I couldn’t help myself on the title of this post, I hope you don’t hold that against me.
In all seriousness though, the FIT is one of Total Gym’s most popular models and comes with an impressive combination of features.
Highlights include 12 resistance levels, an upgraded squat stand, the AbCrunch attachment, and a 450 lb weight capacity.
It’s also backed by a lifetime frame warranty for added peace of mind.
Overall, this is definitely one of the nicest Total Gyms available, but is the FIT worth the higher asking price? Is it truly a legit home gym?
Well, that’s what I’m to help you figure out.
All of this and more will be discussed in this review.
Let’s start from the beginning.
What Is The Total Gym?
If you are reading this review, you are probably at least somewhat familiar with the Total Gym’s. If not, here is a quick history lesson.
Total Gym has been around since the ’70’s. The first model as designed by a body builder looking for a machine to mimic the functional activities we do throughout the day.
This quickly caught the attention of physical therapists and rehab centers because it allowed their patients to perform strengthening exercises comfortably.
There have been several models over the years.
Each version adding or improving on something in an attempt to improve the user’s experience. All though the attachments and frame size might change, the overall principle remains the same.
The Total Gyms all use your body weight and gravity to provide the resistance for your workout.
With 2 pulleys and a height adjustable stand, the Total Gym can literally provide hundreds of exercises, allowing you to target any body part.
Arms, legs, and core can all be worked with the same simple machine.
And I use the word simple as a compliment.
The design of this system is brilliant. Just by adjusting the height of the base stand, you can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.
The Total Gym FIT
The Total Gym FIT is one of the newer models in their lineup and it’s also one of the nicest versions, second only to their commercial grade Total Gym GTS (which is significantly more expensive).
The biggest differences between the different available models boils down to a few key factors:
- Number of exercises available
- Levels of resistance
- Weight capacity
- Additional features
I’ll go into each of these in a little more detail regarding the FIT, but looking at these 4 factors should really help you compare the different Total Gyms against each other.
Generally speaking, the more expensive models have higher weight capacities, offer more exercises, have more levels of resistance, and include more add-ons.
If you’re interested in seeing how all the top Total Gym models compare to each other, check out my complete Total Gym Guide for more info.
Pros
- 85+ different exercises
- 12 levels of resistance
- 450 lb max user weight
- No assembly required
- Gentle on joints
- Great for toning and stretching
- Folds for storage
- AbCrunch attachment included
- Compatible with a lot of attachments
- Good warranty
Cons
- Price
- Not great for bulking up
Number Of Exercises Available
The Total Gym FIT claims that you can perform over 85 different exercises on this system.
I’m not going to list every one here because that would be silly, but Total Gym includes a workout book that lists all of the available exercises that are possible.
Total Gym used to include some workout DVDs with their gyms, but they’ve adapted with the times and now offer all of their workout materials through Total Gym TV platform.
This is their streaming service where you can find all their classic workouts, as well as new material when it comes out.
You get free access to their basic program with purchase of a Total Gym, but you’ll have to pay more for their premium service.
Anyway, 85 is a huge number.
I don’t know about you, but I know that I’m not currently incorporating 85 different exercises in any of my workout routines.
This offers a lot of workout variety, and I think variety is important when working out.
Not only does it keep things more interesting, but it’s actually good for our muscles.
If we do the same exercises all the time, our bodies get better at them and we no longer see the gains we are looking for.
Our bodies are very good at adapting. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep your workouts fresh and regularly change the way you are exercising.
For comparison’s sake, the Total Gym Xtreme offers 60+ different exercises and the GTS offers over 200. The FIT “fits” nicely in the middle (see what I did there?)
Levels Of Resistance
The Total Gym FIT also offers 12 different levels of adjustable resistance.
Recall that resistance is changed by adjusting the height of the base – the higher you set the resting angle of the base, the higher the percentage of your body weight you are fighting against gravity.
This makes the exercise harder.
Bringing the base closer to the ground (more horizontal) reduces the resistance because you are fighting less against gravity.
12 height adjustments is the most Total Gym offers except for the GTS that boasts 22 different height adjustments.
I like to point out that having more levels does improve your ability to fine tune your resistance, but it may not increase your overall resistance at the highest level.
Weight Capacity
The FIT has a max weight capacity of 450 lb.
This is significantly more than the cheaper models that are in the 250-275 lb range.
For the sake of comparison, the Total Gym XLS has a 400 lb weight limit and the GTS has an insane weight capacity of 650 lb (that thing must be built like a tank).
I always compare weight capacities when looking at different pieces of fitness equipment because it gives you a good idea as to how well built the product is.
Even if you fall well within the given weight limit, higher is always better because it indicates a sturdier, more durable machine.
450 lb is a great weight capacity and tells us that the FIT is heavier-duty than the cheaper models.
It actually has an upgraded steel frame and cable pulley system for increased durability.
You can also tell the difference when using a machine like this- it just feels smoother and you get less frame movement during use.
Additional Features
The Total Gym FIT comes with the following included attachments:
AbCrunch accessory- this piece can be purchased separately and added to other models, but it’s included with the FIT. This popular attachment allows you to perform reverse crunches with your gym.
2 piece wing attachment- this larger handle attachment gives you access to more exercises and pull up variations, it’s longer to offer added range of motion and comfort
Ribbed squat stand- Total Gym offers a few different squat stands to choose from, but the ribbed one included with this model is a little larger and heavier than their standard stand.
