Are you looking for an innovative workout experience? A machine that will let you get a comprehensive workout from the comfort of your home? A machine that is easy to assemble and use?
The one answer to these questions is Total Gym Xtreme – a home gym machine we will review today.
The Xtreme is a relatively older model by Total Gym. But, it still remains one of their popular models among fitness enthusiasts. So what makes Xtreme a favorite?
- AbCrunch Accessory.
- Wing Attachments.
- Tri Grip Shaper Bars.
- Squat Stand & Leg Pulley System.
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
You can perform over 60 exercises with the home gym. It offers 12 resistance levels and supports a maximum weight of 350 lbs. Even beginners can set up the machine on their own and start exercising with ease.
Suppose you want to know more about the Xtreme model by Total Gym. In that case, I have put together a detailed review of the machine’s design, features, and performance.
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Total Gym |
| Model | Total Gym Xtreme |
| Dimensions | 92.5 x 16 x 43 inches |
| Maximum User Weight | 350 lbs |
| Package Dimension | 77.95 x 12.6 x 4.33 inches |
| Package Weight | 74.95 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 12 |
| Exercise Options | 60+ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (463 ratings) |
About Total Gym
Total Gym is a well-known brand in the fitness space with an experience of over 45 years. Their innovative bodyweight trainer has helped people get fit in their homes.
Total Gym offers a range of commercial fitness, home, and physical therapy equipment.
Since the brand was founded, it has sold over 5 million pieces of equipment. It generates over 24 million workouts worldwide monthly.
Some of its popular home gym equipment include the Apex series, Xtreme, XLS, FIT, and GTS.
Who is The Total Gym Xtreme For?
Do you want to avoid wasting time traveling to the gym? Is working out in crowded public gyms not for you? Considering the space and budget at your disposal, can you afford only a single home gym machine?
If you answered yes, investing in a home gym machine like the Xtreme would be ideal for you.
The machine works well for novice users as assembly and usability are straightforward. It is not the best model by Total Gym with regard to resistance and weight limit.
But it is a good buy with 12 resistance levels and 350 lbs of maximum weight support. These parameters will work well for beginners and intermediate fitness users.
It also has a decent price point considering features like 60+ exercise options, several attachments, and the machine is foldable.
5 Important Factors We Tested The Product On
So you plan on buying the Xtreme version of Total Gym. But how does the home gym perform? What is its weight capacity? What exercises can you do? Let us find out.
Build Quality
The Xtreme home gym machine is built using high-quality steel. It comes with a smooth cable and pulley system. The glideboard has high-density foam padding.
The machine has flexible nylon strap handles. This makes grasping, adjusting the angle, and moving comfortably on the glideboard easier.
The machine also comes with a height adjustment setup. You can use the adjustment and safety pins to customize the machine’s height as per user requirements.
You can fold the machine and store it safely out of the way when not in use.
Overall the machine has a stable and durable construction that can support a maximum weight of 350 lbs.
Ease of Assembly
The beauty of Total Gym machines is that they come almost assembled in their packaging. The assembly process is more about unfolding the machine and attaching the accessories. The same goes for the Xtreme as well.
The two main parts of the machine are the glideboard with the crossbars and the vertical column.
You need to spread the glideboard flat on the floor, attach the vertical column and ensure the spring loaded, safety, and other pins are in place. Next, you attach several accessories like the squat stand and tri-shaper bars.
You can refer to the owner’s manual for detailed instructions, diagrams, and pictures.
Total Gym is significantly easier to put together and start using than traditional home gym machines.
Ease of Use
If you have never worked with a Total Gym machine before, you may take some time to get used to the glideboard and the resistance mechanism.
The glideboard has an upward and downward motion. The resistance levels are managed by adjusting the incline of the glideboard.
The lower the incline, the less the resistance. Thus, it is best to exercise with a low incline when starting out. Once you get the hang of the form and movement, you can increase the incline to get a more effective workout.
