If you are a frequent visitor to our site, you must have known all about the benefits of home gyms. You don’t have to go to the gym in the summer heat or the winter freeze or wait to get on sweaty equipment.
You can get a good work out in the comfort of your own home, what’s not to like? Now, if you are looking for a good home gym machine, Total Gym vs Bowflex might strike as two of the leading faces on the market.
But the question is: Which is better?
And we are here to answer that very question. You may think of us as your personal buying guide, as our info below will support you significantly in your decision-making. So, keep reading, and you will find out if Bowflex or Total Gym is the best for you.
TL; DR: Bowflex vs. Total Gym
Bowflex
For Bowflex, we are going to focus on its two current models: Bowflex Revolution and Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE.
BowFlex Xceed Home Gym
- FULL BODY WORKOUT: Compact home gym for full body workout from over 65 gym quality exercises.
- POWER ROD RESISTANCE: Provides as little as 5 or as much as 210 pounds of resistance with Bowflex Power Rods.
- LAT TOWER: Integrated lat tower with angled lat bar helps to build back and shoulder muscles quickly.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Leg extension/leg curl attachment can be removed for squats.
- UPGRADES: Upgradable resistance up to 310 lbs (sold separately).
- FULL BODY WORKOUT: Compact home gym for full body workout from over 65 gym quality exercises.
- POWER ROD RESISTANCE: Provides as little as 5 or as much as 210 pounds of resistance with Bowflex Power Rods.
- LAT TOWER: Integrated lat tower with angled lat bar helps to build back and shoulder muscles quickly.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Leg extension/leg curl attachment can be removed for squats.
- UPGRADES: Upgradable resistance up to 310 lbs (sold separately).
Product Description
The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym allows more than 100 exercises and their 400 variations. This machine is designed to target every major muscle group. Pretty much any routine, strength level, or fitness goal can be applied to this equipment.
Meanwhile, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym permits faster and easier exercise changing. You don’t even need to change the cable for different tasks. Ergonomic adjustable seats and “Ab Crunch Shoulder Harness” are now available.
Special Features
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- SpiraFlex® Technology: Plate technology used by NASA that provides resistance independently of gravity
- The Freedom Arms®: 10-position and 170-degree adjustable arms
- Leg Press StationPreacher Curl Attachment
- Vertical Bench Press
- Leg Extension
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- 210 lbs. of Power Rod® Resistance Standard
- Revolutionary No-Change Cable Pulley System
- Lat Tower with Angled Lat Bar
- 4-Position Lower Pulley/Squat Station
- Leg Extension
- Included Attachments
- Squat Bar
- Ab Crunch Shoulder Harness
- 7 Free Trainer-Built Workouts: Routines included in the manual:
- 20-minute better body
- 20-minute upper body
- 20-minute lower body
- Bodybuilding
- Circuit training anaerobic
- True aerobic
- Strength training
- Optional Attachments
- Preacher Curl
- Gym Style Ab Crunch
Best Uses
Overall, Bowflex Home Gym Machines are used by people who want to gain and preserve a general level of muscular fitness. They are straightforward to use, so they can be suitable for the whole family.
PS: I found the cheapest model that you can buy here!
Total Gym
For Total Gym, we chose the four most popular models on the market.
- Start a workout program at home with 6 adjustable levels of resistance and more than 60 exercises with low impact, fluid movements, and effortlessly...
- For fitness enthusiasts of all levels and supports a maximum weight of 300 pounds for cardio, strength, stretching, pilates, circuit training, and...
- Equipped to do whole body workout or target upper or lower body muscle groups, including chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms, and abs; Weight training...
- Features a cable pulley system with embroidered nylon handles, padded rolling glide board, and pillow headrest; Equipped with auto-lock height...
- Includes wing attachments, the most versatile attachment for the upper and lower body; Measures 50.5 x 15.5 x 8 inches when folded; Measures 93 x 15.5...
