Total Gym 1700 Club

January 31, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Home Gyms

Brand: Total Gym
Average Rating
62 reviews

The Total Gym 1700 Club gives you practically everything you need to start your own workout program to tone and strengthen the important muscle groups of your upper and lower body. more info

Comments

62 Comments on "Total Gym 1700 Club"

  1. A Natural Touch on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 5:31 am 

    A+ Home Workout System
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Who would have thought that 3 fly wheels, 2 cables and 1 slant board would be able to kick your butt. I’m 38 and HATE to sweat/workout, but I fell in love with the Total Gym 1700 Club after my 1st workout. The 1700 is so smooth it’s like a hot knife going through butter. The workouts transition so easily from one to the next which enables you to cut down on your workout time but not your “workout.” This machine makes you work muscles you never realized you had and believe me, you’ll know it the next day. A good 15-20 minute workout and you’ve literally worked the entire body. Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not taking longer to workout but I’ve come to realize that it’s the quality of the workout, not the length of the workout. If you are considering the 1700 Club, don’t hesitate any longer! By the way ladies, don’t let your hair hang over the end of the slant board or you’ll have more of it in the fly wheel than on your head. I learned the hard way. LOL P.S. Sorry for using the word “workout” so many times. LOL

  2. B. Burns on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 7:53 am 

    Total Gym
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Excellent gym for a beginner/intermediate workout program. The infomercials are a little cheesy but it really does what it claims. In just a couple weeks I’ve completely toned my whole body. I highly recommend this.

  3. P. Winfield on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 11:23 am 

    a great piece of equipment …doe’s what they say it does….
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Am very happy with my recent purchase of the Total Gym 1700 Club. Whether you have a lot of time to spent with it or just 20-30 min. you’ll definitely feel a difference after just a couple of weeks. I suffer from lower back pain and already feel it has helped with that. Doe’s take a little time to set up but once it’s together you’re ready to go. The only draw back is that it does take up some room. It’s not something you’ll want to fold up everytime either. Otherwise, it’s great.

  4. Richard P. Pollack on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 12:06 pm 

    still waiting for my order to arrive
    Rating:1 out of 5 stars
    Dont be fooled.The shipping details says ships between 3-5 days.I have been waiting for this order for 3 months and they just sent me an update that it still wont be delivered for another 2 months.THATS 5 MONTHS!!Just absurd.If it isnt rectified,i will soon cancel the order and order from a reputable company.

  5. J. Jewett on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 12:23 pm 

    This is a great piece of equipment.
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I just recieved it via Fed Ex and set it up, but after just one 15 minute work out, boy did i feel it. Every exercise uses your core muscles, plus the muscles used in the exercise. Its very sturdy and I’m not small guy at 6′2″ and 235 lbs. The only complaint I can think of is that it is not as easy to setup as advertised, it took about 30 minutes to get everything just right while reading the instructions. And the rollers under the board dont glide as well as the more expensive ones, but my guess is that once I have used it a bit it will start to glide better. If not I will lube up the rollers a bit. I cant wait to see how things are going after 3 months. If you are thinking about getting one of these, dont wait the three years that I did to get one. Buy yours today!

  6. Anne on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 12:26 pm 

    Total Gym Review
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    This has been a great resistance training product for me. Setup was relatively easy although the product is not quite as portable as I thought it would be; it does take up quite a bit of space and is heavy to move so you are best off to set it up someplace that you don’t have to move it. The exercises are easy to learn and fun to do. The gliding motion is smooth and transition between exercises is quick and easy. It has been very effective for me so far. The one complaint I do have is that the bench apparatus is heavy and difficult to move the incline up and down between exercises; if you have a bad lower back like I do you have to be very careful.

  7. B. Parry on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 1:19 pm 

    Great product, but the wheels broke & it won’t glide now.
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I was very pleased to see the box arrive at my door. It was heavy! So have a helper or be prepared to drag it in the house!

    Assemble was a little confusing, but that could just be me. Got it all together and started right away. It glided easily and the adjustments to increase difficulty were/are easy to make.

    I really like the machine. So why the 4 Rating? Well, after 3 months some plastic round things started dropping from the underside. I had no idea what it was and figured it was something on the bench because when I looked under it, I saw nothing missing or wrong. Two more months and now it is grinding metal to metal and will not “slide” as the plastic round things I am guessing, are either the wheels or protect the wheels; another round “cog” looking plastic thing fell and that is when it started grinding.

    Amazon is no longer responsible to help me, I understand that. Trying to contact the Total Gym number from their website and am waiting on a return call. I am hoping to get a new set of “wheels” and that the repair will be easy.

    The price here at Amazon.com is the BEST and I do not think this breakdown is due to that. I bet it would have happened if I spent over the $2000 the Total Gym wanted for the same product from the infomercial.

    I did not keep my papers from the box handy so need to look for it. There might be something in there for what to do in my situation.

    Bottom-line:

    Great price.

    Moderate assembly skill/ time required.

    Keep your information from the mfg. at hand.

    If you see anything drop from it…call it in immediately.

    Easy to use and is enjoyable.

    TIE your long hair up…it will get caught in the pulley! [first hand knowledge on this one.]

    It does take up a lot of room unless you fold it up every time you are done with it.

    So there you have it.

    If I get a resolution to my issue I will come back and let you know.

    Best wishes and happy exercising!

  8. Sharon O'Hara on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 1:41 pm 

    The all in one great workout machine
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I’ve had my Total Gym almost fifteen years and consider it a all in one machine workout in a small footprint…perfect.

    Unfortunately I have current health conditions that make it difficult for me to get low enough to use it properly but friends use it.

    It hasn’t had problems and if I had to choose only one workout machine, it would be the TG.

  9. Mike Bryan on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 2:02 pm 

    The Delivery of the Total gym 1700 Club from Fedex
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I order the Total Gym 1700 Club and Amazon new feature helped me track my purchase. However the delivery person stated that they had delivered the product but no one was there. I was standing outside waiting from the truck, when I saw one go around the block twice. Then I went back to my apartment and check fedex website for a phone number call them. Once I call them I told them to hold my purchase that I will pick-it up. Then in their warehouse my box had a huge hole in the bottom and it was that box got wet in the warehouse. Now I am missing a pilates bar that should had come in the box. *****FYI Make sure you check all the pieces that come with your purchase. **** I also called Fedex to see if they could find my missing pieces.

