Fitness enthusiasts know about the Total Gym. It’s a brand of exercise machines that aim to provide functional exercises in an all-in-one package. The machines are targeted mostly at home consumers who want a convenient way to perform strength training, stretching, and aerobic exercises without needing tons of equipment.
If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, perhaps you’re considering getting a Total Gym. It’s a serious investment that will definitely kick-start you on your way to a fitter, healthier version of yourself.
But, Total Gyms are expensive and not everyone can afford to shell out top dollar for fitness equipment.
If this is you then fear not: You don’t actually need to spend tons of money to get a quality workout. There are pieces of equipment currently on the market that function similarly to the Total Gym.
It’s all about choosing a product that best fits your needs. Today we’ll be taking a look at the top Total Gym alternatives that’ll make a great addition to your home gym.
Best Total Gym Alternative At a Glance
 Best Total Gym Alternative Overall Weider Ultimate
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 Best Pilates Total Gym Alternative AeroPilates Reformer
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 Best Value Total Gym Alternative TRX Home2
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Best Total Gym Alternative Overall
Weider Ultimate Body Works
Those looking for a near exact match to the Total Gym at a fraction of the price should look no further. Build and strengthen all of your major muscle groups with this compact and affordable Weider machine.
Best Pilates Total Gym Alternative
AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379
Pilates fans will find the Reformer Plus 379 an appealing Total Gym alternative. There’s no incline to this machine, which limits its strength-building capacity, but you’ll be able to effectively workout your upper and lower body, and core as comfortably as possible.
Best Value Total Gym Alternative
TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer
The perfect lightweight and portable alternative to the Total Gym, the TRX Home2 suspension system is the perfect option for those who want a good quality and very unique strength-training workout that they can take anywhere.
Top 3 Total Gym Alternatives
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Weider Ultimate Body Works |
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AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379 |
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TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer |
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| Weider Ultimate Body Works | |
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| AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379 | |
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| TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer | |
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#1. Weider Ultimate Body Works
Starting off this list is the Weider Ultimate Body Works. This powerhouse equipment machine offers 50 exercise selections where you can perform bodyweight training, resistance training, and core exercises.
The adjustable power bands allow you to target several muscle groups and perform movements such as seated rows, oblique twists, and more. The bands provide a resistance of up to 50 lbs., making it sufficient for those looking to build a strong core. If you’re a fan of bodyweight training, you’ll definitely love this machine. You can adjust the incline to add more resistance and make your workouts more challenging.
The Weider Ultimate Body Works has a space-saving design that allows the equipment to fold down for quick and easy storage. This frees up precious floor space where you can perform other exercises when you need it.
The cable and pulley system is durable and the frame is made up of high-quality steel tubing which is sturdy enough to accommodate up to 250 lbs. of bodyweight.
If you’re looking for a close-match Total Gym alternative, the Weider Ultimate Body Works is definitely worth considering.
The Good
- Good quality construction at a low-cost
- Closely resembles the Total Gym
- Folds up for easy storage
The Not So Good
- 50 exercises are possible, but no chart to show them to you
- Can be a little hard to adjust
#2. AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379
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As the name implies, the AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379 is perfect for those who incorporate Pilates in their training routine. You can also perform resistance exercises using the included four-cord resistance bands that are colour-coded to indicate varying levels of resistance / intensity.
The Cardio Rebounder works great for strengthening your pelvic floor as well as shaping and strengthening your lower body. Working out with this machine provides a very comfortable experience thanks to the cushiony head and neck pillow. You can implement a variety of low-impact exercises with this machine that are easy on the joints while helping you reach your fitness goals.
The AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379 comes with four workout DVDs that guide both newbies and seasoned practitioners on how to maximise their workout routine with this machine. The materials used are high-quality and the machine is built sturdy enough with a maximum weight limit of up to 300 lbs.
If you’re looking for a Total Gym alternative that incorporates Pilates into your training split, the AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379 is a great option.
