The 50+ hours invested in this guide will be worth it if I accomplish two goals:
- Make sense of the confusion surrounding Total Gym and its alternatives.
- Do #1 without cheap Chuck Norris jokes.
Honestly, I don’t feel like joking anyway because my 20-year certified personal training career is at stake when writing about Total Gym.
It’s more at stake here than it is with 99% of the guides I wrote over the years.
Why?
Because there’s no “IS-THIS-A-SCAM” shadow looming over me when I talk about barbells.
That shadow exists here, and I feel it.
It affects every single word on this page.
For you, that’s a good thing because it means more detailed research. And I’ve included only models that I’m confident in recommending.
Compare Total Gym models
Best for | Overall | Alternative | Runner up | Budget | Premium |
Rating (*) | |||||
Quality | 85% | 80% | 83% | 67% | 99% |
Versatility | 88% | 92% | 85% | 70% | 95% |
Compactness | 88% | 72% | 82% | 90% | 70% |
Price | 73% | 82% | 77% | 95% | 45% |
Price | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $ | $$$$$ |
Levels of resistance | 12 | 15 | 6 | 10 | 22 |
Holes for weight bars | 1 | Bands (0 holes) | 2 | 1 | 1 |
#Exercises | 85 | 100 | 80 | 80 | 200 |
Weight capacity (lbs) | 450 | 450 | 400 | 375 | 650 |
Width (") | 18.5 | 16 | 19 | 15.5 | 34 |
Length (") | 93 | 96 | 90 | 93 | 100 |
Height (") | 44.5 | 50 | 43 | 43.25 | 66 |
Folded (WxLxH") | 18.5x50.5x8.5 | 20x52x10 | 19x51x9 | 15.5x50.5x8 | 34x58x22 |
Fold footprint (sq ft) | 6.49 | 7.22 | 6.62 | 5.44 | 13.69 |
Warranty | Lifetime frame, 2 yr parts | Lifetime | Lifetime frame, 6 mth parts | 1 yr | 5 yr frame, 1 yr parts |
Item weight | 66 | 114 | 68 | 53.2 | 180 |
# Attachments | 5 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
Wheels | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Our testing and selection process
Below is an outline of the steps that we’ve taken, from putting pen to paper to hitting the publish button.
It’s a testament to the way this guide adheres to our core values – honesty, transparency, and data over opinions.
- We created the initial database of 50+ Total Gym models (and their alternatives)
- In consultations with industry experts, we created a list of relevant data to be collected. Those categories range from the basics (like size and footprint) through details (like seat material) to user-related categories like popularity and owner satisfaction.
- We populated the database with every bit of information that adds value. We went through all the total gym reviews we could find. If we couldn’t find the information, we asked the manufacturers.
- We decided which pieces of information were essential and made them ranking factors.
- We assigned each ranking factor a specific “gravity” – this describes how important it is for the end user.
- We went through multiple iterations of the ratings and tweaked the gravities to align with our core values.
- We adjusted the ratings for clarity – to make the maximum rating a uniform 100 across the site.
- We decided on the minimum number of category winners to present. We tried to minimize the number of models while covering different needs and budgets.
- We revisit and update the ratings of the total gym models either based on new information or our schedule. That means the information you see here is always fresh and relevant.
(0 to 16 points in our ratings)
Build quality comes down to three things: gauge and cross-section of the steel, joint stability, and geometry.
Let’s unpack that.
The gauge (thickness) and cross-section of the steel will define the structural strength of a single piece.
None of the makers (including Total Gym) list the gauge, so I’ll make an educated guess.
Here goes – I think that most of the good Total Gym models use either 13 or 14-gauge painted carbon steel for the frame, stainless steel of similar gauge for the rails, and aluminum for other parts like the handles and brackets.
Getting more ”sciency” about the build wouldn’t be helpful to you. I did that part on the back end, and it’s reflected in a few of the ratings.
So, let’s simplify it…
Five rules of thumb to keep in mind:
- The wider the tower and the thicker the horns, the better the distribution of kinetic energy.
This means less wobble. - The smoother the glide of the rollers, the more stable the movement. There’s a subtle balance to maintain here because you don’t want friction eliminated.
This means a “buttery” glide without the load feeling light. - Good geometry on the top pulleys translates to natural movement paths.
If the angles are not correct on the brackets, they will be corrected in your shoulders.
And that’s as bad as it sounds.
