9 Best Total Gym Models for your Home Gym 2023: Review and Comparison

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Do you want to buy a Total Gym machine, but are not sure which model to choose? 

As a personal trainer, I reviewed the Total Gym models for Home Gym use. So you can see how they differ and make your choice.

Total Gym establishes itself as the world’s leader in body weight training on an incline. They designed all their machines with that goal in mind.

So, what model would be best for you?  

Before we dive into the Total Gym models, take a minute to consider your preferences. First, make a list of exercises you want to perform on the machine. 

For example, did you know that the Total Gym machines are excellent for doing Pilates exercises? In fact, Total Gym offers a DVD tutorial for Pilates exercises. Check it out here.

Next, think about how much you’re willing to spend. Also consider the weight limit if you are a heavy person. Some models only support up to 300 pounds, and others up to 450 pounds.

Total Gym Series for Home Gym Use

Entry-level Models

The entry-level models of Total Gym are the APEX Series and the Total Gym Summit. They are already a good choice for beginners, as they offer many exercises and give a total body workout at an affordable price.

Mid-level Models

The mid-level model is the XLS Series, which has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It comes with more attachments out of the box than the APEX Series. 

But you can purchase Total Gym attachments separately for all models here.

Top-level Model

Total Gym’s top-level model is the Total Gym FIT. It has more resistance levels than the others, offers more exercises, and has the highest weight capacity (450 pounds).

Total Gym has two other machines for home use: TGROW and TGBLAST. Those equipment are for specific purposes. TGROW involves rowing, and TGBLAST focuses on core training. 

In a nutshell, you can see the main differences between each model in the table below.

*The number of exercises you can do on a Total Gym model depends on how many attachments are compatible with it. The more attachments mean you can do more exercises.

**The resistance levels correspond to the number of height adjustments of the glide board.

Each model has its own unique features. So read the full article for an in-depth review to see which suits you better.

Table of Contents

• Total Gym Series for Home Gym Use
  • Entry-level Models
  • Mid-level Models
  • Top-level Model
• The 9 Total Gym Models
  • Total Gym APEX G1
  • Total Gym APEX G3
  • Total Gym APEX G5
  • Total Gym Summit Adjustable Home Fitness
  • Total Gym XLS
  • Total Gym XLS with Ab Crunch
  • Total Gym FIT Home Fitness
  • Total Gym TGBLAST
  • Total Gym ‎TGROW
• What to look for in a total gym model?
  • Number of Exercises
  • Type of Exercise
  • Resistance
  • Weight Capacity
  • Attachments
  • Price and Warranty
• Which Total Gym model is best overall?
• FAQ About Total Gym Models
• What to do next?

The 9 Total Gym Models

APEX Series is the latest lineup of Total Gym models. This series is the most budget friendly and suitable for any home gym.

It is also great for beginners, because it has lower resistance and has fewer compatible and included attachments than other advanced models like the XLS series and Total Gym FIt. So, you can perform less exercises on the APEX.

APEX Series gives great value for the price, especially with the features it offers. It is evident that home gym owners love the APEX Series, as all versions have a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon.

Total Gym APEX G1

The Total Gym APEX G1 has six resistance levels and supports a maximum user capacity of 300 pounds.

This is one of the versions of Total Gym’s APEX Series, including the G3 and G5. If you are on a budget, the G1 is the most affordable version of the APEX Series.

With this Total Gym, you can do up to 60+ exercises for all fitness levels of ages 8 to 80. Some exercises you can do in this machine are the following:

• Kneeling Biceps Curl
• Kneeling High Row
• Kneeling Row
• Extended Kneeling Lat Sweep
• Oblique Twister
• Chest Press
• Shoulder Press
• Pilates 100* 
• Overhead Triceps Kickback
• Iron Cross/Front Pullover

The Total Gym APEX G1 is compatible with standard weight bars and plates. The bar has a 1-inch diameter. 

Check out this unboxing video by Sliding Bench Trainers to see the included attachments and how to set up the whole equipment:

Total Gym APEX G3

The second version of the APEX Series is the G3. With this version, you’ll get up to 8 resistance levels. APEX G3 has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, same as the G1.

The main difference between G1 and G3 is that the G3 has a Squat Stand and Dip Bars, while the G1 does not. 

You can do up to 70+ exercises with the G3, including the ones I listed on the G1. The additional exercises you can do in this version are the following:

• Surfer
• Kneeling Triceps Kickback
• Squat
• Single-Leg Squat
• Calf Raise
• Roll-up
• Incline Ab Crunch

Like the G1, G3 is also weight-bar compatible, and you have to purchase it separately. It has the same bar and weight plates requirement as the G1.

All the APEX Series have the same dimensions and weight. But the G3 is more expensive than the G1 because it has more attachments.

Total Gym APEX G5

The last version of the APEX Series is the G5. 

This version has 10 resistance levels and a maximum user capacity of 375 pounds, which is the highest in this series. And you can perform up to 80+ exercises.

What sets G5 apart is that it has a pillow headrest and two stability mats. They added a pillow headrest for your comfort, since the glide board has a flat surface.

