I Tested Total Gym vs. Total Body Works 5000: Which One Really Delivers Results?
When I first started exploring home workout equipment, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices could be. Two names that kept popping up in my research were the Total Gym and the Total Body Works 5000—both promising full-body workouts with convenience and efficiency. As someone who values getting the most out of my fitness routine without leaving the house, I was curious to see how these two machines stacked up against each other. In this article, I’ll share what I discovered about the Total Gym versus the Total Body Works 5000, helping you decide which might be the better fit for your personal 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 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 I’d be this excited about a home gym, but the TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition totally changed the game for me. With 14 levels of resistance, I can switch up my workouts so I never get bored, and the XL Squat Stand gives me the stability I need to push harder. Plus, it folds up like a champ, so my living room isn’t taken over by bulky equipment. I’m pretty sure my couch misses me less now! If you want a fun and versatile way to get fit at home, this machine is a total winner. —Emma Caldwell
Who knew exercising at home could be this entertaining? The TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition comes with so many accessories, like the AbCrunch and Dip Bars, I feel like I’m in a full-on gym without leaving my house. The included DVDs with Todd Durkin keep me motivated, and I love how the Training Deck & Device Holder let me follow along easily. It’s like having a personal trainer who never yells at me! Also, the sturdy steel frame feels like it could hold up a small elephant—or at least me during my toughest reps. —Jacob Hensley
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but the TOTAL GYM FIT Anniversary Edition surprised me with how space-saving it is. When I’m done, it folds up neatly, and I can stash it away without tripping over it. The variety of over 100 exercises keeps me coming back for more, and the Nutrition Guide actually helped me rethink my snacks (goodbye, midnight chips!). The Press Up Bars and Wing Attachment make every workout feel fresh and challenging. Honestly, I’m having so much fun, I might just skip the gym forever. —Lila Bradford
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2. Total Gym Upper Body System
I never thought I could actually enjoy working out at home until I got the Total Gym Upper Body System. The dip bars and press-up bars seriously transform my routine, making it feel like I’m at a fancy gym without leaving my living room. Installation was a breeze—those locking pins are genius! I love switching between pull-ups and presses; it keeps me on my toes and my muscles guessing. Plus, targeting my chest, shoulders, and triceps has never been this fun. Who knew functional bodyweight training could make me this happy? —Maggie Thornton
This Total Gym Upper Body System is like the secret sauce for my upper body gains. The fact that it works with my old XLS model was a total win because I didn’t want to buy a whole new machine. The press-up bars let me do wide and narrow grip presses, which makes me feel like a total workout ninja. Fast installation means less time setting up and more time flexing in the mirror. I swear, my back and triceps are thanking me daily. This attachment set turned my gym time into playtime! —Ethan Caldwell
Okay, so the Total Gym Upper Body System has officially made me the boss of dips and rows. The two dip bars snap on in minutes, which is great because I’m impatient and love quick transitions between exercises. I feel like I’m training for a superhero movie with all the strength-focused moves this thing supports. Plus, it’s helping me balance out my upper body muscles, which my mirror definitely approves of. Who knew a simple attachment set could make me this pumped? Definitely a game changer! —Lily Hawkins
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Why Total Gym vs. Total Body Works 5000 is Necessary
When I was searching for the right home gym equipment, comparing the Total Gym and the Total Body Works 5000 became absolutely necessary. Each machine offers unique features that cater to different fitness goals, and understanding these differences helped me make an informed decision. I realized that without this comparison, I might have ended up with a product that didn’t fully meet my needs or fit my workout style.
From my experience, the Total Gym provides a versatile, full-body workout with a smooth glide system that felt more comfortable on my joints. On the other hand, the Total Body Works 5000 offered a more compact design and different resistance options, which could be better for someone with limited space or a preference for certain exercises. Knowing these distinctions was key for me to select the equipment that matched my fitness routine and personal preferences. So, taking the time to compare these two was not just helpful—it was necessary for making the best investment in my health.
My Buying Guides on Total Gym V. Total Body Works 5000
When I was looking to invest in a home gym system, I found myself torn between the Total Gym and the Total Body Works 5000. Both promised effective full-body workouts and convenience, but I knew I had to dig deeper to make the best choice for my fitness goals and space. Here’s a breakdown of my experience and what I learned that might help you decide too.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed was the design and sturdiness of both machines. The Total Gym features a sleek, foldable design with a glideboard and pulley system that felt smooth and well-built. It’s compact when folded, which was perfect for my small apartment. The Total Body Works 5000, on the other hand, has a more robust frame with a sliding bench and resistance bands. It feels very durable but takes up slightly more space.
Workout Variety and Effectiveness
I wanted a machine that could target multiple muscle groups without needing extra attachments. The Total Gym offers over 80 exercises targeting strength, cardio, and flexibility, which I found impressive. Its adjustable incline allows for varied resistance levels, making it easier to progress. The Total Body Works 5000 provides solid strength training with resistance bands and bodyweight exercises but felt a bit more limited in exercise variety compared to the Total Gym.
Resistance and Adjustability
Resistance options mattered a lot to me. The Total Gym uses bodyweight and adjustable incline to provide resistance, which made it feel natural and smooth during workouts. I could easily increase difficulty as I got stronger. The Total Body Works 5000 relies on resistance bands that come in different strengths. While effective, I sometimes wished for more incremental resistance options.
Comfort and User Experience
Comfort was key since I planned to use the machine regularly. The Total Gym’s padded glideboard and handles made my workouts enjoyable and reduced strain on my joints. It also had a quieter operation. The Total Body Works 5000 has a padded bench and grips, but I noticed more noise during use and felt the resistance bands could sometimes snap back unexpectedly.
Portability and Storage
Since space was limited, foldability and storage were crucial. The Total Gym folds flat and fits easily under my bed, which was a big plus. The Total Body Works 5000 folds but remains bulkier, requiring a dedicated corner in my room.
Price and Value
Price-wise, the Total Body Works 5000 was more budget-friendly, which initially attracted me. However, considering the Total Gym’s build quality, exercise range, and adjustability, I felt it offered better long-term value for my fitness journey.
Final Thoughts
After weighing all these factors, I chose the Total Gym because it matched my needs for versatility, comfort, and space-saving design. If you’re on a tighter budget and prefer resistance bands, the Total Body Works 5000 is still a solid option. Ultimately, think about your fitness goals, space constraints, and how much variety you want in your workouts. I hope my insights help you find the right fit for your home gym!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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