Product Description
The Total Gym is said to “bring the versatility of the gym to the privacy of your home.” This piece of equipment allows from 60+ exercises (the Supreme model) to 200+ (the GTS model). You can work on cardio, strength training, and stretching with just one machine.
A typical full-body session of the Total Gym ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. That is, you can get a good workout in less than 20 minutes. And due to the nature of bodyweight and slightly calisthenics exercises, you can target and strengthen major muscle groups at the same time.
Special Features
Total Gym Supreme
- 12 Levels of Resistance
- Arrives Fully Assembled
- Includes Total Gym Workout Tools
Total Gym XLS
- 6 Levels of Resistance
- Arrives Fully Assembled
- Includes Total Gym Workout Tools
PS: I found the cheapest model that you can buy here!
Total Gym FIT
- 12 Levels of Resistance for greater control of your workout
- Arrives Fully Assembled
- Auto-lock Height Adjustment System
- Best-selling Total Gym Ab-Crunch Accessory included
- Upgraded 2-piece Wing Attachment allows more extensive motion range
- New Ergonomic Glide-board with Comfort System
- Includes Total Gym Workout Tools
- Includes Extended 2-Year Warranted & Prioritized
PS: I found the cheapest model that you can buy here!
Total Gym GTS
- 22 Levels of Resistance
- A FREE 6-Piece Strength Package
- Adjustable Commercial-grade Squat Stand
- LAT Bar + 6 Pulley Locator Positions
- Hydraulic rail lift
- Automatic rail locks permit explosive plyometric jumping.
- Illustrated Exercise Reference Chart Included
Best Uses
Despite not being the best equipment for getting fit, the Total Gym products are a good investment in cost-effectiveness. That means they are relatively affordable compared to other brands (including Bowflex) and do not take up a lot of space. However, the Total Gyms are not for people looking to build mass. They are suitable for beginners to tone their muscles, though.
Which one is better?
Bowflex’s maximum resistance is 410 pounds, while Total Gym is 62 percent of the user weight. That means unless you are over 661 pounds, the Bowflex offers a lot more pressure for you to build muscle.
The Bowflex also allows more traditional exercises like the ones you do in the gym. On the other hand, if you are on a budget, just getting started, and not too tall, the Total Gym might be a better choice. You will not have to sacrifice a lot of your living space thanks to Total Gym’s unique design.
In-Depth Comparison of the Total Gym vs Bowflex
Pros
Bowflex
- High maximum resistance (410 pounds – Xtreme 2 SE model)
- Upgradable
- Good warranty
Total Gym
- Space-saving
- Lightweight
- Foldable
- Up to 22 resistance levels
- High weight capacity (650 pounds – GTS model)
- Accessories, nutrition program, and a meal plan included
- Up to 200 exercises
- 30-day Trial
- Lifetime warranty on frames (XLS & FIT models)
Cons
Bowflex
- Bulky size
- Heavy
- Not foldable (Xtreme 2 SE model)
- Low weight capacity (300 pounds)
- Optional accessories cost more money
Total Gym
- Less resistance
- Not upgradable
- Shorter warranty
- Massive (650 pounds – GTS model)
Size and Dimension
- 112 L x 38 W x 73 H inches
- Folded: 55 L x 38 W inches
- Workout Area: 120 x 84 inches
- The unit weighs 336 lbs. (153 kg)
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- 53 L x 49 W x 83 H inches
- Not Foldable
- Workout Area: 96 x 77 inches
- The unit weighs 186 lbs. (84kg)
Total Gym Supreme
- 15.5 W x 93 L x 43.25 H inches
- Folded: 15.5 W x 50.5 L x 8 H inches
- The unit weighs 56 lbs. (25.4 kg)
Total Gym XLS
- 19 W x 90 L x 43 H inches
- Folded: 19 W x 51 L x 9 H inches
- The unit weighs 68 lbs. (30.8 kg)
Total Gym FIT
- 18.5 W x 93 L x 44.5 H inches
- Folded: 18.5 W x 50.5 L x 8.5 H inches
- The unit weighs 66 lbs. (29.9 kg)
Total Gym GTS
- 38 W x 107 L x 69 H inches
- Folded: 38 W x 20 L x 56 H inches
- The unit weighs 650 lbs. (295 kg) Inclusive of the glide board
Quality and Durability
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Heavy steel frame
- Highly durable upholstery made of synthetic leather for the seat and backrest
- Heavy-duty nylon pulleys
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Steel tubing and corrosion & scratch resistant-painted frame
- Durable faux leather upholstery with 2-inch polyurethane cushioning
- Heavy-duty nylon pulleys
- Extremely durable elastomer weight rods
All Total Gym Model
- High-grade tubular steel
- Quality double-stitched padded glide board
Resistance Levels
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Standard 220 lbs.
