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When the choice is down to the Total Gym XLS vs FIT, they can seem so similar it’s tricky to decide which home gym is right for you. There’s only about a $400.00 difference in price, so is it worth it to save the cash, or are the differences so outstanding that you’ll be 100 percent happy you went for the more expensive Total Gym FIT in the long run?
I know which one I would choose, personally, but it may not be the right choice for everyone, so we’ll give each machine a thorough look in order to allow you to make your own decision.
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The Total Gym XLS vs FIT may have more in common than any other two machines in the line-up. Here’s how they differ, though:
Contents
Main Differences Between the Total Gym XLS vs FIT
The Main Differences Between the Total Gym XLS vs FIT are:
- The Total Gym XLS only has six levels of resistance, whereas the FIT has 12.
- The Total Gym XLS costs less and lets you pay across 10 months if you choose to finance, whereas the FIT costs more and has to be paid off in eight months (at Total Gym Direct).
- Total Gym XLS has a user weight capacity of only 400 lbs, whereas the FIT maxes out at 450 lbs.
- The Total Gym XLS allows you to do 80+ workouts, whereas the FIT has the capability for 85+.
- The Total Gym XLS is available at several stores, whereas the FIT is more limited.
- The Total Gym XLS only comes with a six-month warranty on parts, whereas the FIT comes with two years.
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.
Features of the Total Gym XLS
There’s a lot going on here, so I can see why it’s one of the standout models:
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and the parts are covered for six months
- Six levels of resistance
- You can do 80+ exercises on it.
- You can use a device to stream workouts to follow along with, using Total Gym TV.
- Foldable and relatively lightweight for easy storage and moving it as necessary
- Ribbed squat stand
- You get a Total Gym Training Deck and exercise wall chart
- It comes with the Wing Attachment for upper bodywork.
- Includes Dan Isaacson’s nutrition plan and meal plan.
- Comes with the Leg Pull Accessory and two ankle cuffs for lower bodywork.
- The handles are nylon straps.
- The glide board has padding and is designed to support your head as you work out.
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.
Pros
The Total Gym XLS is a good choice. Here are some of the perks:
- It costs less than the FIT model.
- It’s one of the most popular models in the Total Gym line-up.
- The 400-lb user weight capacity will allow more people to add weight to it as they get stronger (the Supreme, by contrast, will not allow for as much additional weight).
- It shows up at your door ready to go, no assembly necessary.
Cons
No Total Gym is perfect, so here are some of the things you’ll want to take into consideration:
- It only has six levels of resistance.
- You get 80+ rather than 85+ exercises with this one, compared to the FIT.
- It holds less weight than the FIT (400 lbs vs 450).
Features of the Total Gym FIT
The Total Gym FIT has a lot in common with the XLS, but it does a handful of things better. Here’s the rundown of what it has to offer:
- 12 resistance levels
- 85+ exercises you can do (so not a huge upgrade, but there are a few things you can do here that you won’t be able to do on the XLS)
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and a two-year warranty on parts (up from the six-month warranty on the XLS parts)
- Already put together for you when you get it
- Weighs 66 lbs
- Can handle a max user weight of 450 lbs
- You can stream Total Gym TV Basic (on a separate device) to get workouts
- Two-piece Wing Attachment
- Ab Crunch accessory included
- Glideboard designed for extra comfort
- Pulley and cable system has been upgraded (the FIT is the newest Total Gym model)
- The steel frame has been upgraded
- Auto-lock height adjustment
- Dan Isaacson’s nutrition plan and meal plan
- Nylon strap handles
Check out how FIT compares to:
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.
Pros
The FIT really shines because it has upgraded features as well as additional accessories. Here’s what you get:
- You can switch from exercise to exercise more easily with this model, thanks to the new auto-lock height adjustment feature.
- Holds more weight than the XLS or Supreme models
- Comfortable, ergonomic glide board design
- A smoother experience all around, thanks to the height adjustment changes, improved pulleys and cables, and ergonomics
- 12 levels of resistance
Cons
There’s really only one place where the FIT isn’t the clear winner: the cost.
