Total Gym: Where to Buy
The Total Gym has anchored home workouts since 1974, long before streaming classes existed. You have probably seen Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley pitching it on late-night, as-seen-on-TV commercials. The real question is whether an incline bodyweight machine earns a spot in your house, and which version fits how you actually train.
What Is a Total Gym and How Does It Work?
A Total Gym is an all-in-one exercise machine that turns your own bodyweight into adjustable resistance. You lie, sit, or kneel on a sliding glideboard fixed to an inclined rail. Raise the incline and you lift more of your weight; lower it and the load drops. One frame covers more than 80 moves, from chest presses and rows to squats, ab crunches, and Pilates stretches.
The Incline Advantage Reviewers Skip
Here is the part most reviews leave out. The inclined glideboard gives you variable resistance that tracks your natural strength curve, so tension shifts through each rep instead of staying fixed like a weight stack. In our testing, that felt noticeably kinder on the shoulders and knees. Physical therapists have leaned on this design since the 1970s to keep joint stress low while the muscles still fire.
An “As Seen on TV” Icon
San Diego engineers built the first unit in 1974 for rehab clinics, then the 1990s infomercial run with Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley made it a household name. It sits beside classics like the ThighMaster and the George Foreman Grill, proof that direct-response TV could launch real brands. For the backstory, see what an infomercial is and the pitchmen who sold them.
Comparing Total Gym Models
Pick a model by budget and how hard you plan to push. Here is the current lineup at a glance:
| Model | Resistance levels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| APEX G1 | 6 | Beginners wanting basic strength training |
| APEX G3 | 8 | Intermediate users building muscle |
| APEX G5 | 12 | Advanced work, includes a squat stand |
| XLS | Adjustable, steel frame | The everyday best-seller |
| FIT | High capacity plus streaming | On-demand workout fans |
Every model folds flat for storage and sets up in under 30 minutes, no personal trainer required.
How Often Should You Use It?
Three or four sessions a week suits most people: upper body one day, lower body the next, and a full-body cardio circuit to close the week. Raise the incline or slow your tempo as you get stronger, and a Pilates kit adds core and mobility work on the same frame.
Is a Total Gym Worth It?
For home training, the numbers favor it. Mid-range units run $400 to $900. At $50 a month, a standard fitness membership passes that inside a year, and you skip the commute. It will not replace a loaded barbell for powerlifters, and the resistance ceiling sits below a heavy squat rack. For general fitness, weight loss, and functional training that holds up as you age, though, the Total Gym packs a home gym into one machine that stores in a closet.
Where to Buy the Total Gym
The Total Gym is sold on Amazon and through major retailers. Compare current prices on the most popular options below. As an Amazon Associate, allfromtv.com earns from qualifying purchases.
- Total Gym FIT: Check price on Amazon
- Total Gym XLS: Check price on Amazon
- Total Gym APEX: Check price on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Total Gym worth the money?
For most home users, yes. Mid-range units cost $400 to $900 and pay for themselves inside a year against a monthly fitness membership. One frame handles over 80 exercises, which is the whole appeal.
Does Chuck Norris still use it?
Chuck Norris has fronted the brand since the early 1990s and says he still trains on the machine as part of his own routine.
Is a Total Gym good for seniors?
Yes. The incline lets you start at very light resistance and add load gradually. The low-impact motion keeps joint stress down, which is why physical therapists have used these machines since 1974.
How do the Total Gym models differ?
Mainly resistance levels, attachments, weight capacity, and streaming access. The APEX G1 offers 6 levels, while premium units like the FIT reach 12 or more plus extra kits and on-demand workouts.