Total Gym Beginners Guide: How to Set up and use the Total Gym

[@hybridresistance]

One correction at 2:30, you do not need to un-attach the middle cable when folding it up for storage. It's is likely better to leave it attached.

[@boatnerhowell9760]

Outstanding! This 64 year old kid thanks you. My house was hit hard by hurricane Ida and was out for more than a year. The Total Gym was put in storage and today, I finally looked at this and put it together (docs were lost). Your video allowed me to get started again. Take care.

[@josephbennett3442]

My brother bought this and I used one years ago but needed a refresher course. Also I think my cables are too long.

[@glw5166]

This video is so helpful. My Total Gym Platinum Plus has been in storage for almost two years and this video helped me to get back in the groove. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you. Happy to hear you're back using it.

[@ELDogStar]

Keep em coming. Although a beginner review, it always helps to be reminded at times.

[@stringbender57]

I am fairly new to the Total Gym and this video was very helpful. As one commenter mentioned (Don Sturgeon), there is definitely a learning curve. Setting up the Total Gym the first time was awkward as well as figuring out through trial and error how to mount the glide board and where to position yourself for each exercise. I bought a used Total Gym back in 2005 that I tinkered with a few times, but never really used it due to traveling for work so I sold it for next to nothing. I just bought a new Total Gym 'Apex G5' and I am excited to have it. It's the perfect home workout machine for me at this point in my life!

[@avonlady30]

Hi. Are you still using that Apex G5 regularly? If so, are you giving it a thumbs up?

[@Elementaldomain]

Be careful about hyperextending the knees - long term this can cause weakening of the ligaments. I was a yoga teacher for decades, also an avid white water rafter. I had been hyperextending my knees all those decades and what happened when I got older was I started getting serious knee ligament injuries because the ligaments had stretched out too much. Thanks for the video....just got an updated model and was having trouble getting the tower up. As it turned out, wasn't me so much as the whole construction is a little wobbly - you just have to manhandle certain functions - LOL.

[@mrfulgi]

I love that shoulder exercise you did at the end. With the Pilates bar, and when you descended, your head went through the Pilates bar. That's a great angle for hitting the shoulders, neutral hand grip. I have most of the attachments for the Total Gym Fit, and I use different hand grips to hit my shoulders. Great video! - Mike

[@rookandpawn]

Ty so much for this video. I love using my total gym but it's great to see simple things while still being comprehensive ❤

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you for watching

[@friendlytoad6534]

Just got myself a clearance total gym xtreme for 250 dollars Canadian. Excited to start using it and this channel has been super helpful

[@hybridresistance]

That's a good deal. Thank you for watching.

[@Fornwith]

I just bought the Apex G3 used from some person and I had no idea what I'm missing or what to do. This was helpful thanks my dude.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem. You might find this video helpful as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqqtZXaqhraAgas

[@Fornwith]

@@hybridresistance Thanks. I bought my G3 for 25$ I was happy haha

[@omargarza7060]

You should be handsomely rewarded for this video. This made life so much easier. Thank you so much. I hope the total gym creators find you and compensate you for your efforts. Cheers sir!

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you so much for that positive comment.

[@donsturgeon2003]

Thanks. I apreciate you taking the time to help us. I'm finding that there is a definite learning curve with Total Gym.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem at all. Thank you for watching and let me know if there's any other questions you may have.

[@truthhurts...6574]

I just got my Total Body Gym today and your video was very helpful. Thank you for this detailed video.

[@hybridresistance]

Happy it was useful for you.

[@itwashervoice]

This video is such a godsend! I literally moved into a home that had one of these in the basement, thought about tossing it out until I realized I could use some exercise. I started messing with it myself without looking anything up because I’m pretty good at picking things up on my own, but I did the same thing where I did not put that middle cable piece onto the sled, I just was doing the exercises without the sled attached properly. Great video, great instructions, thank you so much. I can’t wait to actually give this a chance now.

[@hybridresistance]

Very happy it was helpful. Definitely check out more videos on the channel to help maximize what the machine has to offer.

[@AnnMarieFuscaldo]

Your video really helped me. I had no idea where to hook the cable. Thanks

[@hybridresistance]

Happy it was helpful

[@dds3370]

Appreciate this. better instructions than what they provide.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you, one thing I would alter in this is to leave the middle pulley attached when breaking down and setting up.

