September 26, 2007
Total Body Trainer 5000
Question
Have you tested the cheaper version of a "total gym" sold by Big 5 Sporting Goods with the name "Total Body Trainer" for $99 (sale) or online at Wal Mart for $89? I was wondering about the stability of these and if they are a good bargain?
Answer
The gym you refer to as the Total Body Trainer is actually called the Total Body Works 5000 made by Weider (a division of Icon Fitness) that is sold by some big box and online retailers to hit that elusive under $100 price point that so many exercise equipment consumers get sucked into.
The Total Body Works 5000 is a sub-par machine with Weider branding that's trying to capitalize on the popularity of the Total Gym and Total Trainer from Bayou. The sub $100 dollar price should be your first tip-off about the quality and durability of this machine.
The frame is flimsy and cheap, the glide board rails aren't solid chrome, the handles are weak and it's almost impossible to adjust.
The funny thing about the Weider Total Body Works 5000 is that the product isn't even supported on their website, not a single mention of it anywhere! Are they trying to dodge the angry calls from people that want their money back on this ill concieved machine?
If you're in the market for a glide board home gym, avoid the Weider (and Total Gym for that matter) and get yourself a Bayou Total trainer like my wife and I have in our training studio.
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3 Comments »
December 20, 2007
I just picked up a total gym 5000 for $50 it seems to work great. and the construction compaired to the one by Chuck seems to be a little bit sturdier. But it is a little bit more difficult to adjust.
June 28, 2008
It seems like womeone is trying to promote the Total Gym and Total Trainer from Bayou. This is a great machine, especially for under $100. it does have two flaws though: not enough weight to do legs and it can scratch your floor. Other than that, i get a good workout from it. If your trying to become Mr. Olympia, look somewhere else. But, if you are just trying to tone up and get in shape this is great.
July 28, 2008
I can't disagree with the 'expert' who answered this question more! Total Body Works 5000 is a great machine for the general person. It's just as good as the basic model of Total Gym (if not better) - I've owned both. You might want to get some ankle straps, though if you wanta do any hamstring curls or leg lifts, etc. It's not the best for the lower body, but with the ankle straps you can compenstate for this to some degree. It's not for serious body builders or guys who want to get seriously ripped, of course, but if you want toned definded normal sized muscles, it will work well for your upper body and at least build your lower body endurance.