Total Gym vs GR8FLEX | Comparing the pros and cons
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
- Here is my honest take comparing a Total Gym Fit to the GR8FLEX (Link Below). Since I've been making sliding bench content, many have been asking about the much cheaper GR8FLEX machine since it looks and functions very similar to a Total Gym. In this video I wanted to cover all the relevant differences between both machines to help you the consumer make up your own mind. If you want a specific review just on the GR8FLEX you can find it below. As always. thank you for watching.
Link to GR8FLEX Review: • GR8FLEX REVIEW | Is it...
As mentioned in the video, the company is offering a limited 10% discount to viewers of the channel. If you'd like to take advantage of it and help support the channel, simply email me at PrimitiveHomeFitness@gmail.com . I then will give you the contact to the company for my referral discount. You just have to pay via Paypal
GR8FLEX on Amazon.com: amzn.to/2Nrw8yX
Save 10% Off Total Gym Fit, XLS, or Supreme: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10040...
0:00 - Intro / comparing glide boards
1:18 - Unfolding both models
2:00 - Comparing models at full incline
3:05 - Differences in middle pulley attachment
3:22- Top portion of machines
3:52 - Comparing Handles and top pulleys
4:44 - Comparing Squat stands
5:12 - Look at bottom portion
5:46 - Comparing some attachments
6:52 - Sound Difference / Difference in feel
8:04 - General thoughts between the two
8:33 - Difference in glideboard coming off rails
9:20 - Other thoughts
10:46 - Final Thoughts
Other Links to Products I use / recommend:
Link to Total Gym Unit Attachments: www.tkqlhce.com/click-1004029...
Favorite Resistance Bands I use with my Total Gym available at UndersunFitness.com SAVE 10% OFF your order of using Code "PHFitness"
Other Cheaper Sliding Benches
Weider Ultimate Body Works supports 250lbs: amzn.to/3n3CRLK
Total Gym G1 Model supports up to 300lbs: amzn.to/33qPSZt
G3 Model supports up to 300lbs: amzn.to/39ZpK9u
G5 Model supports up to 375lbs: amzn.to/3i1FDio
Total Gym Xtreme up to 350lbs: amzn.to/3koiGsa also found on Costco.com
GR8FLEX Sliding Bench: amzn.to/2Nrw8yX
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GR8FLEX Squat Stand Option that fits most Total Gyms: amzn.to/3b75WSp
DMoose Ankle Straps great for Total Gym: amzn.to/2Nm6Cva
Loop Style Resistance Bands from Amazon: (Undersun Fitness): amzn.to/3bU4cxK
or cheaper option Sunpow Resistance Bands: amzn.to/39WAtSs
Low Budget Multi-Use Squat Rack: amzn.to/3oHeTqB
Kettle Gryp on Amazon: amzn.to/2XDs8gE
Fitness Pulley: amzn.to/3nLLhbB
TRX Suspension Bands: amzn.to/3ayX0Xp or
Perfect Pushups: amzn.to/3khEIMl
Dumbbells I recommend (occasionally 100lb pair are of stock)
amzn.to/3h3jgJj
Powerblock Dumbbells that I use: amzn.to/2SY55eh
Extra Handles I use with my Total Gym: amzn.to/31HfpfU
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Cardio Equipment I use/recommend
Concept 2 Rower: amzn.to/35TSP4f
Assault Bike: amzn.to/34J2OKl
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Supplements I'm currently using:
Protein Bars I'm addicted to: www.tigerfitness.com/collecti...
Whey Protein: amzn.to/3qgsSnP
Collagen (in my coffee every morning): amzn.to/3qF2BzH
Stimulant Free Pre Workout www.tigerfitness.com/products...
Creatine: amzn.to/3r9HJSh
BCAAs: amzn.to/3eMlvCE
Fish Oil: amzn.to/3uM6juN
Magnesium: amzn.to/3nym1pE
Vitamin K2 : amzn.to/36SOcKe
Vitamin D: amzn.to/30OqASP
Colloidal Silver: amzn.to/3oqQwOi
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DISCLAIMER:
Primitive Home Fitness UA-cam channel is not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, or death sustained from following the exercises demonstrated or fitness advice discussed in this video. By following the information and performing the exercises provided, you are responsible for any and all injuries sustained. It is strongly recommended you consult your physician before starting any exercise or diet program.
Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. Please know that I include affiliates that I personally have investigated / personally use and feel that they would be of value to you. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting this channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week - Фільми й анімація
Never understand why total gym etc is so underrated. Thank you for your content.
This video was so well done that I literally do not have any questions. You covered all the bases.
By far one of the most professional reviews I've seen on YT. I love the way you quickly transition from topic to topic, there is no down time. It appears this was on purpose and the result is very effective. The audio level is great, the video quality is great, the level of detail is great. Very nice job sir.
Thank you, I appreciate that. I do however have many videos that were not so good with quality/detail. Work in progress.
Great video on comparing both products. I have an OG total gym and it still gets the job done.
Awesome, I heard the older models still hold up
Thanks. Excellent comparison-very well done!
Thanks Tom. Appreciate it.
Great comparison review. I was searching locally for a gently used Total Gym, then saw this. Happened to find BARELY used a Gr8flex locally for $200. Excited to start the journey with this equipment, as soccer 1-2x a week isn't helping me get into better shape.
Looking forward forward to your content!!
Great to hear. The Gr8FLex is a good machine. Can't beat that price.
Good review thank you. Used to own a slide board but thought it was too easy and more like play but perhaps wrong. Based on your videos did not use it efficiently. Right now using resistance bands and very happy with the results. For the first time can really get a mind muscle connection especially lats and arms. Never felt that mind muscle connection before after lifting 20 years...sad. You entice me to try the slide board again for some variation. Thanks again Sir.
Thank you for watching. That's great to hear that things are clicking for you in using the machine.
Great comparison video my friend. Personally, I own the Total Gym Fit, and I am completely satisfied with my purchase. I see no reason to change. The thing I like about the GR8FLEX is that camo color, that's H-O-T!!!!! I am like you and that I don't like that cloth covering on their machine, I prefer the leather on the Total Gym Fit, easier to clean by far. But if the Total Gym Fit came in a camo color, I'd probably see about getting that color if they would take back mine I have now. Thank you for the great video. Sounds like both machines will do the job of working out at home. - Mike
I don't think you could go wrong with either one. The key is using it consistently.
I almost bought one of these before getting my GTS. Ultimately decided on the much more expensive gym due to the extremely high weight capability as well as the adjustable body board and the many folding / attached accessories.
Metion the Warranty Warranty is EVERYTHING with something like this.
Gr8flex LIFETIME on everything total gym limited.
My only concern with GR8FLEX is being an overseas company that's also relatively new.
Lifetime warranty yes, but will they be here 50 years from now (for those young people out there)?. We don’t know. But Total Gym started about 1974, 50 years ago, so I’m confident they will be here for the next 50 years. All these other brands seem to go by the wayside eventually, like OmniGym, Total Trainer, Euro Gym, VigorFit, etc. That’s a major concern. But since very little usually goes wrong with these units, I don’t think you need to worry about it. Now I do hope some of these other brands will or have been resurrected, but we can’t count on that. One last thing. No workout equipment is really overpriced if you use it regularly (or sporadically), and you find great worth in it. I used an OmniGym sliding bench trainer for about 7 years that I got at Walmart for $200 back in 1997. Great machine! But I’m 6’5” tall so I really needed a unit for my height, so in 2004 I splurged and bought a Total Gym 11,000 (eleven thousand), their personal trainer model, (and to date, probably the best portable unit Total Gym has ever made) for less than $1,000 brand new. Works as good today as it did 20 years ago. That’s quality! And I’ll be able to hand it down to one of my boys one day!
The comparisons of the two models is what I was waiting for and I’m glad you delivered on your promise. From what I observed is that both units are practically the same with with few key differences. The height of the GR8FLEX appears to allow the unit to be a litter stepper when raised to the highest point. From your observation does that add a little more resistance to the workout? The second difference I noticed is that the Total Gym allows you to use a weight bar, to add weights for added resistance where the GR8FLEX uses bungee cords. Is there anything you would recommend for GR8FLEX owners to make up the load resistance difference that the Total Gym has in it’s favor?
