Total Gym or similar

[DrunkenMaster]

I'm thinking of buying one of the Total Gyms ... you know the one Chuck Norris advertises on TV. Some reviews I've read on Amazon give it 4 or 5 starts and some newgroups and other websites seem to give it favorable reviews.

The problem I have with some of the reviews is you can't tell if the reviewer is 5'6 300 lbs. For them, any workout would be challenging and build muscle. :rofl:

I'm about 160 pounds, faily lean muscle though I'm a bit out of shape compared to what I used to be. I just want something I can use from home and get in shape over the winter time. I figure the total gym is really going to be the only think I can stash at my place. I have some free weights but you can only do so much with it. I usually do some team sports in the summer and more activity.

I'd join the local gym but its too busy and the management has not invested in quality equipment. I'd go in there and would nearly injure myself when using the stuff. The mangement there doesn't care.

I don't care if the Total Gym will make me huge. I only want something that will keep me tone and farily strong. I'm doing plenty of cardio as it is. I was super-strong before but didn't see the point so I was de-motivated to keep going.

Only real negative I've read is that the machine (depending on Pro or regular) is maxed at 270 lbs and you can add resistance through add-on plates (only a few models support) . Fine for my arms. Easy for my legs but I don't care much.

Anybody own one and how do you feel about it? I'd get a Bowflex or similar machine but my budget and space do not allow for now.

[Snipe]

My brother has one, I thought it was a waste of money.

[QuantumTrickery]

The total gym is an absolute joke. Its a pretty shoddy peice of equipment. I spent the money on a Bowflex Ultimate system and haven't looked back since. The prices really aren't that bad (comparing to average monthly gym fees that is.)

[Sensayshun]

That plus some dumbells/barbells.

Dumbells are gods gift to men, All I have at home is dumbells and an ez bar and I'm the largest at school, so long as you've got enough different exercises up your sleeve you can do alot.

One problem with dumbells and a bar is legs, you really need a gym for that.

[DrunkenMaster]

The total gym is an absolute joke. Its a pretty shoddy peice of equipment.  I spent the money on a Bowflex Ultimate system and haven't looked back since.  The prices really aren't that bad (comparing to average monthly gym fees that is.)

586715670[/snapback]

Thanks. If I had the extra space and the money right now, believe me I would buy it. I could qualify for a 2 year or 3 year payment term but I really don't have the space. I'm making a permanent move in less than 2 years across the country. Hardly want to take a $2,000 piece of gym equipment with me. Its too costly to move.

I might just get an incline bench from a local store and use that. That will take care of most of my chest, shoulder and biceps. I have an exercise bike for my legs and cardio.

@Sens. You're likely over-working the major muscles and are weak on the other ones. There's no other ways its possible with only a preacher curl bar.

[MR_Candyman]

seriously, if you know how to use the total gym, it's a wonderful machine...I know it used to come with a video that was very good, don't know if it still does.

It gives even resistance, which is what you want. adjusting the height gives more resistance.