- Upgradable to 300 lbs.
- Including packs of 5, 10, 20, and 40 pounds
- Stacks just like free weights
- Resistance can be set asymmetrically
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Standard 210 lbs.
- Upgradable to 410 lbs.
- Including one pair of 5-pound rods, two pairs of 10-pound rods, one pair of 30-pound rods, and one pair of 50-pound rods
- You will get one or two additional pairs of 50-pound rods when upgraded.
Total Gym Supreme
- 12 Levels of Resistance
Total Gym XLS
- 6 Levels of Resistance
Total Gym FIT
- 12 Levels of Resistance
Total Gym GTS
- 22 Levels of Resistance
Each range from 1% to 62% of body weight
Weight Capacity
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- 300 lbs. (136 kg)
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- 300 lbs. (136 kg)
Total Gym Supreme
- 275 lbs. (125 kg)
Total Gym XLS
- 400 lbs. (181 kg)
Total Gym FIT
- 450 lbs. (204 kg)
Total Gym GTS
- 650 lbs. (295 kg)
Additional Features and Components
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Workout DVD
- Leg Developer
- Preacher Curl Attachment
- 5-Way Hand Grip / Ankle Cuffs
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Leg Developer
- Preacher Curl Attachment (Optional)
- 5-Way Hand Grip / Ankle Cuffs
- Gym Style Ab Attachment (Optional)
Total Gym Supreme
- Ab-Crunch Accessory
- Ribbed Squat Stand
- Tri-Grip Shaper Bars
- Leg Pull Accessory + detachable Bracket + 2 Ankle Cuffs
- Nutritional Program & Meal Plan
Total Gym XLS
- Ribbed Squat Stand
- Wing Attachment
- Leg Pull Accessory + 2 Ankle Cuffs
- Total Gym Exercise Wall Chart with 35 exercises
- Total Gym Training Deck
- Nutritional Program & Meal Plan by Fitness Expert Dan Isaacson
Total Gym FIT
- Ab-Crunch Accessory
- Ribbed Squat Stand
- 2-Piece Wing Attachment that allows more extensive motion range
- Leg Pull Accessory + detachable Bracket + 2 Ankle Cuffs
- Total Gym Exercise Wall Chart with 35 exercises
- Total Gym Training Deck
- Nutritional Program & Meal Plan by Fitness Expert Dan Isaacson
Total Gym GTS
- Soft grip LAT bars can fold down for pull-ups.
- Folding Foot Holder
- Large, wide-based Telescoping Squat Stand that possesses three height adjustments and a non-skid tread.
- Commercial-grade Pilates Toe Bar.
- FREE Strength Package includes:
- 3-Grip Pull-up Bar
- SCRUNCH (Allow the users’ legs to drive the abdominal, as oppose to a crunch)
- Weight Bar
- Squat Handlebar
- Press Bar
- Retractable Dip Bars
- Dynamic Unilateral/Bilateral Arm Pulley System
- Soft synthetic rubber Padded Handles with ABS swivel handle and nylon webbing for hammer grip action.