And finally the GR8FLEX comes with more accessories and is about one third of the price. Huge advantage for the GR8FLEX gym as I thank for this timely review.
I'd say the little extra height along with more cable length adds more to a greather range of motion. The Total Gym actually feels a tiny bit more resistant, but it's more due to the glide having a little bit more friction. But really this is minimal. As for the weight bar, I personally think the weight bar is better used for attaching resistance bands than for loading actual weights. I mentioned this in my "weight bar" review if you want to check it out. I haven't messed with attaching weights too much yet to the GF, but you can simply just loop it around the top of sled like I did in the video. I'll likely make a follow up on where to attach extra resistance in the future.
Looking forward to that video.
Soooo glad you got a great flex. I can't wait to see what you do with these workout. I have some catching up on you videos to do.
Have you figured out a way to get the cables to stop jumping the pulley?
I will say the GR8FLEX is great. For the "cables jumping" do you mean the cables coming off the pulley? I honestly haven't had this problem. Thank you for watching.
I just bought the Gr8flex in the Patriotic version and I wanted to add that that particular model does have the vinyl covered slide board vs the canvas type on the camo.
Which one would you say is the stronger material?
Dioes the resistance bands offer better resistance than body weight?
I have the total gym total fit and don't miss the gym at all. I'm not a body builder but it gives me more than enough of a pump that I need. Just have to learn how to use it and feel comfortable. With that being said if I knew about the gr8fit being over $500 cheaper (I paid $1500 for the total gym) I probably would've gone that route. Watching you workout all movements look so similar.
Great video, thank you for clearing my mind, gr8 flex is the one
As far as the noise of the two units, I enjoy hearing my total gym, as that and the sliding feature are very soothing to me. But a great addition to any workout is using bone conduction headphones (or similar headphones). Nothing goes in the ears, so you can you hear your music but you can also carry on a conversation or listen for the doorbell, all while listening to your music (of course all depending on the volume you set them to). The way they’re made, they will never fall of your head, and some are even water resistant or waterproof, depending on your needs. I’m now in my mid 60’s and my youngest son and I wear them every time we workout together so we can talk to each other but also hear our music. Same goes for when we go bike riding. I also wear them all day long in the office at work so I can can carry on conversations with my fellow employees, or my boss, but still hear my music. (But be prepared as people will ask you what they are!) And when I get in my car it automatically transfers the music over to the car speakers. We actually bought ours at a bicycle shop, when my son came upon them accidentally. Ours are called Shokz, but you can get a cheap brand just to try them out. And you can also wear them while wearing a hat, or newsboy caps, like my son and I wear. Anyways, the bone conduction headphones are one of the best purchases we ever made, and can be worn virtually everywhere. Nowadays I pretty much wear them all day long on a single charge.
Hi, thanks for this great comparison. I have a question though, what is the maximum user weight on the Gr8flex? It does not list it anywhere that I have found.
From what I’ve seen and heard the max weight is around 450lbs.
Could you do a video showing attachment swap outs between GR8flex vs TG? Totally wish GR8flex had the weight bar attachment.
I could do that, but really they all fit pretty much perfectly minus that the GF ones (like the wing bars) don't fit as tight to a TG.
When using the Weider Ultimate Body Works do you recommend it be used with a weighted vest and or ankle weights? Like an extra 60 to 70 lbs or maybe even more?
I have used a weight vest on my Total Gym, but I really don't notice much with resistance to my muscles on it, more so just makes the overall workout feel a bit harder. I do think bands are superior to adding direct tension. The Weider also has a 250lb weight limit, so on that machine I might stress the limits with my weight vest.
I just seen this GR8Flex on amazon and was wondering what you thought, i have a weider ultimate gym and an older total gym. My total gym is getting older for sure and maybe down the road the gr8flex may be a good replacement well see if the company can keep going. I do have a question do you know where i can get info on bodyweight percent on each level on weider ultimate gym, total gym, and the gr8flex i havent been able to find that information? Awesome video as always
You can find the weight limits on the machine usually in the detail descriptions on their sites. The Weider I believe was 250lb, GR8FLEX and Total GYM FIT are both 450lb.