[@dds3370]

@@hybridresistance ah, ok, good to know cause moving it a bit of pain otherwise. just put up yesterday and took down today for cleaners

[@TwilightMyst]

I’m ashamed to say how old my Total gym is and all I did was leave it sitting in front of my bedroom window and dust it every week. I was confused about to open it and close it. Wasn’t sure if I was putting the hitch pins in correctly. Thank you for your video with close ups of what you’re doing. My Total gym is the Platinum (old) and not sure if any attachments will fit it today. The wing attachment is the only one piece I have. Thank you for explaining the machine and your encouragement. Love your videos. ❤

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you so much for that great and positive comment. Very happy to hear the video was helpful.

[@diannemoore3625]

This was so helpful! Just unboxed my Total Gym and was feeling a little overwhelmed. Thanks for so clearly laying everything out.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem, thank you for watching.

[@dintymoore6448]

Thanks. Great video. I just bought a total gym xtreme from Costco and read the whole instruction booklet but nowhere did it say where to attach the Arm Pulley/Cable Assembly. It was just dangling. Thanks for showing that kinda important step.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem. I actually had the same problem initially.

[@ziranvolgo2506]

Thank you some much for this video I couldn’t figure it out there was no instructions it was presented she didn’t need anymore so my mom got it

[@livefreeallways]

I just tested out the exercises you were doing and I already feel stronger. Thanks

[@wbstone4388]

Thanks so much, great video on putting it together which I had forgotten (that hidden hook in the middle etc). Also nice demo of exercises. Recently retired and will use this daily (it had been sitting in a closet for years).

[@rachelzuber7961]

Thank you for helping me close the total gym it's very heavy for me and i got a workout just closing and moving it. The exercises are wonderful thanks again.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem, thank you for watching.

[@Gunslinger205]

Just got a used fit about a week ago and this helped alot . Thanks for the upload

[@hybridresistance]

Awesome to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@lauralineg5313]

Thank you! Just got mine set up and am excited to put it to use. Also, watch out if you have long hair, it can become entangled in the slide.

[@hybridresistance]

Very true. My wife told me that right away.

[@hankhooper1637]

Thank you! Been years since I touched my total gym. The one knob is black on mine and I didnt even know it was there.

[@lisapio9991]

Very helpful best beginner video out there!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Lisa.

[@marcelaorellana9805]

I just subscribed You helped me get together after an hour of hissy fit You rock🏋

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you!

[@bellaassa4946]

Thank you actually tg broke my finger an nail took me a month to recover so all watch out

[@xeaon1717]

I have total Gym 1800, you it years ago, it's still works and in excellent condition. I saw you have the more pricey range one, but all and all mine work for me; have seen other videos Yours, reminds pplz to watch there fingers and hand or you will get hurt, slow n steady, and easy functional exercises. The pins, don't lose them!! I've had to oil mine humidity an cold, to be able to rise it up to lay the bench to preferred height, I still have the book n video, The on screen box should be on top do we can see what you were doing it was in the way. All n all great video. 👍 Tjis refresh is what u needed to reset it up couldn't get it to stand to set up bench. To knobs n Pin were tight.

[@ashleytomas6511]

Great job 👏 I really recommend this video to anyone who is interested

[@kurthueston1511]

Oh! I'm SO glad to find this video. I needed help to setup my totalgym and this is just the perfect.....oh wait......your little vid in the corner is blocking half of the total gym. I can't see whats going on back there. Oh well.....never mind. :(

[@hybridresistance]

Sorry about that Kurt. Sometimes mistakes happen when you're getting your making these videos.

[@silverfox5732]

Thank you this is a great refresher mines have been in the closet I wanted to get back into using it again thank you great video

[@hybridresistance]

Happy it was useful. Hopefully you make good use of it this year!

[@memorybatho5530]

Love this video! Just getting started in my Total Gym Fit. More vids please!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for watching. If you're new, definitely check out some of the recent videos.

[@crstnausmcpkr]

Thank you so much for this. I was getting so frustrated and this got me up and going.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem at all. Thank you for watching.

[@NummieDread]

Boy do I feel dumb! I was just letting that middle cable kind of bounce around and get in my way! This is an awesome video! Thanks!

[@hybridresistance]

I wouldn't feel bad. I know it took me a while to just figure out how and where to attach the cable at first.