  10. Darth Wader on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 3:21 pm 

    Best on the market for the price
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Ok, so here’s the deal. You can look all over the internet trying to find something cheaper or you can look all over town for the best deal on a gym membership…or you can just stop wasting your time and buy this product! For under four hundred dollars you can have a complete home gym that builds muscle while giving you a good cardio workout at the same time. Plus, the Total Gym does not take up a lot of space like many home gyms, but at the same time offers dozens of quality exercises for every muscle group. In addition, I was able to assemble it in about 10 or 15 minutes as it is mostly already assembled. I am a 24 year old male and have been using it for about 3 months and have lost at least 12 pounds of fat while gaining noticable muscle mass. I use about 3 days a week and my abs are showing (even though I haven’t done a sit-up or an ab exercise yet – though I am going to start soon) because most of the exercises will work out your abs and core section of your body. All of the exercises are easy to learn and the Total Gym comes with both an instructional DVD and two sets of books with diagrams of exercises designed for specific muscles groups (chest, shoulder, biceps, triceps, legs, back, and biceps). After 3 months, my Total Gym is showing no signs of wear and tear, so I figure that even if I can only use this for a few years, it is definitely money well spent because that is less than a gym membership – plus you don’t have to drive to a gym, wait around for other people, and I look forward to coming home and doing my workout while blasting music. The Total Gym is fun, safe, economical, and best of all, it works! If you don’t believe Chuck Norris or Christie Brinkley, then you can trust me – the Total Gym is for real! I was really skeptical at first, but now I am a true believer.

  11. Ann Brown on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 11:30 pm 

    Great product
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I love it. Its quiet, and easy to use. Its great for toning up, and you can put it on a lower level to get a really good cardio workout.

  12. B. Eide on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 12:40 am 

    Total Gym 1700 Club
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    Good home gym, good value. Only problem was that it was delivered broken. If I would have been home when it was delivered I would not have accepted delivery because the box was a mess, broken open and filthy. When I opened it, I prayed all the pieces were there. They were but two plastic pieces were broken. I was able to fix/gloo them back together and the gym works fine. I don’t know if it left the store in this condition or if was the fault of UPS.

  13. Juicy Melon on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 1:54 am 

    So Awesome!
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I bought this because I live in Minnesota and the winters are horrible. I have skipped on so many workouts because of the cold. I had to get three things this year in order to keep my workout going…One was a Treadmill. Two was a exercise body ball. Now the last thing, this piece of equipment..The total Gym!

    I was nervous about purchasing this product because of so many failed home gyms in the past. Would I use it? Is it hard to set up? Is it durable? All those questions ran through my head.

    Before I continue, I am a Male, 25 years old, 6ft 3, 215lbs, and average strength. Keep that in mind as you read.

    I am getting a great upper-body workout from this machine. I have noticed my back, arms, and chest all have significant gains with the help of this machine.

    I am committed to getting healthy this year. If you are, keep in mind, this product will not be the only thing you need to use. I have a treadmill so I can do some cardio, but running on the street/track is more preferred. I have the exercise ball to get some pushups/situps going. I also have WiiFit to add some fun into the routine. I also Ski in the winter and Bike in the summer.

    What I mean from that above paragraph is that this product will not change you overnight. It does work and if you combine using this with healthy eating, cardio, and some leg workouts somewhere else, (This machine does come with some leg workouts, but they are not enough for me), then you will see some gains.

    This does take up some space…Think roughly 10 feet. Super thin though. This is also pretty heavy to move. I have a room where I just keep it set -up. You can move it if you want to, but I like to keep it out so I remind myself to use it.

    Your hands smell like rubber from the padding after you are done. I suggest using some workout gloves.

    I had one minor part break during shipping. I will call the supplier and get a new part. It was a plastic knob that goes over the locking mechanism. I can still use the machine without this part, but it’s annoying trying to adjust the height without this knob.

    This machine is definitely worth the price. I am very satisfied. I have noticed some gains, but I also do a variety of exercises with the above mentioned items.

    I guarantee you will not find what you are looking for if this is the only thing you work with. You need to combine some cardio and some leg work along with healthy eating. However, this mean is a lot more user-friendly than free weights and waiting in gym lines…Or in my case, not wanting to go outside to my car.

  14. N. Martin on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 2:15 am 

    Great Machine, its worth my money…because Chuck Norris said so!
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    Pros:

    Sturdy, compact, versatile, fast workouts, already assmebled, and it includes everything you need for all workouts (no need to purchase extra accessories, easy to store, and low cost compared to bowflex and health clubs.

    My experience after 3 weeks:

    I am 30 yrs. young 6′2, 245 lbs. and this machine gives me a great workout while using little of my time as possible. Well designed, you can store it in a closet or under your bed. The Total Gym 1700 Club comes assembled with a small learning curve to setup and getting familiar with the exercises. 35 minutes after I opened the box I started work out. The machine is made out of solid construction. I was afraid at first because I am overweight and did not know if it could handle my weight, but it did and I haven’t thought about it since. After two weeks my arms, shoulders, chest, legs are looking lean and very shaped. I feel healthier internally because the change of exercise positions is fast I am getting a cardio workout. It takes me 40 minutes to complete my workout; this includes setting up, stretching, cool down period, and back to storage. I recommend this machine based on simplicity, cost, and efficiency. I like it very much and will continue to use it on a regular basis. Plus if Chuck Norris says it is the best machine out there; it is. Chuck is no liar. Plus he would probably kick my butt if I called him liar, of course if he could get past my anaconda like submission move (which is latch on to him and use my dead weight to drag him to the floor)~he’ll tap. Seriously you get what you pay for and much more.

    Cons: Needs handle holders, weights about 50 to 60 lbs, and needs wheels for easy mobility.

  15. David A. Stanley on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 6:14 am 

    Inauspicious Start
    Rating:3 out of 5 stars
    I ordered the Total Gym 1700 Club on March 24th, got word that it wasn’t shipped until April 9th, over 2 weeks later (even though the seller Stress Less, Inc. claimed it had at least one in stock), and received it on April 15th, a day late from the latest date for delivery (April 7-14). But no big deal – I got it.

    I received the item with one broken wheel under the glide board – the other 3 are fine for now. The wheel’s flange is broken making the glide board prone to “jumping the track” if any twisting or turning takes place. It’s still useable if I don’t twist any on the glide board, but frustrating if the board jumps the track in the middle of an exercise. That necessitates having to stop whatever exercise I was in the middle of, get off the machine, put the glide board back onto the rails, get back on, start where I left off, etc. Very annoying!

    I contacted the Total Gym Limited Warranty 800 number on April 25th to not only register for the 12 month warranty, but also to get a replacement wheel sent to me. When I mentioned the broken wheel, the girl that I spoke with acknowledged the broken wheel problem in a knowing manner, as if to say to me that that happens alot. She also said that she would send a pair of wheels out and that I should get them within 7-10 business days. I’m still waiting.