@@hybridresistance I think he is asking what percent of your body weight is the resistance at each level. The earlier Total Gyms had a chart in the manual indicating at level 1 you were using a certain percent of your body weight as resistance. At level 2 it was a higher percentage of body weight and so on…..
i tried the GR8FLEX the wheels had flat spot in them they did send me new ones. And I agree the total gym feels like theres more resistance. I think the pulls are a little bit bigger on the GR8. It just seems like the TG is a little tighter all around. But can still do everything on it. But I did return mine (that was a pain in the butt but they took it back no question asked) and got the total gym fit
Sorry to hear the GF didn't work out for you. But good to know they took the machine back without a problem.
How long is the machine unfolded? I'm trying to figure out if it would fit in my room.
Is the Total Gym worth the extra cost over the Weider Ultimate Body works? I know you said in another video it was a little smoother, but does that justify the extra cost in your mind?
It's honestly hard to say since I haven't had the GF for that long. My GF does everything my Total Gym Fit does minus having the bar attachment feature. The GF feels a bit more "slicker" on the glide with less friction than my Total Gym. Both are smooth, just slightly different feels. I would recommend getting a GF with the leather tops which I heard are all the colors minus the camo one I have.
@Sliding Bench Trainer Do you if the glide bench on the other gr8flex models are made of canvas? The canvas is a plus for me.
I believe it's only on the camo from what I've heard.
I have the total gym fit.. Just curious if the parts are interchangeable like the squat stand and the pull up attachments, dip bars
Yes, it appears they all are.
The problem with total gym (maybe not so bad)..Its about 10 yrs old and the price never really goes down. I think with the price difference....rather go with the GR8FLEX because from the review...the quality is still equal
I have one question. Does the slide board frame on the gr8flex allow for the addition of the total gym wight bar? Is there room to drill the holes for the bar and not interfere with the slide rail? Thanks.
Unfortunately it doesn't fit the weight bar. I just dropped it off at my nephews to use it so I can't check that room on the board.
@@hybridresistance did you ever try switching the slide boards? I have an xls slide board that total gym sent me to replace a shipping mishap. If the rails are the same I could just switch them out.
I'm considering purchasing a gr8flex. I'm older and not in as good of shape as I used to be. Looking at the specs between the gr8flex and the Fit, it looks like the gr8flex is almost twice as heavy. Is this true? Does it weigh around 110lbs and if so, is it difficult to move once it's set up? Thanks!
I don't know about twice as heavy, but it's for sure a bit hefty compared to the FIT. It's at my sister's house now so I can't accurately gauge the weight. It's not incredibly hard to move around, but definitely a tad bit cumbersome to move around compared to the FIT.
My sliding board gym is Total Trainer DLXIII by Bayou Fitness (now defunct I believe).
I want to get my hands on one of those. Heard they're great.
@@hybridresistance I've had my Total Trainer for well over 10 years, the best/favorite home fitness equipment I've ever had. Even though it's quality parts and construction, I just ordered a 3rd party set of rollers and cable....I wanted to ensure the longevity of it.....considering Bayou Fitness is now defunct.
It seems gr8flex is more stable structurally. 🤔 But I could be wrong too
OK putting myself out there , I'm looking hard at this machine my big problem is my weight which is why I want it I'm sitting right at 355 in your opinion will this hold up for me as I drop (hopefully) in weight or should I save up and just get another XL . I had one 20 years ago when we mover 10 years ago it got put into storage and drew damp and was destroyed, rusted all up and the bed fell apart when I cleaned it up and tried to use it again . Any positive feedback is welcomed
The FIT should for sure hold up. I would suggest picking up some Huck Products replacement wheels later down the line to further increase the longevity of the machine.
I have one question, on the FIT can you do 1 arm presses and flys, or do you have to use both arms to make the bench slide up and down
You can use one arm no problem.
One arm can be done just have to place both handles in one hand.
