If your home workout needs an upgrade, the Total Gym XLS is going to bring the excitement back into your exercise routine.
It’s really the entire package too. From leg extensions to back exercises to abdominal workouts to shoulder workouts, the Total Gym XLS home gym is what you need in your life to keep you motivated. Let’s be honest.
Many of us are working out from home right now, but that doesn’t mean that your workout has to be boring. Maybe you miss the equipment at the gym that got your heart rate pumping and your muscles moving.
This Total Gym XLS review will show you exactly how versatile this system is for an excellent workout that will bring the gym right into your home.
The History of Total Gym
Total Gym started in rehabilitation centers helping people overcome obstacles and recover from injuries or surgeries. It is an excellent rehabilitation tool because it has a smooth gliding motion that is easy on your joints.
The different adjustable heights for the apparatus and the paddle glide board for back support add to why it is so good for rehabilitation.
It’s like combining many different gym equipment all in one with easy ways to maneuver it for the exercises you want to accomplish.
How it Works
The Total Gym models work by lifting a certain amount of your body weight to work against gravity to increase your strength.
You can buy several attachments to go along with the Total Gym models to work different areas of your body and change your focus. As your strength increases, you can increase the incline to make the exercises harder by lifting more of your bodyweight.
For example, level one lifts 6% of your body weight. As you go up in levels, you increase the amount of bodyweight you lift each time by 9.6%. Pretty cool.
The Total Gym works your entire body and even gives you a cardio workout. The best part is it’s all low-impact exercises, so no matter your ability, you can use it.
Science likes Low-Impact
Don’t get fooled that low impact means low intensity—quite the opposite. Low impact is merely taking the impact off your joints. Studies have shown that low-impact exercises can help older people and people who have Crohn’s disease.
A study published in Gastroenterology focused on people with Crohn’s disease and low-impact exercise effectiveness on bone mineral density (BMD).
After twelve months of low-impact exercise, the studies showed significant increases in BMD in the participants. Low-impact exercises may reduce the risk of osteoporotic fracture, the risk of fracture associated with osteoporosis.
Another study found that twice-weekly resistance training, performed by adults aged 65-84, enhanced muscle strength in those individuals.
Resistance training repeatedly shows its importance, especially as we age. Even if you can’t do high-impact exercises, it does not mean that you can’t increase your strength with some excellent low-impact options.
Total Gym XLS
Even if you already own a Total Gym apparatus, the Total Gym XLS model has several upgrades that might just be what you need.
The enhancements include a new pulley and cable system to engage those shoulder and back muscles, an improved squat stand, and a more comfortable glide board with extra padding. It also comes with a ton of accessories to focus work on different areas of the body.
With over 80 exercises and six resistance levels, the Total Gym XLS is well worth the money.
At $899.99, you get a machine that gives you a full-body workout that is strenuous and achieves results.
You know that this structure is well made with a lifetime warranty for the frame and a six-month warranty on parts. The attachments you can add make for an even better workout engaging more of the things you love into one apparatus.
Did we mention that it folds up for storage, and it’s easy to do so? Yep, they thought of everything with the Total Gym XLS.
If you don’t have room to keep it up when you’re not using it, fold it by removing the training deck and safety pins from the rails. The rails simply slide into the base, and then you can lift the middle of it and fold it in half. Replace the pins, and you are finished. Simplicity is the word of the day!
Ready for even better news? The good news is just flowing like a fine wine today.
The Total Gym XLS home system comes to you already assembled in the folded position. That’s right. All you have to do is unfold it, and you can get started on your workout. To unfold, simply remove the safety pins and pull the rails out until they extend fully. Replace the safety pins and add the training deck. That’s it. You are finished putting it together. Nice, right?
What do I get with the Total Gym XLS?
Sit down because we are about to blow your mind with what you are getting for your money.
When you purchase the Total Gym XLS, you get flexible nylon handles, a ribbed squat stand, a wing attachment, leg pull accessories, two ankle cuffs, and a training deck. That is all you need to work your hamstrings, quads, back, arms, and abs.
We told you this was a full-body workout that produces results. In addition to the parts above, you can stream workouts for free on Total Gym TV.
It comes with an exercise wall chart with 35 different exercises and fitness leader Dan Issacson’s nutritional guide and meal plan. Plus, it has a 400-pound weight capacity.
Pros
- Arrives assembled
- Well made and durable
- Easy to use and effective
- Included videos are excellent
- Great for low-impact exercise and rehabilitation for injuries
- More affordable than other models
Cons
- Heavy and can be awkward to move
- Some reviews said it is difficult to fold and unfold
User Reviews:
Total Gym XLS
$1,999.00
$899.55
Discover how easy it is to get fit and stay in shape with the Total Gym XLS home gym!
- 400 lb weight capacity for total strength and stability
- Upgraded pulley and cable system
- Flexible nylon strap handles
- Ribbed squat stand
- Padded glideboard with head support
- Total Gym Exercise capability – over 80 exercises
Total Gym Fit
Since we’re discussing Total Gym XLS, let’s also examine the Total Gym Fit model.
This model is similar to the XLS home system in that it has a sliding board that uses gravity and your body weight for resistance training.
A couple of differences is that the Total Gym Fit model has more resistance levels, a few more exercise possibilities, and the weight capacity is a little higher.
An auto-lock height adjustment makes it easier to change between the different levels. It comes with everything else that the Total Gym XLS does, but it also has a two-year warranty on parts, and it comes with the ab crunch attachment.
The Total Gym Fit also comes with a pretty hefty price tag of $1599.95.
