PEERtrainer Fitness

Total Gym XLS Review: Top Of The Line Product Great For Pilates And Chuck Norris

This post is part of a larger review of the Total Gym product line, a popular and durable home gym option and covers the top of the line XLS product. This review contains a video where we show you the Total Gym and how you get a great workout in a very quick manner. This is followed by a lot of detail about the product. We also have a section of this post on how to buy the Total Gym XLS for the best price.  

**March 2011 Update**

You gain access to an extra 10% off by clicking on this banner:

Total Gym 10% Off Coupon:

Please click here to apply 10% off coupon when you buy a Total Gym. At PEERtrainer we highly recommend Total Gym, and the XLS model in particular which we personally use.

 

If You Are Thinking About Buying a Total Gym, Please Watch The Following Video:

Total Gym XLS Basic Specs:

 

# of Exercises:            Over 80

List Cost:                    $1448.05 (check here for the latest offers from Total Gym)

Maximum weight of user:    400 lbs.

Frame warranty:            Lifetime

Warranty on parts:        6 months

Squat stand:            Upgraded model included

Folds for easy storage?:    Yes

 

Summary of Total Gym XLS:

 

There are two main differences between the Total Gym 3000 model and the XLS model.  First, the XLS is larger and has even more heavy-duty construction and components.  For instance the squat platform is the ‘upgraded’ model, and many of the components are listed on the Total Gym website as ‘upgraded’ as well.  This may not be enough reason to justify the price jump, but if money isn’t a big concern to you and you want to get the best model available, then there’s no reason not to go for the XLS.

 

The second difference, and in my mind the better reason to go for the XLS, are the additional “bells and whistles” it comes with.  Visit the Total Gym website to see the full list of features, but for example they include:

 

➢    Pilates for Total Gym DVD   

➢    Training Deck

➢    Nutritional Program

➢    Pilates Kit

➢    Upgraded Squat Stand

➢    Wing Attachment

➢    Upgraded Pulley System

➢    Upgraded Flexible Nylon Strap Handles

➢    Padded Glideboard

➢    Chrome Package

 

Conclusion:

 

In short, if you can afford it, the XLS is probably worth the upgrade from the 3000 model.  If you’re more cost conscious, then you can probably get everything you need from the 3000 model.  Any way you decide to go, our experience tells us you won’t be disappointed.  You’ll be getting a fun, easy to use home workout system that will give you many years of benefits. 

 

And if you are into Pilates, you will find that this is a great option for creating an at home pilates studio.

 

How To Get The Total Gym XLS For The Best Price

 

There are many options to make sure you get your money's worth and also buy the product the way you want to. Some people want to try before they buy, and if you want to try the total gym basically for free you just click on this link and one will be sent to your house, pretty much no strings attached.Try Total Gym® for only $1 – they include free shipping and make it as easy as they can for you- they want you to become a customer and tell other people that they are a good company. Some people know that the XLS is for them- they want the Pilates kit, they want the preacher curl option and just want to order it. If this is you, you want to make sure to use this link to the latest coupon--  Total Gym Coupons- 10% Off.

 

How To Purchased A Used or Refurbished Total Gym Unit

 

The company no longer sells them on Amazon but they do sell them directly. If you are looking to buy a used one you should really deal with the company directly for the best odds of a positive buying experience. If you click here you can learn what is available right now from the company.

 

How Does The Total Gym Work And Does Chuck Norris Really Use It?

This video shows how Chuck Norris and his wife uses it in their home:

 

More Things You Might Like to Know about the Total Gym XLS

The Total Gym XLS is the top of the line unit in Total Gym’s basic home gym line. It is a great system for building strength and burning calories in as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day.

The Wing Attachment which can gets attached to the top or the bottom of the rails on your gym (you can choose where to put it) allows you to do a nice range of exercises including pull-up's, military press and a variety of leg workouts.

