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Today, we are looking into the best total gym alternatives on the market and what they are best suited for.
As a former personal trainer, Total Gym equipment is among my personal favorite for getting an effective full-body workout right at home. This incline bodyweight training machine packs a punch for all levels of fitness groups.
However, Total Gym machines are not the most affordable. In addition, these home gym systems can be pretty advanced if you are not used to resistance training.
So, if you are looking for total gym alternatives, here are my top picks to consider.
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What is The Total Gym?
Total Gym fitness equipment uses your body weight as resistance without relying on traditional weight plates. Because there are no free weights involved, Total Gym equipment is effortless to customize, so they are ideal for all fitness levels.
Total Gym exercises are also low impact, so they are very easy on the joints, making them a great workout system for all age groups.
Depending on the model, Total Gym machines can easily deliver up to 200 variations of exercises targeting all major muscle groups.
In terms of resistance, they usually offer 6 to 22 levels of resistance so that you can hit various muscle groups in the upper and lower body.
Total Gym equipment also comes with accessories, including lat bar attachment, squat stand, leg pull accessory, ab crunch, trip-grip, and Pilates kit. However, the accessories can vary from one model to the other.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality for reliability and longevity.
- Up to 200 exercises are available, depending on the model.
- Up to 22 levels of resistance are available.
- It comes with several accessories.
- 30-day risk-free trial.
Cons:
- It can be costly.
- Not suitable for weight building.
- Some models don’t have a good warranty.
What Other People Say
Total Gym has stellar reviews on its official site and third-party platforms. On TrustPilot, Total Gym users rate it excellent or brilliant for the product. Several reviewers also comment on the first-class customer service.
Total Gym Reviews
Love the diversity for the whole family! My son is challenged, even though he didn’t think he would be. My daughter can do beginner activities. Despite a shoulder injury/disability, I am able to do many exercises! We LOVE the Total Gym! Customer Service is great as well!
Read more Total Gym reviews
10 Best Total Gym Alternatives 2022
Now let’s consider the best Total Gym alternatives on the market.
1. GR8FLEX High-Performance Gym
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The GR8FLEX High-Performance Gym is a serious machine for fitness enthusiasts who love to work on their muscles and show them off.
The weight capacity of 450 lbs and multiple resistance levels are among the standout features.
Pros:
- 15 resistance levels plus an additional 50lb resistance bands.
- Variety of colors available.
- No assembly required.
- Additional accessories.
- Pulley system.
- Lifetime warranty, including accessories.
Cons:
- No option to add a weight bar.
- Heavy and not easily folded.
- Overall quality is not as high as Total Gym.
| Weight capacity | 450 lbs |
| Dimensions | 55.25″ x 21.25″ x 11.75″ |
Attachments
- Handles
- Bars – Dip, Wing, and EZ curl bar
- Crunch ab accessory
- Leg pulley system
- Squat stand
- Resistance bands
- Cell phone stand
- Mats
Exercises
- Legs: Doube Leg Press, Single-Leg Press, Single Glut Press, Single Side Press
- AB Exercises: Oblique Twists, Inverted Crunches, Cable Crunches, Kneeling Crunches
- Triceps: Skull Crushers EZ Bar, Seated Extensions (overhanded), Seated Extensions (underhand, Dips, Kneeling Kickbacks (overhanded)
- Back: Cable Rows, Reverse Flys, EZ BAR Pulls, EZ BAR Rows, Lat Pull Downs EZ BAR
- Bicep: Seated Preacher Curls, Seated Side Curls, Lying Curls, Reverse Curls, Seated Curls, Kneeling EZ BAR Curls, EZ BAR Curls
- Shoulder: Lying Shoulder Press- Reverse Seated Front Raises (front delts)- Lying Front Raises (front delts), Lying Side Raises (side delts), Seated Reverse Press
- Chest: Inverted Push-ups, Overhead Pulls, Incline Flyes (upper chest), Seated Flys, Seated Bench Press
You can check out the GR8FLEX YouTube channel for demonstration videos.
Folding
2. Weider Ultimate Body Works
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The Weider Ultimate Body works offer up to 50 exercises to get an intense workout with ease.
Your own body weight creates the resistance you need, but you can also get an additional 50 lbs from the resistance bands.
