cmschmie

Sorry if this has been posted already. I searched and didn't find much.

Does anyone here have or had experience with the Total Gym? (Chuck Norris endorsed )
I am not completely against the idea of joining a gym but I am considering this over joining a gym because of:
#1 Limited gym options in my area
#2 Because they are limited, they are crowded and a bit overpriced.
#3 Can jump on it in the morning before work and at night before bed without leaving the house

I was thinking the Total Gym + Road Bike purchase (soon) + better diet would help me to lose weight and gain some muscle. Haven't really set a goal yet as far as total weight loss, but I am getting married this summer and would like to be in better shape for her

Whiskers

Chuck Norris can't be wrong....

cibs

personally I'd rather mount a pull up bar and get a few weights around and do stuff with that... as opposed to getting a big machine that takes up space (yeah yeah i know it fits under your bed, but when you're using it it's big)

phile

I have it, it's pretty good. Pretty much just do arm exercises. The only attachment I use is the foot attachment so I can work on my legs. The straps and all the rest of the attachments I have never used.

Also, Perfect Pushup is awesome. Have that too, $20 at Wal-mart, I felt so dirty going in there.

curls

Sorry to hijack a bit, but I was about to ask this Q as well but saw this thread. I'm interested in the Total Gym for the same reasons as stated above.

But, I've read that the Total Gym 1000 or 1500 are only for those people 6'0" and shorter. And me (being 6'1.5" tall), I'd have to get the Total Gym 1700 Club which is considerably more expensive. A used 1500 is going for $50 here... whereas a new 1700 is WAY more than that since they aren't found used often or at all.

I'd plan to get some weights as well (barbell, dumbbells) but mainly the total gym. Cardio is from inline skating and/or jogging.

What are the opinions on the supposed height recommendation on the Total Gym? Why is there such a thing?

Thanks.

phile

^ it's true, I'm way short (5' 7.5" on a good day) and I barely fit on it when I'm doing the arm exercise, which requires you to lie on the sliding part.

itrhybrid

iTrader: (1)

I'd say you could probably find a nice used barbell set on Craigslist for cheaper. I'd rather have a barbell and some weights than a total gym.....

I hate cars

I would get a squat/bench rack, a bench, and 500lbs worth of Olympic weights. Freeweights will give you much better results.

curls

Yeah I've scrapped the Total Gym idea simply because I'm too tall for it. Looking at a few used benches to see which I like better, and then a bunch of weight, a barbell and two or four dumbbell handles. Total cost will easily be under $150 all-in for ~ 150 lbs of weight, the bars, and bench. That's good enough for now!