Top 5 Ways to Increase Resistance or Make Exercises Harder on a Total Gym

[@jayselden145]

Hey Mike, thanks for another informative video. I like to use the bands and/or external plates either alone or together depending on the exercise. Another great way to increase the intensity of a movement that I often utilize without actually adding any form of external resistance is to simply slow down the rep cadence. By extending the time under tension of each repetition you can make a lighter weight feel much heavier.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing Jay. Great points.

[@22airgun]

Thanks for the tips! I got the XLS and so many of the combination exercises just became too easy. After watching this video I went and got a few heavy tube bands from the sports store. Game changer! Plus they don’t add weight to the machine when traveling!

[@hybridresistance]

No problem at all and great to hear to hear they're working out for you.

[@696969bold]

For leg press, I added a tow rope on the weight bar around the back-waist to help the leverage of the press. You can add the max weight plates and thank Skyler King for the idea!

[@jimperry4420]

To hold you in place better?

[@696969bold]

Yes. It allows for opposing forces.

[@MISSYMINX261]

@696969bold where did you find a tow rope the right size. the one I ordered was too long.

[@edwardnilsson5231]

"Bands + Weighted Vest" is my go-to! If you could try loading with different gym bars it would be awesome as an alternative for us that don't have the weight bar attachment.

[@jimperry4420]

A tricep bar loaded up and sitting on top of the glide board works also. It stays put really well. It’s how I did it with my old machine that lacked the place for a bar.

[@brianscott8456]

photo?

[@hybridresistance]

That's a great idea Jim. I'm going to look into that.

[@jimperry4420]

@@brianscott8456 I don’t have that technology lol.

[@brianscott8456]

@@jimperry4420 i'm not certain what you mean by a tricep bar. are there any examples on any youtube videos?

[@brianscott8456]

@@jimperry4420 nevermind. i now know what you're talking about. i had never heard of a triceps bar before now. go figure

[@IronMayne]

Yup! You already know we raise the incline! Lol…thanks for all the tips bro

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Keith! Hope all is well with you.

[@josefdeigner1045]

Gr8 video..I like the idea of unhooking the middle pulley..and using bands..I find the external plates awkward when laying on the board facind away from the tower

[@tristanhnl]

Taking off the middle pulley will actually essentially *double* your resistance compared with the same level having the middle pulley attached to the glideboard! It actually says that in the set of workout cards that come with the machine (it's specifically the card with the chart that shows how much weight you're moving if you're set to _____ level of incline and you weigh ______ pounds...) So taking off the middle pulley is a legit way of increasing your resistance, according to the very maker of the machine =]

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@MC7791]

Good stuff. Raising the TG is too risky for me and I am not a fan of bands but I have done sets with the cable detached. That really increases the load. Also when its I time I will get some external weights. Can the carabiners be used to attach the handles directly to the pulley anchors?

[@Shopwolfe]

Great ideas!

[@seankennedy1377]

My ballistic vest would work great.

[@DaviWalt]

I’m gonna try to detach the middle pulley. My chest fly strength is already past level 12

[@terrywarchief5647]

Again good stuff!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Terry

[@matthewwysocki5019]

What resistance bands work best with the TGF? Thanks!

[@hybridresistance]

I've used these Undersun Bands for many uses amzn.to/3oxAOpE but recently have been referring people to this company's set as they have a "lifetime warranty" on bands which is great considering all bands will fail eventually. amzn.to/3KPmbFC If you do decide to pick these up, consider purchasing from these link as they help support me in the process. Thanks for great question.

[@matthewwysocki5019]

Mike, do you also have a link for the straight bar that slides through the bottom of the bench? I will use that too! Thanks!

[@Chinekeh]

Do you have Blocks to make it higher?

[@hybridresistance]

I've used cinder blocks in the past

[@bluez1981]

My biggest question with this machine. And yes I've owned one. Can you actually build muscle mass using this machine only? Maintain muscle... Titan and firm your physique absolutely but add muscle?

[@hybridresistance]

I definitely think you can assuming the training / diet on the machine are good. Just like resistance training in general, there's a lot variables going into actually gaining muscle. I'm going on 3 plus years using this machine, if it didn't work I should be seeing a steady loss in size. I'd recommend these two videos of mine that also get into this more kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTTq3trm6iAo68 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKmWnmaYaqt9e5I

[@robertcook2680]

It did for me! I got a Total Gym in 1999 and worked out with it at least four days a week for several years and I gained strength and, yes, muscle mass. At one point I visited my brother in Florida, where he has his own lawn service. He had a new helper with him I had never seen or met before. After just a moment or two, the helper asked me, "Do you work out?" I think that says it all as to whether the Total Gym can build visible muscle mass. (Over the years I became busy with other things, including longer work hours, and I worked out less often, and not at all for periods of time. I lost my obvious muscle mass, though for many years I retained more visible muscle than I had started with. Now I have bought a new Total Gym Fit and have resumed regular workouts. It feels good!)

[@StevieRichardsFitness]

Great video as usual. Adding bands is always an excellent option. I agree with the safety risk with raising the incline and assume that would void any warranty.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks again Stevie. Really appreciate you watching and leaving a comment.

[@michaels2208]

I've gained weight after the VA did back surgery 11 months ago. I think if I get one my 300lbs will be enough weight for a while

[@hybridresistance]

I definitely think your own bodyweight will suffice. These are really icing on the cake, you can get plenty of results simply using the machines as is.

[@michaels2208]

@@hybridresistance I like the looks of it because I can support my back through some heavier moves. Then go lighter for sitting up so I can build up my core. I used to be big into lifting. Now I'd like to get a little bit of strength back and lose some weight. I don't need a 500lb deadlift anymore

[@mattjohnson8090]

Put a back pack on with weights

[@mikeervin7654]

I Agee the weight plates feel more natural

[@Yankeerex]

Great video. But definitely stay away from fith way.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you. Got to say of all the ones I featured again in the video, I'm probably going to be using those blocks a lot more. Definitely got to be careful though.