Question

Love your site, great information. I'm 6-'4" and 240 pounds so I need something big and sturdy to workout on in the cooler weather this winter and thought the Total Gym  looks interesting and I like to bike as well.

WIll the Total Gym be strong enough for a guy my size? Will the Schwinn recumbent bikes and the Nordic Trac bikes offer enough legroom? Thanks in advance…

Answer

Arthur,

I think a glide board gym like the Total Gym would be a good option if you're into core strength training, flexibility and general conditioning but I wouldn't get a Total Gym, I'd recommend getting a Total Trainer Power Pro gym like we have in the training studio that's every bit as good,  for half the price (see Total Trainer Power Pro Review)

While I'm not as big as you (6'-2" 205 pounds) the Total Trainer has served me well, and has been in heavy use in my wife's training studio with clients ranging from 120 - 270 pounds and it works like brand new.

As far as the recumbent bikes from Schwinn and Nordic Track are concerned you may be pushing your luck in the ergonomics department at 6'-4" - especially if you have long legs.

The only way to tell for sure if you'll be comfortable on a recumbent is to ride one or talk to either Nordic Track or Schwinn to see if you can find out the exact travel distance on the seat rail. The other option you may want to consider is getting an upright exercise bike as they're less prone to user size issues because of the vertical seat adjustment height.