Anyone use the Total Gym?

[GIJoe6186]

Normal lifts don't train "supportive" muscles, only "visible" ones?

Isn't that the whole idea behind using free weights, barbells and dumbbells? All the stability work involved targets all of the muscles.

I don't see how performing a workout on a set track that doesn't involve any stability works out the "supportive" muscles.

[ironfist666]

Seriously, dump/return that **** off if you can and do the following:

1. See the sticky thread here and look at the 'weight training' thread as well as the 'do-it-yourself equipment' thread.

2. Check the crossfit.com website and read the articles and see the videos. See if there is an affiliate near your location and sign in. Seriously.

3. Purchase the following:

Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength, 2nd Edition"

The starting resistance band kit (bands #1, #2 and #3) from iron woody fitness

Ross Enamait's Never Gymless

4 dumbbell handles
10 ten-lbs plates
4 five-lbs plates
a pair of 5lbs wrist/ankle weights (to be used as 5lbs dumbbells if needed - for some exercises.)
a pair of 2.5lbs wrist weights (specially those with a thumb hook.)
a jumping rope

a 12-lbs soft medicine ball.



That's the bare minimum a person would ever need.

i make by with a pull up bar, heavy bag, speed bag, medicine ball, and my running shoes

[ironfist666]

Seriously, dump/return that **** off if you can and do the following:

1. See the sticky thread here and look at the 'weight training' thread as well as the 'do-it-yourself equipment' thread.

2. Check the crossfit.com website and read the articles and see the videos. See if there is an affiliate near your location and sign in. Seriously.

3. Purchase the following:

Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength, 2nd Edition"

The starting resistance band kit (bands #1, #2 and #3) from iron woody fitness

Ross Enamait's Never Gymless

4 dumbbell handles
10 ten-lbs plates
4 five-lbs plates
a pair of 5lbs wrist/ankle weights (to be used as 5lbs dumbbells if needed - for some exercises.)
a pair of 2.5lbs wrist weights (specially those with a thumb hook.)
a jumping rope

a 12-lbs soft medicine ball.



That's the bare minimum a person would ever need.

and a jump rope

[ironfist666]

I tried the Total Gym, its ok but not for me. I prefer the gym any day to this type equipment. I did try the P90X workout routine a buddy of mine had and it was kickass BTW. Most of these home "gyms" IMO are ok to use but if you really want results, there is nothing like having weights and a jump rope. You will get the results you want by just using these for your basic training at home. Anything else that you can add is a bonus.

my sensei is doing the P90X and he is doing great on it. lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks

[selfcritical]

my sensei is doing the P90X and he is doing great on it. lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks

I saw a few tapes, and it looked well developed in terms of variety of excercises and keeping from getting to comfortable with any given routine. My only issue is you could put together an essentially identical routine with Never Gymless for all of $25

[ironfist666]

I saw a few tapes, and it looked well developed in terms of variety of excercises and keeping from getting to comfortable with any given routine. My only issue is you could put together an essentially identical routine with Never Gymless for all of $25

maybe. idk the whole fact that its structured might help. P90X worked, thats all that matters