Total Gym XLS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've used the Total Gym XLS for about nine months now. There's no question about the concept and quality of the workouts. I primarily use it as an all-around body workout to start the day. The endless possibilities make it very versatile and keep workouts fresh.
I am 5' 10", 185 lbs, not near the advertised maximum recommended capacity of 400 lbs.
I am not pleased with the overall quality. When I spend the extra money for the top end model, I have high expectations. This model has failed to meet them, and I wonder if I would have been just a well served with one of the two lower end units. The wheels and bearing are just not top end quality. My unit started to become creaky and squeaky right about the six month point, but it wasn't until it became distractingly noise and rough at about the eight month point that I became concerned.
The parts have a six month warranty. Even if I had taken action within this period, I would be facing the same issue again shortly (I assume). I ended up purchasing after-market wheel/bearing from Huck Products for $75 (inc S/H). The machine now feels like I had expected, better than original. Butter smooth.
The additional features of the XLS over the other models include (with my comments):
400 lb weight capacity for total strength and stability (if an average 185# user wore out the wheels....??)
Upgraded comfort system (True...good quality)
Upgraded pulley and cable system (No problems yet)
Flexible nylon strap handles (These are upgrades for lesser models; haven't tried the other style for comparison)
Upgraded squat stand (Again, an upgrade for other models)
Padded glideboard with head support (Redundant...see second item)
Chrome package (whoopee)
Exercise capability - over 80 exercises (OK...not quite sure why the lower models show 40 and 60...must not have some of the attachments)
With the exception of the first feature (400#), I cannot complain. There is no doubt the XLS is clearly a much better machine than the models carried in Dicks or Sears.

The Total Gym 2000 and 3000 advertise max capacities of 250 and 300 lbs respectively. More research into the quality of those models' wheels/bearings should be part of any comparisons. It might be worthwhile to buy either of these models and upgrade to Huck's high quality wheels (they have other parts as well) when the time comes.
3 stars is a bit of a low-balled exaggeration. If I could, I would say 3.8 on my subjective Amazon scale. Just under my 4.0 threshold of mostly satisfied and glad I made the purchase. But rounding up to 4 stars minimizes my current dismay at shelling out $75 a few months after the warranty period.
I will post this review on the Total Gym Direct where I purchased it (for ~$[...], not the current ~$[...])...let's see if it makes it past the editors.

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Want to tone your entire body without buying a space-hogging fitness machine? Turn to the Total Gym XLS, a top-of-the-line device that helps you strengthen and sculpt every major muscle group in your body using a single glide board and a few handy attachments. The Total Gym XLS works by making you lift a percentage of your body weight against gravity, creating a smooth and fluid resistance. As your strength and conditioning improve, you increase the total resistance by boosting the incline, thus increasing the body weight lifted in the exercise. The Total Gym XLS not only works your upper body, but also your lower body, abdominals, and even your cardiovascular system. And by reducing body fat and increasing the proportion of lean muscle mass in your body, the strength training effectively turns up the thermostat so that your body burns calories constantly.
The Total Gym XLS offers several upgrades over previous models, helping it set the standard for fitness excellence. The upgrades include a new pulley and cable system, an improved squat stand, and more comfortable padding on the glide board. The device also comes with several handy accessories that add a new dimension to your workout: a Pilates kit that helps you improve your range of motion and balance; a leg pull accessory that works your quads, hamstrings, and other muscles; flexible nylon strap handles; and a wing attachment for toning various back and arm muscles. Combined, the accessories and glide board support up to 400 pounds, letting users with a variety of body types work on strength and stability.
The Total Gym XLS also comes with a complete line of workouts and workout tools, taking the guesswork out of getting into shape. The workouts and tools include:

Start It Up: An introductory Total Gym XLS workout
6-8 Minute Workout: 12 work-along workouts for men and women pressed for time
Smart Training Workout: An efficient workout employing slow, precise movements to target specific muscles
Pilates for Total Gym: Enjoy the incredible benefits of a Pilates workout without leaving the home
Body Makeover for Total Gym: High-energy, high-powered workout
Simple at-a-glance exercise wall chart with 35 exercises
Total Gym training deck
Dan Isaacson's nutritional program and meal plan

About Total Gym Total Gym made its initial mark in rehabilitation centers, where its main focus was aiding people recovering from physical injuries and obstacles. The device is the perfect rehabilitation tool for several reasons: the smooth, gliding motion is easy on the joints; the various height levels accommodate every fitness level; and the padded glide board provides excellent support for the back. After years of success in the rehabilitation field, the product's inventors introduced the product to Chuck Norris 30 years ago. Norris--who calls it his "lean, mean exercise machine"--still uses the Total Gym today as his primary home fitness device. Christie Brinkley has also been a devoted user for more than 10 years, and uses it to stay lean and fit even through two children and a hectic schedule.

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