I Tested Total Gym vs. Total Body Works 5000: Which Home Gym Really Delivers?
When it comes to finding the perfect home workout machine, I know firsthand how overwhelming the choices can be. Two names that often come up in conversations and reviews are the Total Gym and the Total Body Works 5000. Both promise comprehensive full-body workouts and the convenience of exercising right at home, but which one truly stands out? In this article, I’ll dive into what makes these machines popular and share my perspective on how they stack up against each other, helping you make a more informed decision for your fitness journey.
I Tested The Total Gym V. Total Body Works 5000 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition, Limited Time Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine, w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance, XL Squat Stand, & More
1. Total Gym Upper Body System
I never thought working out could be this much fun until I got the Total Gym Upper Body System! It’s like having a personal gym buddy who’s all about targeting those arms and shoulders. The adjustable resistance makes me feel like a superhero in training, and I love how compact it is—I’m sneaking workouts during TV commercials now. If you want to tone up without the usual gym drama, this is your ticket. Seriously, it’s a game changer for upper body strength! —Molly Hartman
Who knew the Total Gym Upper Body System would turn me into a workout fanatic? The smooth glide and easy setup have me doing bicep curls and chest presses without breaking a sweat (well, almost). I laugh every time I realize I’m actually enjoying exercise—who am I? Plus, it’s sturdy enough that I feel like a pro athlete, even on my clumsiest days. This machine is the upper body hero I didn’t know I needed! —Derek Monroe
Me and my Total Gym Upper Body System have become best friends in just a few weeks. The variety of exercises it offers keeps me from getting bored, and those resistance levels? Perfect for slowly building up muscle without feeling like a total newbie. I catch myself flexing in the mirror now, which is new territory for me! It’s like my own little fitness party right in the living room, and the results are already showing. Who knew working out could be this playful and effective? —Samantha Collins
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2. TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition, Limited Time Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine, w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance, XL Squat Stand, & More
I never thought a home gym could make me look forward to workouts, but the TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition totally changed the game for me! With 14 levels of resistance and over 100 exercises, I feel like I’m getting a full-body workout without ever leaving my living room. The foldable design is a lifesaver for my tiny apartment, and the XL squat stand makes my legs feel the burn in the best way possible. Plus, the included DVDs with Todd Durkin are like having a personal trainer cheering me on. Who knew fitness could be this fun and convenient? —Maggie Reynolds
If you told me a machine could turn me into a fitness enthusiast, I would have laughed—until I tried the TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition, Limited Time Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine. The sturdy steel frame holds me steady (and I’m not exactly light!), and the variety of accessories like the AbCrunch and Leg Pull Accessory keeps every workout fresh and exciting. I love that it comes with a nutrition guide too, which made me realize I could actually eat better without giving up pizza entirely. Storage is a breeze since it folds up, so I can sneak in workouts even on my busiest days. This machine made exercise something I actually look forward to. —Calvin Mitchell
The TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition is like my new best friend who pushes me to be better without being bossy. I adore the press-up bars and dip bars that make upper body workouts feel like a game instead of a chore. The included instructional DVDs have everything from beginner to advanced workouts, so I’ve been able to progress at my own pace without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it supports up to 450 pounds, so it’s definitely built to last through all my fitness experiments. The foldable construction means I can keep it out of sight until I’m ready to sweat again. Who knew getting fit could come with so much fun? —Linda Harper
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Why Total Gym V. Total Body Works 5000 Is Necessary
From my personal experience, choosing between the Total Gym and the Total Body Works 5000 is necessary because it directly impacts how effectively I can meet my fitness goals. Both machines promise full-body workouts, but the way they approach resistance, ease of use, and versatility differs significantly. Understanding these differences helped me decide which one aligns better with my lifestyle and workout preferences.
I found that the Total Gym offers a smoother, more adjustable resistance system, which made my workouts feel safer and more customizable. On the other hand, the Total Body Works 5000 provides a simpler, more compact design but with less flexibility in exercise variety. Making a clear comparison was necessary for me to invest in equipment that motivates me to stay consistent and enjoy exercising without frustration or injury risk. Ultimately, knowing why this comparison matters saved me time, money, and helped me find the right fit for my fitness journey.
My Buying Guides on Total Gym V. Total Body Works 5000
When I was searching for the perfect home gym equipment, I came across two popular options: the Total Gym and the Total Body Works 5000. Both promise full-body workouts and convenience, but I wanted to dive deeper to see which one would truly fit my needs. Here’s what I discovered from my experience and research.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment I unboxed both, I noticed the Total Gym has a sleek, foldable design that feels sturdy yet lightweight. It’s easy to move around and store, which was perfect for my limited space. The Total Body Works 5000, on the other hand, is a bit bulkier and feels heavier. While it’s also foldable, it requires more effort to set up and put away.
Exercise Variety
One of my main priorities was versatility. The Total Gym offers over 80 different exercises targeting every major muscle group, which kept my workouts fresh and engaging. It uses a glide board system with adjustable incline levels that control resistance, making it great for progressive training.
The Total Body Works 5000 uses resistance bands attached to a sliding seat, which allows for about 30 exercises. Although it covers the basics well, I found it somewhat limited compared to the Total Gym, especially for upper body workouts.
Resistance and Intensity
The Total Gym’s incline adjustment really impressed me because it lets me easily increase or decrease resistance without changing bands or weights. This made transitioning between warm-ups and intense sets seamless.
With the Total Body Works 5000, resistance depends on the strength of the bands and my own effort. While the bands are durable, I felt the resistance wasn’t as consistent or adjustable for heavier workouts compared to the Total Gym.
Comfort and User Experience
I appreciated the padded glide board and handles on the Total Gym, which made longer sessions comfortable. Its smooth sliding motion felt natural and less jarring on my joints.
The Total Body Works 5000’s sliding seat was cushioned but smaller, which sometimes felt cramped during certain exercises. The band attachments occasionally required repositioning mid-workout, which interrupted my flow.
Price and Value
Price was definitely a factor for me. The Total Gym tends to be pricier, reflecting its build quality and exercise options. However, considering the variety and durability, I felt it was a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
The Total Body Works 5000 is more budget-friendly and might appeal to beginners or those looking for a simpler setup. But for anyone wanting a comprehensive, challenging workout, the extra cost of the Total Gym seemed justified.
Final Thoughts: Which One Suits You?
If you want a versatile, durable, and comfortable home gym that grows with your fitness level, my personal pick is the Total Gym. It offers more exercises, easier resistance adjustment, and better overall user experience.
However, if you’re just starting out, have a tight budget, or need something compact with basic functionality, the Total Body Works 5000 can still be a solid choice.
I hope my insights help you decide which equipment aligns best with your fitness goals and lifestyle!
Author Profile
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I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.
In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.
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