- Brackets with tight tolerances will not slide off or rattle.
The sliding-off part is just tedious because it happens between exercises. You let go of the handles, the pulleys sag, and come off.
The shaky movement means the workout won’t be as comfortable and, at worst, be an injury hazard. - You want a bench with a vinyl cover and high-density foam for the padding.
That’s already the case for 4 out of five models on the list of our top picks.
The exception is the GR8FLEX, whose “military” version is covered with Goretex fabric. If you’re going with this otherwise great unit, go for the vinyl-covered versions.
The all-black and all-white are my favorites.
The good news here is that ALL of our top picks tick each of these boxes.
(0 to 5 points in our ratings)
The weight capacity of a total gym machine is typically in the 300-500 lbs range.
As you can see in the graph below, all the machines in our Top 5 are well within that range.
The only outliers are the Apex G5 on the lower end and the GTS on the upper end (weight capacities of 375 and 600 lbs, respectively).
That accounts for two things:
- Your body weight
- The potential added weight on the weight bar
If your goal is to lose weight, the ideal scenario is dropping the weight from your hips and adding it to the weight bar as you progress.
(0 to 11 points in our ratings)
We mentioned the weight bar as a good thing a few times already.
It only makes sense to point out a few downsides and limitations:
- It can mean extra cost – the bar is not always included, and you’ll need standard 1-inch weights to use it.
- The bar has a weight limit – this is usually 90 lbs per side. You’ll need to do the math and make sure that both the overall and the bar’s limits aren’t exceeded.
- Adding weight on and off is more time-consuming than hooking resistance bands.
That’s why we awarded points to models that come with extra resistance included.
That’s the case with the GR8FLEX, which comes with elastic bands that yield up to 50 lbs of extra load.
(0 to 5 points in our ratings)
Most people will end up doing about a third of the exercises listed on the spec sheet.
Here’s my rule of thumb – any Total Gym that lists 80+ exercises here will be plenty versatile.
Anything beyond that adds incrementally lower value. For example, a machine that lists 160 exercises won’t be twice as versatile as the one with 80.
For reference, below is a graph with the listed number of exercises of the top units.
Number of attachments/accessories
Additional accessories can give your Total Gym models more versatility. Below is an example of the types of additional accessories you should look out for.
Get the basics right and take it from there
This is my point – a model that gets the basics right will be more versatile than the one that comes with dozens of attachments but misses the mark on the essentials.
With that said, some attachments make more difference than others.
These are my favorites:
- A good, big squat stand – big enough to comfortably plant your feet and adjust the position. If you have knee or lower back problems, get an XL squat stand – it will allow you to work around those painful angles.
- Weight bar – makes it possible to add resistance when your own body weight isn’t enough. It’s also a convenient spot to grab onto or rest your hands for added stability. The XLS tops the list here because there are two weight-bar slots.
- Pilates toe bar – If you don’t move around much, a good set of calf raises can get that blood flowing into your legs. The toe bar also adds a ton of versatility to your squats.
- Triceps ropes – on triceps extensions and skull-crushers, you’ll get better contraction using ropes than you would with handles. You’ve also got more in the way of grip options.
- Stable wing bar attachment – probably the attachment that adds the most value. It can play the role of a pull or push-up bar and a leg holder for sit-ups or rows, depending on where you mount it.
- Ab-crunch – an excellent way to target your abs if you know what you’re doing. Stay tucked in and use the top portion of the glide board. If you feel the movement in your hip flexors rather than your abs, adjust.
Note – “the basics” doesn’t mean must-haves for everybody. Use the list above as a reference point to create your own tally of nice-to-haves vs. must-haves.
Also, don’t be limited by what I said above because other addons like the leg-pull accessory or the dip bars might make it onto your list.
You can see the complete gym list of Total Gym attachments here.
(0 to 3 points in our ratings)
The simplistic way to look at the levels of resistance is to just note the number of height settings.
A more accurate way of looking at things would be to look at the height setting in reaction to the length of the glideboard.
The shorter the board, the steeper the angle at the same height setting and the higher the percentage of your body weight used.
The only almost perfectly accurate way to look at resistance levels would be to account for the friction of the rollers.
Doing this would be impractical (if I’m being polite) and stupid (if I’m being honest).
The right way to go about this is to establish your ground zero and only track progress, whether it’s the incline, the number of reps, or the added weight.
