- Bowflex PR1000 Review: Is It Worth Buying in 2022 - July 30, 2022
- The 6 Best Echelon Alternatives to Consider Before You Buy - July 18, 2022
- Mirror vs NordicTrack Vault: Which One Should You Buy? - July 18, 2022
So, you know the Total Gym concept is right for your home, but the Total Gym Supreme vs Fit is still making it hard to decide. I get it. On one hand, you can save a lot of money and skip a few perks. On the other, the more expensive home gym option looks serious.
Would either one change your life in the same way? Let’s break it down and see how they compare. Then you can decide which one you need.
The NEW Total Gym FIT Signature Series Plus Home Gym Equipment includes an extensive line of Total Gym FIT Signature Series Plus accessories designed to enhance your home workouts including the Total Gym-Certified Extra Large Squat Stand meticulously designed and tested for safe and joint-friendly workouts.
There’s quite a substantial price difference between the two Total Gym models, so you’re probably wondering if the Fit is really worth the extra cash, or if you could get the same workout on the much less expensive model.
The Supreme doesn’t have the same aesthetic appeal as the Fit, but does that make up the bulk of the difference? Let’s see:
Contents
Main Differences Between the Total Gym Supreme vs Fit
The Main Differences Between the Total Gym Supreme vs Fit are:
- The Total Gym Supreme is well under $1000.00, whereas the Fit is over $1000.00 (sometimes twice that).
- The Total Gym Supreme has a one-year warranty on the frame and six months on parts, whereas the Fit gives you a lifetime warranty on the frame and two years on the parts.
- The Total Gym Supreme’s max user weight is 275 lbs, whereas the Fit goes up to 450 lbs.
- The Total Gym Supreme doesn’t come with a $1.00 trial for 30 days, whereas you can get a 30-day trial of the Fit for $1.00 (followed by 10 monthly payments if you decide to keep it).
- The Total Gym Supreme doesn’t come with DVDs, exercise cards, a poster, a Total Gym TV subscription, or a wide variety of accessories, whereas the Fit has all of that.
- The Total Gym Supreme has a standard size squat stand, whereas the Fit design features a 50 percent larger one.
Features of the Total Gym Supreme
So what does the Total Gym Supreme have to offer?
- Simple, minimalist (but still effective) design compared to other models
- Lower price-point
- Foldable design
- Comes with the leg pull attachment, AbCrunch, squat stand, and tri-grip shaper bars
- Access to Total Gym TV to stream from any device so you can follow along with workouts (you’ll get access to four classic workouts and three new ones; more workouts are available with Total Gym TV Premium subscription)
- Flexible handles (nylon straps)
- 12 resistance levels
- Height adjustment knob
- Padded pillow
- Payment plans are available with some Total Gym retailers
- It’s already put together for you when it arrives
Pros
- It costs less than others. A lot less.
- You get the same number of resistance levels as you do with the Fit.
- As of this writing, it’s available and will be easy to find.
- You can do over 60 exercises on it, which is comparable with other home gym options and a lot more than you’d get from most other types of home gym equipment.
Cons
- Compared to other models, it seems less exciting and may give the impression of being less sturdy, especially when compared with the Fit and its ergonomic design and extra-large squat stand.
- Some reviewers on the Total Gym Direct site wish they had more workout instructions (video and on paper).
- Other Total Gym options allow you to do more exercises (80+).
- Max user weight of 275 may not be enough for some users, especially when you want to use the Total Gym Weight Bar, and other models allow for 400+ lbs.
Total Gym Supreme, a budget-friendly home gym model, features stream FREE select workouts on Total Gym TV Basic, 12 Levels of Resistance, over 60 Exercises on One Home Gym, 275lb User Weight Capacity, and Arrives Fully Assembled.
Features of the Total Gym Fit
Now, let’s take a look at what you get if you splurge on the Total Gym Fit.
- AbCrunch is included
- Two-piece wing attachment gives you a wider range of motion and more exercises to choose from
- Nutrition guidelines and a meal plan included
- Wallchart that shows you 35 exercises you can do on the machine
- Total Gym training deck for more exercise ideas
- Comes in yellow or blue
- You get a 90-day free trial of Total Gym TV and eight DVDs
- Ergonomic glideboard for a more comfortable experience
- Leg pulley accessory with two ankle cuffs
- Arrives already put together for you
- Foldable design
Pros
- Wider surface area (50 percent more on the squat stand)
- More exercises (85+)
- Higher weight capacity than the Supreme, 450 lbs
- Extra exercise guidance in the form of a poster and cards
- More comfortable to use because of the larger squat stand, pillow design, and ergonomic glideboard
Cons
- It may be difficult—or even impossible—to find one to buy. It’s listed as out of stock as of this writing and it’s a limited-edition model.
