To anyone looking to purchase a sliding bench, here is my 2 cents on the weight bar vs bands, Personally I feel that the weight bar attachment is good for 2 things. Number one, for putting your feet on while doing certain exercises, and number 2, to hold while doing squats. With that said, it’s worth it for both reasons. But bands are a better option for resistance. First of all , you get the full resistance the bands provide. You can also progressively overload with out having to worry about exceeding the weight capacity of the machine. And also keep in mind what ever weight you add do the bar, your still only getting a percentage of it as resistance.
Though I love my Total Gym 11,000 (eleven thousand, not eleven hundred) that I’ve had now for 20 years ((bought in 2004), I’ve never understood why Total Gym doesn’t include power bands on their units. I love the weight bar but I’ve always wished that Total Gym offered both systems, for variety, if nothing else. However, I think the reasons they don’t offer the power bands is because they will lose resistance over time and may eventually break over many years of use (maybe even causing an unfortunate rubber band type of accident) whereas using weight plates will not lose resistance or break. Those are the only reasons I can think of.
It's good to see there is a quality alternative to the Total Gym for those who prefer the lower prices. As far as considering ever buying the GR8FIT, I think I will always be loyal to Total Gym. They brought the concept of the sliding-bench exercise machine to the public decades ago and persevered against indifference and skepticism to ultimately sell millions of these units. I bought my first Total Gym in 1999--at the time it was the 1100, then went through a couple name changes (and minor modifications to the TG itself), finally coming to be known as the 13000, I believe. I moved out of NYC a couple of years ago and my wife convinced me the old TG was too big and heavy to bring with us, so I left it in the basement of our building, in hopes another tenant might take it and give it a home. I had been missing having the TG so I bought the TG Fitness Ultimate from QVC this past May when it was offered with a "can't pass it up" price! It has 15 levels, while my old TG 1100 had only six levels. However, the sixth level on the old TG was slightly higher than level 15 on the new TG. Nonetheless, it is a sweet machine and in use it feels pretty much like the older unit.
I have the signature series TG. I add resistance using the weight bar with bar clamps 3 inches from each end of the weight bar. I then wrap a band around the squat attachment and loop each band end over the end of the bar. The bar clamps keep the bands away from the sides of the sliding bench and increase the resistance compared to not using the clamps and allowing the bands to slide up against the sides of the bench. I like this better than messing with weight plates. It is easier and faster to attach the band or bands. Using the bands vs. the weight plates in my opinion speed up the workout and can be replaced when they wear out with your favorite bands. And as you have pointed out in the past, you can still use the bar as a hand grip when required for heavier band load resistance.
Considered a Gr8Flex and would have went with one if the 'special' QVC pricing they have for the Fit several times a year weren't a thing. The Fit at the time last fall ended up being about $30 more than the Gr8Flex.
Don’t apologize! You took the time to make the video and it’s great info. I too may consider the Gr8flex now as my total gym is getting old (not the top models you have) and honestly just hate modding stuff. Thanks
first off ive been doing that leg exercise yr son made up👍from my heels,but from the toes is simulator to a sissy squat,i like both machines ,its hard to pick from,that ggr8flex is fire 🔥 yeah that middle pulley,but both look smooth as a cadillac lol,great video mike,and thanks for the lumber decompression video!
Bought the TG Anniversary Ed. over a year ago after considering a Gr8 Flex. Liked the price of the GR8 Flex but was a bit concerned with quality, as well as future support, since I wasn't sure about the GR8 Flex company. Today I may have made a different decision but honestly no regrets at all.
This is version I own anniversary but in yellow! Have owned it for about 8months. Very happy with it! Got my bro on it yday now he is interested in picking one up haha! Could tell you weren't in the mood to do this one it's so similar to your chuck norris edition lol!
If you are into the total "Total Gym Experience", my advice if you can afford it is to invest the time and money into the Encompass, it worked for me, it may work for you, or it may not? Happy Anniversary Mr. Mike.