    Today I called back to follow-up on the replacement wheels (5-6-08) and the different girl that I spoke with didn’t show any record whatsoever of my name or product being registered in their system. So I had to start all over and give her the usual stuff; name, address, phone, serial number, etc. She also told me that they only send out wheels in packages of 4, not 2 like the previous girl said – which I’m not complaining about getting 4 wheels. It’s just that getting conflicting information along with the overall experience thus far has not inspired confidence in either Total Gym or in Stress Less, Inc.

    Now for the product itself: The Total Gym is a tool just like any other piece of workout equipment. You get out of it what you put into it. Despite the broken wheel, I have used the TG 1700 Club 3 times a week every week since taking delivery. That makes about 7 workouts by now.

    Along with the TG, I was provided with three different sources of how to do a proper warmup and basic workout. The TG 1700 Club came not only with an instruction book, but with a flip chart that mounts on the machine itself and a DVD. All three are different as if put together by three different people during different times without consulting the other sources. I have chosen to go with the DVD for now simply because it’s easier for me to watch the models workout using proper form while describing what they are doing. If I get bored down the road with the DVD, I’ll use either the book or flip chart for variety. But for now the DVD works. The DVD is not TG1700 Club specific. It’s generic and covers all TG models.

    The workouts are good but interrupted by having to connect and disconnect the arm attachment and pulley system to reconfigure for different exercises. I’m getting faster and more efficient with the changeovers though, so I can generally keep my heart rate up between sets.

    The TG 1700 Club seems somewhat durable although a few of the parts are flimsy – probably to help save weight not only in shipping but for the advertised feature of quick and easy setup and tear down. I weigh 220 lbs and have noticed that the track seems to give and flex some whenever I get on and off of the machine. That may not be a bad thing – I’m just sayin’. And the broken wheel which I have already discussed to death still needs replacing.

    Overall, the jury is still out with me on the results. I intend to use the TG 1700 Club at least 3 days a week and put in a good honest effort. If the machine holds up and I ever get my replacement wheel, then I intend to use this in conjunction with my treadmill for years. So far, the workouts feel refreshing with a “good tired” feeling afterwards. The inherent stretching that’s involved also feels great. The workouts are not too taxing but are hard enough so that I feel like I’m making a good effort and will reap some results. I know that I will never bulk out on the TG, nor do I want to, but hope to get a lean wirey look and lose weight.

    Overall, I would somewhat recommend the TG 1700 Club but with reservations based on problems as described in the review.

  16. rossite on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 8:31 am 

    very disappointed
    Rating:1 out of 5 stars
    The sleeve on one of the stabilizing bars cracked and a plastic ring somewhere under the glideboard broke during my first 5 minutes. I only weigh 130 so my weight had nothing to do with it. The accessories stated that there would be 2 video’s included and there are none.The instructions aren’t clear to me so they would have been very helpful. I can’t find a total gym web page either. I would send it back if the cost wasn’t so high but I already spent enough on it. If I would have shopped around here instead of buying online I could have gotten it for $100.00 less than what I paid, which still wouldn’t have been worth it but at least I could have easily returned it.

  17. Edward M. Mazzola on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 9:22 am 

    Total Gym Review
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I have owned a older model for the last seven years, and am glad I purchased this model. It should hold up over time better than the last model.

  18. Gerald H. Doll on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 9:53 am 

    Total Gym
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I am very satisfied with the total gym 1700 club. The set came quickly after ordering even though I elected the free shipping. It was all as advertised plus some. It is easy to set up and use although not as easy as Christy Brinkley demonstrates on TV. Disconnecting the pulley that attaches to the sliding platform could be a little easier and this is done often. It is easy to use and gentle enough for this out of shape guy. I have been using it for a little more than a month and can see and feel the results.

  19. Amalfi Coast Girl on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 10:26 am 

    Recommend by Physical Therapists at a Rehabilitation Hospital
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    A 44-year-old woman that doesn’t enjoy exercise writes this review. I spent many years as an overworked hospital administrator that did not take the time to keep myself in top physical condition. I purchased this product after realizing that that it was used in the rehabilitation gyms in the hospital where I worked. The Physical Therapists not only used this equipment for their patients, but also worked out on the equipment themselves at lunchtime and after work. You can get a great workout on this piece of equipment. Both my husband and myself use this piece of equipment.

    Pros:

    1. Well made piece of equipment, smooth movement during exercise

    2. Can be used by both males and females

    3. Weight limit of 350 pounds

    4. Ability to add 75 pounds of additional weight to the bar for added resistance

    5. Challenges muscles, young and old (you will know that you have exercised the next day)

    6. Allows you to move quickly and easily through different exercises

    7. Excellent Pilates reformer stand in

    8. Easy to collapse to storage

    9. Folds into a reasonably small size for storage (will slide under a bed or into a closet)

    Cons:

    1. It is a little heavy if you plan to move it very far. Mine is now permanently set up to encourage exercise.

    2. Purchase an additional Pilates reformer exercise routine (check Amazon for options) if that is your primary reason for this purchase.

    If you are seriously considering this piece of equipment I would recommend finding a friend with one and working out on it a few times before making the decision to buy this. My husband and I have discussed upgrading to the next model up (about twice the price) when this one bites the bullet. Overall we are very happy with this purchase and would recommend this product, or the more expensive models.

  20. Sarah L. Beaverson on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 11:57 am 

    Great workout
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Total gym 1700 , Amazon had the best price online and gave free shipping, also, i have been working out for 26 years with weights,i love this new workout machine, so smooth and you get a great pump, you will know that you had worked out after using this, that is if you are self motivated like myself. I fully endorse this 1700 club gym combined with free weights and eating a very healthy diet, you can have a great body.

  21. Alain Salazar Penunuri on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 1:23 pm 

    total gym 1700 club
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    excellent product, if you follow the routine, you are going to see changes in 3 weeks.

  22. Scott Reed on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 2:02 pm 

    Perfect for tone and conditioning
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    The plain truth….. This is an excellent piece of equipment for toning and conditioning both major and minor muscle groups. It is not a boring workout, and one can quickly feel the results.

    What it’s not – It’s not body building equipment. If you want your muscles to grow then you need traditional weights, etc. It’s not a “click of a switch” portable device that “easily” folds up for storage. Ideally, you will want to set it up and leave it up.

    What it is – It’s a sculpting, stretching, and toning system. It can be used to build strength, (different than bulk), with lower reps/ higher resistance, or as a circuit trainer, high reps/lower resistance, which will also provide some impressive cardiovascular work.