@@quenemoend I thought I seen someone doing a 1 arm row with just one handle. Are you sure you will have to hold both handles. So I guess a 1 arm chest press would kinda just be awkward I guess
Since Covid 19 reared its ugly head, I have been making do with a garage sale Total Gym Supra Pro, with an add on weight bar, and have actually noticed an improvement in overall fitness and physique since leaving the gym. However, have been overloading it a bit. It's weight capacity is around 350, and between my bodyweight and the additional plates, it s coming out to around 370 pounds, so I am looking to upgrade It is interesting to see the comparisons between Total Gym and its various clones. At first, I was impressed most by the Gr8flex. It's overall appearance and construction seems top notch. However, having to use resistance bands as opposed to add on weights kills the deal for me. Resistance band only add around 50 pounds and eventually wear out, so I am between the Total Gym Fit, and the Vigorfit. Aside from the price difference, I did happen to notice that the Vigorfit substitutes rope for plastic wrapped cable. To me, that is a positive. I wore out the plastic sheath in no time, replaced everything with 7/16" rope and pulleys used in sailboat rigging. Much smoother and more durable, IMHO. I will probably buy the new Total Gym, and swap out the cables and pulleys before they wear out, or use the ones already on my tired old machine
Last time I checked, they no longer make the VigorFit despite the website still being up. So that might help your decision!
The total gym looks like the board is padded. Is the GR8FLEX padded as well? Its hard to tell. So far, I am leaning toward the GR8FLEX. I am an older woman, 65 yrs old/130 lbs and I like the cheaper price and the attachments and I think it would be just fine for me. I'm glad they are very similar. I'm just wondering about padding on the board. Great comparison video!
Yes, both are padded and I'd say more so on the GF. If you haven't seen it here's a recent review video I did on the GF ua-cam.com/video/38RrAQxr1NA/v-deo.html
thank you so much. Fixing to watch the video link. @@hybridresistance
Will the G8tFlex or Total Gym Fit work best for a 5'2"- 5'3" female (are the cables too long on the Gr8tFlex? What about handling each since I also have a fused neck and lower spine? You mentioned your Wife likes the Gr8tFlex best...would be great if she could add the reasons (for female perspective). Thank you for this video (it will def help me & others pick one that works best for certain needs, def don't want to end up with another machine I can't really use) .
I wouldn't say they are too long, sometimes the extra length is a good thing for a variety of exercises. She never really could say why she liked the gr8flex better, I think it was just a little smoother (or easier) glide though.
@@hybridresistance Thank you, I appreciate the info.
If anyone does this comparison it needs to be you,thanks.
As always thanks Lou, appreciate you watching and the support.
Which one has better overall build quality? (Materials, is it solid etc.)
It's honestly hard to say. The GF does feel heavier, but the TG seems like a more quality metal. For instance my Squat Stand on the GF bent a little and there are some minor squeaks when using the GF. But consider that it's much cheaper.
Muito bom para fazer exercício
Are there any covers for the glideboard? My cats want to scratch it 😢
Not that I know of, but that was something I was thinking of getting made.
Have you thought about a wall mount to increase the angle of the bench?
I never tried that, but I've definitely raised it on many surfaces before.
@@hybridresistance if you had room you could set it up on the bottom few steps of a staircase, maybe. Just thinking out loud.
Are the attachments interchangeable between the two?
Yes, those that work on the FIT will work on the GR8FLEX
Can you use a total gym glide board on a GR8FLEX?
Unfortunately no.
Which one feels easier or lighter to fold up on a daily basis? (to save up my small living space)
The total gym is a little easier to fold up.
When you factor the TG has the weight bar, dip bars and most importantly the pilates attachment; the TG wins hands down even with the price difference. Also TG makes a fit unit that does have 15 levels of resistance and is just as tall as the GR8. I do like the stoppers up top, but the pilates outweighs it.
The weight bar really kills it, in my opinion.
Mine too; even tho the gr8 has a rope pully attachment, TG slightly better. The resistance bands can only do 50lb while the weight bar can do upwards of 200. Having seen both ( the TG 15 level) up close, the TG is sturdier even tho it weighs less which tells me it has better quality steel. All that said, i would pay the xtra money for the TG, but gr8 is nice product.
