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If you have decided to get into shape, that’s a great decision. Perhaps, you’ve been eyeing the Total Gym XLS to help you fulfill some of your fitness goals. Nonetheless, you’re still skeptical and want to learn additional information about this exercise machine before committing.
Total Gym is not a fitness company that popped up overnight; it has been around for over 40 years. Former bodybuilder Tom Campanaro invented the Total Gym in 1974 with the help of Dale McMurray and Doug Marino. Through the years, the Total Gym has evolved into several upgraded versions, including the Total Gym XLS.
For many years, Chuck Norris, Christie Brinkley, Wesley Snipes and other celebrities have sung the praises of Total Gym in infomercials.
Each one claims that they personally use it at home on a regular basis and gives it full credit for their outstanding physical forms. However, a celebrity’s time is money; cash is usually the motivation behind their positive reviews.
That’s why it’s important to not buy fitness equipment because a celebrity endorsed it.
The Total Gym XLS is an all-in-one home gym that provides cardio, stretching and strength training. A glideboard and a bunch of accessories work together to help you lose weight and keep in shape. It has undergone several upgrades to enhance your fitness results.
On Amazon, it runs under $900 on Amazon.
How Does Total Gym XLS Work?
As an all-in-one exercise machine, the Total Gym XLS works the upper body, lower body, core and the cardiovascular system. It’s designed to strengthen and tone all the muscle groups in your body by forcing you to lift a percentage of your weight against gravity. This creates a fluid resistance.
After regular use, your strength will improve, your body fat decreases and muscle mass will increase. Once your body starts to get the hang of it, add more resistance by increasing the incline to lift more of your body weight.
Total Gym XLS Specs
- Length: 90 inches
- Height: 43 inches
- Width: 19 inches
- Product Materials: Steel and plastic
- Product Weight: About 85 pounds
- Weight Limit: Supports up to 400 pounds
- Folded Dimensions: 19″ width x 51″ length x 9″ height
In layman’s terms, the Total Gym XLS weighs about 85 pounds and can hold a weight limit of up to 400 pounds.
When it’s unfolded, it stretches out to 7 ½ feet long, stands about 3 ½ feet high and expands about 19 inches wide.
Depending on the size of your room, you may need to put it down diagonally in a room. It has a sturdy steel frame with resilient plastic components.
Total Gym XLS Features
- Get a full-body workout with over 80 exercises, including strength training, cardio, circuit training and stretching.
- 1¼-inch-by-2-inch steel tubing frame with chrome-plated top rails.
- A glideboard with 1 ½ inch high-density foam padding and head support.
- An upgraded comfort system, pulley system, cable system and ribbed squat stand.
- The included wing attachment helps you build up your back and arm muscles.
- Six levels of resistance to intensify your workout.
- Folds for easy storage.
- Works for users ages eight to 80 of all fitness levels, from beginning to advanced.
- The exercise machine features other accessories, such as flexible nylon strap handles, leg pull accessory, soft rubber handles, five workout DVDs, exercise chart, training deck and nutrition guide.
Warranty
The steel frame has a lifetime warranty.
As for parts, they only have six months of protection.
Shipping & Assembly
On Amazon, the Total Gym XLS usually ships for free because it's well over $25. There are no special delivery options available. The shipping weight for the exercise machine is about 92 pounds. Therefore, you may need a dolly to help you get it into your home.
The Total Gym XLS doesn’t need assembling, which is one of the best features about the Total Gym XLS. The moment you take it out of its packaging, just unfold it and it’s ready to use.
Opinions
Now that you know about the technical information, features, warranty information and shipping information of the Total Gym XLS, it’s time to discuss what’s likeable about it and what’s not.
Stuff to Like:
- The Total Gym XLS is an all-in-one exercise machine that works all the major muscle groups in your body. With this one machine, you have access to over 80 different exercises. You can intensify every exercise by adjusting the resistance level.
- Increase your muscle mass and build strength with this machine. You can do strength training, circuit training and give your cardiovascular system a much needed workout.
- People eight to 80 of any fitness level can use this exercise machine without feeling overwhelmed. In the 1980s, Total Gym made its mark as rehabilitation equipment for those who sustained injuries. The smooth gliding motion that the glideboard provides is easy on your joints and makes it easy for anyone to use.
- It’s designed with a strong steel frame that keeps it from moving when you move. Unlike other versions of the Total Gym, the Total Gym XLS can support users up to 400 pounds.
- Another goodie is all the extra accessories that come with it. For example, the five Total Gym workout DVDs will teach you how to use it and how to get maximum results. The exercise wall chart shows you how to do 35 different exercises. Plus, the nutrition guide will help you develop better eating habits.
- There’s nothing worse than having to figure out how to assemble a large piece of fitness equipment. A bonus about the Total Gym XLS is that it comes assembled. No need to pull out a toolbox or worry about paying extra for expert assembly service.
Stuff to Dislike:
- Defective parts are a problem that has gotten under the skin of some customers. When they unpacked the Total Gym XLS after it arrived, it had broken parts. Moreover, some customers had parts break while they were exercising.
- A few customers have issues with Total Gym’s customer service department. Apparently, customer service failed to accommodate customers that received defective parts.
- The parts warranty is a bit of a let down because it lasts for only six months.
Final Verdict: Is the Total Gym XLS worth it?
Other Home Gyms reviewed by us:
- PR1000 Home Gym
- Revolution Home Gym
- Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
- PR3000 Home Gym
- Body Solid GPR378 Pro
- Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
- Total Gym 1400 Deluxe