You can use the stability mats to stabilize your equipment and protect your floor.

All APEX Series have auto-lock height adjustment, so you can adjust the incline of your glide board and lock it in place. They are foldable and lightweight, so they are easy to store.

Since the G5 has the most features in this series, it is the most expensive version. However, this is still a great option, as it has a high user rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.

Total Gym Summit Adjustable Home Fitness

Total Gym Summit also gives a total body workout at an affordable price. It is similar to the APEX Series, especially the APEX G3. I discussed the details further in the article.

With Total Gym Summit Adjustable Home Fitness, you can perform over 70 exercises. It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and 8 resistance levels.

The bench is height adjustable, so you can perform various exercises. Some workouts you can do are the following:

• Single Leg Squat
• Outer Hip and Thigh
• Seated Row
• Seated Chest Press
• Seated Biceps Curl
• Lateral Biceps
• Lateral Chest Fly
• Hamstring Pull
• Dip
• Oblique Twister
• Upright Row
• Pull Up
• Shoulder Press

Total Gym Summit is similar to the APEX G3 in most of their features. The main difference is that Total Gym Summit is cheaper and has a smaller footprint than APEX G3.

Some users even commented that Total Gym Summit is just APEX G3, but with a different paint job. So if you want a smaller or more affordable version of the APEX G3, go for the Total Gym Summit.

Total Gym XLS

XLS is a universal series, which caters to users of all sizes and fitness levels.

Like the APEX Series, XLS gives a total body workout. The main difference is that XLS has a higher weight capacity.

The Total Gym XLS is the equipment for you if you want a full-body workout. With this model, you can enjoy 6 levels of resistance and perform over 80 exercise routines.

Total Gym XLS includes a ribbed squat stand and a wing attachment. The leg pull accessory includes 2 ankle cuffs for lower body exercises.

So you can target your arms, legs, core, and other muscle groups.

This model has a maximum user weight of 400 pounds. So XLS is the Total Gym model for you if you are on the heavier side.

What sets this model apart from others is that XLS is the universal model of Total Gym, so it can accommodate users of all sizes. 

Like the APEX G5, XLS has a pillow headrest for extra support and comfort during your workout. The Total Gym XLS is a little more expensive than the APEX G5, but it has more features and attachments. 

Total Gym has pilates accessory kit, total gym cyclo trainer, press up bars, and Dan Isaacson’s nutritional program & meal plan, which the APEX G5 doesn’t have. XLS also supports a higher weight capacity than APEX G5.

Total Gym XLS with Ab Crunch

The Total Gym XLS with Ab Crunch is the same as the Total Gym XLS. The only difference is that this model includes an Ab Crunch attachment and the 7 Classic Total Gym DVDs.

And since it has an included accessory, it is more expensive than the Total Gym XLS.

As you may have observed, all Total Gym models include free access to Total Gym TV. You can stream exercise videos here, which you can access on any device.

Additionally, you’ll get an Owner’s Manual and Exercise Wall Chart, so you can use your Total Gym equipment immediately.

The XLS series is similar to the APEX series in terms of exercises and resistance levels. Some differences between the two are that XLS has higher weight capacity, has a longer warranty duration, and includes more accessories.

XLS has a user weight capacity of 400 pounds, while APEX has a weight limit of around 300 to 375 pounds. Also, XLS has a lifetime warranty on the frame, while APEX G3 and G5 have a one-year warranty. 

APEX G1 has only a 6-month warranty.

The XLS comes fully assembled, all you need to install are the attachments. APEX requires minor assembly; you need to input the safety pins so that you can use them.

Plus, the XLS includes a pilates accessory kit and squat stand on your purchase. These attachments are compatible with the APEX series, but are only included in APEX G5 and not on G1 and G3.

Total Gym FIT Home Fitness

Total Gym FIT has the best features on this list, which aims to cater to advanced users. I discussed these features further in the article.

The Total Gym FIT Home Fitness has 12 resistance levels and a maximum capacity of 450 pounds. With this equipment, you can perform over 85 exercises.

This model has the highest resistance and weight capacity on this list. You can also perform the most exercises on this equipment compared to other models.

Just like the XLS, Total Gym FIT includes an Ab Crunch attachment. Additionally, it has a lifetime warranty on its frame, so you can ensure it is of good quality.

However, all these features come with a price. Total Gym FIT is the most expensive Total Gym model on this list.

Total Gym TGBLAST

If you want to target your core and abdominal muscles, I recommend the TGBLAST or Core Trainer Blast. Unlike APEX and XLS Series, which target your whole body, TGBLAST focuses only on ab workouts.

The Total Gym TGBLAST or the Core Trainer Blast has a maximum user capacity of 300 pounds.

Like the others, you will use your body weight in this equipment. However, it does not have any resistance levels.

The main purpose of TGBLAST is to target your core and abdomen. You can do up to 8+exercises in this machine, including the ones I listed below.

• Crunches
• Ab Rollouts
• Quadruped Reach Backs
• Side to Side Crunches
• Sit Ups, Stand-Ups
• Tabletop Crunches

You can check out this video by Dejinira Lee on how to do these exercises on the TGBLAST.

