Question

I appreciated your review of the Bayou Total Trainer and wondered if you have knowledge of the bodyrail which is similar but different. Apparently, the main difference is the cables on the bodyrail can be adjusted upwards for better body alignment and the bench can be made level by the footplate which swings down.

This seems to allow for more versatility overall. I would like to know what you think. I have done strength workouts at the YMCA for years. I am a short (5'1") female and am interested in this type of gym. I plan to move and will not be close to a gym so am looking at something different. Thanks very much for any feedback - Catherine

Answer

Catherine, thank you for the positive feedback about the website and blog. I haven't had any hands on experience with the Bodyrail as it's not widely available at any local store that I could find here in Minneapolis, so I'm going to give you my opinion based on my online research of this home gym and a phone call I placed to the Bodyrail company today.

Bodyrail Review and Comparison

The Bodyrail gym states that it's a high quality, low cost alternative the the highly successful Total Gym and similar Bayou Total Trainer home gym models that cost hundreds more.

The main selling feature that Bodyrail touts is that their gym doesn't use pullys for resistance and instead utilizes fixed position static cable attachments for all of its' exercises. With the fixed position of the cable attachments they claim that the Bodyrail allows up to 89% of your body weight to be used for resistance (Bodyrail 430i only) compared to only 50% on the Total gym and Bayou Total Trainer.

While it's impressive that you can use 89% of your bodyweight for exercises, that fact alone shouldn't be the deciding factor in making a purchase of this gym. You've got to look at other factors including:

• number of effective exercises
• price
• warranty
• space requirements
• comparisons to similar home gyms

What I Don't Like About the Bodyrail Gym

The first thing that strikes me about the Bodyrail gym is the rather small size of the support tubing and bracing structure. Compared to the Bayou Total Trainer and Total Gym, the Bodyrail appears to be less stable (Bodyrail does give you a 5 year warranty so that should help ease any fears about the durability of the machine).

Although the Bodyrail manufacturer touts the high incline ability of the gym, it should be known that the greater the incline, the greater the chance of injury in deconditioned individuals. When the incline rises, more weight and stress will be transferred to you muscles - and if you're just starting out strength training this can lead to trouble.

With those two concerns about the gym, let's move on and see what I liked about the Bodyrail…

What I Like About the Bodyrail Gym

The Bodyrail is a good twist on the original Total Gym and subsequent competitor gyms from Bayou and Weider. The Bodyrail has taken a good idea and improved upon it by adding useful features like the 4 point cable attachments and the width adjustability of the anchor points.

They've also come up with a clever way to reverse the footplate position under the machine to allow for leg exercises like curls and extensions just like at the gym (their claim not mine). I also like the fact that you can add weight plates to the machine (just like the Bayou TT and Total Gym) if your strength reaches a point where you need the added resistance (great for leg exercises).

Lastly, with the Bodyrail you have the option to wall mount the gym which is a real boon for apartment dwellers or people using the gym in a small room that can't afford to give up floor space when the gym is not in use.

Bodyrail Bottom Line

The Bodyrail is a good alternative to the Bayou Total Trainer and Total Gym XL for the money that meets or exceeds the competition in function, warranty and effectiveness for a smaller price tag than you would expect. If you're interested in body weight resistance training or Pilates type workouts, buy a Bodyrail Gym for your home.