Customer Reviews for Total Gym - FIT Home Fitness Folding Full Body Workout Exercise Equipment Machine - Black
Customer Rating
5
As advertised
on September 23, 2014
Posted by: MikefromMs
from Mount Olive, AL.
Gender:Male
For years, I hesitated to buy one of these total gyms because I thought it was for sissies. Having lifted weights for improving my looks and health for 20 years, recently I started having back pain that would not quit; so, after the new "fit" came out, I bit. I have used this machine about 3 weeks now. I made an agreement with myself not to do a "knee jerk" review. Having run it through the motions several times, here is my review:
I have to give it 5 stars because it does what it claims it will do. It is fully assembled when it arrives as promised. I choose to leave mine up all the time as it is in my basement gym. It came with several CD's explaining the machines and demonstrating exercise. It even has trainers on the CD's for various kinds of exercise programs. There are exercise cards and a poster showing exercises.
It is a solid machine as promised. It has a steel frame and everything fits together smoothly. I bought the extra attachments, everything except the aerobics bar. I like the fact that the assess. attachments change out fairly fast so the workout can keep going.
If you want to do aerobics exercises, this machine can make you sweat and breath hard. As they say, the lower heights are easier to use and the cable action is smooth and steady. It does make exercise interesting.
If you are into muscle building, raise the height levels. You might get a surprise as I did as to how difficult it can be! At 225 lbs. I provide a good resistance for most exercises. I have the weight bar too, and it is nice to be able to add weight to the machine. You can go up to a total of 400lbs. Unless you are a heavyweight weight lifter, you should have plenty of resistance to exercise forever! My favorite exercise is the shoulder press lying upside down on the machine pressing up on the bars on the bottom. I also like the pullups and arms. You might want to use a squat rack if you want to lift heavy for legs. I am surprised at the burn I feel and the pump I get using this machine. When using this machine for body building, just observe the same basic rules of body building: Two or three sets per exercise, two or three exercises per body part, 8-12 reps, two to three times a week on alternate days. I work upper body one day and lower the next. Also, keep a training long and don't rest too long between sets. I'm regaining some muscle I have lost already and I notice how quickly I am getting stronger from workout to workout. Do not expect to use the total gym for one rep max lifts; it is not designed for this. You can build your body on the total gym, but as with weights, practice focusing on the resistance and the contraction of the exercise movement. The last rep should be nearly impossible to complete. Once 12 reps are achieved on an exercise for every set, increase resistance so you can't do 12 repetitions and start building up to that number again. Progression with consistency builds muscles.
Just a few facts and suggestions for the new owner of the total gym. First, I found out that there is not twice as much resistance on the "fit" model. It has the same resistance as XLS but in twice as many increments. Both provide a total of about 60% of your body weight in resistance at the top level. I believe you'd be just as happy and save money with the XLS model. For those of you who turn your nose up at the 60%, it's a lot harder than it appears. When you do a lot of exercises, you have a cumulative affect that makes the lifts harder. Also, remember, you can add weights to the weight bar if needed. Take your time getting to know the exercises and the safety practices on the total gym. There are many exercises and you should find a lot of favorites and enough to mix it up now and then to keep it interesting. Watch the videos. The videos are very informative. It will take a time or two to get used to the feel of the pullys and feeling your body going back and forth on the sliding board. Concerning the sliding board, take you time and get on and off using great care. Hang on to the handles and mount and unmounts like they tell you to do. Don't expect to pull it out of the box and hope and start exercising without learning something about the machine. Give it a chance to prove what it can do for you. I held off giving a review so I could give it a fair shake. I like mine. If I had it to do again, I'd probably buy the XLS model, which is roughly half the price of the fit.
Total gym can work for you if you consistently use it and focus on your exercises and not waste time. There is no machine that will make you lose weight or gain muscle just by owning it; you must put in the work and eat a sensible diet. I hope my comments have been helpful. God bless.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
I feel I was sent one that was returned previously
on April 28, 2019
Posted by: BirdGoddess
from SoCal
Gender:Female
Verified Purchase:Yes
I was extremely excited upon the arrival of my Total Gym Fit! It was quickly tarnished as I carefully inspected it as I unpacked it. Paying for the most expensive one I was disappointed to find several deep scratches on it! One okay....nothings perfect. Basically I kept noticing impurities, I had to take pictures. I feel like I was sent one that had been previously returned:( For the money I’m paying that is unacceptable! I feel I should be shipped another one free of ALL charge and THAT IT IS CAREFULLY INSPECTED! The company should have this one picked up.
