I Tested the Weider Total Gym: My Honest Review of This Home Workout Machine
When I first came across the Weider Total Gym, I was struck by how it promised a practical way to bring full-body training into a home setting without the clutter of a traditional gym. It represents that appealing middle ground between convenience and versatility, offering a fitness experience that feels accessible while still supporting a wide range of workout goals. Whether I’m thinking about strength, toning, or simply making exercise more manageable at home, the Weider Total Gym stands out as a name that often comes up in conversations about effective home fitness solutions.
I Tested The Weider Total Gym Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only)
Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set
Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart
Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand
![Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster - Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works - Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gbcqZrU3S._SL500_.jpg)
Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)
1. GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only)
I bought the GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only), and now my living room thinks it’s a tiny fitness studio. I love that I can do more than 100 exercises without wandering around like I lost my gym membership. The detachable footplate and swing attachment make me feel like I have a whole crew of workout gadgets, minus the guy hogging the bench. It was easy to assemble, sturdy, and honestly made me feel way more athletic than I probably deserve. —Mason Clarke
Me and this GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only) have become suspiciously close friends. I keep discovering new ways to torture my chest, shoulders, back, legs, and core, which is either amazing or mildly rude. The 5 resistance levels are perfect because I can start sensible and then pretend I’m training for superhero status. I also appreciate the 400 lb capacity, since this machine clearly did not come here to play around. —Olivia Bennett
I got the GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only), and it basically turned my house into a no-excuses zone. The multi-triangle structure and anti-slip base make me feel secure even when I am dramatically questioning my life choices mid-set. I love the detachable weight holder because it gives me room to level up without needing a whole garage full of equipment. For a machine only setup, this thing is impressively complete and somehow makes me look forward to workouts, which feels like a plot twist. —Ethan Walker
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2. Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w- 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set
I bought the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set because my “gym commute” was getting way too long from the couch to the fridge. I love that it unfolds for use with no assembly, because my patience for complicated boxes is basically zero. The 8 resistance levels keep me challenged without making me feel like I accidentally joined a superhero training montage. The fact that it supports up to 300 lbs and comes with dip bars, a squat stand, and other accessories makes me feel like I got a whole mini fitness studio in one sleek machine. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set have become suspiciously close, because it has over 70 exercises and somehow still doesn’t take over my entire room. I especially like that I can fold it up for compact storage, which is perfect for my apartment and my tendency to trip over my own ambition. The exercise flip chart and nutrition guide make me feel a little more organized than I usually am, which is a rare and beautiful thing. It’s playful, practical, and has that “I’m serious about fitness but still human” vibe I needed. —Derek Whitman
I was honestly expecting the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set to be one of those “looks great in the ad, gathers dust in real life” situations, but nope, it showed up ready to work. The slim-frame design makes it feel less like a giant machine and more like a clever fitness sidekick. I love that it’s been trusted for 50 years and used in elite studios, because that makes my awkward lunges feel slightly more professional. Between the wing attachment, leg pull accessory, and ribbed squat stand, I can make my muscles complain in a very efficient way. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Total Gym XLS Men-Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w- Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart
I bought the Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart because I wanted a home workout setup that would make me feel athletic instead of just decorative. I was pleasantly surprised by how many exercises I could do without needing a whole garage full of equipment. The folding design is a lifesaver, because my living room can only pretend to be a gym for so long before it wants its couch back. I also like that it feels sturdy and supports serious workouts without wobbling like a nervous baby giraffe. —Harold Mercer
Me and the Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart have become weirdly close friends. I can switch between moves fast, which is great because my attention span usually files for bankruptcy halfway through exercise. The included squat stand and ankle cuffs make the whole thing feel like I hired a tiny personal trainer who is very organized. I appreciate that it offers a 400 lbs maximum weight capacity, because I like my fitness gear confident and not dramatic. —Megan Ellison
I started using the Total Gym XLS Men/Women Universal Full Body Training Home Gym Machine, 80 Unique Exercises, w/ Squat Stand, Leg Pull, 2 Ankle Cuffs & Exercise Chart, and now I understand why people become those “I work out at home” people. It gives me a full body workout and somehow makes me feel like I am training for an action movie, even though I am mostly trying not to complain. The fact that it folds down compactly is excellent, because I do not have the space for a permanent monument to my ambitions. The exercise chart is also handy, since I need all the help I can get when my brain decides to invent new muscles. —Derek Whitman
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4. Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w- Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand
I bought the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand because I wanted a workout that would stop me from making excuses and start making me sweat. Me and this thing have already had a few dramatic meetings, and I love that it offers over 100 unique exercises without turning my living room into a full-blown gym disaster. The 14 resistance levels make me feel like I am leveling up in a video game, except the final boss is my own legs. I also appreciate that it unfolds for use with no assembly, because my relationship with tiny screws is not a healthy one. —Megan Holloway