Here are some key points to remember by Total Gym when using their machine:
- Always have control of the glideboard.
- Your feet should always be on the ground except during the exercise duration.
- Grasp only the exercise handles and not the cables when working out.
Overall, the machine is easy to use, but new users have to get through the learning curve.
Versatility
You can perform over 60 exercises with this Total Gym machine. You can work on specific muscles or perform total body exercises.
With the Xtreme model, you get accessories like wing attachments, tri-grip shaper bars, ab crunch boards, and a leg pulley accessory kit.
Some of the exercises you can perform are:
- Pull-ups
- Chin-ups
- Squats
- Front press
- Crunches
- Leg pull
- Sit-ups
- Press-ups
You can explore Total Gym TV, which offers on-demand workouts 24/7. You can opt for the basic, free version or pay for premium workout content.
Weight Capacity
The machine offers 12 resistance levels. It can support a maximum user weight of 350 lbs.
The Xtreme home gym can be considered a mid-range product by Total Gym. For example, if we consider beginner-friendly models like the Total Gym Apex, G1, G3, and G5 offer 6, 8, and 10 resistance levels, respectively.
On the other hand, you have the Total Gym GTS, which offers 22 resistance levels and can handle a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs.
Thus, if you are looking for a beginner-friendly home gym machine that allows you to work with increased resistance as you improve, the Xtreme machine could be a good option.
What Sets The Total Gym Xtreme Apart From Its Competitors?
With Total Gym machines, you will be using your body weight as resistance. The incline you set the glideboard on decides the resistance level.
You can set the machine at a low incline and engage only about 6 to 10% of your body weight. This way, you get an effective workout while the movements are easier on your joints.
So, the machine works well for elderly fitness users as well as people looking to get back into fitness after a hiatus.
Should You Purchase The Total Gym Xtreme?
I would say it is a good buy if you want an upgrade from Total Gym’s entry-level model but are not ready for something advanced like the GTS.
With its 12 resistance levels and 350 lbs of maximum weight, you will take longer to outgrow the machine.
It is a budget-friendly buy. You get multiple attachments that can be used for total body workouts.
Here are some pros and cons you should consider before buying the Xtreme.
Pros
- You can perform over 60 exercises.
- It offers 12 resistance levels.
- The home gym is easy to assemble and use.
- It includes several accessories like the ab crunch and leg pulley system.
- You can fold the equipment for easy storage.
- It is a budget-friendly complete home gym solution.
Cons
- Total Gym offers only a year of warranty.
- The resistance levels may not be enough for experienced users.
Price
The Total Gym Xtreme is priced around $575.99 – $600.00.
You cannot buy the machine directly from Total Gym because it is an older model. But it is available on third-party websites like Amazon and Walmart.
You can buy accessories like large squat stands, tricep ropes, and pilates toe bars. These accessories can cost you anywhere from $35 to over $100.
Our Rating
FAQ’s
No. The Total Gym weight bar is not compatible with the Xtreme model. The Total Gym Apex ( all versions), FIT ( all versions), XL, and XLS are the ones that support weight-bar use.
You get two workout DVDs with the Xtreme model. You can use Total Gym TV Basic, which is completely free. But if you want access to exclusive content, you must pay for the Total Gym TV Premium subscription plan.
The Total Gym XLS supports a maximum weight of 400 lbs, and you can perform over 80 exercises. But in comparison to Xtreme’s 12 resistance levels, XLS offers 6.
Summary
If you are looking for a complete home gym machine, the Total Gym Xtreme will not disappoint.
The machine comes almost assembled; you just have to unfold it and attach the accessories. You may initially take time to get used to the glideboard, but then the machine gets easier to use.
You can perform 60+ exercises and work out your total body. It offers 12 resistance levels. It comes with accessories like wings, tri-grip shaper bars, ab crunch, squat stand, and leg pulley system.
Overall, for under $600, the Xtreme is a pocket-friendly model that delivers.