Now on the positive side.....I feel with dedication and time this machine can be helpful gaining a healthy life. If your super fluffy its much harder then the videos look... everyone is in excellent physical condition. My plan is easing into a routine and slowly working my way to a healthy body weight.
Response from totalgymdirect.comBy Customer Service, April 30, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to reach out and share your experience and concerns. Customer Satisfaction is a top priority at Total Gym. Valued feedback like yours highlights opportunities for us to improve and better service the Total Gym community. Please call our Customer Service Team at 1-800-501-4621 so that we can resolve your concerns. Representatives are available M-Th: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST.
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
Customer Rating
3
Just alright
on April 11, 2020
Posted by: Blazingpeach
from Georgia
Gender:Female
I bought this because I’m a fitness junkie and all my gyms are closed due to COVID. If you are in shape this probably won’t do much for you. I started on level 12 and I’m currently searching for a weight bar and plates to up the anti. I do really love the Pilates aspect. It’s great to be able to integrate different components. If you are just getting started this is fantastic and I’m satisfied for the functionality and versatility during this odd time. Under normal circumstances this would be right back at the manufacturer because for my fitness level it’s not worth the price. I’d definitely recommend this at the beginners and novice level. The Chuck Norris endorsement alone makes it pretty okay in my book. I’m not arguing with Walker Texas Ranger. I’m a little skeptical about the slide board holding up because the padding seems extremely thin. I’ve had this a week and I already have knee indentations.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
Customer Rating
5
Real Deal
on June 8, 2024
Posted by: Valcam
from Miami, FL
Gender:Male
Did my homework watching reviews on YouTube and articles. Most were positive some not so much. I took the plunge on the FIT. Quik delivery time (3 days). As easy to set up as advertised. I am only a few weeks into the use, but it has not disappointed. My wife and I are in our late 60's and we love working out on this equipment. It has such an impressive variation of exercises (we have only started to explore). If you are truly serious about improving your health, go for it, but if you are not just buy a nice recliner.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
I'm just not happy with this. It's a simple basic piece of equipment. Not quite what I expected. Also, for the stuff I bought with it. There's nothing, not even in the video, that tells me where it goes or how to use it or which pins, etc to use. Technically, these things should come with it, including proper instruction. Granted, it stores in a small area, but a large area is needed for a workout.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
Gym closed during Covid. Searched for home gym. After much research and consideration, learned selected stationary home gym equipment could not be delivered or set up during Covid. Just as well, would have taken up much space. Long and behold, the Total Gym found, after reviews considered, found this item to be the perfect piece of gym equipment for our small apartment/home. Purchased in full amount and totally pleased. All we need to work every part of body, no assembly required and folds too! How sweet is this. Just wish it had wheels. Passing this information to all colleagues.
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
Customer Rating
3
Pro's and Con's
on December 10, 2014
Posted by: kris100
from Atlanta, GA
Gender:Female
I have used my gym for a week. It does come fully assembled as described, and I was able to remove the carton and unfold it myself. I am a 50 year old woman who works out consistently. I used the professional version of the total gym at my gym before I decided to purchase the home version.
Pros - TONS of exercises... Easy to transition from one to another. Great range of motion. Kind of fun. I love the cards that come with the machine. The machine can be used for light cardio. My heart rate got up to 18 beats per ten seconds.
Cons -
1 - The foot attachment that comes with the machine is ridiculously small. RIDICULOUSLY. I am 5' 5" tall. THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN DO A PROPER SQUAT... FEET TOGETHER, AND ESPECIALLY NOT FEET WIDE. Even if you put your heels on the very edge, if you go down into a 90 degree squat your knees will go over your toes. This is NOT proper form, and the makers of this gym should know that. My knees started to hurt right away. The professional version of the gym has a much bigger foot platform. This aspect of the Total Gym is extremely disappointing, as I mostly purchased it for leg workouts. You WILL have to purchase the pilates toe bar in order to do a proper 90 degree angle squat. 2 - Even at a resistance level of 12, the total gym DOES NOT have enough resistance to allow you to do strength training on your arms, and especially not on your legs. YOU WILL have to purchase the weight bar.. and weights.... if you want to limit your reps to 15 or less to failure...
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com
Customer Rating
5
Love Love Love Total Gym
on August 28, 2015
Posted by: Dorsty
from Natick, MA, United States
Gender:Female
I absolutely love my Total Gym! I bought it last year and have used it religiously! If there was a Total Gym store, I would be selling for the company, that's how much I believe in this gym. Feeling fit and fabulous and FIFTY!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting totalgymdirect.com