This fitness equipment has a cable and pulley system, making it ideal for calisthenics and improving your flexibility.
You can also target your core with Weider Ultimate Body Works, especially if you perform oblique twists or seated rows.
This Total Gym alternative comes with an ergonomic design, so you don’t have to worry about space.
Despite its close resemblance to the Total Gym models, the Weider Ultimate Body Works carry a modest price tag.
Pros:
- High level of resistance and include a 4X resistance bands.
- Easily assemble.
- Variety of incline.
- Highly versatile.
- It folds up for easy storage.
Cons:
- Noisy gliding.
- Exercise guide not included.
- It requires more space.
- Only 50 exercises are possible.
| Weight capacity | 250 lbs |
| Unit Weight | 72 lbs |
| Unit Dimensions | 59″ x 27.5″ x 48″ |
Exercises
- Leg Press x 10 reps
- Chest Press x 10
- Standing Row x 10
- Deadlift
- Inverted Press
- Pull up
- Glute Kickbacks
- Tricep Extension
- Bicep Curl
For a full-body workout demo, check out this video.
3. AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379
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The Aeropilates Reformer Plus 379 is one of the most popular models from the brand.
The resistance cords are responsible for delivering the proper resistance for shaping and strengthening major muscle groups.
Your pilates workout sessions on the Aeropilates Reformer Plus 379 will be very comfortable as it has a padded pillow for the neck and head.
This Pilates machine also comes with exercise videos in case you need help.
Overall, this Pilates equipment is designed to make your home workout more comfortable and effective.
Pros:
- Great for beginners.
- Quality padded equipment.
- Four chord resistance.
- Cardio rebounder.
- Full body workout.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- The slider is not as smooth.
- No incline.
- Stand not included.
- Expensive.
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Unit Weight | 68 lbs |
| Unit Dimensions | 86″ x 21 “x 26” |
Resistance
- Four cord resistance with multiple intensities
- Yellow- light resistance
- Red- heavy-resistance
- 2 x black- medium resistance
Folding and Storage
Foldable frame and wheels for storage and transport
Attachments
- Two workout DVDs
- Patented cardio rebounder
- Padded foot bar
- Four chord resistance
- Adjustable padded headrest and shoulder pads
- Double-loop hand and foot straps
Exercises
- Toes or balls of the feet
- Heels wide
- Toes wide
- Prances
- Oblique curls
- Spine curls
- Oblique curls-ups
- Toe taps
- Hip rolls
This video on YouTube shows all the exercises you can perform with AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379.
4. ProForm Ultimate Body Works Home Gym
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The ProForm from Body Works is also an excellent total gym alternative and is great for cardio.
You will love this exercise machine if you are low on space but want to stay fit without hitting the Gym every day.
Pros:
- Very little to assemble.
- It gives you a good workout.
- Great for beginners.
- Versatile for a variety of exercises.
- Adjustable incline.
- Superpack resistance cables to easily customize the difficulty of your exercise.
- Smooth-rolling seat.
Cons:
- This item doesn’t come with any diagrams about how to use the equipment.
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Assembled Size | 59″ x 27.5″ x 48″ |
Resistance
4 Superpack resistance bands
Storage
Collapsing SpaceSaver – collapse into itself after each use for compact storage when not in use.
Exercises
A high-pulley system with dual free motion cables allows you to train your lats, back, arms, core, and legs.
Warranty
This product is covered by the Sam’s Club Member Satisfaction Guarantee. Manufacturer: 90-Day Parts & Labor.
5. NordicTrack Fusion
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NordicTrack is a fantastic home gym equipment alternative for Total Gym and is perfect for low-impact strength training.
However, this fitness equipment brand offers several models, so you can choose from treadmills to rowing machines to ellipticals depending on your preference.
The Nordictrack Fusion motion portable gym is a free-standing model where you can engage in high-intensity training.
A standout feature of the gym equipment from NordicTrack is the iFit membership and the incorporation of smart technology. Through the iFit app and membership, you can track your full body workouts and access personal coaching, which other brands don’t offer.
The NordicTrack Fusion also comes with an HD touchscreen and a year of iFit membership, so you can even engage in boot camp training with this exercise equipment.
