Total Trainer DLX II Home Gym Review - Week 1

(Stock picture from Bayou Fitness)

After many years of watching infomercials of Christie Brinkley and Chuck Norris advertise the Total Gym, I finally decided that I should buy one.

I turned 40 this year and I need to make some lifestyle changes. I'm not totally out of shape but I'm getting loose in places I really don't want to jiggle.

First of all, I'm way too cheap to buy one of the $1000+ ones they advertise on TV and started looking online for reviews of different models so I could search for a used gym. I narrowed my choices to a Total Gym or a Total Trainer made by Bayou Fitness. After reading many reviews from many, many sites I decided to look for a Total Trainer. It was a much better price and did everything the Total Gym did.

Since most of the website "reviews" out there seem to be people just selling one product or the other, I thought I would add my own unpaid review to the mix.

The thing I really liked about the Total Trainer was the ability to add additional weight to it. I was concerned that I would use it for a few months and plateau when the resistance level was maxed-out.

I searched on a large online classified site and found many used Total Gyms but only one used Total Trainer. I guess that speaks to the popularity and success of their TV advertising.

I ended up buying the Total Trainer DLX II (DLX2) on the used market, with all the standard accessories and some additional ones, such as the Bicep Curl/Chest Press Bar. The machine would have cost around $400 new from Bayou Fitness (not including additional accessories). I paid $150 for everything.

My first impression of the machine was that it was very sturdy. It says it will hold a 6'7". 400 pound person. I'm 5'8" and nowhere near 400 pounds so I will have to take their word on that one. Nothing on it looked cheap. It's a little heavy but can be moved around easily. The gym is easy to fold and unfold but I can't imagine I will be folding it up much.

The owner's manual is very clear and has pictures of many exercises that can be done. I also found the owner's manual/training guide on the Bayou Fitness website in case you are looking for a replacement:
Download the Manual Here

Their website also has workouts and illustrated exercises available.

I got everything setup in just a few minutes and am ready to get back into shape.

So far, my 7 year old loves it...

Let me know if you have any good workouts or exercises that you find particularly challenging.

I'll update this in about a week after I have had a chance to use the Total Trainer for a few real workouts.