The Total Gym XLS also comes with the following 4 videos:

1. 6-8 Minute Total Gym Instructional Program

2. Start It Up! Instructional Video 

3. Body Makeover for Total Gym 

4. Pilates for Total Gym

That is a nice amount of instructional video information. The Total Gym 3000, by contrast, only comes with 1 video.

Also included is an Exercise Wall Chart that provides a quick reference while working out. The Total Gym XLS also offers a nice, premium squat stand for various leg exercises. You can do single leg squats with this attachment, double leg squats and calf raises to name a few.

Here is a basic summary of the muscles groups you can work out very quickly and conveniently using the Total Gym XLS:

Arms (biceps, triceps, forearms)- Over 10 arm exercises. 

Shoulders- Over 10 Shoulder Exercises 

Back- Over 10 Back exercises. 

Chest (upper pecs and lower)- Over 10 Chests exercises. 

Legs- Over 15 leg exercises. 

Abs (“6 Pack Abs” & Obliques)- Over 10 Ab Exercises

To see a great demonstration on ALL the exercises you can do with the Total Gym XLS, visit the Total Gym Direct Exercises Page: http://www.totalgymdirect.com/total-gym-exercises.php

Total Gym XLS Cardio Benefits?

While the Total Gym XLS is not designed specifically as a cardio machine like, say, the Bowflex TreadClimber, if you use it the way Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley use it in the television commercials, your heart will be pumping.

Depending on your current level of conditioning and your personal weight loss and/or fitness goals, the cardio stimulation you get from the Total Gym 3000 may be sufficient for you.

If you’re looking to shed more body fat and/or improve your overall cardio endurance, you can easily transition from a 20 minute Total Gym XLS workout to a cardio workout of your choice. You could go for a walk or a job or get on another piece of home gym exercise equipment (we like the Bowflex Treadclimber).

Total Gym 3000 vs. Total Gym XLS Comparison

You may be asking, what are the main differences between the Total Gym XLS and the Total Gym 3000? How should I decide which one to purchase?

Both are great systems, and there are a few distinctions you should consider in making your final buying decision.

Total Gym 3000 vs. Total Gym XLS Comparison: Price Difference

The list price for a brand new Total Gym 3000 at www.totalgymdirect.com is $849.00. 

The list price for a brand new Total Gym XLS at www.totalgymdirect.com is $1448.05.

These prices both include the option to try the unit for 30 days for just $1.

With both units they offer a payment plan or you can get a special “upgrade package” when you pay in full.

You can also save an additional 10% when you use the coupon code on our Total Gym Coupon page.

If you’re interested in a used or refurbished model, then you can purchase one from through Amazon.com for as low as $450.00 for the Total Gym 3000, and as low as $650.00 for a Total Gym XLS.

Total Gym 3000 vs. Total Gym XLS Comparison: Accessories

The second major difference between the two models is that the Total Gym XLS comes with some additional accessories.

Here are the extras you get with the Total Gym XLS:

➢ The 6-8 minute workout video

➢ The pilates workout video 

➢ The pilates accessory kit 

➢ The Body Makeover DVD 

➢ The Training Deck 

➢ The Nutritional Program 

➢ The Leg Pulley Accessory

Total Gym 3000 vs. Total Gym XLS Comparison: Components

Another major difference between the 2 models, is that the Total Gym XLS has a number of component upgrades and improvements including:

➢ An upgraded pulley system 

➢ A padded glideboard for greater comfort 

➢ Upgraded squat stand for durability 

➢ Upgraded Flexible Nylon Strap Handles 

➢ Wing Attachment

Total Gym 3000 vs. Total Gym XLS Comparison: Total Number of Exercises

Total Gym 3000: Over 60 

Total Gym XLS: Over 80

Summary of Total Gym 3000 vs. Total Gym XLS Comparison

Both are solid, stable systems and will help you considerably towards your fitness goals (unless you’re looking to gain serious muscle mass, in which case check out our Bowflex Revolution review).