The one advantage of multiple height settings is making those progress increments smaller.
That’s an important factor if you’re a beginner and need to take it slow but still feel like you’re moving forward.
If that’s the case, stay away from the Total Gym XLS and its 6 height settings.
For reference – the graph below compares the number of height settings.
(0 to 5 points in our ratings)
I looked at compactness in two ways – the footprint and the total volume of space the models take up.
A standard reach-in closet is about 24 inches deep, which means all but one of these can be tucked away out of sight.
Regarding folded height, 4 out of 5 models are in the 50-52 inches range. Again, the GTS is the outlier with 58 inches.
For reference, the graph below compares the footprints of the top-rated total gyms.
(0 to 23 points in our ratings)
To answer the question “How much does a Total Gym cost?”, we looked at all available data on the subject matter.
A good Total Gym will set you back anywhere between $500 and $2000.
Some cheaper models are still decent (like the Total Gym G5), and there are commercial-grade units like the GTS that cost almost 4 grand.
You can see the price comparison graph below. It doesn’t show specific Total Gym cost prices because they’re subject to change.
It’s more about comparing the cost of Total Gym models to each other.
What it means for you
As always, we crafted our ratings to hunt for value rather than the absolute best or the cheapest.
That typically means we find our top pick in the low-to-medium price range.
That’s not the case here.
The cost of Total Gym Fit is in the upper price range, which means it is significantly better than the cheaper models.
(0 to 11 points in our ratings)
If you’re spending over $500 on a Total Gym or one of the alternatives, look for a Lifetime warranty on the frame.
The exception here (again) is the GTS with a 5-year warranty. Those terms are defined with commercial use in mind, and it’s not something you need to worry about if you’re getting one for your home.
Finally, if you’re unsure if this whole Total Gym thing will even work for you, some models come with a 30-day trial.
At the time of completing this guide, that’s the case with the Fit and the XLS.
What’s what on a Total Gym
Before we move on to the specific models, let’s make sure we’re on the same page terminology-wise.
Below is a basic illustration of the parts of a Total Gym machine. For some of these, I’ll use slang terms. For example, the top part of the frame will be “horns.”
Find the perfect Total Gym Model for you
Overall | Alternative | Runner up | Budget
1 – Best overall
Great quality and compact machine for a decent price point. Taller than the XLS with more levels giving it more potential resistance.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- More stable and safe than cheaper models
- Very smooth glide board
- Beefy horns make exercises like inverted rows & pull ups great to do
- Add extra resistance bar in the designed holes
- Precision increments with 12 levels
- Increased range of motion vs XLS
Cons
- More pricey than other options but quality warrants it
- The board isn’t as wide as the XLS if you’re on the larger side
You cannot beat the quality of the Total Gym Fit.
Quality scores are the highest weighting in our criteria. The most common feedback we get from people with a Total Gym is that if the quality doesn’t feel good, they simply don’t use it.
And this machine is compact and does everything it’s supposed to do.
The Total Gym Fit model costs more than your “average” Total Gym and tops the list in spite of it.
If you know the value-oriented ethos here at Strong Home Gym, that’s surprising. But it just shows the quality of this machine…
The Total Gym Fit model is the little bed to my Goldilocks – it’s just right.
Three things stand out compared to other models:
- Thicker & higher frame and tower
- Balanced glide of the board
- Geometry of the horns (this one deserves special attention)
Firstly, the main way to increase the resistance on a glide board is by increasing the angle.
A taller tower = more potential resistance.
The number of resistance levels doesn’t mean more resistance… but rather more increments to gradually increase the resistance.
The Total Gym Fit model has double the resistance levels compared to the XLS (the main Total Gym competitor).
It means that you can increase the resistance by a small amount. This is ideal for exercises that require less weight, such as a lateral raise.
The quality of the glide board is superior to any of the Total Gym knockoffs (as I’ll discuss later on). But this is the kicker for me…
Better “horns” – thicker and tilted forward
Apart from the commercial-grade GTS, it’s the only model with “horns” robust enough to be effectively used for pull-ups.
Now, I’m not the first one to make this point.
But I feel like people are missing the mark on this.
The robustness of the horns isn’t about pulling on them. That alone would add little value.
It’s more about what that means for ALL cable-based movements.
The extra heft means less rattle and more stability. Better build quality means it’ll stand up to more intense training on it.
The slight forward tilt means that the pulley-frame force transfer affects the overall stability less.
