The Total Gym???

[blackizwack]

Any thoughts on this piece of equipment? My stepfather cleaned out his garage and offered it to me. Now to be totally honest its not a "TOTAL GYM", it is the Weider version. Total body works 5000 is the name i think. It looks like it is geared for circuit training and the manual says it can go up to 80% of your body weight. Any1 have any expierence with it????

[cheesedog]

I bought a Total Gym about 10 years ago. At a garage sale, for cheap, not off the TV. I wouldn't pay those kind of prices for ANY kind of exercise machine. It's a good, solid piece of equipement, although I very rarely use it nowadays. It is good for circuit training, especially for the upper body. For the legs, unless you mess around setting up a special cable, the only things you can do are squats, hamstring pulls, or 1 legged squats, which is a bit limiting. Tons of upperbody and ab exercises you can do however. Truth to tell, in the time it takes to pull it out from under the bed and set it up, I can be well into a circuit of bodyweight exercises that are just as good, if not better. Of course, if you are getting one very cheap or free I would advise you to go ahead and take it, and use it occasionally as a nice variation to your regular routine. One nice thing about it is because it's a cable/sled type of arrangement, because of friction, there is less resistance on the negative portion of the movements which will cause less muscle damage and hence less soreness. Of course, less damage = less muscle growth, so that's not a complete blessing. Makes it good for a recovery workout though.

[hara_12]

I got one too, but I don't use it as much anymore either. I think it works good on the arms, but I don't like it much for the legs. The mechanics of the squat aren't right, but I have the attachment that I can hook up a pulley to my ankle and that is ok for some active stretching/strengthening, but that is about all I do with my legs on it.

[wattseaco]

I got to try out my cousin's total gym a few months ago, it wasn't enough resistance even loaded with weights. For the price he paid, he could have bought a better body.

[cheesedog]

I got to try out my cousin's total gym a few months ago, it wasn't enough resistance even loaded with weights. For the price he paid, he could have bought a better body.

I know what you mean. I got one of the older models that don't have the bars sticking out on the sides to add weight to. After a month or two I would lie a 45# plate on the sled and lie on the plate when doing presses and stuff, just to get meaningful resistance.

[blackizwack]

My stepdad bought it for cheap and I can't really say no to the man. I know the purpose of this site so thats why I thought I would ask. At the very least it wouldn't hurt. My brothers buddy had one and would use it for one body part a day workout, at max resistance, all while doing INSANE reps and sets. He swore up and down by it and he was shreded like cole slaw. It's not like I thought it would be the new religon like Jesus on a piece of toast so thats why I'm going to give it a try, and it's not going to replace my bodyweight workouts.

[hara_12]

It is a good tool for rehab. You can take so much weight off the body with it that it works for almost anything that you are rehabbing. But after that, there just isn't enough resistance to do much good. I would do 500 single leg squats in a row on it and it didn't do any good because I didn't have to stabilize, which is what make those so hard in the first place. My 5 and 2 year olds like to climb on it though. They use it as an indoor slide and watch me while I work out. :D

[blackizwack]

SO.....I gave the "Total Body Works" a try today, and my thoughts on it are that all of yall are right. The exercises for the legs are trash. I felt it most in my bi's and tri's. I could see where my brothers boy could do rep after rep on it. Not much resistance, but it was different in a good way. Not sure if I should keep it or donate it and get a tax break for the donation.

[hara_12]

If you have the room, I would keep it. You never know when you might like to do something on it. But if you need space, I don't think you will miss it much.

[Fatman]

Or oyu could make a great workout tool from it by throwing it for distance or height :D:D

[Moonduck]

This is going to turn into another "Attach a strap to it and drag it across the parking lot" thread, isn't it? :lol:

[blackizwack]

The neighbors would F-ing love it if I draged it across the yard and into theirs,SPARTAN style.

[Moonduck]

Messenger: A thousand nations of the Persian empire descend upon you. Our arrows will blot out the sun!
Stelios: Then we will lift in the shade.

[hara_12]

I think I am the only person on this site that hasn't seen that movie. Don't reck the ending for me. :)


j/k, I saw the real verson on the history channel. But I can't wait to see the movie.

[cheesedog]

The movie was awesome, but don't be dissappointed at the historical inaccuracies. It'd spoil a great flick. The History Channel version was pretty good, and a lot more accurate, but not nearly as inspirational.

[Moonduck]

From what I've seen, reviews for the movie were split into two camps.

Those who disliked it went in expecting a movie and got a comic book.

Those who liked it went in expecting a comic book and got what they expected.

I loved it. It was one of the most purely enjoyable films I've seen in a long time. No, it ain't deeply thought provoking, but, wow, it is physically inspirational. I wanted to go lift afterwards, or ride my bike hard, or something, anything physical. Great motivational film IMO.

[wattseaco]

I haven't seen it yet. I've seen it listed on some of the uploaded video sites though. Might "preview" it.

[hara_12]

I am not one of those people that watch movies picking out all the historical flaws of the movies. When I go to a movie, I watch it for the entertainment.

[Moonduck]

I will. I'm terrible to see movies with because I will get cranky over stupid details, plot innacuracies, historical costuming screw-ups, etc. As a result, I go out to very few movies. Some films are good enough that I don't mind, or hit my buttons properly. 300 was one of those. Sure, tons of historical issues with it. *shrug* It was a popcorn action flick done very, very well, and was based on one of the most awesome true stories ever. I'll forgive a LOT if the movie is as mindlessly enjoyable as 300 is.

[koltz]

300 became a fucking fad.


I was going to see it when the trailer came out but ...

