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When it comes to at-home workout equipment, two of the most popular options on the market are the Total Gym Apex G5 and XLS.
The Total Gym XLS is better suited for heavier users who want to get in shape but don’t require a wide range of resistance levels. On the other hand, the Apex G5 is a more versatile machine that will allow users who are already quite fit to get even more resistance during their workouts.
In this post, we’ll compare the key differences between the Apex G5 and XLS models across factors like resistance range, attachments, user weight capacity, and more, so keep reading!
What is Total Gym?
Total Gym is an in-home exercise system that uses gravity and the user’s body weight as resistance to perform strength training and cardio workouts.
The equipment features an adjustable incline that allows users to change the intensity level. Total Gym provides a full-body workout utilizing a ton of different exercises.
The versatile machine folds up for storage and is designed for easy use by any fitness level.
Total Gym Apex G5 vs. XLS: Which One Should You Get?
Total Gym Apex G5
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The Apex G5 is a comprehensive home gym that offers over 80 different exercises that range across ten different resistance levels. That’s enough for most beginners and intermediate users who want to progress as they develop.
It doesn’t feature many attachments, but the essential accessories all come included. It supports users weighing up to 350-375 lbs.
This high weight capacity allows even heavier individuals to get on the machine and perform essential strength training workouts.
Pros:
- More than 80 individual exercises
- Unmatched value for money
- Space-saving and lightweight
Cons:
- Inadequate advanced strength conditioning
- There are no dedicated practices for mid-section
Who Should Consider the Total Gym Apex G5?
Users targeting basic strength training and conditioning will find the Apex G5 ideal for their needs.
Total Gym XLS
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The Total Gym XLS offers over 80 exercises like the Apex G5 but has a more limited resistance range of 6 levels.
Where it excels is in supporting up to 400 lbs user weight. It also includes separate attachments for abdominal crunches and swivels.
However, at a high price point, the XLS may be overkill for buyers seeking basic workouts when cheaper, more straightforward Total Gym models are available.
Pros:
- Over 80+ workouts and exercises
- Lifetime warranty on frame
- Dedicated practices for the abdominal region
- Easy to store and no assembly required
Cons:
- Slightly overpriced
- Limited resistance levels
Who Should Consider the Total Gym XLS?
The XLS suits heavier users who want to target their midsection due to its abdominal attachment and 400 lb user weight capacity.
Total Gym Apex G5 and XLS: What are the Main Differences
Comparison Table
| Feature | Total Gym Apex G5 | Total Gym XLS |
|---|---|---|
| No. of Exercises | 80+ | 80+ |
| Resistance levels | 10 | 6 |
| Attachments | 4 | 6 |
| Ab Workouts | No | Yes |
| User weight | 375 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Footprint | 93 x 15.5 x 43.2” | 90 x 19 x 43” |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Weight | 53.2 lbs | 68 lbs |
Levels of Resistance
The XLS is limited when it comes to resistance, offering only six levels. On the other hand, the Apex G5 provides a broader variety of resistance with ten distinct levels.
Number of Exercises
The two units remain evenly matched when considering the sheer number of exercises.
Both the XLS and the Apex G5 provide over 80 different exercises.
However, the XLS has exercises dedicated to the ab region, while the Apex G5 focuses on the upper and lower body.
Attachments & Accessories
The Apex G5 comes with more attachments. These components include a squat stand, wing attachment, leg pull attachment, etc.
The XLS offers more accessories, which include the squat stand, ab attachment, leg accessory, dip bars, etc.
User Weight Capacity
The Apex G5 offers decent weight support. It can hold users who weigh up to 375 lbs. However, the XLS supports user weights of up to 400 lbs, making it the stronger contender in this aspect.
Dimensions (Folded/Unfolded)
When fully opened and laid out, the Apex G5 takes up approximately 93 x 15.5 x 43.2″ of space. For easy storage, it can fold into a compact 50 x 15 x 8″ size.
The XLS has dimensions of around 90 x 19 x 43″ when completely opened up, making it slightly wider yet shorter in length compared to the Apex G5. The XLS can also fold down to 51 x 19 x 9″ for convenient storage when not in use.
Assembly
The Apex G5 and XLS are both known for their zero-assembly designs. All users do is unfold the units, and the machines are ready.
Foldable & Storage Options
Both machines have foldable designs, which allow for quick storage if you’re not using them. While folded, the Apex G5 has a more compact size of about an inch smaller than the folded XLS.
Space Requirements
With dimensions of 93 x 15.5 x 43.2″, the Apex G5 is a tall machine that may not fit well in rooms with low ceilings. On the other hand, the XLS is shorter at 90 x 19 x 43″ but wider at the base.
Warranty
The Apex G5 has a 2-year warranty on its structural frames and a 1-year warranty on parts and components. In contrast, the XLS offers a lifetime warranty on its sturdy frames.
However, the warranty on the XLS’s parts is shorter at just 6 months. So, while the XLS wins on frame warranty, the Apex G5 provides longer coverage for parts and components.
Price
Price is a major differentiator between these two models. The Total Gym XLS costs nearly double the price of the Apex G5 on online retailers like Amazon. This significant price gap makes the Total Gym Apex G5 the more budget-friendly option.
What do People Say About it?
Total Gym Apex G5
The Apex G5 gets positive feedback as an affordable option for basic home workouts, with users praising the variety of resistance levels across 80+ exercises.
Read more Total Gym Apex G5 reviews
Total Gym XLS
The XLS is well-reviewed for accommodating heavier users and its abdominal attachment. However, some complaints cite its limited resistance range. The XLS also draws mixed reviews on its higher price point.
Read more Total Gym XLS reviews
The Verdict – Which One is Better?
While the XLS offers added abdominal features that appeal to some users, the Apex G5 provides better overall value, given its significantly lower price point.
With the Apex G5 costing almost half as much as the XLS yet still offering 80+ exercises and a good range of resistance, it emerges as the superior choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking quality and variety.
Overall, the Apex G5 delivers more bang for your buck.
If you want to see how the Apex G5 compares to the incredible GR8Flex, we have a detailed comparison here!
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