- Heavy-duty glide board with enhanced cushioning
- Illustrated Exercise Reference for placement on the tower
Exercises to perform
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Over 100 exercises
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Over 70 exercises
Total Gym Supreme
- Over 60 Exercises
Total Gym XLS
- Over 80 Exercises
Total Gym FIT
- Over 85 Exercises
Total Gym GTS
- Over 200 Exercises
Warranty
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Parts: 10 years
- Labor: 90 days
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Machine: 7 years
- Power Rods: Lifetime
Total Gym Supreme
- Frame: 1 year
- Parts: 6 months
Total Gym XLS
- 30-Day Trial
- Frame: Lifetime
- Parts: 6 months
Total Gym FIT
- 30-Day Trial
- Frame: Lifetime
- Parts: 2 years
- Priority Processing on All Total Gym FIT orders.
Total Gym GTS
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Frame: 5 years
- Parts & Upholstery: 1 year
- Foam & Rubber: 90 days.
Bowflex vs. Total Gym – What Do People Say?
On Amazon, Bowflex receives an above average review score.
People like how versatile and easy-to-use they are.
“Allows lots of different training to take place with one …”
“The whole family uses it. Easy to use, and you get a good home workout.”
“Very versatile, well-built, easy-to-use exercise equipment.”
However, some users need time to get used to them.
“It does take some getting used to if you are accustomed to linear movements with free weights, but can be just as, if not more effective.”
Of course, most people choose them for their space-saving features.
“Great for a “home gym” where space is limited, and stacks and free weights are not an option.”
Still, there are complaints regarding their material and durability.
“Equipment comes with a warning page about Cancer and Birth Defect, possibly from chemicals.”
“Weights started cracking out by 5th workout.”
“Have owned it for about 7 years. Breaks often with heavier weights.”
“The reason I say don’t buy is that the power rods eventually wear out, and the resistance is no longer there. You have to buy a 210-pound power rod stack to replace your old one and will cost around $200.”
On Amazon, the Total Gym receives a very high score (see the exact reviews here). All four models are appreciated for their quality, value, ease of setup, ease of use, and comfort. Nonetheless, the Supreme model is said to be too light.
“Too little resistance. This machine is useless unless you’ve never worked out in your life”
The XLS model is considered to be too expensive for its actual value.
“You will have to replace many parts for a price.”
“Pricey, need to pay for accessories.”
The FIT is the only model that lets people down regarding “ease of setup.”
“Nightmare to assemble.”
“It takes a lot of effort to set it up each time I want to use it.”
Surprisingly, the GTS received virtually no dissatisfaction.
Bottomline
So, there you have it: Total Gym vs Bowflex, an in-depth matchup between the two famous home gym brands. Like we said, if you are a beginner, on a budget, or don’t have a lot of space, the Total Gym should be best for you. On the other hand, the Bowflex is more suitable for those looking to build generally muscular figures.
- FULL BODY WORKOUT: Compact home gym for full body workout from over 65 gym quality exercises.
- POWER ROD RESISTANCE: Provides as little as 5 or as much as 210 pounds of resistance with Bowflex Power Rods.
- LAT TOWER: Integrated lat tower with angled lat bar helps to build back and shoulder muscles quickly.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Leg extension/leg curl attachment can be removed for squats.
- UPGRADES: Upgradable resistance up to 310 lbs (sold separately).
- Start a workout program at home with 6 adjustable levels of resistance and more than 60 exercises with low impact, fluid movements, and effortlessly...
- For fitness enthusiasts of all levels and supports a maximum weight of 300 pounds for cardio, strength, stretching, pilates, circuit training, and...
- Equipped to do whole body workout or target upper or lower body muscle groups, including chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms, and abs; Weight training...
- Features a cable pulley system with embroidered nylon handles, padded rolling glide board, and pillow headrest; Equipped with auto-lock height...
- Includes wing attachments, the most versatile attachment for the upper and lower body; Measures 50.5 x 15.5 x 8 inches when folded; Measures 93 x 15.5...
If you like this article, make sure to check out our other home gym and dumbbell reviews. We have tons of writings on healthy lifestyles, home workout guides, and equipment reviews. For fitness lovers out there, you would not want to miss any.
–The best value for money product from Bowflex is this one.
–The best value for money product (and my #1 recommendation overall) from Total Gym is this one.
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