Compared to other models, TGBLAST has a smaller footprint and glide board. This is because it targets only a specific muscle, and you don’t need the full-length of the glide board to do the exercises.

If you want to try out Total Gym models, but are on a budget, TGBLAST is the most affordable equipment on this list. Keep in mind that TGBLAST does not have any attachments, so you don’t have any option for an upgrade.

Total Gym ‎TGROW

If you love cardio workouts, specifically rowing exercises, I recommend the Total Gym TGROW. You can perform over 20 rowing exercises in this equipment.

The Total Gym TGROW or the Incline Rowing Machine combine cardio and strength training into one piece of equipment. It has 6 levels of resistance, and you can do over 20 exercise variations with this equipment.

As the name suggests, all exercises performed on this equipment involve rowing. Some exercises you can do are the following:

• Overhand Low Row
• Overhand High Row
• Single Arm Row
• Static Arms— Leg Work
• Single Arm Row with Rotation
• Underhand Low Row
• Single Leg Squat with Bicep Curl
• Bicep Curls with Leg Work
• Static Legs— High Row
• Static Legs— Bicep Curl
• Alternating Grip Row

What to look for in a total gym model?

Number of Exercises

The Total Gym offers a wide range of exercise options. You can use it to do everything from traditional strength training to cardio, stretching, and even yoga.

This versatility makes Total Gym one of the most recommended equipment for home gyms. Depending on the model, you can perform from 8 to 85 exercises on this machine.

You can do over 8 exercises using the Total Gym TGBLAST, making it the model with the least exercises on this list. This is because TGBLAST focuses only on core and abdominal exercises.

On the other hand, you can perform over 85 exercises on the Total Gym FIT. So Total Gym FIT has the most exercise on this list, and you can do more if you add attachments to your equipment.

Ultimately, whichever total gym model you choose, you can get a complete workout from home.

Type of Exercise

Each model offers different types of exercise. So it’s important to consider what type of workout you’re interested in before purchasing.

For example, if you want to focus on your core, Total Gym TGBLAST is the model for you. If you are an advanced user and want a full-body workout, I recommend the XLS Series and the Total Gym FIT Home Fitness.

The APEX Series and the Summit model are great for beginners, as they offer a total body workout at an affordable price. And if you want a cardio workout, the TGROW is an excellent choice.

All of these models use your body weight for the exercises, but most of them are weight-bar compatible. So if you want to add weights, you can use a weight bar and plates.

The weight bar requires a 1-inch diameter weight plate.

*All Total Gym machines are great for Pilates exercises, because of the inclined glide board. For example, check out this video:

Resistance

The Total Gym offers many levels of resistance. The APEX G1, XLS, and TGROW have 6 resistance levels.

While the Total Gym FIT Home Fitness has 12 resistance levels, which is the highest on this list. The Total Gym TGBLAST is the only model that does not offer any resistance.

The resistance level actually corresponds to the number of height adjustments of the glide board. As you can see in the photos below, there are 12 incline adjustments for the Total Gym Fit and none on the TGBLAST.

Weight Capacity

The user weight capacity is an important consideration when buying any home gym equipment. All the Total Gym models listed here have a maximum user capacity of 300 pounds and above.

If you are a heavy person, I recommend the APEX G5, XLS or the Total Gym FIT Home Fitness. The weight capacity of these models is higher than the rest.

Attachments

Attachments are the extra bits that you can add to your Total Gym. They are great for making your workout more challenging, or for targeting specific muscle groups.

The common Total Gym Attachments are the following:

• Ab Crunch
• Ribbed Squat Stand
• Wing Attachment
• Leg Pull Accessory
• Dip Bars
• Pilates Accessory Kit
• Total Gym Cyclo Trainer
• Dip Bars
• Weight Bar Kit

Some are already included in the equipment, while you have to purchase the others separately.

Here is a video tutorial by Rosalie Brown on how to install and use these attachments:

Embed Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdJnJg-zMGA&t=79s

Price and Warranty

The price and warranty that comes with Total Gym models vary depending on which model you choose to buy. More features and longer warranty duration mean it will also be more expensive.

However, the basic models are affordable, which are the best for beginners.

Which Total Gym model is best overall?

The best model depends on your requirements. If you can’t decide, I recommend Total Gym Apex G5.

You can do up to 80+ exercises on this model, and it has 10 resistance levels. It can support up to 375 pounds of user weight, which is more than enough to cater to most users.

For your comfort and stability, it includes a pillow headrest and two stability mats. It may be the most expensive among the APEX Series, but it is still more affordable than other models.

Also, it has a high user rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 6000+ ratings on Amazon.

FAQ About Total Gym Models

What to do next?

There you have it, a full compilation of Total Gym models.

In the end, it is up to you to decide which of these Total Gym models best matches your fitness and budget goals. But with any luck, this article gave you a good introduction to what each model is capable of, and how they compare and contrast.

And if you’re still confused about which model is right for you, don’t worry. I added a buyer’s guide above to help clear things up.