If cost isn’t that big of a deal in your buying decision, then spend a few extra bucks and get the Total Gym XLS. It “feels” heavier and stronger and all the added accessories and components make it worth the additional expense.

If cost is a major consideration, then the Total Gym 3000 should be ample. It still has great versatility and functionality, and it will certainly take you a long ways towards your fitness and muscle building goals- with or without the added components and accessories.

Related articles

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Total Gym Frequently Asked Questions

We have updated our page covering Total Gym to include some answers to commonly asked questions about the product and product line. We will keep updating the page as we get new questions:

How Big Is The Total Gym? 

Does It Work As Well For Women As For Men? 

Does the Total Gym Increase Flexibility? 

Is Total Gym Anything Like Yoga? 

Is It Good For Cardio? 

Will I Use My Total Gym For More Than a Week? 

We have also added a page for the latest Total Gym Coupons. Right now the best deal the company is offering is a 10% discount using the coupon code on that page.

Total Gym Comparison To Bowflex

We just published a new review of Total Gym based on insights from the PEERtrainer team and many months of extensive use. This video shows you how Total Gym works. It is an excellent piece of exercise equipment that will help you get stronger, get a great cardio workout and reduce the risk of injury. If you are looking to primarily build your muscles, Bodylastics is a cheaper and more effective tool than Bowflex.

Total Gym 10% Off Coupon:

Please click here to apply 10% off coupon when you buy a Total Gym. At PEERtrainer we highly recommend Total Gym, and the XLS model in particular which we personally use.

If You Are Thinking About Buying a Total Gym, Please Watch The Following Video:

Total Gym XLS Basic Specs:

# of Exercises: Over 80

List Cost: $1448.05 (check here for the latest offers from Total Gym)

Maximum weight of user: 400 lbs.

Frame warranty: Lifetime

Warranty on parts: 6 months

Squat stand: Upgraded model included

Folds for easy storage?: Yes

"Our team used Total Gym, and we found it a great form of exercise.  In general, most of the people in our company are big fans of using our own bodyweight for strength training purposes, and Total Gym naturally builds on this style of working out."

We also compared it to Bowflex and highlighted how people who want to bulk up or a sort of "at home mini-gym", might do better with Bowflex and their broad product line.

"There are no clear drawbacks to the Total Gym that our team could identify.  However, we do think it’s useful to bear in mind that most people are not going to bulk up tremendously by using Total Gym.  Again, if that is your desire, consider a Bowflex system instead.  We would hate for people to have unrealistic expectations about what Total Gym will do for them.  But if it’s overall health, wellness, flexibility and strength training you’re after, Total Gym should be a great fit for you."

The fitness editor is looking at Bowflex right now. We have also created a page with the latest deals and coupons from Total Gym. We will be regularly updating it.

Try Total Gym® for only $1 – As Seen on TV with Chuck Norris & Christie Brinkley. Over 1 Million Satisfied Customers. FREE Shipping.

P90X Review: Why Burst Training Is A Better Option For Most

People in the PEERtrainer community seem to be very positive about the P90X workout program. They have started support groups around following the program. Generally it is hard to generate enthusiasm about a product. We went to the P90X website and found this interesting description of what it is:

"The secret behind the P90X system is an advanced training technique called "Muscle Confusion," which accelerates the results process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus, and you never get bored!"

There is no question that the marketing behind P90X has been masterful. Additionally, the program itself makes a lot of sense in terms of targeting different muscles in different ways.

However, the big issue here is the intensity and time commitment. If you did any exercise for an hour or more per day, every day, it is likely you'd be getting some results? Of course you would.

It is also likely that your level of commitment to this level of workout intensity would fade after time. This does not mean that one cannot get great results and motivation from a program like P90X. It's just that you have to put it into the proper context.

If you are the kind of person who can follow instructions and likes new things, the odds are that P90X will help you. 

But if you are looking for a longer term solution to getting fit, you are going to have to find things that are sustainable. A great alternative to something like P90X is burst training. Burst training is simply when you do short bursts of exercise several times a week.

