In this article I wanted to continue on with something I alluded to in a recent video I did while I was out of town with my total gym with no handles or attachments. And that’s that these machines are the ultimate bodyweight or calisthenic machine.

This might be obvious when you consider the nature of this machine, that it relies on bodyweight for resistance. But given how popular calisthenics and bodyweight training are, especially in the home fitness world, it’s surprising how overlooked sliding bench trainers really are.

When most think of bodyweight training, traditional modes or devices that support this are pull up bars, parallettes, push up handles, or any device that allows you to progressively train with your body weight. There’s actually some pretty cool portable contraptions that allow you to pack up and train anywhere.

A Total Gym really is no different, except it’s better. Unlike those other devices (some of which make bodyweight training a little expensive), a Total Gym allows you to not only progress but also regress exercises to fit your ability. Traditional bodyweight training on the other hand does not provide this luxury. Many are attracted to the simplicity or results derived from basic calisthenics. But it can be hard (also a little boring at first) for someone who’s 50lbs overweight to start working pushups and pull-ups without some special equipment.

A Total Gym Offers More Versatility and Better Exercises

Don’t get me wrong, there’s tons of exercises that a trained progressive bodyweight trainer can work up too. But this will take, some good joints, and possibly some youth on your side. A total gym provides all the practical benefits of calisthenics such as increased lean body mass, better range of motion, and improved performance, but with MUCH more room to adapt to the individual.

I also doubt the vast majority of individuals who opt to get their resistance training in the form of bodyweight conditioning are doing so to progress into a front lever (picture below).

Instead, I believe most people choose this type of training because of the ease of entry and physiques that they deliver. If people knew the possibility and potential a Total Gym can deliver with maximizing their bodyweight, I think a Total Gym would be THE piece of fitness equipment to train your body for maximum results.