- It’s expensive, even on sale. It retails at over $2000.00 (on sale, you may find it for about half that, but it’s still almost twice the price of the Total Fit Supreme).
- It’s about 10 pounds heavier than the Supreme, which could make it more difficult to move into and out of its storage spot.
The NEW Total Gym FIT Signature Series Plus Home Gym Equipment includes an extensive line of Total Gym FIT Signature Series Plus accessories designed to enhance your home workouts including the Total Gym-Certified Extra Large Squat Stand meticulously designed and tested for safe and joint-friendly workouts.
Comparison Table
It’s easier to visualize the differences and come to a conclusion when you have a side-by-side comparison:
| Total Gym Supreme | Total Gym Fit | |
| Price | About $600.00 | Just under $2400.00, unless it’s on sale (as of this writing, the price is listed at about $1350.00) |
| Availability | Available at Total Gym Direct | Out of stock in most stores, but as of this writing, but can be found on QVC |
| Dimensions | 15.5” x 93” x 43.25” (15.5” x 50.5” x 8” folded) | 18.5” x 93”x 44.5” (18.5” x 50.5” x 8.5” folded) |
| Levels of resistance | 12 | 12 |
| User weight capacity | 275 lbs | 450 lbs |
| Weight | 56 lbs | 66 lbs |
| Free trial? | No | Not free, but $1.00 for 30 days |
| Number of exercises you can do | 60+ | 85+ |
| Warranty | 1 year on frame, 6 months on parts | Lifetime on frame, two years on parts |
| Assembly required? | No | No |
| Extras | Ab crunch, tri-grip shaper bars, leg pull accessory, squat stand | Ab crunch, leg pull attachment, wing attachment, squat stand |
Alternatives to Consider
If neither the Supreme nor the Fit has you 100 percent sold yet, consider these before you make a purchase:
Total Gym XLS
The XLS is a step between the Supreme and Fit in a lot of ways.
Pros
- Maximum user weight of 400 lbs
- 80+ exercise options
- Lifetime warranty on frame (six months on parts)
- Less expensive than the Fit and only about $300.00 more than the Supreme
Cons
- Only six levels of resistance
- Won’t necessarily come with all of the accessories you get with the Fit
Check out how XLS Compares to:
Despite the somewhat "over the top" Chuck Norris endorsements, this is a SOLID home gym essential. Easy to use and surprisingly space conscious compared to competing home gym monsters.
Bowflex Xtreme SE 2
The Bowflex Xtreme SE 2 is one of the best-selling home gyms from Bowflex.
Pros
- More of the traditional weightlifting feel than the Total Gym
- Allows you to switch between exercises quickly and easily
- Upgradable to 310 to 410 lbs (from the standard 210 lbs)
- 70+ exercise options
- 7-year warranty on frame and lifetime on Power Rods
Cons
- Possibly the price, depending on your budget (around $1500.00)
- Does not come pre-assembled
- Power Rods may wear out over time and need to be replaced to maintain stated resistance, but since they have a lifetime warranty, it’s really just an inconvenience instead of an extra expense
- Takes up more space than a Total Gym
The Bowflex Xtreme® 2 SE lets you change exercises more quickly and easily with no cable changes needed between exercises. Now includes ergonomically designed adjustable seat and Ab Crunch Shoulder Harness.
Mirror
The Mirror is for the person who doesn’t mind a monthly subscription but does love variety in their workouts.
Pros
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space at all (they call it nearly invisible), but you will need room in front of it to do the exercises
- Helps you check your form, which could help prevent injuries
- Live classes add a fun element, but there are on-demand classes, too
- 50+ genres of classes
- Customized playlists
- Adjusts the workouts for you as you progress
- Workouts can be done on your smart device if you don’t have access to The Mirror
- 30-day trial
Cons
- Requires a monthly membership (you can share with five other people from your household, though)
- Doesn’t focus on strength (which may not be a con, depending on your goals) and doesn’t come with weights
- Requires internet connection
- Expensive
With 50+ genres, 5-60 minute classes, and absolute beginner to expert levels, we have the perfect workout for everyone. Enjoy new live classes daily, or choose from our library of thousands of on-demand classes anytime. 
Tempo
The Tempo is similar to The Mirror in many ways, but it has more of a focus on weightlifting and does include weights.