Is there a weight limit difference between the two?
They both support up to 450lbs.
What about for a woman? What about user height? Is the slack in the G8 cables better for people over 6’ and worth it vs The Fit?
User height and cable length can be a personal preference. There's not a huge difference between machines in that regard.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!!!
👍
Glide board is covered in vinyl, not leather.
You didn't cover the resistance bands as a plus for GR8Flex.
You can almost buy 3 Gr8Flex machines for the price of a single Total Gym Fit. That's a huge difference. In my opinion..............the Total Gym is obscenely overpriced for what you get. I'm guessing that more than half of the cost of the Total Gym goes towards paying for their non stop late nite infomercials. Gr8Flex seems more fairly priced. I'm not associated with Gr8flex at all. I don't own either machine. I just ran across this video while doing research before making a purchase.
While the Gr8Flex seems like a well built machine, it doesn't support an external weight bar. I consider the weight bar an absolute necessity since certain exercises like squats and calf raises are going to be way too easy without adding external resistance. It also provides something to grab to make sure the glide board doesn't shift or slip out from under you. The Total Gym has the Apex models on Amazon, with the most expensive model priced at $500, and all of them support the weight bar. Also, the Total Gym site is always running discounts on the Fit and XLS. You can pretty easily get the XLS for around $800 and the Fit for around $1100.
@@kriswempa5171 I don’t know where you’re seeing a Fit model for $1100. I haven’t seen it under $1500 since the start of the pandemic.
If a weight bar is worth an extra $1k ……more power to you.
In my opinion, there’s about $300-400 worth of material and labor in one on these units. Charging
$1500 is ridiculous.
QVC sells the TG Fit 2-3 times per year for $700, including all the attachments and XL squat stand. It is a great deal! (FYI ... I don't work for QVC or TG). Personally, I always try to buy used models. People buy these machines with the best intentions but then never use them. You can pick up a nearly new model for $200 or less. I've purchased a used XLS for $135, a used Fit for $175 and a used GTS (high-end commercial model) for $200! That last one was a steal!
I paid 699 at qvc and gr8flex might not be around in the future so warrant might be worthless
@@scott9352 I did the same back in December as well. The only issue is you have to keep an eye out for when QVC sells it. I just so happened to be channel surfing when I had come across QVC selling it and jumped at the chance at getting the TG Fit Signature series for half the price and more attachments than they sell it for on their own website. I mentioned this in the GR8FLEX review video that I was about to buy it but some of the reviews turned me off, especially with the fact that a lot of the people reviewing said that it came scratched up and also that it made a noise like a train on its tracks. Luckily I the Total Gym was on QVC around the same time and since it is a company that's been around longer that's why I went after the Total Gym. I think had I not stumbled on QVC selling it, I probably would have taken my chances on the GR8FLEX since the cost was so much cheaper than what is on the Total Gym website.
Total gym abs
I'll look to doing more in the future. I do have a "core" playlist on my channel.
Gr8flex definitely better price wise. Gr8flex has all those attachments and I don't think you need weight bar attachment on gr8flex just because you can buy different resistance band and stack them for more resistance. I used to own total gym but now I use gr8flex. It's much better and cost less. That's just my opinion.
Can't beat what you get with the price, that for sure.
The liftetime warranty is no joke. My Gr8flex had one of the wheels break and didnt notice it tell after i had begun to use it daily. A few days after finding out that one of the wheels had broken, one of my kids accidentally rips the leather covering with an unknown item when I wasn't around. I thought for sure that the lifetime warranty was just a bunch of bs, but it wasn't. I contacted the company and told them what had occured. They gave me a few simple instructions to follow and asked me to submit a few pictures and I was done. They never once questioned me as to what had occured. A day later I get an e-mail with a tracking number. A few days go by and I get a package delivery. Inside of the box is a brand new gliding board.
Both are great machines but I can't justify the price of the total gym
Hi. Can you still get the discount on the GR8flex you mentioned. I emailed the address you gave but I haven’t heard back yet👍
I need to follow up with them again, but a few others have told me the same. But I have a feeling they probably are no longer honoring it.