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When comparing the Total Gym XLS and GR8Flex, I believe the GR8Flex is the better home gym.
With over 100 exercises and superior resistance levels, the GR8Flex provides unmatched versatility for users of all fitness levels. Its premium steel frame and lifetime warranty also make it a long-lasting investment.
While the XLS is a decent budget option, the GR8Flex justifies its higher price with greater features and durability. For those seeking premium quality and performance, the GR8Flex emerges as the winner over the XLS.
Is a Total Gym Worth Getting?
Yes, a Total Gym can be worth getting for the average home user looking for budget-friendly fitness equipment. The Total Gym units are relatively affordable compared to other home gym equipment.
They also offer a comprehensive range of exercises that work all the major muscle groups in both the upper and lower body. The sliding bench and adjustable pulleys allow users to easily adjust resistance levels and exercise intensity.
Additionally, Total Gyms are simple to set up and operate, even for beginners. The equipment is lightweight and folds up for storage when not in use.
So for those looking for basic home gym capabilities on a budget, a Total Gym is a good option.
Is the GR8Flex Good?
Yes, the GR8Flex is an excellent, high-quality home fitness machine. While more expensive than basic equipment like the Total Gym, the GR8Flex offers superior features and versatility.
This all-in-one machine provides a wide range of exercise options for both strength training and cardio.
The steel frame construction ensures stability and durability. Adjustable pulleys, benches, and accessories allow users to customize their workouts easily. The GR8Flex also folds up for storage.
Overall, the comprehensive exercise capabilities, sturdy build quality, and long warranty coverage make the GR8Flex a great value for the price.
It’s a smart investment for home users seeking premium quality and performance in a home gym.
Total Gym XLS vs Gr8flex: Which One Should You Get?
Total Gym XLS: Overview
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The Total Gym XLS is a compact, easy-to-use home gym that provides over 80 exercises. It offers more features than basic Total Gym models, including additional ab workouts.
With a 400 lb maximum user weight capacity, the XLS accommodates heavier individuals better than comparable machines. Retaining Total Gym’s simple design and operation, the XLS remains beginner-friendly.
Its lightweight yet sturdy build makes storage easy. For people seeking a starter home gym with extra abdominal exercises and higher weight capacity, the affordable Total Gym XLS is an ideal choice.
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.
Can Total Gym XLS be Effective for Building Muscle?
Yes. The Total Gym XLS offers dedicated exercises to build muscle across your upper, core, and lower body.
GR8Flex: Overview
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The GR8Flex remains a premium home gym supporting over a hundred different exercises. Progressive workouts typically include variations that utilize all 15 of its resistance levels.
It also supports a user weight capacity of up to 400 lbs. However, an added benefit is the upgradable resistance bands (they go up to 90 lbs). In other words, even dedicated bodybuilders will find value in this machine.
The lifetime warranty and premium quality also mean higher prices. Nevertheless, buyers who are interested in long-term machines may find that they are worth their money in the long run.
Pros:
- Over 100 unique exercises are available
- Dedicated workouts for every muscle group
- Resistance upgradable with 90 lb bands
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Comparatively expensive
- Space-consuming and heavy
Can the GR8Flex be Effective in Building Muscle?
Yes. The GR8Flex is equipped with multiple workstations in order to target every muscle group in your body at the same time.
Total Gym XLS vs. GR8Flex: What are the Main Differences?
Comparison Table
| Features | Total Gym XLS | GR8Flex |
|---|---|---|
| No. of Exercises | 80+ | 100+ |
| Resistance levels | 6 | 15 |
| Attachments | 6 | 10 |
| Ab Workouts | Yes | Yes |
| User weight | 400 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Footprint | 90 x 19 x 43” | 96 x 18 x 50” |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Weight | 68 lbs | 90 lbs |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Material | Alloy Metal | Steel Alloy |
| Colors | Matte Black | Four Colors |
Exercises
The Total Gym XLS offers a decent amount of exercises, with over 80 workout options available.
However, the GR8Flex provides far greater versatility in exercises across its multiple workout stations, boasting over 100 different possible exercises.
So for users seeking maximum exercise variety, the GR8Flex is clearly superior to the XLS in this regard.
User Weight Limit
When it comes to the user weight limit, the two models are evenly matched. Both the XLS and GR8Flex can support a maximum user weight of 400 pounds.
This higher weight capacity makes them a better option for heavier individuals compared to other home gym machines in their class.