I'm making my way to "Upstate Karate Studio" in SC to train at Wonder Boy's gym, then to Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Lawrenceville GA, then back to Northern Alabama for the Tiger-Rock Martial Arts District 23 Tournament where I'm entered into the Forms & Sparring Competition. If you would have told me 3 years ago I would be doing all of this when I was 230lbs I would have said "You nuts", but what was "nuts" yesterday can be the reality of today. Sometimes I feel like a nut..@@hybridresistance
How come Total Gym doesn't use higher grade wheel materials, it's good Huck's products are out their for the consumers but it would be great if he sold he upgrades on Amazon. I have jad a Total Gym for years then the wheels busted on my TG 2000 and I already had purchased a 1700 club and have never open it about 4 years later ,the I when back to using my 2000 TG gym after after about 6 or 7 year of it just setting and the wheels busted so I opened the 1700 club and within 2 minutes or less the wheel failed it had been set intje nox for about 6 or 7 years , I jist purchased some replacement wheels and it been up for two days now and the 2000 the bolt & axles on the rear broke because of the sotf metal they used , Huck's who I found out about later and partly by you has some heat treatment and chrome platd axles botts. I loved that 2000 Total Gym when ot was working as designed and I'm upset the don't sell replacements part at Total Gym,but always bring out new models and thought they only want them to last a short time and then you buy a new model ,but the warranty the frame for life and don't make new parts. I still like the device but they ollnly seem to last if you don't really use it or have two or more. The need a service department especially with the older Total Gyms like the 2000 & 3000. which was theor nread and butter early on. ✌️
I just replied to your last comment about these upgrades, but I think the major reason is just simply cost. Here's one interview where we get into that ua-cam.com/video/PPnl4ywL5_o/v-deo.html
Can the X3 squat belt be attached to the total gym weight bar to keep you in place while doing different exercises on the total gym? For example, could it be attached to the bar when doing squats or leg presses? What about when doing weighted pull ups?
They’re honesty so similar it’s really which design or features you prefer. I go back and forth with the weight bar. I’d say you could find a cheap used TG FIt easy.
After watching one of your older videos which said the Gr8 Flex was legit I went looking for one on FB Marketplace. Landed one in good shape with the attachments for $150. It was a great deal. Thanks for the guidance you give!
To anyone looking to purchase a sliding bench, here is my 2 cents on the weight bar vs bands, Personally I feel that the weight bar attachment is good for 2 things. Number one, for putting your feet on while doing certain exercises, and number 2, to hold while doing squats. With that said, it’s worth it for both reasons. But bands are a better option for resistance. First of all , you get the full resistance the bands provide. You can also progressively overload with out having to worry about exceeding the weight capacity of the machine. And also keep in mind what ever weight you add do the bar, your still only getting a percentage of it as resistance.
Great points and tips right there.
Though I love my Total Gym 11,000 (eleven thousand, not eleven hundred) that I’ve had now for 20 years ((bought in 2004), I’ve never understood why Total Gym doesn’t include power bands on their units. I love the weight bar but I’ve always wished that Total Gym offered both systems, for variety, if nothing else. However, I think the reasons they don’t offer the power bands is because they will lose resistance over time and may eventually break over many years of use (maybe even causing an unfortunate rubber band type of accident) whereas using weight plates will not lose resistance or break. Those are the only reasons I can think of.
It's good to see there is a quality alternative to the Total Gym for those who prefer the lower prices. As far as considering ever buying the GR8FIT, I think I will always be loyal to Total Gym. They brought the concept of the sliding-bench exercise machine to the public decades ago and persevered against indifference and skepticism to ultimately sell millions of these units. I bought my first Total Gym in 1999--at the time it was the 1100, then went through a couple name changes (and minor modifications to the TG itself), finally coming to be known as the 13000, I believe. I moved out of NYC a couple of years ago and my wife convinced me the old TG was too big and heavy to bring with us, so I left it in the basement of our building, in hopes another tenant might take it and give it a home. I had been missing having the TG so I bought the TG Fitness Ultimate from QVC this past May when it was offered with a "can't pass it up" price! It has 15 levels, while my old TG 1100 had only six levels. However, the sixth level on the old TG was slightly higher than level 15 on the new TG. Nonetheless, it is a sweet machine and in use it feels pretty much like the older unit.
Can't beat that deal!
What perfect timing as I was looking at the gr8flex sliding bench alternative to the more expensive Total gym models.
Two awesome machines! Very cool that Gr8Flex is a Canadian company.
I have the signature series TG. I add resistance using the weight bar with bar clamps 3 inches from each end of the weight bar. I then wrap a band around the squat attachment and loop each band end over the end of the bar. The bar clamps keep the bands away from the sides of the sliding bench and increase the resistance compared to not using the clamps and allowing the bands to slide up against the sides of the bench. I like this better than messing with weight plates. It is easier and faster to attach the band or bands. Using the bands vs. the weight plates in my opinion speed up the workout and can be replaced when they wear out with your favorite bands. And as you have pointed out in the past, you can still use the bar as a hand grip when required for heavier band load resistance.
Awesome tips, thanks for sharing all of that.
We just ordered the Chuck Norris signature model via your link...and based in the numbers we saw, it saved hundreds of dollars.
Thank you for your support Donnie.
Considered a Gr8Flex and would have went with one if the 'special' QVC pricing they have for the Fit several times a year weren't a thing. The Fit at the time last fall ended up being about $30 more than the Gr8Flex.
