Total Gym is a Scam

In this video I tackle comments / issues brought against a Total Gym (or other sliding bench trainer) claiming that it's a scam machine and is a sub par form of resistance training. While I can empathize with such statements from individuals who've never tried or explored ideal use of this equipment, I break down why I believe people have these reservations and feelings on why I feel this is one of if not the best form for resistance training for a large portion of people's resistance training goals.

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0:00 - Intro
1:32 - Main Issues people have
3:18 - 3 Reasons Why People think it's a "scam"
3:54 - Ignorance
6:39 - Misunderstanding
8:35 - Challenging the Paradigm

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DISCLAIMER:
Hybrid Resistance YouTube 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.
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[CamanoIslandAnnie]

I am 75 next month, and I have owned a Total Gym since 1975, from it's inception. This one piece of equipment has kept me functional and active. I am not able to do some of the workouts I used to do, because of age and joints but it has literally been a lifesaver! I Love Your Videos. Onward and Upward, Anne

[kgeganjrify]

I sustained a severe spinal back in 1999. I purchased a Total Gym after a year of extreme physical therapy. The results I achieve with a Total Gym gave me my mobility back.

[chuckahlswede]

I have had a total gym for 6 years and i don't use it as much as I could but i love it being there when i want it. It dose keep me in shape. I'm 71 and people think I'm 55+. Thank you Chuck Norris 😎

[AnonyMous-rrrv]

Used a low end total gym in my 40s. Dropped ~60 lbs in about 8 months, working out 30 mins a day and cutting out junk food. Now in my late 50s and gonna do it again. Saves a lot of time instead of a gym membership.

[kylermichael]

I messed up my shoulder bad wrestling in high school so I can’t do a typical resistance training( like bench press) so I use the total gym. I started two months ago and I can tell a huge difference. I’m only 27 and I will use a total gym probably the rest of my life

[onemondaynight]

Definitely not a scam. Twice in the past 15 years I have completely transformed my body using ONLY a Total Gym, diet, and walking. I have a gym near me, but even when I have had a membership, I have found that I'm more likely to stick to a workout routine using the Total Gym because it's right there in my garage, taking up very little space, and I can make it part of my morning routine without having to get dressed and get in the car to go anywhere.

[robertdirocco]

I've had my total gym for 22 years now. I purchased it along with all the attachments it came with at the time. As long as you have a total gym that can support weight plates you cant go wrong. I still go from one exercise to another, so it works my cardio which is a plus. I can do a full body in 20 minutes and that is 3 sets.

[OG-Dankenstein]

I started working on my total gym 6 months ago and with proper diet have lost 35 pounds using only the total gym and walking. I have definition again in my arms back and chest and I am 53 years old. It is an incredible machine.

[joshtocker]

I've been using a totalgym for a few years, it does everything I need it to do. Honestly, there is something appealing about laying down on a board to exercise, when not feeling motivated, and all of a sudden I find myself "Going to town" moments after I start. If that doesn't make sense and motivate you to buy one then you're just not serious enough to start exercising on the regular.

[joshualuckadoo]

I gave up the gym membership and switched to a total gym and I have better results from a total gym

[davidrafkind]

I have had 9 back and spine related surgeries. I am fused from T1-L2. Suffer from chronic pain due to nerve damage. The Total Gym has not only helped with my recovery but I have lost 190 pounds and transformed my body. Mentally and physically. The TG takes the stress off my back and allows me to work hard. I’m amazed at what I have been able to accomplish. I appreciate demos from you and others. I hit the TG and recumbent bike early morning before my pain gets worse. Take it from me. The TG can start as a therapy aid, but become life changing.

[robertwilson]

I am 90 years old. My goal using the total gym is to maintain body muscles for everyday activities and maintaining our home and lawn. I use my total gym for about 45 minutes almost every day, and I walk at least a mile every day either outside or using my treadmill if there is bad weather. I am reasonably fit and maintain proper body weight. All of my live I was guessed to be 10 years younger than I am. Now that I am an old fart I am guessed to be about 20 years younger.

[DeadLinux]

I picked up my Weider UBW during covid lockdown since I was so tired of having to work around a bench, barbells, and dumbbells in my small house with three other people (my family lol). The sliding bench was cheap, durable, and I could fold it all up out of the way if I gave up on fitness (again). Your channel helped justify and expand my use of it, and also look at bands, suspension trainers, etc. and gave me something I could use to put together solid muscle building workouts with a small footprint - I'm a believer, but this vid is great.

[richeleortiz]

Although I don't fit into your target audience for this video, (53 yr wanna be fit), I love my total gym. It definitely works for me. Thankyou so much for all your videos! Your my go to person for learning all the exercises I can do on this machine. Your information is priceless...

[nitanice]

You can't build muscle without free weights? WTH? Some of the most incredibly fit and muscled men I know do yoga, for goodness sake! I have my second total gym -- side of the road pick-up in perfect condition. So glad because it does help me stay fit.

[TheHomeGymExperience]

Great video! You’ve single-handedly revolutionized the sliding bench industry.

[loulopez]

Two thoughts here, Either these people have never tried it or they're behind another product. As far as just doing pushups, dips and chin ups your average person cannot do enough of most if not all of these exercises to even begin progress. With only a chin up bar and a few other other home workout pieces of equipment try doing seated rows and or cable flyes. How about shoulder presses that don't hurt your back. I could go on but we know the truth and that''s all that matters.

[bee-et]

This is an intellegently-crafted video, thank you! I saw a commercial for this machine on TV and decided to look into it to see if it is indeed just for rehabilitation or an older generation. We are in our 40s and I have been doing power yoga for almost 25 years now. The weight resistance of my own body is all I've ever needed to be challenged and build muscle, which is why I love the simplicity of yoga, all I need is a mat. I was drawn to this machine for the same reason as I'm looking for something for my husband that does the same thing, uses his own body weight for resistance. Your demonstrations have really helped sell me on it. I really appreciate your innovative thinking about this machine and your articulate, well-thought-out video. Bravo and thank you!

[davidrogers]

I have used the XLS model for years. When the gyms closed down due to COVID. I added a center support to my TG. I have loaded the TG with a total 750lbs of weights. Standard plates "600lbs" plus my weight "145lbs" @ #6 setting = 316lbs of true pressing weight for leg press exercises.

[bamimages-joknightafiapqps]

Coming across your video for older people made me buy a Total Gym, even though I'm not elderly! I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hypermobility) and have a lot of back problems which aren't fixable. Any kind of strength training killed my back and just wasn't do-able. But as I'm now in my 50s and have gone through menopause I noticed my muscles were scarily weak and I knew I had to do something about the situation. I do all the arm exercises sitting on the bench with my legs crossed, which takes the weight off my lower back. Being able to do legs squats while lying on my back, which doesn't require my back to weight bare, has been a game changer. I started out with the column on the lowest height at no.1 which has allowed me to very gradually over several months increase resistance at my own pace. I can also do the exercises slowly and mindfully, not over-extending my joints which as someone who is hypermobile I do naturally and can cause injury/tendonitis. I can't do all the exercises because of my back issues, so just concentrate on the ones I can do. Brilliant piece of equipment - thanks for the videos 🙂