Included attachments with the NordicTrack fusion are ankle straps, squat pulley, and precision cable ends.
Pros:
- Six independent pulleys with three different pulley heights.
- Up to 20 levels of magnetic resistance.
- combines cardio workouts with strength training.
- Bluetooth chest strap for heart monitoring.
- It comes with a 10″ tablet and adjustable tablet stand.
Cons:
- Not suitable for rigorous strength training.
- cables in the pulley system are not adjustable.
- Concise warranty on parts and labor.
| Dimensions | 41.5″ x 60.5″ x 73.5″ |
Resistance
Magnetic resistance up to 20 levels
Exercises
For HIIT exercises, you can hit up to 100 different forms.
Assembly
Warranty
10-year warranty on frame and one year for labor and parts
6. Tonal Smart Home Gym
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The Tonal Smart Home gym has a compact design ideal for small spaces.
But the best feature of the Tonal is you can track your progress and identify your weakness and strengths, making the most of your workouts.
Pros:
- Easy to customize workouts.
- Can track progress with intuitive analytics.
- It comes with several accessories.
- Interactive display for different workouts.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Sometimes misses reps.
- Cords can rub against the skin.
| Dimensions | 21″ x 50.90″ x 5.25″ |
Resistance
Up to 200 lbs from electromagnets
Exercises
Pilates, Yoga, cardio, and strength training
Warranty
3 years limited warranty
7. Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
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The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym is another excellent alternative for a Total Gym machine.
The rowing station in this home gym equipment is a standout feature and is much more affordable than the Total Gym models.
Pros:
- Ergonomic and folding design.
- Rowing station available.
- Trainer assisted workouts are available.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Not enough resistance for advanced users.
- No longer available on the brand’s site.
| Dimensions | 84″ x 38″ x 84″ |
| Weight capacity | The user weight limit is 300 lbs. |
Resistance
210 lbs from the power bands
Exercises
Up to 30 strength training exercises
Warranty
1-year n the machine, 5 years for power rods, and 60 days for the parts
8. BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym
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If your goal is to stay fit while on the move, the BodyBoss 2.0 is a fantastic choice.
This compact and portable home gym equipment is ideal for maintaining muscle mass and promotes a healthy lifestyle regardless of your location.
Pros:
- Varieties of exercises for a full-body workout.
- It folds up for easy store.
- Affordable.
- Resistance bands are of good quality.
Cons:
- Not enough resistance.
- The base has a tendency to shift.
- the attachments do not fit inside the case.
| Dimensions | 34″ x 20″ x 1″ Unfolded |
| Unit weight | 15 lbs |
Resistance
30 lbs from each resistance bands
Exercises
You can perform upper body exercises as well as hit your leg muscles and other major muscles in the lower body with the BodyBoss 2.0.
- Squats
- Lunges
- Leg extensions
- Deadlifts
- Good Mornings
- Bicep Curls
- Tricep Extensions
- Tricep Pulldowns
- Shoulder Press
- Lateral Raises
- Straight Arm Raises
Visit the BodyBoss site for a complete list of exercises.
Warranty
One-year limited warranty.
9. TRX All-in-One
Suspension Trainer
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TRX is not only a fantastic Total Gym model alternative but is an excellent pick for suspension training. With this unconventional fitness equipment, you can lose weight, build lean muscle mass, and watch your body weight.
This at-home gym system uses your own body weight to create resistance levels. TRX also combines the advantages of convenience and portability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Variety of workouts.
- App included.
- 30 day Free Trial for TRX Training Club, including.
- Flexible.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- It can be difficult for beginners to use a word processor.
| Dimensions | 50″ x 1.97″ x 0.1″ |
| Unit weight | 1.7 lbs |
Exercises
With TRX, you can target your chest, core, arms, shoulders, back, and leg muscles. TRX is also versatile enough to get full-body workouts and perform cardio as easily as with cardio machines.
10. OYO Personal Gym
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This total gym alternative is compact, lightweight, and goes wherever you want it to go.
The OYO Personal Gym uses a proprietary Spiraflex technology developed and used by NASA so the astronauts can perform different exercises in space.
Pros:
- Offers full-body workout.
- Very compact and lightweight.
- Great range of exercises.
