Gym XLS reviews

Easy to use right out of the box. It is heavy, but definitely manageable. There is a start up DVD that shows you exactly how to set it up right out of the box. You will be working out with in less than 30 minutes, perhaps less if you don’t worry about putting away the packing material and accessories.

Plenty of workout videos to watch, and workout along with the video. The workout chart, and workout deck of cards clearly illustrates how to do exercises properly, and is easy to follow. There is a wide variety of exercises to perform, with variations to work the same muscle. There are included workout routines, in addition to the routines in the DVDs, to get you going.

i find that their is enough resistance to challenge me for now. I intend to use it for general fitness improvement and muscle toning, not for body building to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Total Gym seems solid. It is heavy, though not unmanageably so. There is a safety mechanism to keep the Total Gym from collapsing, which is easy, and not obstructive. The glide board is very comfortable and gives plenty of head support. The foam pads have enough cushioning, and is comfortable as well.

I find it easy to fold and put away, although I do tend to leave it out since I use it several times a week.

I’ve used the Total Gym XLS for about nine months now. There’s no question about the concept and quality of the workouts. I primarily use it as an all-around body workout to start the day. The endless possibilities make it very versatile and keep workouts fresh.

I am 5′ 10″, 185 lbs, not near the advertised maximum recommended capacity of 400 lbs.

I am not pleased with the overall quality. When I spend the extra money for the top end model, I have high expectations. This model has failed to meet them, and I wonder if I would have been just a well served with one of the two lower end units. The wheels and bearing are just not top end quality. My unit started to become creaky and squeaky right about the six month point, but it wasn’t until it became distractingly noise and rough at about the eight month point that I became concerned.

The parts have a six month warranty. Even if I had taken action within this period, I would be facing the same issue again shortly (I assume). I ended up purchasing after-market wheel/bearing from Huck Products for $75 (inc S/H). The machine now feels like I had expected, better than original. Butter smooth.

The additional features of the XLS over the other models include (with my comments):

400 lb weight capacity for total strength and stability (if an average 185# user wore out the wheels….??)
Upgraded comfort system (True…good quality)
Upgraded pulley and cable system (No problems yet)
Flexible nylon strap handles (These are upgrades for lesser models; haven’t tried the other style for comparison)
Upgraded squat stand (Again, an upgrade for other models)
Padded glideboard with head support (Redundant…see second item)
Chrome package (whoopee)
Exercise capability – over 80 exercises (OK…not quite sure why the lower models show 40 and 60…must not have some of the attachments)

With the exception of the first feature (400#), I cannot complain. There is no doubt the XLS is clearly a much better machine than the models carried in Dicks or Sears.

The Total Gym 2000 and 3000 advertise max capacities of 250 and 300 lbs respectively. More research into the quality of those models’ wheels/bearings should be part of any comparisons. It might be worthwhile to buy either of these models and upgrade to Huck’s high quality wheels (they have other parts as well) when the time comes.

3 stars is a bit of a low-balled exaggeration. If I could, I would say 3.8 on my subjective Amazon scale. Just under my 4.0 threshold of mostly satisfied and glad I made the purchase. But rounding up to 4 stars minimizes my current dismay at shelling out $75 a few months after the warranty period.

I will post this review on the Total Gym Direct where I purchased it (for ~$[...], not the current ~$[...])…let’s see if it makes it past the editors.

I’ve been looking for a home gym that doesn’t take up a lot of space when you’re not using it and this total gym is the best. It’s about 7-8 ft fully opened up but collapses to like 4 feet when you don’t want to use it or if you have company coming around. Not to mention the work out with it is great. Just follow the tools given to you and you’ll enjoy this as much as me.

I have had the Total Gym 1100 now for about 5 years now. I’ve used it in the past to rehab when I had injuries such as knee contusions, shoulder bursitis. However, for the last 6 months I’ve been dealing with a lower back problem. The MRI showed that I have mild stenosis from facet syndrome on my L4/L5 vertebrae. For those of you who are not familiar with this diagnosis, I can just say that if you can imagine the worst kind of pain in your legs, when you walk, rest or sleep, then you know what I’ve been going thru. The pain never stops and it’s somewhat depressing. The Dr. wanted to do steroids shots in about 3 weeks from now and I’ve gone thru about 2 months of Phys Therapy. I googled this problem for a solution and the same thing came up over and over again–inversion therapy or spinal decompression. I could have bought an inversion table, but my total gym does the same thing. With the leg bar at the top, I can invert 15 minutes twice a day. I started this 8 days ago. Today, I no longer have leg pain, I can bend, walk without pain. I’m starting to ride my bike and do low impact aerobics. I’m still doing therapy floor exercises but, I don’t need any shots, ect. I’ve stopped going to Physical Therapy about 5 days ago because I really started feeling better on the 3rd day. My Dr. knows what I’m doing and he approves as well. I really can’t say how much I appreciate the Total Gym. It literally saved me from a life of pain.

I’ve owned 3 Total Gyms since 1996 and the 1100 is the best, cost efficient model out there. It allows me to complete all the basic exercises without all the bells and whistles.

Anytime I’ve gone for a period of time without working out, this machine was the fastest way for me to tone my major muscle groups. Cardio and weight training in one. I have saved hundreds of dollars on gym memberships by having this at home. Love it!!

I have had to replace mine about every 4 years due to wear and tear. To me this is not unreasonable because I use the machine extensively. I paid $199 for this in 1996 and paid the same in 2008. Can’t beat that.

I was looking for an exercise machine that would help me keep in shape and tone my body. The 1100 fits the bill just right. Cost was under $200 and I have used the machine almost daily since I got it. I have used it mostly for upper body strength and I can state that it has helped me achieve that goal. I think that for many people getting a more expensive machine might be overkill. I does require some room so keep that in mind. I don’t store it away and it takes up to about 8 feet in length. Best $200 I have spent in a long time. Very happy with it. PS. If you want big muscles look for something different since this is in my opinion, geared for tone and definition of the body.

I bought the Total Gym 4 years ago and love it. My husband and I both use it and it’s so much better than any big bulky equipment and takes up very little space. You can target any area on your body you want, it does everything. Proves you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars or join a gym to get what you need.

I’m really happy with my Total Gym 1800 Club. Within 30 minutes of delivery I was using it and it is as good as I had hoped it would be. Amazon delivered it earlier than expected and the packaging was perfect.

Another good product sold by a great company. Thanks,

This is a great piece of equipment to get you in shape. I debated between this machine and a Bowflex model. I’m glad I choose the Total Gym. It comes with everything you need in the box including workout DVD with weight loss and Pilates. It’s easy to set up and has six different levels of resistance. You do need to be careful if you have long hair because it can get tangled in the rolling wheels. Other than that it’s a great machine

This is a great, simple machine. You can adjust to any work out level of ability. The concept and function allows you an almost full range of motion which forces you to use many of the small muscles also. Going through your workout (per set) without stopping is great cardio. It is as the tv commercials say it is.