Why Total Gym isn't featured on Garage Gym Reviews?

[@SPACEiQ1746]

Forget the fact that Coop doesn't like the total gym I'm more confused as to how sliding bench trainer channel doesn't have more subscribers, I love this channel, please continue making videos do not stop, I have a total gym and I absolutely love it, your videos help a tremendous amount

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Joe, you guys are too nice.

[@SPACEiQ1746]

@@hybridresistance Anytime brother, you're a monster my goal is to get where you are at, lol

[@greuju]

Yeah I don't know if you know this but he's actually part of a larger media corporation. If you look at the website and go to careers you'll eventually find who they are.

[@sydneybird116]

I turn to @SlidingBenchTrainer first far and away more so than Coop. Much more practical, straight forward and trustworthy.

[@trucker8211]

I was given a total gym a few years back and never really used it. I always stuck with my weights I had wanted to build a home gym and that’s what I done. A couple months back I found your channel and was very interested with everything you could use a total gym for. I have always struggled with pull ups and have always wanted to get better then one day I saw you doing a pull up variation so recently I decided to give it a try all I can say is it’s awesome I can feel my Lats working and I feel if I can stay consistent I will be doing pull ups before to long. So I just want to say thank you for your videos and keep spreading the word the total gym has its place in all home gyms

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you for those positive comments. Yes, the total gym pull ups definitely transfer over to regular pull ups I’ve found.

[@Ronnock]

Exactly what impressed me too, the pull-up build. That, and I inherited mine from family, so I had nothing to lose!

[@bossfan61]

It never ceases to amaze me that this guy "Coop", who seemingly dominates the home gym review space, still looks like he's never picked up a dumbbell in his life outside of his videos.

[@hybridresistance]

I think he's training for strength and maybe just not into (or doesn't have the time) to do much bodybuilding. Thanks for watching.

[@ccolt8460]

Body to body, muscle to muscle, I think Mike is better built than Coop.

[@mrsh2167]

@@ccolt8460 No contest

[@mrsh2167]

All hat, no cattle

[@robertcook2680]

This should make him the PERFECT Total Gym supporter!

[@josephvendetti1330]

Great stuff as always Mike. I agree with some of what the other viewers/commenters have said, I'd rather have a physique like yours and you got me to purchase a Total Gym and I love it. Coop is one very strong individual, I've seen him do some impressive lifts and at least he looks natural. I've always loved resistance training period, doesn't matter what tool is used,weights, bands,bodyweight,machines etc. I get tired of most people especially Docters preaching aerobic exercise constantly, elliptical and treadmills blah blah blah. I had shoulder surgery years ago and trained on a high grade model Total Gym and enjoyed it and after being inspired by you have my own, but like you have before I think many people look down on it as some kind of gimmick or it's not hard-core enough. The weight bar attachment and a set of bands and the Total Gym can be very challenging to anyone in my opinion I especially like the inverted pull ups and shoulder press. Keep up the great work I like many others appreciate all the great content 👍

[@ThuanTran-nv9yb]

There is definitely a learning curve with using a sliding bench equipment.

[@azndynomite1277]

Your channel has definitely got me seriously considering a Total Gym or sliding bench trainer, especially if I end up moving to a smaller place in the near future. I primarily work out at home with dumbbells, but recently got into calisthenics, and the amount of different movements you've demonstrated on the Total Gym is amazing.

[@hybridresistance]

You wouldn't regret it. With what you're using and what you're doing, it for sure would compliment your training.

[@instone22]

The trouble with TG is it doesn’t look very cool, it looks like a gimmick and there are a lot of videos of out of shape people swinging there arms about but if you have some experience lifting and you try a TG you realise it can be a great bit of kit. I’ve come back to it after many years to work around injuries but I can’t see me leaving it again. Good to see Mike in great shape and really getting the most out of the machine, many great ideas on this channel. Thank you 🙏

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks James for the positive comments and for sharing. I believe the tide is turning.

[@kenkeng5824]

I have to agree with other comments out here. Your fitness level compared to garage man is an obvious reason to continue with my Total Gym and tune to you as my Guru. Thanks!!!

[@hybridresistance]

Appreciate that Ken.

