Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart

I've had my Total Gym for three weeks now and have been on it every single day; I was worried that it might arrive damaged due to all the complaints about that being an issue, but it was fine. It is heavy to schlepp up the staircase--get a friend or two if you can. That should be workout #1. It basically comes put together, but figuring out how to unfold it was a bit of a challenge. The accessories you take on and off as you do this exercise and that, which took a bit at first but I'm getting much faster with it. When I workout with the DVD I keep the control by me so I can pause and rewind if I get confused about changing the accessories or if it takes me longer than it takes the workout leader. As a 40something woman who does a lot of dog hiking and horse riding, I find that this works muscles that I do not use in my normal life. This is a good thing, of course, and why I got the TG in the first place. If you are someone who is in moderately fit to out of shape, this is a good piece of equipment to work out with; if you want to win body building contests I doubt this is your best choice. Even though I am fairly active when I started some of the shoulder and arm things I was really huffing puffing and cussing. The leg workouts I can set the TG at a higher intensity setting for a good workout; the arm stuff I set it at a lower incline since I am weak there at present. Squats and toe raises and whatnot I can do all the day long, but those straight arm pullovers and snow angels are EVIL. Which is the whole purpose of getting the thing in the first place. The set came with a DVD with 6 to 8 minute workouts and after three weeks of doing a single routine every day I am now bumping it up to two per session. For someone who is not ready to hang feet first and do inclined sit ups like nobody's business right out of the gate, this is a helpful start. It's enough to build without killing yourself and getting discouraged, and once it gets easy you can either double up workouts or else raise the incline (or both as you get fitter). There are also longer workouts on another two DVDs provided, but I am working up to that yet. My jeans are liking me better, for sure, and while I have not lost weight I have lost inches and can tell that the exercises are getting easier. I find that doing a short workout every day is much easier for me to keep on with rather than a bigger workout that leaves me sore every other day or three days a week. The TG XLS seems to be sturdy and is easy to use. The DVDs are clear and give good descriptions and advice while you workout. I have the wall poster up to check out and have done some workouts from the card deck provided as well, so even if you are not a follow the leader on the DVD type you can get a good workout plan put together.

I just wanted to clear this up, this is the same exact package that is sold by Total Gym Direct! The only difference is that TG Direct offers the AbCrunch as a bonus, but their package is more expensive and you can purchase the Abcrunch on Amazon and still be way below the cost of purchasing the package from TG! I ordered the Abcrunch, which comes with a DVD, and the Weight Bar and still paid way below the 60% off price of TG Direct. I would say to wait until you get your TG before purchasing any attachments because I received a promo code with my TG for $20 and $30 off for accessories to use on the TotalGymCatalog dot com. This Total Gym came with 5 DVDs (workouts at every level and includes a pilates dvd), the Pilates package, wall chart, training deck and holder, wing attachment. Everything you need to workout! There is no assembly, it comes fully assembled. I do recommend watching the set up dvd so you do not hurt yourself setting this up and you fully understand how it folds and unfolds. I did my first workout yesterday and I really feel it today. This machine is as smooth as butter! It is very quiet and appears to be of good solid quality. I bought a lesser quality type machine similar to this years ago and the difference is like night and day. My boyfriend is 6'4 and has no problems working out on this machine. The bench is almost 47" long x 16" wide and most of the exercises are done with your legs either bent up and crossed or sitting on your legs or with them hanging to the sides of the bench. This machine is 90" long and even doing squats there is still plenty of room. The workouts are fun to do and don't take that much time. I was shocked how fast time went by as I was working out. That is what keeps people motivated. The workout never felt redundant. I feel fortunate to have a room dedicated to working out because it is not a small machine and I will leave it unfolded. In a small apartment this might feel like an elephant sitting in the room, but if you are willing to fold it up after each workout, it folds up very compactly. Another bonus, if you have amazon prime you receive this machine in 2 days of ordering it!!! Whereas, the TG Direct site may take 10days! I am very happy with my purchase and will update if I notice any changes with this machine. If you are looking for a less expensive Total Gym you might want to check out the Total Gym 1800 Club package. It is 399. and comes with many of the same equipment as this package. I just happen to come across it on youtube. In fact, watching the video, it looked as if it came with the AbCrunch. It is worth checking out if this package is not in your budget. Now that I have the XLS, I do not see much of a difference between the two machines except for the price and change in the bench style. There may be other differences, but it looks to be very similar and at a much lower price! Update 7/27/2012 - I have been using the TG every other day with the beginning DVD and LOVING it!! I get really excited about working out now. Using the DVD is truly like having a personal trainer and I really sweat with the workout. I am so happy that I made this purchase and would recommend to anyone at any level wanting to get in shape. It gives a great cardio and toning/strengthening workout! At first I was a little worried I wasn't going to be able to keep up, but I just kept doing the best I could and now I love it and can't wait to work out. On days that I am not on the TG, I work out on my recumbent bike and am amazed how I feel now just in this short time. Sometimes I use the TG and the Bike on the same day and am working on doing that more.

This is perfect for what I Need gives me a great workout easy to set up aswell

Excellent service, shipped on time, equipment in perfect condition. Amazing DVDs presentation on machine capabilities. After only 10 days of 1/2 hour use a day, I have seen significant results! Exercising with this machine rewards with feeling the pleasure of your body in motion. Versatility makes this product unique for building the body at the convenience of your home. I have already recommend it to all my friends and co- workers.

Un aparato que balancea y promueve de forma practica tus articulaciones, musculos y energia. Lo llevo usando 4 semanas y mi estado de animo y vitalidad ha contribuido a un mejor estado de animo.

It arrived many days before scheduled date, very easy to set up. I am very pleased with the many different Muscle groups that can be worked very easily.

Amazing product! it's a bit pricey but considering the amount of money we spend joining workout clubs this is justifiable. This product is truly made for people with really busy lives or for people that just wants to get fit and lead a healthier life. If you live a busy life and you don't have much time going to the gym then this is the product to get. This product claims it can work all muscle groups of the body and I have to agree with them it works like a charm. I would totally recommend this product to anyone that wants to just live a healthier life.