Total Gym Workout Techniques and Tips

The Total Gym is a very useful piece of exercise equipment for home use. It has almost limitless possibilities because the machine is capable of a variety of angles and resistance levels. The Total Gym is a very compact piece of machinery and provides excellent value for someone without a lot of space or money available.

The Total Gym, depending on where you purchase it and what options you select, could cost anywhere from $100 to $300, which is so affordable compared to full-sized units that offer a similiar range of exercises. The machine has very few parts that are in danger of wearing out, so finding it used is a viable option, as there will plenty of life left on the cables and moving parts. The bench has a very smooth motion and plenty of padding for comfort and support. The only downside is its length. Anyone above 6'2" or having a long torso could find keeping your head supported on the bench a little tricky, depending on the specific exercise.

The instruction book is far from necessary for anyone that has exercised in a gym previously. Between sitting on the bench, laying on your stomach and on your back, there are dozens of exercises from which to choose. From the upright position, you can perform a rowing exercise, bicep curl, chest press and butterfly motion all without changing the resistance level or hand position. The Total Gym differs from a traditional weight machine because you can change the exercise angle of virtually every position because the cable system allows for personalized movement. On your stomach, a pull-up, curl and tricep press are standard exercises that can be performed back-to-back. An optional performance bar is often part of the Total Gym set-up, depending on the package you purchase. It adds a whole new set of exercises from a more traditional pull-up to squats and hamstring pulls. Leg exercises can be done without any additional pieces, but the performance bar definitely helps.

The space-saving aspects of the Total Gym are a definite plus. The machine folding in half, making the deminsions roughly 12" deep and the height and width of the bench. This compact form can be stored in a small closet standing up, discretely in a corner or even under a bed with ease. The unit is lightweight and can be moved by a single person without much effort. The convenience of the Total Gym to be ready for use in under a minute and capable of many gym-quality exercises that are personalized to your fitness level make it a very attractive piece of equipment for anyone looking to workout at home. The Total Gym costs the equivilent of a few months at the local gym, but will last for many happy, healthy years.