[@camerondiaztwin]

My instructions were not sufficient and the first video I looked at was not helpful but this one was thank you very much

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you and happy it was helpful

[@notthatbad8]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem at all. Thank you for watching.

[@Sourdoughgranny]

Thank you ! Just got mine today and this was really helpful

[@mameemeow]

You are a injury saver. THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!

[@hybridresistance]

Appreciate you watching.

[@ecast1500]

just picked up a used one (only used once by he way) I have been looking at and still have not had the time to set up, (wondering where to set it up) it looks so complicated I was given baskets of stuff that went with the machine, these videos are great, thanks,

[@marthanitschke1429]

Great this was the most helpful, thank you!

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you Martha

[@simonamilton1838]

THANKS!!!! Very Helpful 👍🏼

[@tinaestes8729]

Thank you for this video. Got the information I needed.

[@awildamuniz]

Thank you so much for your video it was so helpful and informative much better than their instruction manual!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that.

[@rosecobb8290]

Thank you for the instructions ☺️

[@hybridresistance]

No problem. Thanks for watching

[@tammystewart797]

Thank you..i was confused on mine

[@mwganson]

Thanks for the advice on the extended squat stand. I have an Apex G3, which comes with the smaller stand. I always have to do the squats on my toes instead of heels. I didn't realize this could be bad for the knees. I made an extension for mine out of some pipe I had lying around and some duct tape. I don't really trust it so I'll have to support it against the wall or something. It'll do until the new one comes in. (Sorry I didn't know you had a link or I would have used it to order so you could earn a commission. I'll keep you in mind if I order something else in the future.) I believe, if I remember correctly, the instructions (or maybe it was a video I watched) said to hook the pulley back to the glide bench before folding for storage. This is what I always do. Only thing is you have to watch when unfolding to make sure the cable doesn't get pinched. I had that happen a couple times, but luckily no damage I could see or feel to the cable.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you for watching and for comments. All great points especially about your alterations.

[@h.m.4253]

Good video! Thanks

[@AgentZero0982]

loved your entire explanation of everything but I do disagree about your knees over toes comments, those are excellent for maintaining and progressing strength throughout the knees, quads and ankles.

[@aimeesherlin518]

What about the black cord under the slide

[@markgonzalez9716]

How does the BowFlex Xtreme 2se compare? Thanks for the great videos and tubed resistance bands are great.

[@hybridresistance]

The bowflex system functions very similar to a gym set but with a different type of tension. I'm sure they are great, but one downside I see is that the machine has fixed positions. You probably get more resistance with the bowflex though. I also like the "fun factor" of using the Total Gym in the way it glides.

[@scott9352]

I have the total gym and in all honesty bowflex resistance is not so good at least in the upper body

[@potomoc11]

Good video. Can you demonstrate ab exercises with the ab attachment?

[@12penny345]

Super helpful. Thanks

[@johnwilliams7621]

How about the GR8Flex a competitor of the total gym?

[@petersmichaeld59]

SBT..........thanks good beginners setup and exercise demo's. Hope you do video demo different attachment basic and advance. Also...you state don't have knees over ankles....sorta looked like you did....or maybe I wasn't looking at it right. Can you provide a sure proof way or method demonstrating how to avoid Thanks again...

[@hybridresistance]

I wouldn't view the attachments as beginners to advance but more the positions / exercises. Here's a video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4Wzd4Kkes1krqs

[@InBonesWeTrust]

Great video!!

[@TrueSankofa7]

I think the total gym I got gifted at a yard sale may be the first one that came out. Can separate parts be purchased? The squat base is missing from mine

[@hybridresistance]

Yes, definitely. You can purchase most of them from totalgymdirect.com or on amazon.

[@charcharandmercy]

Video is great short and sweet

[@hybridresistance]

Glad it was helpful.

[@englonroberts790]

Cool video What about working on the abs

[@musicman4life]

Your seems to be set up on carpeting. How are you stabilizing it? I want to do the same but am concerned it'll be too wobbly.

[@hybridresistance]

Most of the Total Gyms are pretty solid. I also recommend a "stall mat" as a good base. If you watch any of my recent videos where I'm working out in my garage, you'll see I just have to pieces of stall mat under each side of the machine.

[@aprilrivera1161]

I feel like I’m too short for the total gym. Is there a way to adjust the length?

