Total Gym vs. Total Trainer vs. Bowflex

[SedonaSun]

Hi all,

I'm shopping for a home gym thing in the next month or so. My choice right now is the Total Trainer Power Pro which seems to be a more solid version of the infomercialized Total Gym.

Was going to look for a second-hand bowflex, but I like the minimal space requirements of the Total Trainer among other things.

Anyone have any of the above and care to share comments, for or against?

BTW, I've looked into the Weider CrossBar/Bow and see too many negative comments about plastic pieces breaking and horrible customer service, so that's not being considered now -- unless one showed up on my doorstep and refused to go back home :)

And, on the off chance, anyone in the Tucson/Phoenix are have one to get rid of??

Thanks all!

[monkeyboy]

Hi everyone,

I suggest joining a hardcore gym.

You need to go somewhere to workout.

You need to plan and invest.

Going to a gym is the way to go.

That bowflex is just gonna end up as another place to hang your clothes.


peace,

M.B.

[Maverick]

I did a lot research on this a few years ago, and decided to go with the Total Gym. The most important thing to know about the Total Gym is that there are more than one model out there, and they not all created equal. There are the cheap retail versions that sale for a couple hundred dollars, there is the informercial version which is a lot better quality, and then there is the a few top of the line Total Gym versions which you can buy from the factory direct at www.totalgym.com.

I fell in love with the Total Gym at my brother's house. He bought his off the infomercial, and it's a nice unit, but part of the price you have to figure is for the marketing etc. IMO. I came home and read up on the differences etc. between the units, and bought mine from the above mentioned website. When my brother came to visit, I could tell he was impressed with mine, and slightly disappointed with his own. Mine has a lot of options for different add on accessories etc. I actually felt a little guilty b/c I paid a little less than he had paid for his, and I could tell it was better also, but I didn't say anything. Recently, he even offered to buy mine, if I didn't want it anymore. :)

The best thing I like about the Total Gym is that you get a good range of motion which helps improve your flexability etc. while you excercise.

I will give you a bit of advice if you decided to go with the Total Gym from the website, and I wish I had known about it before I bought mine. If you go to the website and request them to send you information and a free video, you will end up on their emailing list, and they will offer you a special promotion on units that may have been returned etc. at a really good reduced price or other promotions that aren't advertised on their website etc. So, it may be worth doing this first yourself, and request the information, and do some more research and keep an eye out for their promotions in an email form them.

I haven't used mine lately b/c of a lot personal family issues, but I think it's a great piece of equipment, and I am looking forward to things slowing down, so I can get back into a regular routine again.

Sorry so long, the most important thing to know is their are differences between the different Total Gym units, and you get what you pay for. I hope that helps you.

Take care, if you have any specific questions feel free to ask.
David

[Denise Nicole]

I had researched them at one time or another in the past and I don't care for any of them. I really dislike most machines and much prefer free weights. Have you considered a freeweight system? I have this one http://www.powertecfitness.com/power_rack_system.htm as well as a seated calf raise machine and several bars, and weights. Used with mirrors you get the benefit of working the muscle groups harder and more naturally.

[theresaann]

I've got to agree with sea siren. I have a total gym and it's cool and fun but way too much hassel when I can just pick up free weights.

I particularly DON'T like gyms-maybe cause I've got kids and could never justify spending money to drive someplace to work out when I can workout at home, not need a babysitter, not spend any money and use way less time. But that's just me.

I have created a really kick ass workout with free weights, a physioball and a firm step bench which can be 8" or 14" and some dvd's if I get tired of working out on my own. I get a really really good workout and it's unbelievably cheap and fast. I just can't understand working out in a gym when it's this easy at home. ANd like I said, the total gym is interesting but that too takes time to adjust between exercises and it takes up a lot of space. Just my two cents, as always....

[mbf]

I too dislike machines. I do a lot of in-home personal training and have seen almost everything out there. My personal choice if I had to choose would be the total gym over the others. I really don't like the Bowflex.
You can get an awesome total body workout with free weights and a ball but problem is you have to know how to use them.
As far as joining a gym, I agree I love the gym and need my group exercise classes but a gym is not for everyone! So choose the exercise program that you are comfortable with and that best suits your lifestyle.

MBF

[SedonaSun]

Thanks everyone! Freeweights are out because we need something safe for hubby to use with all his issues and a machine seems to be the better option, all things considered. I don't know, maybe free weights would work. (I'll go look at that site, Seasiren) I'll ponder it all some more. Can't really do anything until the end of next month anyhow, so I have time to scour used sports shops and see if they have any good deals or items I can try before buying. I'll contact the gym companies, too, and see what kind of specials they might have up their sleeves.

Still welcoming other opinions if you've tried either the Bowflex, Total Gym or Total Trainer...

Thanks!

[cdepalmer]

Try the dial free weights from bowflex. They are a little pricey but worth it.

[Yammie]

SedonaSun,

i applaud your efforts to get exercising.
the real answer to your question lies in finding out what you enjoy. you MAY enjoy some macines or weights. but do not buy them to try and find out. oyu can actually go to a gym on a guest pass, day pass, paid daily or weekly rate, etc. but do something inexpensie and se wht you like.
i highly recommend out door stuff like walking, biking, hiking, etc. and if you want get stronger and work some muscles, i recommend bodyweight exercises. there are many great books and forums that are currently filled with info about using your body or minimal devices (swiss ball, for example) to get really strong and lean. it's also a lot of fun! you can walk or jog to your local park and then use all the swings, jungle gyms, seesaws, benches, etc... that are there for an enjoyable outdoors workout!

best regards

yammie