Accessories
Total Gym XLS Accessories
The Total Gym XLS comes with a few basic accessories:
- Ribbed Squat Stand
- Wing Attachment
- Leg Pull Accessory and 2 Ankle Cuffs
- Total Gym Exercise Wall Chart
- Total Gym Training Deck
- Dan Isaacson’s Nutritional Program & Meal Pla
This provides the essentials for getting started with the XLS. However, the accessory offering is fairly limited.
GR8Flex Accessories
The GR8Flex includes a much wider range of accessories:
- Wing bar, dip bars, leg harness/pulley system, cellphone holder/stand, EZ curl bar, Crunch ab accessory, soft grip handles, extra large squat stand, resistance bands, and mats to protect carpet/floor.
This wide variety of add-ons allows for customizing and enhancing workouts in many ways.
So the GR8Flex provides superior accessories compared to the more basic offerings with the XLS.
Levels of Resistance
Total Gym XLS
The Total Gym XLS offers six levels of resistance, which provides a basic range ideal for beginners and first-time users experimenting with home gym equipment. With just six levels, the workout intensity options are relatively limited.
GR8Flex
In contrast, the GR8Flex provides an expansive 15 different resistance levels, allowing users much more versatility in adjusting intensity from beginner to advanced.
Additionally, the GR8Flex has resistance bands that can add up to 90 lbs of extra resistance.
Assembly
The XLS and GR8Flex units are both pre-assembled by the manufacturer, which means that users just need to unfold the machines and they are ready for use.
This zero-assembly design is more convenient than stack gyms that require hours of assembly before they can be used.
Storage Options
The GR8Flex has a larger, bulkier design that measures 51 x 18 x 81” even when folded for storage. This makes the GR8Flex more difficult to store and takes up substantial space.
The XLS is designed for more compact, space-saving storage with its folded dimensions of just 51 x 19 x 9”.
So the XLS has a clear advantage in terms of storage convenience, with its smaller folded footprint edging out the much bulkier GR8Flex.
Space Requirements
When unfolded and ready for use, the GR8Flex takes up considerably more space with dimensions of 96 x 18 x 50”. This large footprint means you need a dedicated exercise area for the GR8Flex.
On the other hand, the XLS has smaller dimensions of 90 x 19 x 43” when unfolded. So the XLS consumes less of your room’s space when in use. This more compact footprint allows greater freedom of movement during workouts.
Warranty
When it comes to frame coverage, the XLS and GR8Flex are evenly matched, both offering lifetime warranties on the core structure and build. This ensures long-term manufacturer coverage on the essential framework for either machine.
However, differences arise when examining the warranty terms for parts on each model. The warranty for components on the XLS is limited to just 6 months, which is a relatively short coverage period.
In contrast, the GR8Flex provides a 1-year warranty on all parts and accessories.
Price
The Total Gym XLS is on the pricier end of models offered by Total Gym, costing several hundred dollars more than their most basic options.
However, the GR8Flex has an even higher price point, exceeding the cost of the XLS by a few hundred dollars.
What do People Say About It?
Total Gym XLS
User reviews frequently mention the XLS is a great option for heavier beginners. Many note its 400 lb user weight capacity and additional ab exercises as positives. Overall, feedback indicates the XLS is an affordable starter model well-suited for larger beginners.
Read more Total Gym XLS reviews
GR8Flex
The GR8Flex earns outstanding reviews for its versatile features, exercise capabilities, and long warranty. Users consistently praise its quality and performance.
However, a common complaint is its high price tag. While acknowledged as a premium machine, many find the GR8Flex overpriced.
Read more Gr8Flex reviews
FAQs
Who Should Consider the Total Gym XLS?
Heavier Buyers who wish to work out on limited resistance levels may consider buying the Total Gym XLS.
What is the difference between the Total Gym models?
Total Gym models may differ on the number of exercises, resistance levels, attachments for the abdominal region, and price range.
Who Should Consider the GR8Flex?
The GR8Flex is ideal for users with higher budgets seeking full-body muscle building, given its premium price but unmatched exercise variety and resistance levels for strength training.
Can You Really Get in Shape with a Total Gym?
Yes. The Total Gym machines have enough exercise variety and resistance to get anyone in decent shape. But you may have to include cardio workouts outside of the machine.
The Verdict: Which One is The Winner?
The GR8Flex emerges as the winner over the pricier yet basic XLS. While Total Gyms are typically budget-friendly, the XLS commands a higher cost without providing enough added value.
In contrast, the GR8Flex delivers unmatched versatility for users of all levels with its superior exercise options and resistance, justifying its premium price tag.
For full capabilities, the GR8Flex is a better investment than the limited XLS.
Want to find out how the GR8Flex matches up against the Total Gym Apex G5? Read our comparison breakdown here!
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