[@hybridresistance]

Here is a cheap / relatively easy way using chains kzbin.info/www/bejne/npOsf5qHrptqrdU

[@Lijah578]

Thanks!! 👌🏾Here in 2022!!

[@hybridresistance]

Awesome, hope you keep coming back!

[@xxviciousbeautyxx]

I'm getting so frustrated, I get get the bar pulled up even with pulling the yellow pin. It will not stayed pulled out and even holding it out, it won't budge

[@tunit20]

Hello, thank you for the informative video. I got the Total Gym Elite Plus version. Seems to function basically the same as the one in your video. My question is: My total gym does not come with a squat bar, only the pilates bar. Will I be able to do all the same exercises as with the squat bar or do you recommend getting the squat bar? I hope the question is clear, have a wonderful day.

[@hybridresistance]

It depends on what exercises you're looking to do. I'd recommend at some point you get the larger squat stand if you're going to be doing a lot of leg works. I link both the total gym one and the GR8FLEX one below. Both attachments are great to have.

[@richardle7469]

I misplaced all the attachments, then find them alone, what does this go to? Oh well i just keep it

[@drc1883]

are you aware that your little video square is in the way of what you are trying to describe??

[@jackielimpach21]

my machine seems to be to long to work out on, what have I done wrong?

[@hybridresistance]

I'm sorry I'm not sure what you mean. Can you explain more?

[@rebeccadunn6329]

I have the total gym extreme and set up out of the box was easy. However I just folded it up to store while friends were staying and now I cannot for the life of me put it back ion the right way. PLEASE help. I am beside myself have been at it for more than an hour and am scratching it up. It feels like something has been turned inside out. I cannot get the center column back into the support. I have watched your video again and again but something is not right. I hope you can help!

[@hybridresistance]

Can you send me a picture at [e-mail] ? I'd have to see it to know what you're talking about.

[@rebeccadunn6329]

@@hybridresistance Hi! Thanks for responding. So somehow when I took it apart to "hide" while company was here the center column came out of the bottom bracket. The reason I couldn't get it back in was because it had just tilted slightly the wrong direction. I finally just tried to move it and it worked. I just couldn't give up until I figured it out. I'm sure that wasn't supposed to happen but if I ever lay it flat again I'll read the directions!

[@rebeccadunn6329]

@@hybridresistance Yes! Sorry I just saw this. I realize I did not know how to explain it well. I'll get a pic and email it right now.

[@rebeccadunn6329]

@@hybridresistance I emailed a picture yesterday. Did you get it?

[@hybridresistance]

@@rebeccadunn6329 Yes I got it. I'll reply via email.

[@rollingsunset357]

What would make the total gym very hard to move backwards and forward on the sliding board?

[@hybridresistance]

Do mean a way to add resistance to the sliding board?

[@rollingsunset357]

@@hybridresistance Thanks for a quick response. I figure it out. I lift the board and reset it on the slide. It now moves freely up and down. Sorry that I wasn't clear with my question. I was referring to the board's ability to slide freely up and down the slide.

[@aimeesherlin518]

Fairly good video for set up. But all over the place . Supposed to help with set up not exercise video

[@hybridresistance]

@@aimeesherlin518 I’m sorry about that. I was kind of new at videos back then. Always learning!

[@walshgeo]

Your face blocks the view of the pin area

[@kimberlygrant8761]

when you are demonstrating we can't see your arms

[@YokiB]

I can't see the pin situation because your video is over it... Have to go find another one. 🙄

[@hybridresistance]

Sorry about that.

[@wjrsb58]

I wish your face wasn't blocking some of the video. ☹

[@DR-hq2yt]

I can’t see what your doing setting it up, your face video is blocking what your doing, I’ll find another site

[@BrysonDenton]

Not helpful at all still don’t know how to put my total gym together

[@hybridresistance]

Can you let me know what you’re struggling with? All you really have to do is pull the pin, slide it all the way down, then pull the second pin to release the tower to fold up

[@jgzbaby777]

This thing is a lot bigger than i thought, need more room

[@jgzbaby777]

Helpful video tho thanks man

[@LivingWellTV]

Please be aware of GR8FLEX spamming comment sections of Total Gym videos under pseudonyms.

[@scott9352]

Gr8flex is just a ghetto total gym ripoff