Full-body workouts. Budget-friendly. Easy to use. Versatility. If these are your home gym machine requirements, consider the Apex G1 model by Total Gym.
What I like the most about Total Gym machines is that they are easy to assemble, offer several exercise options, and are suited to users of different age groups and fitness levels.
- 60+ exercises with Total Gym
- Supports a maximum weight of 300 pounds
- Upper and lower body for a total body exercise experience.
- Quality steel frame with auto-lock height adjustment.
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You will find that the Total Gym Apex G1 model also includes these traits. It offers 60+ exercise options, six resistance levels, and supports up to 300 lbs. It is one of the better options available for under $300.
I have put together a review with the machine’s features, pros, cons, and target audience. The aim is to help you make an informed purchase decision.
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Total Gym |
| Model | Total Gym Apex G1 |
| Weight | 53.2 lbs |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 93 x 15.5 x 43.25 inches |
| Folded Dimension (L x H) | 50.5 x 8 inches |
| Exercise Options | 60+ |
| Maximum User Weight | 300 lbs |
| Levels of Resistance | 6 |
About Total Gym
Total Gym has been in the fitness space for over 46+ years. Its innovative bodyweight training equipment was first developed for the purpose of physical therapy.
Total Gym’s product line today includes machines and accessories for home gyms and commercial fitness spaces. The company has made over $1.2 billion in sales. And it facilitates about 24 million workouts per month worldwide.
Who is The Total Gym Apex G1 For?
If you are a beginner looking for a basic but functional home gym machine, the Apex G1 model can be an option.
Apex G1 is the entry-level model from Total Gym’s Apex series. The machine is good for users working with limited space and budget.
A single machine can help you perform entire-body workouts. It can keep workouts fun with more than 60+ exercise options.
The machine supports up to 300 lbs. and uses a combination of body weight and gravity for resistance. This makes it ideal for new users. However, experienced users may find the resistance level limiting.
5 Important Factors We Tested The Product On
Our home gym reviews consider several factors, like design, size, dimensions, assembly, usability, features, and performance.
Here are 5 of those consideration factors and the corresponding performance of the Apex G1.
Build Quality
The Total Gym machine has a quality steel construction. It comes with a smooth cable and pulley system. The glide board is well-padded. The exercise handles are made of nylon.
The machine, when in use, has the dimension 93 x 15.5 x 43.25 inches. But what I like most is that the machine can be folded when not in use. Its folded dimension is 50.5 x 8 inches.
I can store the machine away, for example, under the bed, and use the free space for other activities.
Ease of Assembly
I have assembled a fair share of home gym machines. And in my experience, Total Gym machines are the easiest.
This is because the machine comes almost assembled in the box. You have to open the Apex G1 model and set the safety pins and hatches in place. Setting up the machine should become easier after a couple of tries.
Ease of Use
The Apex G1 model is easy to use, but it takes some time initially to get used to the glide board technology.
For example, you might be familiar with performing a standing squat on stable ground.
But with Apex G1, you will be lying on the glide board and using assistance from the cable and pulley system to glide up and down the machine.
It is the same exercise but with a variation in technique.
Versatility
As I have mentioned above, you can perform 60+ exercises targeting different muscle groups. I recommend buying the squat stand separately as it becomes a necessary attachment for most exercises.
Here are some exercise examples.
Upper Body
- Bicep curl
- Chest-fly
- Pull-up
- Sit-up
- Tricep extension
Lower Body
- Squat
- Side squat
- Jumping squat
- Leg pull
You can access Total Gym TV, an on-demand video platform for streaming workouts. You can use the free subscription or opt for a paid premium version.
Weight Capacity
The Total Gym Apex G1 supports a maximum user weight of 300 lbs. It uses your body weight for resistance.
You can separately buy a weight bar and plates to increase resistance. But ensure you stick to the weight limit.
For example, a 200 lbs user can add 90 lbs of weight, 45 lbs of each side, using a weight bar.
This weight capacity works well for beginners or the ones wanting to stay fit. But if your goal is strength training, you will quickly outgrow the machine.
What Sets The Product Apart From Its Competitors?
The glide board technology used by Total Gym machines is its USP. You can further adjust the board’s incline to manage the intensity of your workouts.
Senior citizens or beginners can start with the lowest incline. At this position, the exercises are easy on the joints while giving you a full range of motion.
Another distinctive feature is that you can easily switch between exercises without adjusting the machine.
Should You Purchase The Product?
If you want to stay fit from the comfort of your home and improve strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, I recommend the Apex G1. The machine uses a percentage of your body weight, so it is best suited to beginners.
It is one of the best functionality-packed home gym machines under $300.
Here are some pros and cons to help you with your purchase decision.
Pros
- You can perform full-body workouts.
- It offers six levels of resistance.
- You can perform over 60+ exercises.
- It is easy to assemble and use.
- It can be folded when not in use.
- You can access on-demand workouts with Total Gym TV.
Cons
- Total Gym offers only a 6-month warranty period.
- You need to buy the squat stand separately.
- The maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. is limited to advanced fitness users.
Price
The Apex G1 is one of the budget-friendly home gym machines. It is priced at $299.99.
You get the wing attachment and leg pull accessory with the machine. In addition, you can purchase other accessories separately. For example, different-sized squat stands, weight bars, and ropes.
Most of these accessories are available in the price range of $25 to $100.
Our Rating
FAQ’s
Yes. You can use the Total Gym STEP attachment with the Apex G1 model to perform various squats, walking, and jogging exercises.
The G5 is the highest model available in the Total Gym Apex series. It supports a maximum user weight of 375 lbs, has ten resistance levels, and offers 80+ exercise options.
For the Apex G1 model, Total Gym offers a 6-month warranty on parts and labor.
Conclusion
The Total Gym Apex G1 is a good home gym machine for beginners. You can perform low to high-impact exercises using your body weight and six resistance levels.
You can perform full-body workouts, which is a great plus point if you have space constraints and are looking for a budget-friendly product.
The quality steel construction of the machine can support up to 300 lbs. However, if your requirement is for a higher capacity, I suggest you explore the Apex G5 model.
Overall, I recommend the Apex G1 model for beginners looking to buy an easy-to-assemble and use home gym equipment that can help improve their overall fitness.