    Ideally, the home gym should have something that emphasizes cardio, and something that emphasizes muscular conditioning. The Total Gym handles the latter.

    Finally, which one? We purchased the 1700 Club because it offered a higher weight and height capacity for users, and it had the wing attachment, weight attachment, and Pilates bar. I certainly could not justify a more expensive model, and the model below would probably be just as effective.

  23. Timber R6 on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 3:07 pm 

    Worth it!!!!!
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    Been using it for about 3 weeks now and still love it. I haven’t done many lower body exercises but it will work your upper body great!!! If I had to do it again I would have gotten a lower model since I haven’t used the attachments yet. Would recommend to someone wanting to say in shape in 20-30 mins a day.

  24. MBC on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 8:06 pm 

    Pretty Good Value
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    This product does what it says and if you use it regularly use it you will see results.

    Will it build muscle? Maybe. I can recall doing the 1st set of exercises (beginners workout) on a low setting (2) and thinking that this is too easy. The soreness I experienced over the next couple changed my mind. Take it slow. I can certainly say that the Total Gym will tone muscles and I am stronger than I was before, but you won’t become a body builder with a total gym.

    I like this product but there are a few things that I wish I knew prior to purchase (none of these are deal breakers for me though):

    1. The box and all of the literature says “fully assembled”. Well this is mostly true. The main unit is fully assembled but all of the extras (dip bar, pilates bar, etc) will make it seem like it is unassembled. It took me forever to find where they hid the very brief manuals that come with the unit (in between the folded machine for me). For a “fully assembled” gym, there end up being a lot of parts.

    2. The unit is big. Much bigger than I expected. Fully unfolded and setup, it is much longer than my treadmill. It is also pretty heavy. The literature that comes with this Total Gym say it is 94 inches long unfolded (7.8 feet) and weighs 69 lbs. It does have 2 wheels on one end, but the size and weight of the machine makes it awkward to move around. It will stand up (for closet storage) which is a plus, but it is not stable when standing. Keep this in mind.

    3. The 1700 Club is not supported by Total Gym (totalgym.com). According to an email I received from EFI Sports Medicine:

    “Thank you for contacting EFI Sports Medicine original owner and maker of the name Total gym. The total gym model that you own is manufactured by Fitness Quest this company is a licensed manufacturer by us to make their own model of total gym”

    Not that there is anything wrong with that. The Total Gym 1700 Club costs a fraction of what an EFI’s model costs. Fitness Quest has minimal web supplied support other than an email address. The EFI web page (totalgym.com) has much more information about workouts, but don’t expect to find any information on accessories or instructions for this model.

    4. The workout DVD supplied with the unit is old (2002) and does not illustrate anything other than the basic movements and workout. It is still good, but don’t expect any information concerning this model or the accessories that come with this model (like the dip bar). There is a Pilates workout video on the same DVD. I’ve watched it but I’ve never done the workout so I cannot comment on its worth.

    5. I found it very difficult to unhook the cable from the bench. This is necessary for any exercise that does not use the pulleys. My trouble stemmed from a bad carabiner that would not open all of the way and allow easy unhooking from the bench. I had to unscrew a portion of the frame from the padded board to get the leverage needed to get it off. A quick trip to Lowes where I bought a slightly bigger carabiner solved my problem, but it was very frustrating.

    6. It takes some getting used to to position yourself on the board correctly. Remember, while you are trying to position yourself, the bench is gliding all over the place. It takes practice but it is something that you get used too. A slightly longer board would help, but that would require an even longer unit, additional weight and I’m sure more than a few $$.

    Overall, my unit is stable, the bench glides easily, costs a fraction of what the TV model costs and it works better than I expected.

    Recommended.

  25. R. Justice on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 9:03 pm 

    Decent quality but not for SERIOUS fitness buffs.
    Rating:3 out of 5 stars
    The machine arrived with two broken parts. Luckily the machine was still safely operable even with these two broken items. I blame U.P.S. for that, not Fitness Quest.

    The machine has a small learning curve for operation/storage. If you don’t take your time to learn how to store it you WILL get a smashed finger or two so be careful.

    Overall the machine is fine. I don’t expect to get in RAMBO shape with it so it’s good for myself and my wife to tone and burn some calories too.

    I would recommend it to anybody who wants to get started working out but doesn’t want to get PUMPED UP muscles.

    If you’re middle aged to older… be careful because you can get hurt getting on/off the machine. If you are safe.. you’ll stay that way.

    Decent purchase. Better than average service when I called about getting the parts replaced.

  26. Crochet Freak on Sun, 31st Jan 2010 11:26 pm 

    Good work out- worth the money
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I bought this- skeptical of course. After it was delivered to my home.. I found there are a lot of pros- and few cons- Let’s start with the cons- This is a fairly heavy piece, that takes up more rooom than you might think. If you are not in good shape, lifting it, moving it, and unfolding it- will be tough and awkward. It can not be stored upright- it has to be stored flat. I suggest you have enough room to keep it up and folded out. That also makes it easy to just get on it and actually use it. That’s it- that is the only con!

    Not- to the pros- It is a great movtivator. As I said, I keep it up, and set to a desired level, and have the chin up bar attachment always on. If I dont feel like working out- I will do (at least) 10 min of chin ups. That is enough to get my blood going, and want to do more.. usually end up with a 20+ min work out.

    It comes with a lot of attachments, and is so adjustable, that it is easy to move from one exercise to another without a lot of machine changes. I have found excercises that I can do- in conjuction with other exercises, so my workouts go pretty quick.

    One GREAT feature- this comes fully assembled. Yeah. You pull it out of the box, and set it up, watch the DVD, and then you start to figure things out. That was a huge selling feature.

    One side note- not a con, but something to be aware of. Because it is a pulley system, and YOU are the weight resistance, you have to get used to positioning your body for your work outs. This is not a problem.. it just takes a bit of getting used to

    I highly recommend this for someone who really doesnt want to get BIG.. but to tone, to keep fit, and to have an over all feeling of well being. It is worth the money…

  27. K. Downey on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 12:20 am 

    Thank you, Chuck Norris
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I had been checking this machine out for quite a few months before Christmas. I’m not gonna lie, I was a afraid of buying it. So, I came home New Years morning, a little drunk and made a purchase. I thank my drunken self to this day.

    The machine is great. I am having fun working out with the total gym. I love the burning it gives me while doing the various workouts. Oh, and the feeling you get after the whole shindig is awesome. I was really suprised at how many exercizes you can do with the total gym; especially the leg ones. I still have yet to use most of the accessories because there’s so many!

