The Total Gym Review

 

The Total Gym is an all-in-one home exercise machine which allows its user to isolate each of the body's muscle groups. The basis behind the Total Gym is resistance training on an incline/decline bench. Products promoted by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley on the infomercials are the Total Gym models 2000, 3000, and XLS which sell for $399, $899 and $1,550 dollars, respectively. The price difference reflects a stripped down model machine versus a machine with multiple upgrades, some cosmetic, some for comfort, and some to allow for a broader range of exercises, including pilates. The deluxe, $1,550 Total Gym model also includes a nutritional program and meal plan, an exercise chart and several workout DVD's including the Total Gym Pilates routine Brinkley promotes on the infomercials.

The biggest problem with home exercise machines like The Total Gym, as well as health club workouts in general, is that they are mundane forms of exercise. Most people lose their motivation in time. For weight loss and general fitness we are much bigger fans of lifestyle exercise activities such as tennis, hiking, walking, cycling, dancing, climbing, etcetera... These are the types of activities that you don't think of as exercise and sustain themselves in the long-term. Add a basic food program or one of the simple and inexpensive online programs for structure and support, and you have the best possible option for success.