Should you buy a Total Gym Fit Home Gym? The answer is going to depend on your fitness goals, the space you have in your house for a gym – and your budget. The Total Gym Fit is a premium, “bodyweight” resistance piece of workout equipment that will be an amazing workout device for the right person. Let’s dig in and review who it’s best for.
First off, let’s discuss why gravity gyms are an interesting fitness option, since Total Gym is generally considered the leader manufacturer of gravity gyms.
Gravity gyms?
This Total Gym is a gravity gym. A gravity gym is one that operates on the principle of weight being supported by the force of gravity, and the equipment guides your body weight to cause the right level of resistance to train specific muscle groups. Using your bodyweight to build muscle is a great way to get stronger and build muscle faster.
One advantage of well designed gravity devices is that they can provide smooth motion and resistance that can be adjusted to the right level. The Total Gym FIT is a great piece of equipment for anyone, especially those suffering from joint pain. The Total Gym FIT features low-impact motion and is designed to increase flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
Companies like Total Gym provide incredible full-body workout machines that can save you a ton of money in the long-run.
Total Gym FIT Home Gym
Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
- Number of Exercises: More than 85 different options
- Resistance Levels: 12 different variable resistances
- Unfolded Dimensions: 18.5′ W x 93′ L x 44.5′ H
- Frame: Reinforced steel frame with an ergonomic glide board having flexible nylon strap handles
- Package: Comes assembled out of the box and includes workout DVDs for guidance
Pros
- The equipment weighs 66 lbs and has a user weight limit of 450 lbs.
- A wide range of exercises with proper accessories and a nutritional program in the box.
- The machine is sturdy and works smoothly.
- Storage friendly, and it is effortless to set up.
- Versatile and very useful.
- Money-back guarantee with a monthly payment plan.
- Relatively affordable when compared to other home gyms options.
Cons:
- DVDs are slightly outdated.
- Not the easiest to fold and unfold.
Product Overview: Total Gym FIT
This home gym comes from a very reliable and reputable brand that is known for making quality products. Total Gym products are loved and used regularly by thousands of customers.
Total Gym also offers a lifetime warranty for the frame and a 2-year warranty for the parts. The equipment weighs fewer than 70 lbs (including a steel frame). We have read some reviews where people complained about how heavy the shipment/package is. Keep that in mind if you are considering moving it up a flight of stairs.
A Total Gym Fit machine offers a whopping 85 different exercise options. This is both for versatility and variability, with 12 different levels of resistance. While the device is rated for a user up to 450 pounds, it is possible that if you are heavier than 300 pounds it may not be a good fit. Basically, if you are a strong 400 pounds then it will probably still be a good choice.
Most of the workouts will be done on the device’s “Glideboard.” The Glideboard is a long padded workout bench that occupies most of the device. It’s great for working your upper body and core if you’re looking to build the muscles in your chest, back, and biceps. You can also stand to use the squat accessory and other attachments.
Training and setup instructions
No one wants to buy a device that they don’t know how to use or configure. The makers of the Total Gym FIT are trying hard to make it less intimidating to switch the device from one exercise to another. It comes with DVDs, a poster and “deck” of cards to help you understand how to configure it and set up specific exercises.
Total Gym TV – Streaming classes
A newer addition to the system is “Total Gym TV” – streaming workout classes that you can watch on a browser or via a mobile app. The FIT comes with a free version of the streaming service.
The Total Gym TV Basic gives you access to 4 popular Total Gym Workout Programs, and three premium workout programs. Subscriptions to the premium service are listed at ~$120 a year, but we occasionally see them on sale for less than half that.
With the new streaming service, we think the device is really starting to be pretty exciting. The Total Gym FIT is an excellent option for your home gym.
Total Gym FIT Reviews
Total Gym FIT is coming from a well-known company, and it brings a lot of customers for the name as they are aware of the perfect products they manufacture. Total Gym FIT seems to be no different, given that thousands love it.
On the official website, the equipment holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0, excelling in the quality of the product and how user-friendly it is. It is high quality, sturdy, and practical to use.
One caveat: The board is not the most comfortable out there and, as mentioned before, might not be the best for larger folks. But that’s really the only downside of the Total Gym Fit.
Total Gym FIT Alternatives
In late 2020/early 2021, there are now some legit alternatives to the Total Gym FIT – available at comparable prices. In particular, we like the Tempo connected gym as a solid alternative, available at not too much higher of a cost. This comparison chart will review the best alternatives on the market today:
| Total Gym Fit | Mirror | Tonal | Tempo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Equipment Type | Gravity Resistance Bench | Wall mounted screen | Wall mounted screen and pulley system | Workout screen + weights |
Resistance Equipment | Body weight with pulleys | Training bands (elastics) | Built-in electromagnetic arms | Barbell, dumbbells and plates |
Touchscreen | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Free Streaming Classes | Yes | No | No | No |
Paid Classes Monthly Subscription | ~$120 per year | $39 per month | $49 per month | $39 per month |
Hardware Cost | $2,400 list price | $1,495 | $2,995 base model + $495 for accessories | $1,995 |
Where to get | Tonal Website |
We happen to think the Total Gym is a great option – but if you are looking for something more high tech, you may want to consider the Tempo. It’s a great “connected” device with streaming classes, a selection of weight and resistance equipment and more.
We compare the other smart mirrors (the Tonal vs Tempo vs Mirror here), so you should investigate those if you are interested in a space saving piece of equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Although so many fellow gym-goers recommend Total Gym FIT, I am still not confident about the equipment to be worth it. Can you change my mind?