Pros
- Great full-body workout
- Easy to use and quiet
- Worth the money
- Arrives ready to use
- Better than other home gym alternatives, i.e., Bowflex and other knockoffs
Cons
- Switching parts is not always easy
- Height can be limiting – under 5 ft and over 6 ft have issues with exercises
Total Gym Home Gyms & Exercise Machines | Total Gym
$2,499.00
$1,699.95
The NEW Total Gym FIT is fun, fast & effective! The Total Gym FIT includes everything you need to get into the best shape of your life.
- 12 levels of resistance for greater control of your workout
- Updated 2-Piece Wing Attachment for wider range of motion
- New Ergonomic Glideboard with extra comfort system
- New Auto-Lock Height Adjustment System for easier transition between exercises
- Upgraded Steel Frame
- Reinforced Slide Pivot Assembly for extra strength and durability
- New Custom Fender System delivers a smoother ride
- Upgraded Pulley and Cable system
Is Total Gym XLS or Total Gym Fit better?
The products offered in Total Gym Fit are similar to the Total Gym XLS home system.
However, since the XLS home system comes with a much lower price tag, we think it’s the better buy. If you don’t mind spending quite a bit more, then the Total Gym Fit might be what you want since it does come with the ab crunch attachment.
Keep in mind that you can get the ab crunch attachment for the XLS home gym as well, and it is much cheaper to buy the attachment than buying the entire Fit.
Customer Reviews of the Total Gym XLS
For the most part, the customers love the XLS home gym.
Most people rave about the XLS home gym’s effectiveness and how energized you are by the exercises in just an hour. Many reviews stated that it was well worth the money.
Some even mentioned that by adding the bike and pilates attachment, it does everything they need at a much lower price than any other model.
People appreciate the versatility of the Total Gym XLS and enjoy the low-impact options that it offers.
Total Gym XLS Attachments
Just when you thought that this home gym couldn’t get any better, there are a bunch of attachments that you can buy to go with your Total Gym XLS. It’s like the fun never stops. Let’s go through them all.
Gym Ab Crunch with DVD
Attaches right to the Total Gym XLS and gives you a better workout for your core than just crunches.
It comes with ten ab exercises and is only $159.90.
Pros
- Adds more variety to My Pilates/Total Gym set up
- Works better than expected
- It makes doing ab work easy
Cons
- Some say it is overpriced
- It can be awkward to install
Total Gym Tri-Grip Shaper Bars
If you are looking for some exercises that will work those back muscles similar to pull-ups, push-ups, and shoulder presses, this is the attachment for you.
It’s only $74.95, which is a steal for the extra workouts that you get.
Pros
- Works great on your lats
- Neutral, wide, and narrow grip options
Cons:
- No bad reviews – Can I get a hell yeah?
Total Gym Extra Large Squat Stand
This attachment is a great way to boost your cardio with some squat jumps.
Either way, you can work the lower body a lot harder as you have double the size of the regular rectangle squat stand and 50% more room than the oval squat stand.
Plus, it is only $99.95 to get all that extra space to work your glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Pros
- Great for squats
- Much better than the small one
- Extra room for feet to protect knees
Cons
- Some say it is overpriced
Total Gym Roller
Now, this is the attachment that you have been waiting to use. Get that muscle soreness under control with the roller.
It’s good to use before, during, or after a workout, and it’s only $99.95. That’s not a bad price when you think about how much massages cost.
Now you can have a massage in your home any time you want it.
Pros
- Better than the floor roller
- Easy to attach and use
Cons
- One review said it wasn’t effective
Total Gym Triceps Rope (Set of 2)
The ropes’ heavy-duty construction leads to some excellent exercises for the triceps, back, shoulders, and core.
Use many exercises like kickbacks, pull-overs, ab twists, tricep extensions, and more to upgrade your workout for only $34.95.
Pros
- Gripping easier on specific exercises
- Adds more versatility
- Great supplement for triceps workout
Cons
- Connecting clip not included
Total Gym CycloTrainer 2
Get your cardio workout in with an exercise bike that attaches to your Total Gym XLS. It comes with a workout DVD too.
For $249.95, get to cycling without leaving your house.
Pros
- A great addition to the Total Gym
- A great alternative to walking/running
- Easy to set up
- A good compromise to buying an incumbent bike
Cons
- Pedal straps are small for some
- Some reviews wished that the levels were more challenging and had more intensity
Total Gym Step
This step attachment is excellent for low-impact because of the energy-absorbing springs that reduce stress on your joints.
The attachment can be used for squats or walking/jogging for some circuit training. At $119.95, you are getting much more for your workouts.
Pros
- Great for people with knee injuries
- Springs allow for some give and have less impact on joints
Cons
- Some reviews wanted some Pylometric instructions to be included
- Not much different than the foot pedestal that comes with the XLS
Total Gym Pilates
Pilates can really improve your strength and improve your balance, so grab this attachment for only $99.95 to get both.
This attachment comes with a pilates toe bar, a leg pull extension, and a workout DVD. Even if you are new to pilates, these workouts will have you rocking it in no time.
Pros
- It makes Total Gym similar to Pilates Reformer
- Adds another dimension to Total Gym
- Easy to install
Cons
- No instructions are included
- Overpriced
Total Gym Dip Bars
Dips are everyone’s favorite. Are we right? Don’t worry. There is an attachment for that.
Work your pecs, shoulders, chest, and triceps with this attachment for $89.95.
Pros
- Dip bars are good quality
- Easy to put on
- Well worth the money
- Effective for triceps
Cons
- Handles are too short for some people
Total Gym XLS Review Done
We know you have already purchased the Total Gym XLS and are super excited about it being delivered intact so you can get right to your training.
Add in some of those attachments to get the most out of your workout.
Rock that low-impact workout that gives you outstanding results. XLS, drop the mic!
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.