- Costs about $400.00 more
- If you choose to finance the machine, payments are significantly higher, and you have to cover it in eight payments (XLS gives you 10)
What Are the Accessories?
The XLS and FIT come with different attachments. Let’s take a look at what they are and what they’re for:
- Wing Attachment and 2-Piece Wing Attachment: These can be attached at the top or bottom of the machine and used for upper or lower body workouts. They’re both quick and easy to attach and mostly used for the same exercises, like pull-ups, leg curls, and shoulder presses. The 2-Piece version is the updated one and will fit the XLS or FIT, but Total Gym Direct lists the regular one as the accessory for the XLS and the 2-Piece version for FIT.
- Ab Crunch Attachment: This allows you to comfortably support yourself in plank position while your feet or shins rest on the glideboard. You then tuck your knees toward your chest and then straighten your legs. You can use this for different styles of crunches (oblique, one-legged, etc.).
- Leg Pull Attachment: This accessory allows you to work your lower body in new ways and attaches to the machine with ease.
- Ribbed Squat Stand: Allows you to work your legs by doing different variations of squats.
Comparison Chart
Let’s take a look at the Total Gym XLS vs FIT in a side-by-side comparison to easily see the differences.
| Total Gym XLS | Total Gym FIT | |
| Price | Around $2000.00, but sometimes on sale for about half the price | Just over $2000.00, but sometimes about $1000.00 less on sale |
| Payment plan available? | Yes, $99.85/month for 10 months at Total Gym Direct. | 8 payments of about $175.00 at Total Gym Direct. |
| Availability | You can get it at Total Gym Direct, Walmart (with or without the AbCrunch), and Amazon | Total Gym Direct, sometimes through a third-party seller on Amazon |
| Dimensions | 19”x 90” x 43” (19” x 51” x 9” folded) | 18.5” x 93” x 44.5” (18.5” x 50.5” x 8.5” folded) |
| Levels of resistance | 6 | 12 |
| User weight capacity | 400 lbs | 450 lbs |
| Weight of machine | 68 lbs | 66 lbs |
| Free trial? | Not free, but you can try it for a month for $1.00. | Yes, the same $1.00 offer is available for the FIT. |
| Number of exercises you can do | 80+ | 85+ |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 6 months | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 2-year extended warranty |
| Assembly required? | No | No |
| Extras | Leg pull attachment, ribbed squat stand, wing attachment, Ab Crunch at some stores (like Walmart) for about $100.00 more. | Ab Crunch attachment, workout DVD, 2-Piece Wing Attachment, upgraded ergonomic glideboard, Leg Pull Attachment |
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still not convinced that the Total Gym XLS or FIT is the perfect fit for you, you may want to consider some of these options:
Total Gym Supreme
The Supreme is a pretty basic model, but it’ll get the job done if you’re looking to save money.
Pros
- Costs about $600.00, not $1000.00+
- Has 12 levels of resistance
- Comes with the ribbed squat stand, Ab Crunch accessory, Tri-Grip Shaper Bars, and Leg Pull Accessory
- Includes nutrition plan and meal plan
Cons
- Only 60+ exercises
- Only a 275-lb max weight
- Only a one-year warranty on the frame
Total Gym GTS
At the other extreme, the GTS takes everything into consideration for the ultimate home gym/Total Gym experience.
Pros
- 22 levels of resistance
- 200+ exercises
- Commercial grade
- Five-year warranty on frame, one year on parts
- 650-lb max user weight
- Comes with a strength package that lets you get the most comprehensive full-body workout of any other Total Gym option
Cons
- The price (nearly $5000.00 if it’s not on sale)
- You’ll have to make an appointment to have someone put it together or try to do it yourself, as it doesn’t come fully assembled like the others do.
- It’s heavy, so it’ll be harder to move.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is a different kind of all-in-one home gym, with exercises more in line with what you’d do on the machines at an actual 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.
Pros
- Less of a learning curve, since the exercises are pretty straightforward
- Can be upgraded from 210 lbs of resistance to 410 lbs
- Power Rods have a lifetime warranty
- Adjustable bench
Cons
- You can only do about 70 exercises on it (but you do get a lot of variety and can still work your whole body)
- Power Rods can wear out over time, meaning the resistance will decrease as you get stronger.