Don’t apologize! You took the time to make the video and it’s great info. I too may consider the Gr8flex now as my total gym is getting old (not the top models you have) and honestly just hate modding stuff. Thanks
Thank Ray!
first off ive been doing that leg exercise yr son made up👍from my heels,but from the toes is simulator to a sissy squat,i like both machines ,its hard to pick from,that ggr8flex is fire 🔥 yeah that middle pulley,but both look smooth as a cadillac lol,great video mike,and thanks for the lumber decompression video!
No problem and thank you for watching as always ELAD!
Bought the TG Anniversary Ed. over a year ago after considering a Gr8 Flex. Liked the price of the GR8 Flex but was a bit concerned with quality, as well as future support, since I wasn't sure about the GR8 Flex company. Today I may have made a different decision but honestly no regrets at all.
If you got the TG FIT, you're basically not missing much. They are very similar
Shouldn't be about time for a sliding bench trainer limited edition or a Skyler king edition 😂?
This is version I own anniversary but in yellow! Have owned it for about 8months. Very happy with it! Got my bro on it yday now he is interested in picking one up haha! Could tell you weren't in the mood to do this one it's so similar to your chuck norris edition lol!
haha, yes I mean it's basically the same. But I know there's people who are on the fence between these two.
First I loved the movie clips and I envy you for getting to try all these units out. How much cheaper is the Gr8flex than the total gym fit?
Thanks Lou. Hope someone would appreciate that! Depending on the sale, you might be saving between 200-400 on a GF right with prices.
If you are into the total "Total Gym Experience", my advice if you can afford it is to invest the time and money into the Encompass, it worked for me, it may work for you, or it may not?
Happy Anniversary Mr. Mike.
Definitely Doug, great point. Great to hear from the legend himself again. Hope all is well with you.
I'm making my way to "Upstate Karate Studio" in SC to train at Wonder Boy's gym, then to Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Lawrenceville GA, then back to Northern Alabama for the Tiger-Rock Martial Arts District 23 Tournament where I'm entered into the Forms & Sparring Competition. If you would have told me 3 years ago I would be doing all of this when I was 230lbs I would have said "You nuts", but what was "nuts" yesterday can be the reality of today.
Sometimes I feel like a nut..@@hybridresistance
@@douglaslindsey7512How is the encompass working for you? Do you feel way more resistance I’m interested in the power tower but it’s way to much money
Would you get a used total gym fit - chuck norris for $300 or a used military gr8flex for $100?
Depends really if you want a weight bar attachment option or not otherwise they are extremely similar
How come Total Gym doesn't use higher grade wheel materials, it's good Huck's products are out their for the consumers but it would be great if he sold he upgrades on Amazon.
I have jad a Total Gym for years then the wheels busted on my TG 2000 and I already had purchased a 1700 club and have never open it about 4 years later ,the I when back to using my 2000 TG gym after after about 6 or 7 year of it just setting and the wheels busted so I opened the
1700 club and within 2 minutes or less the wheel failed it had been set intje nox for about 6 or 7 years ,
I jist purchased some replacement wheels and it been up for two days now and the 2000 the bolt & axles on the rear broke because of the sotf metal they used ,
Huck's who I found out about later and partly by you has some heat treatment and chrome platd axles botts.
I loved that 2000 Total Gym when ot was working as designed and I'm upset the don't sell replacements part at Total Gym,but always bring out new models and thought they only want them to last a short time and then you buy a new model ,but the warranty the frame for life and don't make new parts.
I still like the device but they ollnly seem to last if you don't really use it or have two or more. The need a service department especially with the older Total Gyms like the 2000 & 3000.
which was theor nread and butter early on. ✌️
I just replied to your last comment about these upgrades, but I think the major reason is just simply cost. Here's one interview where we get into that ua-cam.com/video/PPnl4ywL5_o/v-deo.html
@@hybridresistance
You have very good information on your channel and
Thanks very much. 👍
What are some features you think are missing from ALL sliding bench trainers that you'd like to see them add?
This would be long reply! It's not so much the features as it is the application / design IMO that could be improved.
@@hybridresistanceCould you give an example Mike? :)
Can the X3 squat belt be attached to the total gym weight bar to keep you in place while doing different exercises on the total gym? For example, could it be attached to the bar when doing squats or leg presses? What about when doing weighted pull ups?
Yes, you can definitely do all of that. Great question
@@hybridresistance great to know, thank you
So the newest total gym has 14 levels
They just make various "special edition" models that are basically the same, just more minor increments.
Which one you prefer ?
They’re honesty so similar it’s really which design or features you prefer. I go back and forth with the weight bar. I’d say you could find a cheap used TG FIt easy.
Ok cool stuff
👍
After watching one of your older videos which said the Gr8 Flex was legit I went looking for one on FB Marketplace. Landed one in good shape with the attachments for $150. It was a great deal.
Thanks for the guidance you give!
Awesome !