Burst training mimics the natural sports and activities that we do normally in our lives. Sports like tennis and skiing are classic examples of burst training. Short spurts of activity, followed by periods of rest.

These sports are also much more enjoyable for most of us, which will result in a higher likelihood of us doing them for the long haul.

If you are thinking about P90X, you have to realize that the central issue here is to figure out how you get the motivation to exercise. Different people respond to different methods. In our view, one of the biggest factors in getting motivated is to first address any physical pain that you may be in.

If you are out of balance and have muscle and joint pain, there is no chance you are going to do P90X or any other exercise, no matter how good it is for you. At PEERtrainer we have put together a short guide to help you get out of pain. We call it PEERtrainer Fitness Fusion, and you don't have to download anything or enter your email. It will help give you some simple exercises that will help you feel a lot better over time.

Related PEERtrainer Articles:

What Is Right Protein Shake To Use?

Why Juice Cleanses Make You Feel Bad

 

Here is what people are saying about this in the PEERtrainer Community:

What Is P90X?

 

"This is a complete exercise and nutrition program designed to get you in shape and lose weight. In order to do so however, you have to follow a very, very regimented program. I got the dvd’s to supplement my exercise program and while I am in pretty good shape, some of them are pretty tough. If you can’t pass the fitness test, I would not bother spending your money since you will quickly give up on them. The DVDs are hard, but doable. Also, you can just pause or rest during them if you need to."

What Should I Know Before I Start P90X?

"I have P90x and I love it, that being said there are a few things that you should know before you go out and spend the money (and it is expensive).

1. You need to already be a good shape to start there is a fitness test in the book that you get to make sure that you are even ready to start. (yes its that hard)

2. You will need weights or bands and keep in mind that the stronger you get the more you will need, a chinup bar, a yoga mat and yoga blocks if you aren't good at yoga

3. You will need to be able to work out 7 days a week some days more than an hour.

4. You will need plenty of space

5. You will need lots of motivation (it is as hardcore as it looks)

If these things sound doable to you than by all means try P90x because its awesome and you will see results and feel so much stronger. "

P90X Success Stories:

"i am currently in the second month of p90x. the first month i lost 19 lbs. checkout beachbody.com for more info. i assure you this video workout is great for those who want to achieve overall fitness and durability.

there are 3 workout plans to follow, they all consist of 90 days. obviously changing my diet has also helped me drop 19lbs. "

How Much Is P90X and Who Makes It?

P90x is made by a company called Beachbody. They have an excellent reputation for creating products that people love. They have a long track record creating things that catch people's attention, but also that they actually do.

The list price is $140, but if you go to the Beachbody.com website, you can see if they have any deals.

The P90X Nutrition Program:

"The nutrition program is fine if you know little about it, but its pretty basic. It does however tell you what to eat if you want to lose weight. . . veg, fruit, chick, salmon, duh. . . it does lay it out for you so like I said its good if you are new to this game. If you follow the program, you create a pretty hefty calorie deficit while working out probably a lot more than you are used to . . if you are stressed or busy, this may or may not be and additional burden in your life"

How Do I Get The Best Deal On P90X?

With a company like Beachbody, they have a very high marketing budget, and like any company, they have to get the word out. Which means their margins aren't as high as you might think, which limits their ability to offer deals.

That said, take a look at their website and see if they are offering any sort of deal. We will reach out to the company and see if there is anything they can offer PEERtrainer members.

Is P90X Anything Like Turbo Jam or Hip Hop Abs?

All the products are made by the same company, Beachbody. Turbo Jam has been out for a while and has been very popular on PEERtrainer. Hip Hop abs is newer. Both products are focused more on cardio. P90X will help you build muscle and lose some weight, while Turbo Jam and Hip Hop abs will focus more on weight loss. In fact, some people complain about having a hard time losing weight on P90X. The following links can help you find Turbo Jam and Hip Hop Abs for the best price and are better than any coupon:

 

PEERtrainer Team: P90X Workout