    My only gripes are: The machine is heavy! Like others have said, it’s a workout before the workout. It doesn’t fit under my bed, but it doesn’t get in the way when I lay it away from high traffic area in my room. The latch for the rope thingy has almost sliced my fingers off several times. The level part is hard to move up, but I’m sure it needs to be broken in.

    Even though those might be cons, I would have still bought it knowing about them. I just wish Chuck Norris was in the workout DVD. The guy in the DVD is a little creepy.

    UPDATE(01/03/08): One year later, I can attest that the Total Gym is pretty awesome. The machine is still in good condition, although the plastic covering the wire is getting a little tattered from all the pulling. And the padding material on the wings have some rips and tears which isn’t a bad thing considering it’s been used 3 days a week for a year! But everything else is in top shape.

    I’ve definitely seen great changes in my body. No, I don’t look like a buff body builder, but I’m toned and look great. Even gotten compliments from people who aren’t my mother ;) . So if you’re on the fence about it, go for it. Jump over the fence, you won’t regret it.

    Oh, and the guy in the DVD is still creepy

  28. Captain Greg on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 2:53 am 

    Everything and more than expected
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I could have bought the basic, 1100 I think, at Academy, but thought maybe it would be too cheap. I decided on the 1700. It came with way more in the way of add-ons and accessories than I anticipated. I use two of the four sets provided.

    It provides and excellent and fast workout for all the muscle groups. It reminds me of my early days, mid 70’s with the Nautilus gear.

    I am done, sweaty and worked in less than thirty minutes.

    I can recommend this product.

  29. J. Stanley on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 5:14 am 

    Total Gum 1700
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    This is a really great machine. Super easy to use and to set up. the exercises are pretty simple, with great results!! Shipping was superfast and the communication was excellent!!

  30. Charles W. Cerny on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 6:30 am 

    So good we bought a second one
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    This is everything that it was advertised to be. We are generally cautious about items that have “infomercials but this is a terrific exercise machine. Both my wife and I love it. In fact we like it so well that we bought a second one for our second home. We are thinking of getting one for each of our son’s families for Christmas.

  31. Selivesti Child on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 7:19 am 

    Great all-around workout machine
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I exercise when I have time, I didn’t want to pay a fortune, I don’t like going to gyms, and my goal is simply to be fit (enough to feel good and be able to haul that couch up the stairs when my friends ask me to help them move). Thus I wanted something efficient, versatile, and of good quality but not too massive–this machine has all these traits. For someone like me, it’s great.

    Efficient: The idea of using your own body weight to exercise against appeals to me since you don’t have to lug around anything more than yourself. I felt that I was getting good workouts after just a few days of using it.

    Versatile: There are a lot of interesting exercises you can do to work on any muscle group. A booklet shows you each one in detail and an snap-on flip chart can sit on top of the unit for quick reference. Generally I suggest you follow the recommended exercise programs. They seemed ordered so you don’t have to spend much time changing things on the Total Gym between each one. When you do, the transformation is a good way to spend that one minute break they recommend between each exercise–not that it takes anywhere near that to make the changes. One thing I like about this unit is most of the time I only have to pull a knob and raise the back and maybe unhook the sled. (Hint: changing the height also changes the length so don’t step hard on the feet of the machine or you’ll just end up fighting yourself)

    Quality: The construction is of good quality and there are a number of useful attachments that come with this model to allow almost any exercise you can dream up but for the most part you just use the pulleys. My only gripes are: 1) the wing attachment seem a bit loose and so the rail pads slide around causing the wing to bite into the rails. 2) Where the sled hooks to the pulleys is rather cramped and is sometimes difficult to remove.

    Not Too Massive: The Total Gym is 8 feet long and 4 feet tall unfolded. It does not fold up very pretty and forget about storing it under a typical bed but it will rest unobtrusively in a corner if you are short on space and can manage to lift the thing. It’s not unbearably heavy so much as it is cumbersome to lift and move around. A little dolly will solve this problem nicely. Ideally, though, you don’t want to have to unfold it for each workout so find a permanent home for it if you can.

    The Total Gym seems best used for light to moderate workouts. You can’t achieve REALLY heavy resistance on this thing. You get a maximum of 44% of the sum of your body weight and 75 lbs. For example if you weigh 170 lbs, you are looking at a maximum of about 108 lbs if you supplement it with the free-weight attachment which is included, although you must supply the free weights–75 lbs is the stated limit. I find this is sufficient for a good all-around workout but if that is not enough, you can always add some free weights to your routine.

    In summary it’s an all around workout machine exercising as many muscles as possible. It’s not for body-building. Great for those who just want something to hop on for twenty minutes to an hour a day and feel great afterwards.

  32. Florida trainer on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 9:27 am 

    Total Gym 1700
    Rating:1 out of 5 stars
    Product did not arrive on time promised. Product arrived broken. Had to call Amazon on two separate occassions to explain the defected product because the first phonecall was apparantly not processed. Had major trouble with pick up situation.

    Worst order that I’ve ever dealt with while making a purchase online.

  33. JG on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 9:39 am 

    total gym 1700 club
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    My husband and I have been looking for a “home gym” for almost a year. We have very busy schedules and can not get to a gym. We did not want something “cheap” and finally settled on the total gym 1700 club. We really like this piece of equipment. The only negative is that the clip for the pulley attatchment is very hard to take on and off. When following a video, it is hard to make the switch with out having to pause the video. Other than that we have enjoyed the total gym, we feel it is great quality for the price and are starting to see the benefits.

  34. Allen Samuel on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 9:44 am 

    Total Gym – great product for the price
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    The Total Gym is awesome! Works all your major muscles and core. Great machine for muscle tone, but I’d look elsewhere if you are looking to bulk up. Built very well for the price.

  35. C. Murphy on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 11:44 am 

    Good workout for the price
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    The Total Gym 1700 is a pretty good value and offers a nice low impact workout. The book of exercises that comes with the machine is a good guide and is broken into beginner, intermediate and advanced workout plans.

    This machine really only works the upper body and the abs (mostly upper abs). While there are some leg exercises in the manual, they really don’t provide the difficulty or breadth of the upper body exercises. Working out on the device does tire out my muscles and I definitely know that I have worked out afterwards, but I’m very rarely sore. It takes a bit of practice to get comfortable getting into the positions the machine requires because it can be hard to reach the pulleys while in certain configurations, but after using the machine for a little while you’ll get the hang of it.

    I doubt the claims that 20 minutes a day only three days a week will really help you lose much weight, but I do think it provides a decent way to tone/build muscle. The machine isn’t a great cardio workout (in fact, many of the exercises are supposed to be done quite slowly in order to work the muscles), so if you are looking for a good cardio machine, this is not it. I do about 60 – 90 minutes of cardio work (swimming) in addition to using the Total Gym between 30 – 40 minutes and I feel like it provides a pretty good workout. The Total Gym is actually very complementary to swimming.

    I am 6′1″ – 6′2″ and the bench is a little small for me, so if you are any taller, you definitely should think twice about this machine (I think the more expensive models can handle taller people). Some part of me is usually hanging off the bench when I am doing exercises that require you to lie flat on the bench, but it is tolerable.

    The craftsmanship of this device is OK, but not great. Many of the attachments are wobbly, although this isn’t really noticeable when you actually use the machine. The reviewer who suggested getting a bigger clip for the pulleys has a good idea there as switching between exercises often involves detaching the pulleys and it really is a pain. It also isn’t as easy as I thought it would be to raise/lower the incline; it’s not hard, it just isn’t that easy.

    The reviewer who said that this machine doesn’t take up space is just plain wrong; while the device might not be as tall or as wide as some machines, it is really long (9+ feet). There also is assembly required in order to get all the pieces attached, although it isn’t really that bad (20 minutes).

    I agree with the other reviewer in that one of the real flaws of the machine is that when you raise and lower the incline, the machine gets longer/shorter which could scrape your floors. The mat provided with the machine helps, but doesn’t solve this issue completely.

    I would recommend the machine to anyone who is looking for a low impact, mostly upper body workout that is looking to tone their muscles. This machine will not bulk you up, so if you are really looking to build big muscles you should probably look elsewhere. It is also not a good cardio workout, so you should plan on adding some sort of cardio component to your daily regimen as cardio is important to an overall healthy lifestyle.

  36. John Hayes on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 3:48 pm 

    Great all around workout machine for the price
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    This is an excellent machine to work just about all areas of your body. It stretches your muscles as well. Easy to use, great quality, highly recommended….John Hayes, Kamiah Idaho

  37. A. Pathak on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 4:34 pm 

    My wife love Total Gym
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I brought total gym for my wife when first total gym came out, almost ten years ago. I am a person that thinks about quality and safety of my wife.

    I am here to tell you that everything they claim is true. My wife love Total Gym. It is fun easy to use, and a good workout. I have noticed more energy in my wife.

  38. John W. Smith on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 8:12 pm 

    Can be used at any age to improve ones health.
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I will be 68 in 2009 and have been using my existing Total Gym 1000 for 15 months now. I do 35 minutes of exercise 4 days a week at level 7. I just purchased a Total Gym 1700 at a local sports store yesterday. This is a great machine for any age and the slower you do the exercises the better. This machine has four or five features my Total Gym 1000 does not have and allows a 350 lb. weight limit. I purchased my Total Gym 1000 new a number of years ago but did not use it until recently. I did not realize what I was missing and will not let that happen with the new machine. If you have some health limitations you can work around them with specific exercises ( over 60 exercises ). Try it, you will like it.

  39. H Giersberg on Mon, 1st Feb 2010 8:20 pm 

    Very good home gym equipment
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I have been using a TotalGym for several years now. My particular model is an 1100. I find the TotalGym to be very easy to use and quick to go from one exercise routine to the next. I think the simplicity of how the TotalGym works compared to other home exercise machines is a big benefit. I have put a lot of time on my TotalGym and it shows very little signs of wear. There are a few exercises that I feel the TotalGym is lacking in however. It’s not that you cannot do them but that to do them on the TotalGym is awkward. Doing a “bench press” is one example. I supplement my TotalGym routine by using free weights for this particular exercise. Abdominal crunches are another example. While my son prefers doing reclined sit-ups on the TotalGym, I like a bit more back support and have obtained an Ab-Lounger for this particular exercise (and yes, that works too!) When changing the incline level of the TotalGym, the legs must slide on the floor. I don’t like this and am working on some sort of slide mechanism to keep from scraping the floor. I don’t like to fold and unfold the TotalGym only because I like it ready to go when I am. I don’t need an easy excuse to avoid a workout such as setting it up or going to a Gold’s gym somewhere. At the end of my workout, the TotalGym has pretty much kicked my butt. However, if you are a steroid-laden professional baseball player, you may find something that offers more resistance to be desirable. Before I began using the TotalGym, I was suffering chronic neck and shoulder pain. Chiropractors and massage therapists were unable to help. The solution was simply to exercise. Not only do I feel better but also I do not think I will enter my senior years looking like Ted Kennedy on his yacht. If you are not working out, start! No matter what exercise you do, you will only get out of it what you put into it. That is, you will reap what you sow. The TotalGym makes it easy to exercise regardless of what shape you are in and it will grow with you as you develop.

  40. Carl J. Dubois on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 1:01 am 

    It does what it needs to do.
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I love the 1700 club. It does everything I need it to do and more. I used to have a gym member ship but with the 1700 I dont need it anymore. I save money and time with it. I would say Buy it if you have the motivation to work out at home.

  41. D. Boyle on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 4:23 am 

    Total Gym 1700 Club
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I really like this for working out in the house. Gives a good light to moderate workout, which is perfect for toning and some strength building. I really like the convenience. Only difficulty is getting the pulley system unhooked for some of the exercises that don’t require it.

  42. L. G. Barnes on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 4:52 am 

    Total Gym Totally Rocks!
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    My husband and I bought the total gym 1700 model for ourselves as an early Christmas present. We were in the market for a home workout machine and had tested the Bowflex and Weider machines but found the cost to be too high for the Bowflex and the quality to be too “iffy” for the Weider. The Total Gym comes fully assembled and it is so much fun to use. I find myself looking forward to our workout nights all day long while I am at work (and I am usually a couch junkie, not a fitness buff). I told my husband it is like a Six Flags ride that you have to work hard for. You get a great workout, can do most any exercise you could do at the gym, the video that comes with it is excellent, plus you can use it for a great Pilates workout as well. For the money, I believe that it is the best machine you can buy. It does have one very easily correctable negative though, the cable pulley attaches under the seat with a karabiner that is small, sharp and downright ornery to get on and off. Just buy yourself a little larger karabiner (or use one that you got as a prize for excelling at skee ball) and in a few weeks, you too can look like Chuck Norris or Christie Brinkley (the folks from the infomercial)!

  43. Happy retiree on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 5:28 am 

    Great to use
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    Overall, I really like the design and quality of this machine. However, it is a little difficult to work with the DVD and know what you should be doing. Often if you are following along, your back is to the monitor showing the DVD. I suggest larger pictures that could be posted at the opposite end of the machine from the monitor would be most useful.That being said, this is a great workout home gym and a very good value.

  44. J on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 5:37 am 

    Not if you want to build muscle
    Rating:1 out of 5 stars
    The total gym is OK if you are interested in a light aerobic-like muscular work out. However, the resistance is not nearly enough for someone looking to gain serious muscle. Although it can fold to be put away, it is heavy and not easy to move it back and forth for work outs. I’ve had mine for around a year, but stopped using it after a few weeks simply because I was too strong for it. But for what it’s worth, it does work well, hasn’t fallen apart, and may fit others’ exercise goals. Bottom line is you cannot replace a gym at home.

  45. S. James on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 7:41 am 

    We like it!
    Rating:1 out of 5 stars
    The Product is easy to use and easy to set up. Although if you have the room I would suggest leaving it up all the time. You get a variety of work outs with this machine, I’m a stay at home Mom, and I like the light resistance training I get from it, and my Husband likes to use it for his upper body work-out, though he still needs to use free weights to keep with his personal work-out goals. I still continue to run besides using the total gym, becuase I didn’t feel that my cardio was being taken care of properly. I only have one complaint with the system, I have medium length hair, and while working out, I need to keep it pulled back and tucked under my shoulders, or it becomes caught and pulled.

  46. Timothy D. Laster on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 8:02 am 

    totally alright
    Rating:3 out of 5 stars
    Been using the total gym for a few weeks. It arrived with smashed roller wheels, but it only took a week to receive replacements.

    The TG works ok, but to follow the exercise routines you have to hook and unhook the pulley from the board. This is VERY DIFFICULT to do and discourages following the routine. Also the board roll is bumpy not smooth as you would expect.

    On the plus side, the exercises improve flexibility and work well for men and women. So it’s better than nothing, but at a high price.

  47. F1Fan on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 5:54 pm 

    Good, inexpensive home gym
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    I bought this about a month back. First off, this is a good product at this price point. Its not too bulky and yet seems pretty sturdily built and appears to be built to last a while. I believe this gym is meant to build and maintain good muscle tone and cardio exercising and achieves these goals pretty competently.

    My goal is to build core fitness, and not definitely not to have rippling muscles(not to say that this machine cant achieve that objective), and i think this machine does that well. Its easy to use, and after a little trial and error, easy to set up too. It has a vast array of exercises that find are more than enough and cover every muscle group very well.

    And while you can fold it and stow it away, it is not desigend to do that frequently; its pretty heavy and a bit cumbersome to fold away. Best bet is to keep it in one place, and when you really need to make use of that space, you can fold it away. I use it in the basement.

  48. R. Houk on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 6:29 pm 

    Very Pleased
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I had researched “small-footprint” excercise machines for upper body toning and had settled on the Total Gym 1500 as a good unit for me. One reviewer suggested upgrading the the 1700 Club and I’m glad I did. I am very impressed with the additonal quality of the 1700 and my wife is using the Pilates bar (an extra purchase with the 1500). It is the lowest priced Home Gym capable of handling additional weights – although the base unit provides plenty of exercise for me.

    We all know that most of these machines end up in garage sales, but I really like the 1700 Club and it does have the extra weight capability if you really need to max out those muscles.

    But, it is hardly “small footprint”. Totally unfolded it easily takes up an eight foot by two foot space. You will need at least twelve to utilize the Pilate capabilty and some space on each side for arm pulls. I’ve got it in a spare bedroom and it takes up an entire wall. Also, it weighs a ton, so it would be a pain to fold it up after every session. Not to say it can’t be done, but it would be a good part of the workout. Once folded it can slip under a high bed, or in a closet. But out of sight is out of mind (and one step closer to the garage sale).

    I bought it for upper-body excercises but was quite surprised at the number of Ab and lower-body exercises that it it capable of. Its easy to do a full body set, and then work on a specific area.

  49. Paula M. Schmidt on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 9:01 pm 

    Excellent Quality Machine!
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I was very impressed with the quality of this TotalGym. It is sturdy and the glideboard is smooth, and it is easy to learn. I have only owned it about a month but I am already seeing results. My only criticism is the rubber pad that came with it (which it sits on) tends to move a bit, but it may be because I have placed the pad on top of an area rug. I am not sure what the purpose of the pad is other than stablize the machine on a hard surface. Otherwise, it was pretty easy to assemble — it does take about a half hour or so to understand it but once you get it assembled you are all set!

  50. G. Rea on Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 10:28 pm 

    A Great Workout for the Whole Body – in Half the Time
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I’ve owned an old Total Gym 2000 since 1997 and I can testify to the reliability of this product. After ten years of service, one of the plastic rollers finally developed a defect in it, so I’m going to buy a new Total Gym to replace mine. Other than that, it’s been a solid, well-made product and, heck, if you can get ten years out of anything these days, that’s nothing to complain about! I expect I’ll have my new one even longer.

  51. Manuel J. Lugo on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 12:26 am 

    Nice equipment!
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars

    Excellent machine to have a full work out on! I don’t think it will replace the gym completely but almost there! Very easy to use and to change between workouts although wen it comes to put it back in the storage I’m kind of lazy so I always have it assembled!

    I would Definitely recommend it.

  52. Michael Forbes on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 1:17 am 

    Easy to use!
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I purchased this product with the thought of getting and staying physical fit. It has exceeded my expectations. I leave mine set-up and can jump on it any time of day. I work out in the mornings for about 10 minutes and in the evenings for about 30 minutes. A very good purchase for the price!

  53. Artic mike on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 2:51 am 

    Design Improvement Needed
    Rating:3 out of 5 stars
    I found removing the pulley from the glide board almost impossible. The ring on the bottom of the glide board is almost too small to hook and unhook. They make this look easy and indeed it was in the 1500 model. Some fix should be offered for this. Otherwise it’s a great little machine

  54. M. Browne on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 9:28 am 

    Easy to Use
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Total Gym 1700 Club was exactly what I needed. It is easy for older people to use and still get a good workout.

  55. Tammy Tackett on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 11:05 am 

    Total Gym
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    There were no surprises, we got exactly what we ordered. It works just like we thought it would and it shipped fast.