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate fitness groups.
Cons:
- Not enough for weight resistance training.
| Dimensions | 26″ x 7″ x 3″ |
Resistance
25 lbs of resistance
Exercises
Up to 75 different exercises, which is impressive considering its size
Warranty
3-year warranty
Should You Get a Total Gym or a Total Gym Alternative?
Total Gym models are great home gyms for intense workouts without an expensive gym membership.
These home gym systems also come with an attachment, including a toe bar and Pilates kit.
However, some Total Gym models are discontinued, and some can be quite expensive. Of course, some models, such as the Total Gym X Force, are budget-friendly but are not always readily available.
On the other hand, the Total Gym alternative might check the boxes of affordability and availability.
So, whether you get a Total Gym or an alternative comes down to personal choice.
Check out our article on The 9 Best Total Gym Models
Factors to consider to picking the right Total Gym alternative
To make sure you pick the best Total Gym model alternative, consider the following:
- your fitness goals
- do you need more resistance or not
- what is your budget for a home gym
- do you like working out on the move
- your exercise needs
FAQs
How often should I work out with Total Gym alternatives?
How often you work out or not will depend on your personal and fitness goals. But ideally, 20 minutes of daily exercise with weight resistance is recommended.
For beginners, you can gradually increase from two times a week and increase the resistance level as you progress.
How much should I spend on a Total Gym alternative?
Your budget for a home gym will determine how much you spend on a Total Gym alternative.
However, keeping a budget below the Total Gym models cost would be smart since you are looking for an alternative to save some money.
What is the best home gym?
Some of the best home gym models are from Total Gym and Bowflex.
However, if you are a beginner looking for a reliable home gym with different resistance levels and a wallet-friendly budget, the Total Gym alternatives on this post are worth checking out.
What do you need for an at-home gym?
You will need a machine with the necessary attachments for cardio and varying resistance levels for an at-home gym.
For beginners and basic workouts, dumbbells, resistance bands, and jump ropes are good to start with. However, if you are a serious fitness lover, you can consider ellipticals, cardio machines, and full-body sets.
Alternatively, you could also invest in one of the home gym setups mentioned in this post. They come with attachments such as a toe bar, squat stand, resistance cords, and sit-up station, among others, so you can hit both the upper and lower body.
Is Bowflex or Total Gym better?
Bowflex and Total Gym are both great and are often pitted against each other.
Bowflex is great for serious workouts and more advanced users. But these home gyms are not cheap, and they can be complicated to use for beginners.
Total Gym equipment is simple and is also durable. Most Total Gym models are also relatively compact or foldable, so they work for everyone.
Which version of Total Gym is best?
Total Gyms are all equally great. Total Gym XLS is an excellent choice for advanced users, while Apex GI is best if you are strapped for cash.
Total Gym X Force is a good pick for seniors or those with injury. Total Gym XLS is also fantastic for bodybuilding, and if you are particularly very tall, the Apex G3 is your best bet.
How do I get rid of my Total Gym?
If your Total Gym is old or you don’t need it anymore, there are several options you can do with it.
You could give away your home gym or donate it to community homes. You could also sell your preloved Total Gym and make some cash.
Does Chuck Norris only use Total Gym?
Chuck Norris has endorsed Total Gym for more than three decades. The fitness and martial arts legend says that Total Gym build muscle, more resistance, burns fat, and boosts cardio fitness.
However, it is impossible to say whether Mr. Norris uses only the Total Gym since no one has seen his personal Gym.
Where can I buy a Total Gym?
Some Total Gym models are available on the brand’s official site, so buying from there is a good idea.
However, you can also check out third-party sites for Total Gym accessories or used/discontinued models.
How much does a Total Gym Weigh?
Total Gyms have 56, 66, and 68 lbs of weight. The GTS is the heaviest Total Gym model at 180 lbs.
Wrapping Up
Total Gym is a brand to reckon with in the fitness industry, and their exercise equipment is no less exceptional.
Their home gym systems are suitable for all fitness levels, and they are even used commercially, so you can’t go wrong with these machines.
However, Total gyms are not the most affordable, and some models come with a learning curve for beginners. So if you are considering a Total Gym alternative, this equipment list should give you a head start.