2 ankle straps- with a detachable leg bracket and 2 ankle straps, you’ll be able to perform a wide array of leg exercises
Training deck- an exercise guide that can attach to stand of the FIT for reference during use
Wall mounted chart- this poster illustrates 35 common exercises for quick reference
As you might expect, as the cost of the machine goes up, they throw in more additional features.
The Total Gym FIT does come with a lot of nice stuff. All the information you need to get up and going with your new gym is included as well as several examples of workouts you can do.
No Assembly
One of the greatest features of the Total Gym series is that they are ready to go right out of the box – there’s no assembly required.
Technically you have to unfold it and secure it, but that doesn’t really count as assembly. Open the box and you are exercising in minutes.
Folds For Storage
Like all the other Total Gyms, the FIT easily folds flat for storage, which certainly comes in handy if space is an issue.
Once you get used to it, you can fold or unfold this machine in minutes.
It’s pretty light weight and easy to move as well. If you find yourself having to move it from room to room occasionally it shouldn’t be an issue.
Warranty
Total Gym backs their FIT with the following home warranty:
- Lifetime frame
- 2 year parts
You can’t beat a lifetime warranty on the frame because that’s as long as it gets, but a 2 year parts warranty isn’t bad either.
Especially for a gym like this that’s pretty simple in terms of its moving parts.
The parts includes all the pulleys, cables, and handles and as long as you don’t abuse your gym, this stuff should last a lot longer than 2 years.
Overall, I think the FIT comes with a nice warranty.
I think I forgot to mention it earlier, but the parts warranties will vary depending on the Total Gym you’re looking at – the FIT comes with a longer parts warranty than more affordable gyms (like the XLS and its 6 month warranty).
The Total Gym FIT vs The XLS
Before I wrap things up here, I want to offer a quick comparison between the FIT and the XLS, one of Total Gym’s most popular models.
| Total Gym XLS | Total Gym Fit | |
|---|---|---|
| Exercises | 80 | 85 |
| Levels of Resistance | 6 | 12 |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lb | 450 lb |
| Warranty on Parts | 6 months | 2 years |
The FIT offers a few more exercise options and it does have a slightly more impressive weight capacity.
It also comes with a better warranty.
But the biggest difference is really the levels of resistance – 12 levels is a significant improvement over the XLS’s 6.
Not mentioned here is the additional features – the XLS also comes with the ribbed squat stand and wing attachment, but it doesn’t come with the AbCrunch (which costs well over $100 when purchased separately).
Do these differences warrant the extra price ($600 give or take)?
That’s a personal question, but I would say probably.
Having 12 resistance levels is a big step up from 6 and the inclusion of the AbCrunch makes up a big difference in itself, but it really comes down to what your budget is and what you’re looking for.
Point is, if you like the FIT but are turned off by the price, the Total Gym XLS could be a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
Ok, I think it’s about time to wrap things up here.
With access to over 85 different exercises and 12 different resistance levels, the FIT offers a ton of workout options and is customizable to fit the fitness needs of users of all skill levels.
It’s also easy to set up, backed by a great warranty, and gentle on the joints.
It isn’t cheap, but if you’re looking for a heavier-duty Total Gym, the FIT could make a lot of sense.
So to answer my original question – yes, the Total Gym FIT IS legit.
It’s a legitimate all-in-one home gym machine that can get you in (and keep you in) great shape. Recommended.
hello,
Is the total gym built for taller people? I see they included a weight limit but no height limit, does anyone know if there is one? I am 6′-6″ and interested in the total gym and want full range of motion and not cut short on exercises.
thanks
Yeah, Total Gym doesn’t include any height limits. I actually asked a rep about this earlier because I had another reader ask a very similar question. According to the rep, Total Gyms can accommodate users of all heights, although taller folks might have to make adjustments…So yeah, that answer wasn’t very helpful. I had a reader tell me that her son was 6’8″ and that he found the FIT too small for him on many exercises. Based on this info, I would guess that at 6’6″ you would probably find yourself having to limit range of motion on some exercises as well. The GTS is 14″ longer than the FIT, but also $2k more expensive. I hope that helps.
If I buy the Fit, is it worth also purchasing the Pilates accessory? Also, does the Fit come with 2 leg pull accessories? Or just 1?
I have to admit, I’m not very familiar with Pilates and what you might be specifically be using this attachment for in Pilates, but if you went with the Fit I don’t think you’d need it. The Fit comes with an upgraded squat stand, so you wouldn’t need the Pilates part for squats and since the Fit also comes with the wing attachment, I don’t think you’d need it for your upper body moves either. The leg pull accessory the Fit comes with includes 2 ankle cuffs, so you wouldn’t need to purchase an additional one. The Fit is compatible with the Pilates toe bar, so if you did want to add it later you always could. Hope that helps!
I would like to add one thing that is not mentioned. You can slip a weight bar into the glide bar and add plate weights for extra resistance, however this weight needs to be combined with your weight to not exceed the weight limit. I use the bar with resistance bands attached to it for added resistance. Just place the squat plate into the machine, wrap one end of your resistance bands to the bar, lay it around the outside of the squat plate, and attach the other end to the other side of the weight bar. You can load as much resistance as you want as the bands themselves do not add extra weight. It is fantastic for bulking up and no different than using your typical cable machine at your local gym. Just a quick, and cheap, Total Gym hack to up your workouts.
Great tip, very smart. Thanks for sharing.