My Total Gym and Me:Part-2

As you can see from the picture, the gym consists of two frames that are attached to each other. One frame holds the bench, which slides up and down on rollers. The other frame acts as the incline and allows you to raise and lower the bench. The Total Gym also includes other attachments that are used for a variety of exercises: a Pilate's Bar(the U-shaped bar at the base), which can be used for...Pilate's, but can also be used for Lunges and reverse pull-ups, Dip Bars, a Press-Up Bar (not shown), Leg Pulley Accessory (not shown,but attaches at the top of the vertical column), a Wing Accessory, and a Weight Bar, which can be used to attach additional weights for added resistance (up to 75 pounds).

Length:
folded...51"
in use...94"

Height:
folded...10"
in use...44-1/2"

Width:
With Weight Bar... 24"
Without Weight Bar... 16-1/2"

Weight:
Unit Weight...69lbs.
Max User Weight...275
Max Additional Weight...75
Total Weight...350

As you can see, the Total Gym 1700 can be folded when not in use, which is a great
space-saver for small residences.

** These observations are written based on my usage of the machine at 4-5 times a week for just over 13 months.


The Bench:

As mentioned, he bench slides up and down on the lower frame. It can be used either with or without the pulley/cable attached. So far, I have had no problems with the bench or the rollers. I have had to lubricate the rollers recently, but other than that, just a general weekly wipe-down will keep the bench rolling smoothly. To lubricate the rollers, it is suggested by the manufacturer to use machine oil. Cables:

OK, here is where I ran into some problems. After about 8 months of use, I noticed
that the outer, protective coating on the steel cables was started to crack. Although, this would cause no problems with the integrity of the cables, I did not wish to take any chances. This is when I discovered the Total Gym does not support its older models. However,after a great deal of searching, I was able to find a company,Huck Products which supplies ALL the items (at a higher quality) you may ever need. It supplies cables, rollers, benches, ropes, pulleys, hardware, etc. I purchased the replacement cables and have been using them ever since with no difficulties.

Rope/pulley and Foot Harness:

This is used for a variety of exercises that target the leg, thighs, buttocks, and the lower back. I have used this attachment for several months. However, as of last month the stitching on the foot harness has been tearing away. I will also need to
replace this before I can continue with these set of exercises.

Dip Bars and Pull-up Bars:

I have had no problems with these attachments.

Leg attachment:

The only problem I have had with this attachment, is the padding has just
recently started to tear.

All in all, I have been very happy with my Total Gym 1700. The problems I have mentioned have occurred after extensive use over a long period of time. The results I have obtained through the exercises has been phenomenal. If used as described, 3-4 times a week for 20 minutes a day, you WILL see results within the 6-week time period.

The Total Gym 1700 comes with all the accessories mentioned above and also includes a workout DVD (which did not work on our DVD player or computer), a workout manual, which illustrates the various exercises you can do, and a convenient workout Flip Chart, which can be mounted on the gym itself.

If you are a serious weight lifter, than this system is not for you. You would be better-off looking into a BowFlex. However, if you are just a person wishing to supplement their cardio workout with strength training, I would highly recommend this system.


Where to get...

If you decide that you want all the bells and whistles...




Now, if you just want to work your upper body, then here is something that I have been using for the past several months. It's called the Iron Gym.

As you might be able to tell from the photo, it fits in your doorway and you use if to do pull-ups and chin-ups (you can also get a great ab workout using it). Just be sure to measure your doorway, to make sure that it will fit. As I said, I have been using it for several months, along with the Total Gym, and the results have been fantastic.

I hope this answers any questions you may have about my Total Gym. As I said before, I have been using this system for over 13 months now and the results have been outstanding. However, you will only get out of the system, what you put into it. If you are faithful and exercise on a regular basis, you WILL see the results. If, however, you decide to give-up on your exercise regime, than I have to say that you just purchased an expensive clothes rack.

Good luck and I hope that I have given you the information you need to make an educated decision. If you have any further questions or require additional information, please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

See also...My Total Gym and Me:Part-1