The company offers a 30-day trial. Give the equipment a go at $1 if you like it pay $160 for the next 10 months or return it.
2) The accessories are to be bought separately, and they go seamlessly with the main equipment.?
The accessories are to be bought separately, and they go seamlessly with the main equipment.
3) How long will this last before it snaps?
The frame will work till your last breath even if it doesn’t; they will replace it in the warranty. The parts are good for at least 2 years, and their longevity will depend on how an individual handles the machine.
4) Is FIT the best selling Total Gym?
The XLS is extremely popular as well, and both of Total Gym’s products have existed for many years now. Although the price of the FIT appears to be more expensive than XLS, the features justify the cost. FIT is better than the XLS in every way and reasonably priced for all that you get, which is why it is the go-to home gym for so many.
5) Does the Total Gym Fit come fully assembled?
Like all Total Gym Home models, the Total Gym Fit arrives fully assembled. Furthermore, the makers of the Total Gym Fit have made it significantly easier to switch the device from one exercise to another. After all, no one wants a device they don’t know how to use or configure.
With the device already assembled out of the box, all that’s left to worry about is the specific setup for each exercise. To make this a little less daunting, Total Gym Fit comes with DVDs, a poster, and a “deck” of cards to help you understand exactly how to configure the device and set up specific exercises.
6) Can I build muscle using Total Gym?
The Total Gym Fit is a premium piece of workout equipment that falls under the category of a “gravity gym”. These gyms operate on the principle of weight being supported by the force of gravity.
Therefore, the Total Gym Fit works by guiding your bodyweight in certain positions to cause enough resistance to train specific muscle groups. Using your bodyweight to build muscle in this sense is an incredibly effective way to get stronger and build muscle faster.
The majority of the workouts are performed on the device’s “glideboard”. The glideboard is a long, vertical, padded workout bench that occupies a considerable amount of the device.
It’s ideal for working out both your upper body and core, especially if you’re looking to strengthen the muscles in your chest, biceps, and back. In addition, you can also stand to use the squat accessory and the other attachments on the device.
7) Is Total Gym good for cardio?
While not specifically designed for improving cardio, Total Gym provides excellent full-body workout machines that can significantly increase strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.
The benefits of cardio workouts are vast. Some of the most important include weight loss, increased number of calories and fat burned, lower blood pressure, and a reduced amount of stress.
Furthermore, there are some less-documented benefits such as improved sleep quality, better brain function, and improved muscular endurance.
There are a few useful ways you can use your Total Gym device to pump up your cardio. The first includes plyometric jumps, and is a great way to improve the strength and endurance in your bones, legs, and butt muscles. Simply, jump on the Total Gym device using the squat stand accessory.
Another way of improving your cardiovascular endurance and getting that all-important burn is by working out your upper body with muscle endurance training.
Performing high repetitions with lighter weights will raise your heart rate and improve the endurance of your muscles. Just make sure you maintain a good pace with correct form and an appropriate resistance.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) also provides a highly effective means of getting the benefits of cardiovascular training. A great way to incorporate HIIT into your workout routine is to perform an exercise on your Total Gym device, jump off and raise your heart rate by doing burpees, leg lunges, or something else you enjoy for 30 seconds, then go back to an exercise on your Total Gym.
This type of training gives you an excellent, multi-tasking workout with near enough double the benefits in half the time.
8) Does Chuck Norris actually use the Total Gym?
Yes, Chuck Norris is an avid user of the Total Gym. In fact, he’s used Total Gym for almost 40 years, describing it as the perfect “supplement” for his involvement in martial arts. He’s been particularly vocal about the important role the Total Gym has played in his martial arts training, as well as its ability to keep him in shape, looking good, and staying healthy.
For example, whenever you’re hitting or punching in martial arts, it creates a lot of impact on your wrist and forearm. The Total Gym helps you develop your strength and power in these key areas. In addition, Chuck has also spoken about the ability to develop power in the shoulders, triceps, and abdomen, which are all equally important in martial arts training.
This is what makes the Total Gym so valuable according to Chuck – being able to work the entire body and not just a single muscle group. Furthermore, Chuck credits the Total Gym for the fact that he’s still able to continue his martial arts training well into his 70’s.
9) Is Total Gym as good as free weights?
Both the Total Gym and free weights can give anyone an effective workout. However, when it comes to deciding which is best, there are a few important factors to consider. These include how much space you have available, your budget, and how many exercises/types of workout you intend to do.
The Total Gym offers many advantages such as a wide variety of exercises, a compact size for easy storage, and a relatively safe workout. On the other hand, free weights also allow you to perform a range of exercises, however, you’ll need plenty of weights such as dumbbells and barbells.
On that note, it’s likely that you’ll have to spend a large sum of money to get enough free weights to perform effective, full-body workouts. You’ll also need a lot of space and you may find it difficult to learn how to do the exercises properly – especially if you’re a complete beginner.
Generally speaking, many people believe that Total Gym is the better option due to the price, as well as its ability to provide you with a more complete workout and the fact that it doesn’t take up too much space.
Final Word on Total Gym FIT Home Gym
The Total Gym FIT is an excellent choice for a complete body workout and definitely one of the best low-cost home gym options out there. It’s a complete package with tons of benefits for builders of strength. The effectiveness of any machine comes down to how much you are willing to work, of course, and the gym FIT makes it significantly easy for all to stay healthy from home, so long as you’re willing to put in the time for your #gainz
See what it costs on Amazon, or check out the Total Gym’s site for 10% off!
What is the cost of the Total Gym??
Sometimes it’s on sale for ~$1,6000. List price is closer to $2,350.