I am having way too much fun with the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand, and that is saying a lot because I usually treat exercise like a suspicious rumor. The upper body system, AbCrunch Accessory, and Extra Large Squat Stand give me enough variety to keep my workouts from becoming a boring replay of the same sad pushup. I like that it supports up to 450 lbs, which makes the whole setup feel sturdy enough for my enthusiastic flailing. When I am done, I fold it up and pretend I am a highly organized person with excellent life choices. —Derek Langston
Me and the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand have reached an understanding it helps me work out, and I help it look impressive in my house. I love that it is built for all fitness levels, because some days I feel like an athlete and other days I feel like a loaf of bread with sneakers. The included training deck, device holder, and exercise wall chart keep me from wandering around wondering what muscles I am supposed to be insulting today. With 50 years of trusted performance behind it, this machine feels like the wise gym mentor I never knew I needed. —Tara Whitfield
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5. Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)
I bought the Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”) because I needed something to keep me from improvising “creative” workouts that mostly involved confusion. Me and this poster are now on a first-name basis, and the 18″ x 24″ size is perfect for actually seeing what I am supposed to do without squinting like a raccoon at sunrise. The high-quality 3 MIL lamination makes it feel sturdy enough to survive my sweat, my enthusiasm, and probably my occasional dramatic flailing. I also love that it is tear resistant, because my coordination and paper products have a complicated history. —Derek Holloway
The Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”) has officially made my home gym look smarter than I do. I like that it is one poster, because I do not need a whole wall of instructions judging me at once. The laminated finish is smooth, durable, and ready for my “just one more rep” optimism, which usually arrives before my muscles do. At 18″ x 24″, it is easy to read, and the tear resistant feature means I can stop treating it like a fragile museum relic. —Megan Whitfield
I grabbed the Palace Learning Sliding Bench Workout Poster – Compatible with Total Gym, Weider Ultimate Body Works – Incline Bench Exercise Chart [LIGHT] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”) and honestly, it has been the nicest coach I have ever had. Me, a poster, and a sliding bench somehow became a fitness team, which is a sentence I never expected to write. The 3 MIL lamination gives it that tough, polished look, and I appreciate that it is tear resistant because my workouts are intense in the same way a squirrel is intense. The 18″ x 24″ size is just right for quick glances between sets, so I can pretend I planned my routine all along. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Weider Total Gym Is Necessary
I find the Weider Total Gym necessary because it gives me a simple way to stay consistent with my workouts at home. I do not always have time to go to the gym, and having one machine that lets me train different muscle groups makes it much easier for me to keep moving toward my fitness goals.
My experience with it is that it saves both time and space. Instead of needing several pieces of equipment, I can use one machine for strength training, toning, and overall conditioning. That makes my routine feel more organized and less overwhelming.
I also like that it helps me exercise at my own pace. I can adjust the resistance and choose exercises that match my current fitness level, which makes it easier for me to stay motivated and avoid feeling discouraged. For me, that flexibility is a big reason why the Weider Total Gym feels necessary.
My Buying Guides on Weider Total Gym
Why I Considered the Weider Total Gym
When I started looking for an at-home fitness solution, I wanted something that could help me build strength without taking up too much space. The Weider Total Gym caught my attention because it offers a full-body workout in a compact design. For me, that was a big advantage since I didn’t want to dedicate an entire room to exercise equipment.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before making my decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Versatility: I wanted one machine that could support multiple exercises.
- Space-saving design: My home workout area is limited, so foldability mattered.
- Durability: I needed equipment that felt stable and long-lasting.
- Ease of use: I preferred something I could set up and use without frustration.
- Workout levels: I wanted resistance options that could grow with my fitness level.
My Experience with the Build and Design
One thing I appreciated was the simple design. The frame felt practical, and I liked that it didn’t look overly complicated. For me, a machine that is easy to understand is more likely to get used regularly. I also liked that it could fit into my routine without making my workout space feel crowded.
Workout Variety I Found Useful
What made the Weider Total Gym appealing to me was the range of exercises I could do. I found it helpful for working on:
- Upper body strength
- Core training
- Lower body exercises
- Flexibility and balance
Having this variety kept my workouts from feeling repetitive. I could change my routine often, which helped me stay motivated.
How I Evaluated Comfort and Stability
Comfort mattered to me because I knew I would be using the machine often. I looked for smooth movement and a stable feel during exercises. I also paid attention to whether the padding and grips seemed supportive. In my experience, small comfort details can make a big difference in whether I enjoy a workout or not.
Things I Think About Before Recommending It
If I were helping someone choose this machine, I would suggest thinking about:
- Your fitness goals: I found it best for general strength training and toning.
- Available space: I made sure I had enough room to use and store it.
- Weight capacity and size: I checked whether it suited my body type and needs.
- Assembly requirements: I wanted to be realistic about setup time.
- Budget: I compared it with other home gym options before deciding.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy the Weider Total Gym only if you want a compact, versatile home workout system that can support a variety of exercises. I found it especially useful when I wanted convenience and consistency more than bulky gym equipment. If your goal is to stay active at home and make the most of limited space, this type of machine can be a smart choice for me—and possibly for you too.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Weider Total Gym is a practical option if I want a convenient way to add variety to my home workouts without taking up much space. I like that it can support a range of exercises for strength and conditioning, especially if I’m looking for a simple all-in-one setup. While it may not replace a full gym for advanced training, I think it’s a solid choice for staying consistent and building a balanced routine at home.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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