[musky]

Yeah you can't walk through college without hearing someone shout "THIS IS SPARTA!!!!", and all of a sudden people are obsessed with Spartans, like no-one knew they existed before or something.

[wattseaco]

I sure hope no one makes a movie about cat juggling, I would sure hate to see all that pussy flying around.

[cheesedog]

I sure hope no one makes a movie about cat juggling, I would sure hate to see all that pussy flying around.

Amazing! We start with a discussion about the Total Gym and somehow we get this. :lol:

[wattseaco]

Cat juggling is a serious issue that we must face as a community today. We all know it's fun and everyone is doing it, but it needs to stop. It is similar to the llama punching of the 1930's which was outlawed due to the need for combat experienced llamas in WWII.

[cheesedog]

Cat juggling is a serious issue that we must face as a community today. We all know it's fun and everyone is doing it, but it needs to stop. It is similar to the llama punching of the 1930's which was outlawed due to the need for combat experienced llamas in WWII.

Both serious isssues for sure, but I think they both pale in comparison to the plight of the common North American Umbrella. Nobody EVER takes them outdoors for a walk or to answer the call of nature other than on dark rainy days. And then, to add insult to injury, they are all too often rolled up and stuffed into a dank closet while still wet, to mildew and mold sadly while their owners enjoy thier time in the sunshine. It's time something was done!

[Moonduck]

Buncha freakin liberals. It's a free country. If I wanna closet my umbrellas and toss some pussy around, I'm gonna do it!

[wattseaco]

Cat juggling is a serious issue that we must face as a community today. We all know it's fun and everyone is doing it, but it needs to stop. It is similar to the llama punching of the 1930's which was outlawed due to the need for combat experienced llamas in WWII.

Both serious isssues for sure, but I think they both pale in comparison to the plight of the common North American Umbrella. Nobody EVER takes them outdoors for a walk or to answer the call of nature other than on dark rainy days. And then, to add insult to injury, they are all too often rolled up and stuffed into a dank closet while still wet, to mildew and mold sadly while their owners enjoy thier time in the sunshine. It's time something was done!
:D
Damn straight, too long have umbrellas endured the dark damp deeps of the closets. They must rise up and march on Washington. "Ask not what your umbrella can do for you, ask what can you do for your umbrella".

[Fatman]

Hehe... this is exactly what a Total Gym thread SHOULD deteriorate into.

[cheesedog]

Buncha freakin liberals. It's a free country. If I wanna closet my umbrellas and toss some pussy around, I'm gonna do it!

Gotta keep an eye on Moonduck, he's an old pussy slinger from way back, as was his father and grandfather before him. Wouldn't surprise me if there are a few llama punchers in his family tree too.

I know there are in mine........ :wink:

[Moonduck]

That llama deserved it!

[blackizwack]

LOL,gotdamn you guys SLAY me. This thread went2 hell in a hand basket REAL quick. Love the feed back.

[blackizwack]

And btw, "This is SPARTA!", is the poor mans "I'm Rick James BITCH!"

[Shinobi]

And btw, "This is SPARTA!", is the poor mans "I'm Rick James BITCH!"

For clarity sake, it's actually "I'm Rick James, BITCH!"

That way you aren't saying he owns your ass. :p

[Thunderchild]

My stepdad bought it for cheap and I can't really say no to the man. I know the purpose of this site so thats why I thought I would ask. At the very least it wouldn't hurt. My brothers buddy had one and would use it for one body part a day workout, at max resistance, all while doing INSANE reps and sets. He swore up and down by it and he was shreded like cole slaw. It's not like I thought it would be the new religon like Jesus on a piece of toast so thats why I'm going to give it a try, and it's not going to replace my bodyweight workouts.

I have one I bought from Dick's Sporting Goods. If you use it like that it will shred you to bit's. I went from 200 to 177 pounds using mine and I will continue to use it. I like the idea about the one body part a day! I think I am going to do this starting next month. Let's see how much more shredded I can get!
:cool:

[cheesedog]

I think we mentioned (before we started talking about llama punchers and stuff), that the total gym could be pretty useful for some purposes. Try your plan out and get back to us on the result.

[Thunderchild]

CDog: I will definitely do that.:cool:

[comradebillyboy]

Any thoughts on this piece of equipment? My stepfather cleaned out his garage and offered it to me. Now to be totally honest its not a "TOTAL GYM", it is the Weider version. Total body works 5000 is the name i think. It looks like it is geared for circuit training and the manual says it can go up to 80% of your body weight. Any1 have any expierence with it????

I had one and even for a fat old man like me, it was way too easy. The actual total gym added a bar you could put additional weights on. The things I see on this site like the elevated feet push ups, dips and pull ups are much better than any total gym exercise.

After going back and reading everything, I think I got in on this thread a bit too late

[Fatman]

That's OK. As long as you see the ridiculousness in total gym workouts, you should post your comment :)

That kind of comment can't possibly be re-iterated too many times.

[cheesedog]

And llama punchers. Can't get enough of that. ;P

[Thunderchild]

On a serious note, it is a good machine to workout on. I am using mine and I can say it was a valuable in my losing 28 lbs. I will continue to use it in conjunction with my BWE's. The 2 of them together are a great combination.
:cool:

[cheesedog]

On a serious note, it is a good machine to workout on. I am using mine and I can say it was a valuable in my losing 28 lbs. I will continue to use it in conjunction with my BWE's. The 2 of them together are a great combination.
:cool:

That's great, you should be proud!

[Thunderchild]

Very! I have it setup to do chinups, pullups and military presses. The other exercises I do with my other equipment. I incoporate it in my routines. It does have it's use in my workouts.