bar and foot holder, are nice, but not worth the money I spent on them. The adjustable pulley assembly has some good uses, but I really have not decided on whether it is a good purchase or not. The squat platform is indispensable, especially for getting on and off the Total Gym which can be challenging. The 3-grip pull-up bar is, well worth the purchase. Pull-ups were an essential part of my therapy and the graduated levels of resistance, as well as the varying grips, provided an excellent workout. The bottom line on accessories is do not buy them. Use the Total Gym without them, then purchase the ones which will incorporate what is missing from your work out. You can easily blow $700 on unnecessary equipment. Take it from someone who has done so.
I am a true believer in the Total Gym and the model 14000 is the perfect combination of quality and effectiveness. Having said all that, I now know the Total Gym is not for everyone. After my accident, I could not get myself into a push-up position much less do a push-up. Use of my right arm was severely reduced and the pain was intense. The simple fact I recovered from that is extraordinary to me and the Total Gym just happened to be my therapist's equipment of choice.
The fact is, I was in pretty good shape and enjoyed weight lifting prior to my accident. I'm no fitness buff, but I take pride in my workouts and the results. It did not take long for me to out grow my Total Gym. Even on the highest setting (you raise the level of the glide board to increase resistance), I found I was eventually lifting far beneath my capabilities. Certain exercises were no longer challenging. I could still get a decent workout by slowing down and concentrating on the range of motion, but I felt limited. There is an accessory available to raise the gym's height, but the workout angle would become too severe to be comfortable. I swore I would never go back to free weight lifting after discovering the Total Gym. Now I am looking at free weight systems and am getting back to my old workouts.
I would definitely recommend the Total Gym to anyone trying to continue a therapy program, who cannot use traditional weight routines due to an injury, or whose fitness goals are not so focused on significant gains. The Total Gym is capable of providing a solid work out routine for toning muscle and increasing range of movement. When used properly (and under the guidance of your doctor, obviously) I feel the Total Gym is worth the investment. The Total Gym 14000 is really the best all round purchase for home use. It folds up nicely and requires little space, too.
BE CAREFUL! Definitely watch the DVD for instructions on getting on and off the Total Gym. Having worked out for 16 years, I considered myself a little above reading instructions for getting on and off a piece of exercise equipment. The Total Gym will humble you if you do not follow instructions!
Do not expect to look like any of the ripped muscle heads, or beautiful models, using the Total Gym on the infomercials. If they got to looking that way only working out on the Total Gym, I would like to try their protein shakes! Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley are actually more indicative of the results you can achieve.
Carefully assess your fitness level and goals, and seek your doctor's opinion before purchasing any exercise equipment. At just over $1200, a Total Gym 14000 can either be a healthy and wise investment or a rather expensive let down.
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