Pros
- Takes up very little space, but you’ll need still need about eight feet in front of it to complete your workouts
- Offers a variety of classes, not just strength-training
- Includes a 25-lb barbell, two 7.5-lb dumbbells, 4 10-lb plates, 4 5-lb plates, 4 2.5-lb plates, and 4 1.25 plates for strength components
- Comes with a heart rate monitor, workout mat, and recovery roller
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- More expensive than The Mirror
- Requires a monthly membership
- Requires internet connection
Total Gym FAQs
Before you make a decision about your Total Gym purchase, you’ll want to make sure all your questions have been answered. These may help:
Question: Which Total Gym model is best?
Answer: If you base your decision on number of exercises, resistance levels, warranty, and how much weight it can hold and want the most of everything, the Total Gym GTS is the best. However, not everyone will need or want that model. The Total Gym Fit is a good happy medium that I would consider the best.
Question: Is Total Gym Fit worth the money?
Answer: If your goal is to get lean and fit, improve your health, and move your body every day without buying a lot of fitness equipment or paying to join a gym, then yes. If your goals are to lift especially heavy and gain a lot of muscle, or you don’t see yourself being consistent with the machine, then no.
These machines will work your whole body, get your blood pumping, and help you get stronger and lose fat.
Question: What is the difference in Total Gyms?
Answer: The basics are largely the same and you’ll be able to get a wonderful full-body workout with any Total Gym.
In most cases, it boils down to a difference in resistance levels (only the XLS is lacking here, with six vs at least 12), number of exercises (Supreme has 60+, while others have 80+ options), and max user weight (Supreme comes in last here, too, with only a 275-lb limit vs 400+ on other models).
Of course, there are slight differences in dimensions and weight, other than the GTS, which weighs almost three times as much as the others. Accessories and warranties will vary a bit, as well. The XLS and Fit have lifetime warranties on their frames, but the Supreme only gets one year, for example.
Question: Do Total Gyms really work?
Answer: Yes, with consistent use (at least 20-30 minutes, three times per week) and a healthy diet, you will see results.
Question: Are squats on the Total Gym effective?
Answer: They can be, but you’ll be using less weight than you would if you were just standing up with weights in your hands or on your back. Is the Total Gym the best way to do squats for someone who can physically do them normally? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get anything out of them, and it’s good to change things up when you can.
It’s worth noting that you can use the Total Body Weight Bar to add weight if you’re concerned that your body weight won’t be enough to challenge your muscles. You will need to add your body weight and the bar’s weight to make sure you don’t exceed your Total Gym’s max weight limit, though.
Question: Can you get ripped using Total Gym?
Answer: Yes, with a diet that supports your goals and consistency in your workouts, you can lose fat and build some muscle for a lean, fit appearance.
Question: Is Bowflex better than Total Gym?
Answer: It’s not better or worse, but it does depend on your goals and the kinds of workouts you enjoy doing. If serious lifting and following a more traditional workout program is your thing but you don’t have room for that kind of setup in your home gym, some of the Bowflex options will probably keep you happy, whereas you might be disappointed with the Total Gym.
If you just want to maintain or improve your health, lose a little weight, tone up, and use a machine that doesn’t take a whole lot of room or maintenance, Total Gym will be more of what you’re looking for.
Question: How long does it take to see results from Total Gym?
Answer: If you’re consistent and following a nutrition plan that supports your goals, you could see results in as little as a month. Each person is different, though. Some people may take a little longer—up to three months—to see results. Take progress pictures each week or so.
Question: Which Total Gym is best for seniors?
Answer: Total Gym Supreme or XLS will be the best for seniors. The Supreme weighs 12 lbs less and it’s four inches thinner, which may make it easier to move and store, so it’s another good choice.
Question: Can you do Total Gym every day?
Answer: Yes, you can. Start with around 10 to 20 minutes per day and then work up from there. Be sure to take rest days when your body is telling you you need them, though.
Question: Does Costco sell Total Gym?
Answer: They do! It’s unlikely that you’ll find the whole range there, but if you’re not picky about which model you get, you may be able to find one at a great price.
Total Gym Supreme vs Fit: Which Should You Buy?
If your budget allows it, I recommend going with the Fit because of the extra exercises you can do, the additional weight it can hold. Even if your body weight is well below 275 pounds, you may want to add weight to your workouts at some point with the Total Gym Weight Bar.
You’ll also get extra comfort, a place to secure a device so you can follow along with workouts, a larger surface area, and more. It’s everything the Supreme is, with bonuses.
The NEW Total Gym FIT Signature Series Plus Home Gym Equipment includes an extensive line of Total Gym FIT Signature Series Plus accessories designed to enhance your home workouts including the Total Gym-Certified Extra Large Squat Stand meticulously designed and tested for safe and joint-friendly workouts.
That said, if you can’t afford the hefty price tag on the Fit, don’t let that stop you from picking up the Supreme. It can still have positive effects on your physical and even mental and emotional well-being.
Read More:
