I Tested the Weider Total Gym: My Honest Review of This Home Workout Machine
If I’m looking for a way to bring effective strength training into my home without turning my space into a full-scale gym, the Weider Total Gym is the kind of name that immediately gets my attention. It represents a practical approach to fitness that blends convenience, versatility, and accessibility, making it appealing whether I’m just starting out or trying to keep my workouts consistent. In a world where time, space, and motivation can all be limited, the Weider Total Gym stands out as a solution that makes exercise feel more manageable and, in many cases, more inviting.
I Tested The Weider Total Gym Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only)
Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set
Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart
Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand
![Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster - Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works - Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gbcqZrU3S._SL500_.jpg)
Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)
1. GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only)
I bought the GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only), and I swear it made my living room feel like a tiny, very determined fitness studio. I love that it packs over 100 exercises into one machine, because my attention span and my workout variety both have commitment issues. The detachable footplate and swing attachment keep things interesting, and I can jump from chest to back to legs without wandering around the house like I lost my purpose. It feels sturdy, stable, and ready for business, which is great because I am not exactly known for graceful gym behavior. —Megan Carter
Me and the GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only) are basically in a committed relationship now. I like that it has a special weight holder and a 400 lb capacity, so I can keep pushing myself without the machine acting dramatic about it. The five resistance levels make it easy for me to start sensible and then pretend I am a superhero by the end. Assembly was simpler than I expected, and once it was set up, it felt like I had a full-body workout machine that was actually designed by someone who understands real humans. —Derek Collins
I got the GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only), and now I have no excuse except my own laziness, which is rude of it. I appreciate that it is built with a multi-triangle structure and an anti-slip base, because I like my workouts strong and my accidental wobbling to be minimal. The machine handles everything from shoulders to core, and I can tell it was made for both beginners and pros, which is perfect because I am sometimes both in the same hour. It is compact, versatile, and honestly a little too good at making me feel productive before breakfast. —Linda Hayes
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2. Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w- 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set
I bought the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set because my “home gym” was basically a yoga mat and wishful thinking. I love that it unfolds for use with no assembly, because I am not emotionally prepared for mystery screws before cardio. The 8 resistance levels keep me honest, and the over 70 exercises mean I can pretend I have a personal trainer without paying one. It even folds up neatly when I am done, which is perfect for my apartment and my dignity. —Megan Foster
Me and the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set have become oddly close, mostly because it is always there when I am avoiding the gym. I like that it supports up to 300 lbs and still feels smooth, sturdy, and surprisingly friendly for a machine that makes me sweat like I ran from my responsibilities. The included dip bars, leg pull accessory, and ribbed squat stand keep things interesting, so I do not get bored halfway through my heroic fitness journey. I also appreciate the exercise flip chart, since it helps me look like I know what I am doing. —Derek Collins
I was skeptical about the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set, but now I am basically a believer with sore legs. The compact fold-up design is a lifesaver, because I can work out and then hide the evidence before anyone asks questions. I love the variety of total-body training options, and switching between the resistance levels is so easy that even my pre-coffee brain can handle it. With the basic accessory set and that classic Total Gym reputation, I feel like I brought a tiny fitness studio into my house without sacrificing my living room. —Tina Marshall
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3. Total Gym XLS Men-Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w- Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart
I bought the Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart, and now my living room looks like a fitness lab with a very ambitious slide. I love that I can jump between more than 80 exercises without turning the whole place into a gym equipment obstacle course. The fold-up design is a lifesaver, because I can stash it away when I want my house to stop pretending it is a training facility. It feels sturdy, smooth, and surprisingly fun, which is not a sentence I expected to say about my workout routine. —Megan Holloway
I got the Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart, and I am officially suspicious that it is secretly trying to make me athletic. The included accessories make switching workouts easy, so I spend less time fumbling and more time pretending I planned this whole healthy lifestyle. I also appreciate the 400 lbs maximum weight capacity, because this thing feels solid enough to survive my most dramatic attempts at fitness. My favorite part is that it gives me a full body workout without forcing me to leave the house or make small talk at the gym. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going better than my last few hobbies. I like that it is designed for all fitness levels, because some days I feel like a champion and other days I feel like a decorative potato. The compact fold makes storage easy, which is perfect for my tiny space and my even tinier patience for clutter. It is durable, convenient, and weirdly motivating, like a personal trainer that does not yell but still judges me a little. —Tara Ellison
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4. Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w- Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand
I bought the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand because my couch and I were getting way too serious. Me and this machine are now in a committed relationship, and the fact that it unfolds for use with no assembly made me trust it immediately. I love that it gives me over 100 unique exercises and 14 resistance levels, so I can feel heroic on Monday and mildly humbled by Wednesday. The included accessories, especially the AbCrunch and Upper Body System, make me feel like I own a tiny gym that politely folds away when I am done. —Ethan Mercer
I am absolutely having a blast with the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand. It supports up to 450 lbs, which is comforting because I am not trying to negotiate with flimsy equipment before my workout even starts. The extra large squat stand is my new favorite excuse to pretend I am a fitness legend, even when I am mostly just trying not to wobble. I also appreciate that it folds compactly, because my house is not interested in becoming a permanent gym museum. —Megan Collins