[@mikeervin7654]

Guy has all this stuff and his body doesn't even look that great. I will stick with you're channel. Proven results

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for the comment Mike. I'm sure with his operation he's having a hard time to sneak in workouts. I know he's a strong dude though.

[@briand5047]

Coop doesn't train like a bodybuilder, and doesn't have long muscle bellies (genetics). His strength is "proven results". I think he's achieved his training goals of having cardio fitness, strength and being lean. I'm not really surprised that many stronger males aren't that interested in the Total Gym since the top level is only a little more than 50% of bodyweight (which also means if you add 100 lbs of plates, you didn't add 100 lbs of resistance) and many people with a strength focus train with a periodization program based on % of 1RM so they want more precision. Training for health and bb, Total Gym is a good value for the $ and space, but there are better options for his training goals.

[@jimperry4420]

He’s probably afraid that people will discover that they don’t need all of the other equipment he reviews. I have a monster basement gym with everything and still use the Total Gym for a lot of exercises. Plus, the guy has everything and yet looks like he has never lifted a day in his life, weird. No hate.

[@hybridresistance]

I've been hearing more and more people share that they have tons of equipment but their "go to" is the Total Gym.

[@MidwestPyro55]

Probably comes down to his diet. If he's not getting enough protein and calories he'll get stronger but won't pack on any muscle mass.

[@steverapos3904]

I see 3 reasons - 1) He is looking for views and sales - thus there is a preference for newer items. 2) He does more high end stuff - kind of a fantasy for viewers. 3) He doesn't do much of the "as seen on TV" type products as this product is similar too

[@hybridresistance]

I think those are fair assumptions. Thanks for the comment.

[@PaulHo]

Ironically, I actually started off backwards with diving deep into his channel first and thinking that I needed a fully decked out power rack/squat rack/functional trainer setup. Then I found you and just picked up a used Total Gym by trading on Craigslist for some The North Face bags that I can't even use anymore. I really do think he has a much larger machismo gym bro crowd, and it only further drives the black-on-black TikTok views.

[@hybridresistance]

I appreciate it Paul. Ironically today he actually posted a video where he jumped on a total gym at a convention and liked it. So we'll see.

[@PaulHo]

@@hybridresistance you heard it here first, he's going to knock it for not having any knurled grip.

[@kriswempa5171]

You should ask him. I like his channel. I've seen him review different types of cable machines like the Max Pro. I think you're probably right about how it's hard to stop thinking of the "Total Gym" as just another infomercial gimmick. You really have to try one out and figure out what works and what extras you need to work around its limitations. That being said, if I had a huge unused space to claim as my own workout space, I'm sure I'd have a lot more traditional weight training equipment than I have now.

[@MC7791]

Its a mystery no doubt. Aside from your great channel there are others where people are doing great workouts on the TG. Total Gym has been around for 44 years and on QVC for over 25. Something with that longevity is no fad. I can see the results you Mike and others have gotten from using it. So I dont know why more people talk about it in their home gyms

[@steelheart4148]

To appreciate the Total Gym, one has to think outside the box. At first glance, it just doesn't look like a serious piece of weight training equipment. Secondly, if you've ever watched their infomercials, they market them mostly to women who don't use the weight bar at all. That is, in my opinion, the main reason men don't view the Total Gym as something that can build serious muscle. In addition to your hacks, I've purchased a 4 foot long plumbers pipe and use that to load heavy weight on the Total Gym. The only exercise I don't do on the Total Gym is deadlifting. For that I use a barbell. I forgot to add, I also use dumbbells to do lunges sometimes.

[@hybridresistance]

I love it Ben, great tips and comments.

[@Fitforacting]

Great idea for a video! I hope Coop responds🙏🏾🙏🏻🙏

[@IronMayne]

Broham, so my secret is now out! Lol I wanted to be the first to showcase my small garage gym set up with the TG (pics coming soon)as the cornerstone but since you spoke on it , that will alert the “algorithm gods” to Coop and all the fitness gurus in all the 9 realms to come see you lol….but seriously, I hope the TG and all types of sliding boards trainers get some soon due respect. I checked Facebook marketplace and there are so many for sale on the cheap! I mostly use my TG nowadays eventho I have many other items. Can’t wait to share and thanks for your content broham🫡💯

[@hybridresistance]

We're all looking forward to Big Keiths Garage Gym! Will be the first Total Gym Garage gym tour. Thanks again for watching.