- Takes up more room than the Total Gyms
Bowflex PR1000
The Bowflex PR1000 is about at the halfway point between the Total Gym Supreme and the XLS, with the ease and convenience of the comfortable gym machine experience.
Get a total body strength workout with affordable home gym, includes rowing machine rail.
Pros
- One of the less expensive options
- Horizontal bench is included
- 300-lb max user weight
- More traditional exercises, so you can jump right in without too much thought once it’s been put together
Cons
- Only 30+ exercises
- Still takes up more space than the Total Gym
- “Only” 210 lbs of resistance (that may be enough, though, depending on your goals)
- Power Rods could wear out over time
Tonal
For a totally different take, there’s the Tonal. (Read full review here)
Pros
- Guided workouts that keep things interesting
- Automatically sets your weight and then increases as it senses that you’re getting stronger
- Attaches to the wall and barely takes up any space (except when in use, of course)
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires a monthly membership to get the full effect
- Has to be professionally installed, then removed and installed again if you move
FAQs
You may still have some questions about which home gym is right for you. Here are some common questions you may be asking:
Question: What is the difference between the Total Gym XLS and FIT?
Answer: The FIT is basically the new and improved XLS. They have similar attachments, but the FIT has more resistance levels, you can do more exercises on it, it supports more weight, and it’s designed to be a smoother, more comfortable experience.
Question: Is the Total Gym XLS worth it?
Answer: Yes and no. If you can get the FIT instead, do that. However, if that’s not an option, buying the XLS on sale is worth it. Before making your final decision in that case, also look at the less expensive Supreme, which has more resistance levels but fewer exercise.
Question: Is the Total Gym FIT worth the money?
Answer: Yes, if you like extra comfort, variety, and attention to detail, this one is worth the money. Try to find it on sale, though. Whether it’s worth the full price is a stretch.
Question: What is the difference in the Total Gym models?
Answer: Mostly, you’ll see differences in resistance levels, max user weight, and the number of exercises you can do. Each model comes with its own set of attachments, too. Some models are built with additional comfort in mind, like the FIT with its ergonomic glide board and additional padding.
Question: Does the Total Gym help you lose weight?
Answer: Yes, with consistent use and nutrition that supports your goals.
Question: Is Bowflex or Total Gym better?
Answer: Either one will give you a good full-body workout and have pros and cons. The Bowflex’s Power Rods may wear out over time, which means you won’t be getting the amount of resistance you think you are. However, you’ll be able to do more familiar, traditional exercises on it, so it may feel less intimidating to use.
Question: What is the best Total Gym model?
Answer: The FIT has the most upgrades, resistance levels, number of exercises you can perform, and accessories of any of the other models, with the exception of the GTS, which is a much more expensive, commercial-grade option.
Question: Can the Total Gym build muscle?
Answer: Yes, as long as you’re challenging yourself and meeting your nutritional needs.
Question: Do Total Gyms really work?
Answer: Absolutely. Put in the time, keep your nutrition in check, and make sure your workouts challenge you and you’ll see results.
Question: Are squats on the Total Gym effective?
Answer: Probably not as effective as squats on the floor, but they’re still effective and a safer alternative for many exercisers.
Question: How long should a Total Gym workout be?
Answer: You could start with as little as 10 minutes when you’re first starting out, but try to progress to 20-40 soon after you start. From there, shoot for about an hour.
It really depends on your starting point (a beginner will need to start with the shorter workouts, whereas someone more advanced would probably prefer a 40- or- 60-minute workout a few times per week.
Total Gym XLS vs FIT: Which Should You Buy?
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.
If you have enough in the budget for the FIT, get that one. If they’re both on sale (or not), you may be able to pay only about $400.00 more for quite the upgrade, with six more levels of resistance, a better warranty on parts, upgraded accessories, and a few more exercise options.
Get the most popular Total Gym now at 10% Off + Free Upper Body Attachment + 1 Year Free Total Gym TV. Discover how easy it is to get fit and stay in shape with the Total Gym XLS home gym!