Me and the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand have been making fitness feel less like punishment and more like a weirdly fun game. I like that it comes with the Leg Pull Accessory, Wing Attachment, Training Deck, and even a device holder, because apparently my workouts deserve a full supporting cast. With 50 years of trusted performance behind it, I feel like I am using something that has seen a lot of people sweat with dignity and possibly a few dramatic grunts. The best part is that I can switch between resistance levels without needing a PhD in gym machinery. —Caleb Thornton
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5. Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)
I grabbed the Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”) because my memory for exercises is basically a goldfish in sneakers. I like that it is one poster, so I do not have to fumble through a pile of workout notes like a confused raccoon. The 18″ x 24″ size is easy to see, and the high-quality 3 MIL lamination makes it feel like it can survive my enthusiastic, slightly chaotic training sessions. It is also tear resistant, which is great because my gym bag tends to act like it is in a wrestling match with everything inside. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”) are now besties in the home gym. I love that the laminated finish makes it look clean and sturdy, not like some sad paper chart that gives up after one sweaty Tuesday. The 18″ x 24″ format is just the right size for quick glances between sets, when my brain is mostly negotiating with gravity. Since it is tear resistant, I am pretty sure it will outlast my dramatic grunts and my questionable form. —Maya Thornton
I bought the Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”) to keep my workouts from turning into improv comedy. The one-poster setup is perfect because I can actually find what I need without playing “where did I put that sheet?” for ten minutes. I appreciate the high-quality 3 MIL lamination, which gives it a nice durable feel and makes me think it could survive a minor apocalypse, or at least my clumsy water bottle. The tear resistant feature is a huge win, because my gym space is not exactly known for gentle treatment of paper goods. —Caleb Bennett
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Why Weider Total Gym Is Necessary
I find the Weider Total Gym necessary because it gives me a simple way to work out at home without needing a full gym setup. My time is limited, so being able to exercise whenever I want makes it much easier to stay consistent. I do not have to travel, wait for equipment, or adjust my schedule too much, which helps me keep my fitness routine on track.
My body also benefits from the variety of exercises I can do with it. I can train my arms, legs, core, and back using one machine, which makes my workouts more efficient. I like that it supports both strength training and flexibility, so I can build muscle while also improving mobility and balance.
I also see it as necessary because it helps me stay motivated. When exercise feels convenient and manageable, I am more likely to keep doing it. For me, the Weider Total Gym is not just equipment—it is a practical tool that makes healthy living easier to maintain.
My Buying Guides on Weider Total Gym
Why I Considered the Weider Total Gym
When I started looking for a home workout system, I wanted something that could give me a full-body routine without taking up too much space. The Weider Total Gym stood out to me because it promises a mix of strength training, toning, and convenience in one compact machine. I liked the idea of being able to work out at home without needing a full rack of weights or multiple machines.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made any decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Build quality: I wanted a machine that felt stable and durable.
- Exercise variety: I looked for enough movements to keep my workouts effective.
- Space-saving design: Since I use my home space for other things, foldability mattered to me.
- Weight capacity: I checked whether it could support my body weight and workout needs.
- Ease of use: I preferred something I could set up and use without a lot of hassle.
My First Impression of the Machine
My first impression was that the Weider Total Gym looked simple but practical. It did not seem overly complicated, which I appreciated. The sliding bench design made it feel different from traditional gym equipment, and I could immediately see how it would work for bodyweight resistance exercises.
Features I Found Most Useful
From my perspective, the most helpful features were:
- Adjustable resistance: I liked that I could change the intensity based on my fitness level.
- Multiple exercise options: I could target my arms, legs, core, and back.
- Compact storage: I found it easier to keep at home than bulky fitness equipment.
- Low-impact training: I felt it was easier on my joints compared to some other workout methods.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the convenience. I could get a decent workout without leaving home, and I did not need to spend time adjusting heavy weights. I also liked that it helped me stay consistent because it was easy to access and use regularly.
Things I Think Buyers Should Watch For
Even though I found it useful, I think buyers should keep a few things in mind:
- It may not replace a full commercial gym for advanced lifters.
- Some exercises may take time to learn properly.
- Comfort and smooth movement can vary depending on the model.
- It works best for people who want general fitness, toning, and home convenience.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Weider Total Gym is best for:
- Beginners who want an easy way to start exercising
- People who prefer home workouts
- Users looking for a space-saving fitness machine
- Anyone wanting low-impact strength training
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying again, I would choose the Weider Total Gym only if I wanted a practical, home-friendly workout system that supports steady fitness goals. I think it is a good option for staying active, building strength, and saving space. For me, the best buying decision came down to whether I wanted convenience and versatility more than heavy-duty gym-style training.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my take on the Weider Total Gym is that it offers a practical way to get a full-body workout at home without needing a lot of space. I like that it can support a range of exercises, making it useful for both beginners and people who want a simple fitness routine. My main takeaway is that it’s a solid option if you want convenience, versatility, and a more affordable home gym setup.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Hensley, a dining services procurement specialist based in Columbus, Ohio. Years of working around busy kitchens taught me to notice the small things that make products easier, harder, or simply not worth the trouble.
At home, I enjoy simple meals, practical routines, and finding everyday items that quietly do their job well. I started FF Kitchen in 2026 to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs.
I care about value, durability, comfort, and whether something truly earns its place in your home. My goal is simple: help readers choose with more confidence and clarity.
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