[@thomasbean7704]

Wanted to see if you have a video on or could touch on the topic of how weight loss might impact muscle growth on the Total Gym. I am 25 lbs lighter than when I started using my Total Gym. This has me wondering if I need to add 25 lbs of plates in order to ensure I am continuing to gain strength/muscle? I have found that on exercises like Seated Crossover Row & Leg Press, I have to add resistance bands in order to keep my max reps down in the 8-15 range.

[@hybridresistance]

For sure up the intensity in whatever way you feel is necessary, from weights to bands. Personally, I treat each session as a different animal, sometimes my plan changes depending on how well I recovered, or just how the exercise feels. I did make a video on a "simple strength training" program that discusses the value of just adding some weight. So I think you're initial idea is good. But it just all depends on a number of variables depending on how much you switch up your routine/schedule.

[@a1090568]

random question - I've got an old total gym 1000 and the pulleys get a little rickety. I've taken apart and greased the inside a few times which helps but in a few weeks they lose smoothness again. they look like pretty cheap 2"/50mm pulley wheels has anyone found some replacements that are a bit more high quality?

[@hybridresistance]

Definitely check out these guys huckproducts.com I'll be doing a product review in the near future you can look for as with them.

[@loulopez554]

You use the total gym yet your body looks better than his so there it is💪

[@hybridresistance]

Too kind Lou. I'm sure he's strong and functional though. Just an FYI, KZbin is telling me you have the "highest rankings of hearts" by me. Thanks for being a long time supporter.

[@rayphsk]

There's just so much equipment out there, that maybe this piece of equipment doesn't stand out for him like a lot of other exercise equipment. He's never reviewed anything from Powertec, which carries some good equipment. I've never even seen him review anything from Soloflex, which has been around since the late 70s early 80s.

[@hybridresistance]

Those are good valid points.

[@davepazz580]

Out of curiosity, has Garage Gym Reviews ever reviewed a Soloflex or a Bowflex before? I've only seen a couple of his videos, but I get the impression what he means by "Garage Gym" isn't an "all-in-one" type of gym (as you definitely don't need a garage to to have one, it could fit in a small bedroom even), but he's probably thinking garage gym as in replicating a full commercial gym set up and experience, but with equipment the average person can obtain. In other words, gyms have power racks, benches, deadlift platforms, various machines dedicated to a single movement, pulleys and cable machines, barbells, dumbbells, etc. and his channel is about equipping your garage (or any large room) of your house with your own versions of the same things. A comparison to this idea would be like a Home Theater KZbin channel, where the reviews would only include home theater projectors, home theater screens, theater seats, in-wall surround sound systems, etc. because only these items could re-create the movie theater experience at home... even though a very good quality 4k television would still allow you to watch the same movies in an impressive fashion, but it's still not technically a movie theater "product", only a home projector can do that.

[@monkeyb1820]

tg is similar to a pilates trainer, a 'gliding' type of equipment. He only reviews the standard hardcore gym/cardio equipment. And the 'gliding' equipment is generally easier rep for rep unless you set it really steep or add straps. So I wouldn't take it as any kind of insult. It's just a niche that he doesn't get into. And historically, the powerlifter/bodybuilder types never used gliding equipment--but it definitely has a place in the pantheon of equipment.

[@m3horn]

Got a thought for you you have 3 total gyms put 2 side by side and douse them like a cable machine to work shoulders,chest, and back like at the gym standing in-between both total gyms. You just have to add weights to both total gyms if you have 2 weight bars. Just a thought.

[@hybridresistance]

I like it Matt!

[@m3horn]

@@hybridresistance I just tried cable exercise standing at the back of my total gym adding weights like side cabel lateral raises or rear lateral raises for the shoulders with the weight bar attachment and weights. Also you can do them one shoulder at a time standing on the side of the total gym. Also standing on the side of my total gym with the weight bar and weights added you can do one arm cable rows too.b💪👍

[@briand5047]

I'd say he's kind of influenced by basic movement/powerlifting focus and Crossfit. A lot of a really narrow focus (benches and racks and brand focus of Rouge, Rep and Titan) and rounds things off with some cheaper small items. I think those are his focus based on his interests and maybe branding his channel. I don't really ever get the impression he knows a lot about bb training, or how a bodybuilder would equip a gym, but he's good in his areas of interest. He played sports, trained for sports, did some Crossfit, did a garage gym and focuses on equipment within that and his channel grew. I like home gym tours on YT. There are a ton of them that I think of as "Coop gyms". They all basically follow a template.