Without getting into the physics of it all, let’s just notice that the two sentences have a word in common – stability.
In layman’s terms – the Fit wobbles less and moves smoother than lesser units.
Spec sheet of the Fit
| Weight capacity (lbs) | 450 |
| Resistance levels (height increments) | 12 |
| Number of exercises (listed) | 85 |
| Footprint when folded (square feet) | 6.49 |
| Weight of the unit (lbs) | 66 |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 2 years on parts |
2 – Best Total Gym alternative
Bigger and arguably better in many ways. The quality is noticeably not as good as the Total Gym Fit with less resistance & sagging cables.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Great value for money
- More levels than any other machine
- Included bands for extra resistance
- Versatile with more accessories and longer cables
- Rubber stops on the rails prevent board from ‘de-railing’
Cons
- Less resistance on the glide boar
- Cables can sag and become loose
- Height selector can get stuck
- Not as compact as the Total Gym models
The GR8FLEX does so many things well.
It’s bigger and has more resistance levels proving more precision with incremental changes & more resistance. The rubber stops on the top are a great addition to make sure you can’t de-rail the board when jumping.
But the quality isn’t as good as the Total Gym Fit- things can get stuck and feel more friction.
Specs of the GR8FLEX
Also the rubber stops on the rails are great at preventing the board ‘un-railing’ if you do squat jumps or the likes.
3 – Runner-up
If you want to go in between with price and quality this is the machine for you.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Costs ~20% less than the Fit
- Two weight bar holes means you can add 360lbs extra resistance
- Good quality handles and steel
- Wider bench than the Fit makes it better for larger people
Cons
- Frame not as thick as the Fit- makes. it wobble a bit more
- Horns are not as good a design as the Fit making pull ups awkward
- Only 6 height increments means there are bigger jumps to each resistance level
It’s the middle of the road machine.
If price is a factor it’s better than the Fit. If you want very good quality then it’s better than the G5.
Only having 6 resistance levels can be the deal breaker for many people.
See how the bar at the top of the machine can also be used for a bench press in the 1 minute video below…
Specs of the XLS
4 – Best budget Total Gym
If price is your main factor then get this. It’s far better than any other cheap alternative.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Hard to beat the price for this quality.
- 10 levels of resistance more than the XLS
- Very compact when folded making it easy to store
- Hard rubber handles unlike the foam on other cheap Total Gyms
Cons
- Not as sturdy as the XLS or Fit
- Foam handles on dup station and pull ups can collect sweat
It’s not as good quality as the Fit or XLS but it’s far better than any other cheap alternative out there.
If you’re looking for a Total Gym on a budget this is the one for you.
Buyer’s guide to comparing the Total Gym models (and alternatives)
If you’re a conservative buyer (and you should be), the section below is where I explain how to go about choosing a Total Gym model.
If none of the machines we picked fit the bill, use the guide below as a reference when choosing.
It’s also a good read if the model you like is on the list, but you want to understand how we made the picks.
Check out our review process here.
Total Gym FAQs
Is Bowflex or Total Gym better?
The answer to that is two-fold: the Total Gym models like the Total Gym Fit are better than Bowflex if you are under 6 feet, short on space, and recovering from an injury.
However, a unit like the Bowflex 2SE offers more resistance and exercises compared to the Total Gym XLS.
Both Total Gym and Bowflex models focus on your whole body and can give all major muscle groups a thorough workout.
What is the newest Total Gym?
The newest version is the Total Gym Fit.
The Total Gym Fit actually is our overall winner.
This model is more versatile due to the improved horns allowing more options, it’s sturdier because it’s made of thicker steel, and provides more resistance because it has a higher ‘tower’.
What is the best Total Gym for the money?
The best Total Gym model for the money is the Total Gym Fit because it’s the most well-rounded.
It is the only one in the Total Gym lineup intended for home use that’s comparable in stability to the commercial-grade GTS. It’s not cheap, but it’s the top value.
Can I perform a full-body workout on a Total Gym?
Yes, you can perform a full-body workout on a Total Gym, especially on a versatile model like the Total Gym GTS.
Depending on the model, the number of exercises goes from 60 to a whopping 200.
You can isolate muscle groups or perform complex movements that work multiple muscles simultaneously, like a pullover with a twisting crunch.
How long does a typical Total Gym last with regular use?
A typical Total Gym will last you for a lifetime if you intend to use it inside your home gym.