The Good
- Great for beginners who may not have much experience with Pilates
- Relatively quick and easy to put together
- Plenty of materials to help get you started
The Not So Good
- Not the smoothest of sliders
- It’s pricey
#3. TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer
The TRX Home2 is built for fitness enthusiasts who want to incorporate a versatile and convenient form of strength training into their routines. It’s a simple and effective piece of equipment that uses your own suspended bodyweight to challenge a variety of muscle groups.
The padded handle straps are comfortable to use and the adjustable foot cradles allow for a wide range of exercises such as squats, lying leg raises, and more.
The best thing about the TRX Home2 is that you can take it with you and enjoy a quality workout anywhere that has a door or overhead anchor.
You can choose dozens of workouts with varying intensities with TRX’s included, personalized training app. The added versatility makes it a good option for fitness freaks of all levels: From people just starting to those who’ve been training for years.
The TRX Home2 is a great Total Gym alternative that’s compact and easy to use, making it perfect for anyone who puts versatility, convenience and affordability high on their list of training priorities.
The Good
- Lightweight and portable – take it anywhere
- Best quality suspension trainer on the market
- Great for full body workouts
- Included app is extremely helpful
The Not So Good
- Expensive as far as suspension trainers go
Should You Get a Total Gym or a Total Gym Alternative?
The Total Gym has been touted as one of the best pieces of at-home fitness equipment on the market by many media outlets.
And, for good reason.
The ability to do pilates, stretching, resistance training with the one machine sounds like a winner for most people. Depending on the model, the cost of a full-featured Total Gym is usually around about $800 – $1000.
Now, that’s a premium price tag.
For that same amount of money, you can equip your home gym with good quality fitness equipment like dumbbells, barbells, and a workout bench for that amount of money.
If money isn’t an issue, the the Total Gym is a great pickup that’s more than capable of helping you reach your fitness goals (as long as you put in consistent work).
If you’re not sold on the Total Gym, then don’t worry. There are plenty of alternatives that work in much the same way. They may differ slightly in functionality but they all do a great job of keeping you active and staying in shape. The products listed above: The Weider Ultimate Body Works, AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379, and TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer are effective alternatives that you should take a close look at.
Choosing the Right Total Gym Alternative
When it comes to choosing the right Total Gym alternative, there are a number of factors to consider. Do your workouts consists of Pilates in general? Or do you lean more towards strength-training and core exercises? It’s all about choosing which equipment provides the right exercise selection for your training splits.
You can also pick up different exercise machines to switch up your routine from time to time. If you travel a lot and you want to stay active, then getting a portable suspension trainer will help keep you in shape while you’re away from your home gym.
Don’t be tempted by late-night infomercials.
You want to make the most out of your investment and the machine you go with should serve a clear purpose in helping you become a leaner and stronger version of yourself.
If you’re hell-bent on going with the Total Gym brand, but you can’t afford the full-featured machine, then consider the cheaper, less-functional versions:
Frequently Asked Questions About Total Gym Alternatives
Do Total Gyms actually work?
Yes, they do. Fitness equipment such as a Total Gym primarily use your body weight as a resistance to challenge your muscles and make them grow. Total Gyms offer different levels of resistance so you can get stronger over time. A Total Gym can also help slim down your waistline by burning calories as you work out. Along with a proper diet and sleep schedule, you’ll definitely see great results from a Total Gym.
How long does it take to see results from the Total Gym?
It depends on what your goals are when using the Total Gym. If your goal is to lose weight, then you can definitely see results quickly as long as you keep an eye on your diet. Maintaining a calorie deficit while using the Total Gym will help lower the number on the scale in a matter of 1-2 weeks.
Building muscle and strength is slower as it’ll take 8-12 weeks before you see any results. Again, your diet and sleep will play a huge role in how much muscle you’ll pack on when using a Total Gym. Be consistent with your workouts and keep adding resistance and your muscles will grow over time. Just be patient and the results will come.
Well, there you have it: Top 3 Total Gym Alternatives
These machines are great for home workout enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one fitness equipment that offer an extensive selection of exercises in a fairly compact package. If you don’t want a Total Gym but are in the search for a fitness equipment that functions similarly to it, then these products should be on the top of your list.