[@bradfoster874]

For my garage gym I have a bench, dumbbells, kettle bells, treadmill and a total gym. I use all them on different days to mix it up and keep it interesting. Also a peleton in the back bedroom that I use in the morning to get my day started. We have a small gym at work with free weights and a walking track outside. If that's not enough I also mtn bike when I can.

[@hybridresistance]

That's awsome, that's for sharing that. How long have you had the peleton and how are you enjoying it?

[@bradfoster874]

@@hybridresistance had the peleton 6mos maybe. I really enjoy it when I need a quick me up or a late night scenic ride. When the weather is bad and I can't mtn bike I'll get on the peleton. With my total gym I do the same for a quick workout. I'll do continuous excercises for around 10 to 15 min straight. Kinda cardio and strength training.

[@hybridresistance]

@@bradfoster874 Those do look really cool and would make cardio a little more interesting indoors. Also I love the competition options on those as well.

[@Zane_Zaminsky]

Maybe if he looked at the Total Gym Elevate Encompass or the Total Gym Power Tower, he might be impressed. Mike, I do agree with your hunches as to why he won’t cover the Total Gym.

[@hybridresistance]

I think you're right about the Elevate. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@steviem5279]

I was one of those that was skeptical of the total gym but during covid my gym was closed down and then when it did open it had limited hours and a limited amount of time members can workout. I purchased some resistance bands only and started working out with those and they were fine but I felt like I need a bit more so one lazy Saturday in late November/Early December I was channel surfing and came across QVC and it's Total Gym promo which had the strength package included with the Total Gym Fit. It was roughly $700 compared to $1499 on the total gym direct so I said ok, it's a good deal so I got it and used the payment plan to boot and I have to say it was the best $700 I spent. Now, I'm 50 years old so I don't need to go heavy with the weights and it's all about staying fit and maintaining and for me I get a great workout from the machine and I do add some resistance via a weighted vest and I this channel gave the great idea of using bands with this as well to add resistance and the workout is good. What I like about it is that it hits the body part but you don't feel the any kind of joint pain when you are done, just muscle soreness. I also add some body weight exercises to the routine as well like pushups and for the legs I do some lunges, prisoner squats, reverse lunges, etc. I'm past the days of worry about pressing the heaviest weights I can possible go with but this gives me everything I need in a workout at my age and I love it and I have gotten nice and toned with it. One thing I do love about the Total Gym is that your core is incorporated in just about every workout and you feel it in the abs and obliques.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing all of that Stevie. You got a great deal on that TG sale. Great to hear you've seeing the progress in using the machine.

[@chunwong1807]

Hey Mike I think real testimonies with before and after pictures might help convince folks to consider the Total Gym.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you, I believe you're right.

[@buddyryan875]

I see this all over the internet in fitness groups I'm in unfortunately. The guys who 'tinker' in everything and never specialize in anything usually don't look too impressive. Real interesting to listen to tho

[@ccolt8460]

I get the feeling that Coop does not see the value of a TG. I believe the only way he will see the value is for someone like you to get with him and set up a TG for a very difficult workout and then he might have more respect for what a TG is capable of. Make him an offer or challenge he cannot refuse.

[@hybridresistance]

Word on the street is he will be reviewing this soon. But I've heard that for a few months now. So we'll see.

[@liljoe7171]

He's waiting on his hernia until he tests the TG! Ha! Nah, his stuff is cool, I'm just so worn out from the iron....I do believe, [most] people won't give the TG credit or respect until they get on it or use it....I bought mine and only used it for legs(bad knees) once a week, until I stumbled onto your channel....now, I use it for every workout. 👍 good stuff...

[@hybridresistance]

Very true. I know that for myself it was committing to using little to nothing else to show what was possible with this equipment.

[@RobertCombs70]

Well perhaps he feels that a total gym can do most if not all exercises that he demonstrates with his gym equipment. (As you said "Tarnish His Integrity") And if people started having more of an interest in a total gym then he wouldn't have much need to review anything ever again! (Yeah right!)... But maybe in the future total gyms will be more common & you will see them in places like walmart. (In the store, in person) I don't know if walmart online sells them or not.