Our top pick, the Total Gym Fit, for example, has a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Total Gyms designed to be used at commercial gyms, such as the Total Gym GTS, however, do have a 5-year warranty on the frame.
Benefits of a Total Gym
Five key benefits of using a Total Gym are:
- Takes up little space
- You can transport it easily
- Full body workout using your body weight
- Functional training to mimic everyday movements
- You save money on gym memberships
There are great benefits to functional training in general.
These include a range of positive impacts on your physical well-being, such as muscle strength, metabolic conditioning, and many more.
Total Gym Workout
All of the Total Gym models are versatile pieces of fitness equipment.
You can use them to either target specific muscles or do a total body workout through complex movements.
Here are a few to get you started.
Other Different Total Gym Models We Compared (Including Alternatives)
- The lower end of the Total Gym APEX series (G3 & G1) – popular, cheap models that are still good. They didn’t make the cut because the G5 is the better quality and value.
- Total Gym Summit – similar to the lower end of the Apex series, from attachments to weight capacity. Again, falls short compared to the G5 and the Total Gym Supreme.
- Total Gym TGBlast – a fairly basic abdominal trainer that’s not as versatile and doesn’t allow for a full-body workout.
- Total Gym Supreme – nested in the middle-to-low price range, the Total Gym Supreme was a candidate for the top value pick. The lower maximum weight capacity and the higher price tag (compared to the G5) cost it the title.
- Fitt Gym vs. Total Gym – the Fitt Gym is a similar concept to the Total Gym. It’s just not as universally available (shipping-wise), and there are fewer models to choose from.
Total Gym models to avoid
Now, here’s the brutal truth about many of the knock-off “total gyms.”
These total gyms are flimsy pieces of home gym equipment at best, and outright dangerous at worst.
Just watch a couple of minutes of this video to see what I mean.
The models above are not the same as the models below. They are much more durable, made of quality steel and materials, and can be a good workout if used properly.
However, I cannot say the same for the models below…
- Total Gym Xtreme – the Total Gym Xtreme home gym is just flimsy and can collapse if the peg is not in the right place.
- Total Gym Pinnacle – Another cheap model that has a lot of hype behind it but very little substance. Many people ask me what’s better, the Pinnacle vs APEX models. It’s hands down the APEX version, as you can see above. The Pinnacle features a thin tower, which makes it a non-starter.
- Total Gym XL7 – Another cheap variation available on Amazon. A lot of people also ask what’s better between the Total Gym Pinnacle, Total Gym XL7, and Total Gym APEX G5. The APEX is one of the few variations I would recommend from Amazon after extensive research.
- Total Gym Platinum – the Total Gym Platinum can collapse like the Xtreme above and is not a recommended model.
- Total Gym Supra Pro – Another lightweight model to avoid. It’s also very hard to find in stock anywhere.
- Total Gym Elite Plus – Don’t bother reading Total Gym Elite Plus reviews… It doesn’t compare to any of the models above.
- Total Gym Ultimate – Another one to avoid.
- Total Gym Ultra – Total Gym discontinued this model in 2020, as they had by then developed better models than this one.
- Total Gym GTS – This used to be our ‘money no object’ pick. But Total Gym discontinued this model in 2024 (my guess was because nobody bought it… I certainly wouldn’t for the $3k+ price tag… I’d build a home gym!)
Total Gym: The bottom line
The best Total Gym model for most people is the Total Gym Fit.
It’s not because it’s cheap but because the construction allows you to fully use the machine and reap all the benefits of incline training.
Click here to skip back to the table with all our top picks.
I am age 60 and in pretty good health. I walk on an incline trainer approximately 4 days/week. I am not overweight but am looking for possibly a Total Gym of some sort to health with strength training and slimming down in waist and hips. Please advise.
Hey Ann, sounds like you’re on the right track for staying in good shape, congrats! I would recommend the Total Gym Fit for you.
Please keep us posted on how you get on with it- we always love to see images from our readers set ups at home!
Hi. Is a free Total Gym XL worth it? Found one on marketplace. Could
These machines serve as a quasi Pilates reformer too?
Hi Cee,
A Total Gym XLS is definitely worth it for some people looking to stay in shape with a lack of space etc. Most of the models (including the XLS) are really good as a pilates reformer actually, You can check out this video or just “YouTube” it to find a ton of workouts that you can do on the machines for pilates.