  56. J. Duncan on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 11:43 am 

    a good home workout but a lot bulkier than advertised
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    this machine can give you near-gym like quality at home. it’s not quite all the way to gym quality because certain parts of the range of motion seem to lose most of their resistance. however it’s much better than the other home alternatives on the market. it’s very durable and the components are high quality. however, that comes with a drawback as it is not nearly as easy to fold and store as advertised. it’s actually quite heavy and bulky and therefore awkawrd to fold, and when folded it’s still over 8″ and thus can only go under tall beds. it’s not possible to store it vertically given it’s bulk and moving parts. that said, it’s best if you have a dedicated space like a basement area where you don’t plan on folding and storing after workouts. but that just begs the question of getting a true gym-quality machine if you’re going to commit that much space.

    also, i’m not sure which is the “official” total gym given all the ads, models and websites. but from what i’ve seen i wouldn’t recommend getting a model more pricey than this one (you could even drop down a model or two) as it’s just more bells and whistles that you’re unlikely to use.

  57. Danika Rockett on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 1:23 pm 

    Fantastic home gym
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    When I was an undergrad, I worked out several days a week at my university gym. Now I’m a post-grad student, and I don’t have as much time for the gym, which is why I took a chance on the Total Gym 1700. I absolutely love it. It does all of the exercises that I was doing at the gym and then some. And I love the levels of exercises that you can do. You start out on a lower level and keep moving up as you get stronger. Then, you can add the weights on–up to 75 pounds, which is plenty if you just want to build some muscle and get lots of tone! I added this routine to my treadmill routine–who needs a gym membership? It’s great and well worth $350!!

  58. FK on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 2:46 pm 

    A simple rowing machine plus a few extras
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    About me:

    I’m 28, male, in good health. I got this machine a few weeks ago because I haven’t been to the gym since high school. My first thoughts were to get a rowing machine because my lower back is really tight and curvy especially since my gut seems to be protruding at an alarming pace. I thought to myself, well instead of just paying a couple hundred bucks for a rowing machine, why don’t I get a rowing machine that can let me get a total body work? After three hours of searching online I found this, and bought the Total Gym “1800 club” the same day.

    Things I like so far:

    -Easy to assemble (I know nothing about machines or working out)

    -Easy to use (very simple design)

    -Variety of exercises (You can be innovative with this machine)

    Things this cannot do:

    -Give you a serious workout (I don’t recommend this for serious athletes. There is very little resistance even at the highest level)

    -Not very sturdy (My model’s pulley system is very rudimentary. Sometimes the back piece also comes off the rail. The higher models fix these things but they cost thousands instead of hundreds of dollars. Also there is a weight limit for each model. Bigger people should pay careful attention to the specifics of each model)

    -Doesn’t really seem to do any exercise particular well, mostly because there are no resistance levels except your own body mass, and the gravity resistance. More of an aerobic workout than strength training.

    -Price. Although it is comparable to other exercise machines out there, it still seems like a total ripoff to pay 500 bucks for a piece of sliding metal attached to a pulley. Hey, maybe I’m just cheap. The lowest and higher models such as the XL seems to be a better deal.

    Recommendations before buying:

    -Pay close attention to the differences of each model type. Also go to their website because some models are not offered retail.

    -Watch videos of them being used. There are some on youtube at least.

    -Consider what you want from your workouts. Strength, aerobic, cardio?

    Conclusion:

    Good variety of workouts but definitely no “total gym”. If you are looking for a light aerobic workout maybe 5-10 minutes a day, and can’t be bothered to go to a the gym, then this could work out very well for you. I give it 4/5 stars. Thanks little guy, I feel my lower back loosening up already. If you want something more serious from your workouts, move on or only consider the high end models.

  59. L. Hancock on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 3:28 pm 

    Total Gym 1700 Club is TOTALLY TERRIFIC!
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    Total Gym 1700 ClubIf you are serious about working out or need to tone and strengthen muscles due to medical problems and want to get a TOTAL body workout in a short amount of time this equipment is for you. The CD that comes along with the gym is fantastic..it gives you concise information on how to set up the machine and explains the exercise routines slowly explaining what the exercise does for which part of the body, how to increase the work out if you’d like or go at your own pace, and which attachement to use on the Total Gym for each routine. When I opened the box I was over-whelmed with the parts, but setup was a breeze. I do recommend watching the video first, only because it will save you time and needless stress. The quality of the gym is top of the line. Delivery was unbelievably fast. The gym folds up for storage easily, but it’s quite large and you might want to leave it one place, which is also a good incentive for you to work out. I can’t say enough about this product. Chuck and Cindy really did their homework before promoting this product. Happy Workout!!!

  60. P. Dorsett on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 5:00 pm 

    I’ve lost 70 lbs…
    Rating:5 out of 5 stars
    I bought the Total Gym 1700 club last year June. I have positioned it right in front of my bed and I never put it away. Therefore I have never missed a workout (not even once). Presently I am at the level just before the top on the resistance tower. Its a culmanation of my gained muscle and strength and of course my weight loss too. I feel myself moving to the last level within the next 2 months (maybe before). When I reach that level than I will add additional weights with the weight bar.

    The 1700 club has changed my life. When I started I was just over 300lbs and now I’m somewhere around 230lbs and Im no where near stopping. This is the single best investment Ive ever made in my life. Just to note, I also have a stationary bike and I follow a very strict diet and nutrition plan.

    Also, I actully didnt buy my 1700 Club from Amazon, I live in the Bahamas where I bought it for $650.00 and every penny was well worth it! Therefore if Amazon has it for $475.00 then I’d say go for it. I hope this review was helpfull…

    Be blessed…

  61. O. Lopez on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 9:11 pm 

    Not Too Bad…
    Rating:4 out of 5 stars
    The Total Gym 1700 Club is a pretty good piece of equipment. You definately feel the resistance, and wake up feeling a little sore after the first workout (at least I did). The DVD is pretty useful too. The machine is quite heavy, but assuming I bought the machine to get physically fit I guess the weight is not a bad thing.

    There were 2 things I found as a drawback to this product. The first is that the machine is quite rigid and hard to change levels of resistance. The second is that the “wheels” that the machine are supposed to come with were cracked and did not work. They are made of a brittle plastic and probably wouldn’t work had they been in perfect condition. I had to resort to carrying the machine instead of rolling it.

  62. Antimo Benincasa Jr. on Wed, 3rd Feb 2010 11:42 pm 

    Wow
    Rating:2 out of 5 stars
    This unit was OK, until it broke and snapped at the weld!!! I was using the unit when it occurred and thankfully I wasn’t injured. I was shocked when I heard the LOUD SNAP and I jumped off the unit. It had been working OK, but it was more to tone up your body rather than to build large muscles. Hopefully, Amazon and the seller will make good on the defect and ship me a new one!!! Its been a nightmare contacting the seller and trying to work this out!!!!

    Pissed!

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