[@mariopellegrino7661]

Even Athlean-X gave his views on it a few years back. He seems to be purposely dodging the Total Gym.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing this, I got to find that!

[@knightscoutblack]

You're a pretty big guy why don't you have the gravity total gym line and you're lying instead of the regular? I don't know how long you've had it but the guideboard isn't that durable on that model. It's a little bit more expensive but well worth the money and I'm sure It will be worth it in the long run. Check out the gravity total gems they are commercial grade.

[@hybridresistance]

Those elevate or GTS models are definitely great. One reason I don't have one is that honestly I can't drop the >$4k it costs that includes the shipping/set up. The second reason is that I honestly feel like I get all the benefits I could want out of their other models. And a final point is that most other people can't afford those, so I like being able to put out TG content that people can use on their specific machine. What's likely to break or where out on the glideboard are the wheels, but I actually will have a video that should be out later this week that gets into getting around that.

[@3Pillers]

👍 Total Gym - I like it.

[@protectandserve7385]

Love GGR however, Coop cannot be picky about workouts. Does he even lift? Haha

[@knassiri5600]

Total Gym itself is to blame for why many in the fitness community don't consider it a serious piece of gym equipment. All the consumer models they've sold over the years, the goofy infomercials, selling on QVC etc. It's no wonder the machine is perceived as a gimmick. They could rebrand in an instant with new marketing and really demonstrate what the machine is capable of, but they won't. The market space they occupy is entirely intentional. It's certainly kept them profitable and in business a long time.

[@22airgun]

I’ve got a feeling that this Coop guy has “affiliate” links for every piece of equipment he reviews. Therefore he makes money off of these expensive gear choices lol. Total Gums are effective but it’s not easy to get rich off of them unless you’re Chuck Norris lol

[@marc2672]

Coop only rates expensive home gym equipment fans begged him to rate major lutie he acted as if it was beneath him. All of the stuff he reviews is out of a lot of people's price range as well. An he doesn't seem to utilize all his rich equipment

[@JoseSuarez-bk3qg]

There is a saying “things are better left unsaid”. Coop’s channel is geared for the hardcore strength training community and it appears he has a lot of influence in that market. The total gym does not appear to check off all the boxes a hardcore strength trainer would be looking for which is why I’m glad your channel exist. But let’s just say Coop decides to review a Total Gym and gives it a 👎. His opinion could have an impact in influencing many to never consider a Total Gym product let alone create an out cry from the sliding bench trainer community who appreciate what a sliding bench trainer can do. I myself tried a total gym a few years back and was not impressed at first, but after watching your channel and further educating myself on exercise science is when I began to appreciate the focus on building lean body tissue. With that said I say let “sleeping dog lie” as they will one day sniff the crispy bacons 🥓 being severed from your channel on why a sliding bench is worthy to be included in one’s home gym.

[@hybridresistance]

Excellent comments and thank you for all the positive feedback. I assume one day he’ll probably cover it. Like you said, once you try it out and stick to it, it can become contagious.

[@m3horn]

Coop is more into the cross fit and cross fit equipment. That's way he has not reviewed or has a total gym.

[@hybridresistance]

That's kind of what I was thinking but he does go off on other popular home gym equipment such as the smart gyms.

[@m3horn]

@@hybridresistance He does but is 85 percent Cross fit if was not an older man and was 20's or 30's he would be a Cross fit athlete.

[@m3horn]

I looked up home gyms with a total gym and couldn't find much or athletes that's a total gym. The only two people that pop up are chuck Norris and Model Christy Brinkley. They used them before they were promoting the total gym on TV and the web.

[@kevinpoynter6697]

How does a man have so much equipment but he can't use it to get big?

[@johnpaullu4844]

Well it's like if he reviewed it, he wouldn't do it justice. It's like the bell-ends out there reviewing the X3 Bar and saying it doesn't built muscle, it does, as do the sliding benches, you just have to know how to use them, properly. Anyway the guys gym is full of trash he doesn't use.

[@tjc525]

Total gym commercial s suck...they make the machine a joke. Let's move beyond Christie and Chuck and have people like you to promote it.