topic Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE in Wellness

PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

MILKI — Sat, 24 May 2014 13:33:14 GMT

I am wanting to purchase either a TOTAL GYM, or an AERO PILATES machine. I live in an apartment, so size of machine is important. If TG, which would you choose and why? Or would you go for it and buy one on the info commercial , which is extremely costly, or one from the Q? I am more in lined to purchase from the Q, because it would be easier to return if I had too. Or, Aero Pilates, 4 or 5 cord and why? Can not purchase both. I am 62 yo female and will have to put together my self. Need to tone the upper arms , and loose weight! Wanting a machine that will challenge me, but yet one that I will not loose interest in. Thank you!!

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

lolakimono — Sat, 24 May 2014 14:34:27 GMT

I have the Aeropilates and it is approximately the size and weight of a coffin. You will see, when it arrives, that it will not be sent back.

I have this one:F184880

It is not portable, but it is very sturdy. I have the rebounder too and I love the machine. It is a commitment, so I wouldn't buy it unless you know that you like and are able to do pilates.

I think the Total Gym can be cumbersome to change around, if you are trying to keep pace with the videos.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

pattypeep — Sat, 24 May 2014 14:38:17 GMT

If I were you, I would consider Brenda Dygraff's Airclimber. It's very small and would give you the workout you are needing. For under $100, free s/h and flex pay at HSN, it may be your answer. I am still pondering. I have a gym membership, but find all kinds of excuses why I can't go and I may use this little machine if I had it at home.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

sidsmom — Sat, 24 May 2014 14:51:30 GMT

I know this doesn't specifically answer your question, but just a thought:

Have you priced out/thought about a gym membership? If you have a 24Hr Fitness, LA Fitness, or other big box facility, the fact that you have SO many options...weights one day, machines the next, swimming, rowing....heck, most of those clubs even Pilates Mat classes! All part of your membership. And the social aspect...making new friends to push you along! IknowIknow...it's an ongoing monthly fee, but the options are endless versus 1 Total Gym or 1 Pilates machine.

Another option is...have you looked on Craig's List for these machines? They are very popular & I'm sure many would be for sale for a lesser $$. That action (looking on Craig's List) might be a good realization for you...if you see a lot of those machines, yes they would be cheaper, but why aren't people using them anymore?

I'm a big proponent of the gym membership...I've done the machines @ home...unless you're super, self-dedicated and/or the social aspect is way down on the list...my machines ended up in a garage sale. If you're still saying, nope...bring on the Total Gym/Pilates....there are other less expensive options to consider. Good Luck!!!

ETA: if you've never taken a Pilates class, consider getting a 2-week membership @ a club which offers it....try it & see if you want to invest in an at-home machine.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:10:12 GMT

On 5/24/2014 MILKI said: I am wanting to purchase either a TOTAL GYM, or an AERO PILATES machine. I live in an apartment, so size of machine is important. If TG, which would you choose and why? Or would you go for it and buy one on the info commercial , which is extremely costly, or one from the Q? I am more in lined to purchase from the Q, because it would be easier to return if I had too. Or, Aero Pilates, 4 or 5 cord and why? Can not purchase both. I am 62 yo female and will have to put together my self. Need to tone the upper arms , and loose weight! Wanting a machine that will challenge me, but yet one that I will not loose interest in. Thank you!!

I had both the TG and the Aero Pilates for years ...... and I think the Pilates machine is more "female friendly".

Even if you have arthritis or joint issues, you can still easily use a very light setting and feel exhilarated afterwards. My Pilates also takes up less space when not in use. I recently moved and needed to keep only one .... I sold the Total Gym and found it to be the right decision.

Hope this helps you, OP.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

I am still oxox — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:15:14 GMT

We live in a one bedroom apt and I have my aero pilaties folded in the back of the living room, I have it covered with a sheet.

My hubby loves it and will often wake up at 5 am to use it before he leaves for work

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

focksie — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:16:29 GMT

I have not used the Total Gym but have happily used the Pilates machine for almost 10 years now. I have one of the early models, no rebounder. It has 4 cords. I worked out in a gym for many years and decided I wanted the freedom and flexibility (not to mention the lower cost) of working out at home. Some days I use more weight and go slower for a resistance workout. Other days I'll go lighter, using more reps, and less rest in between for a more aerobic workout.

From what I can see, but you would have to verify this, the Total Gym does not have resistance cords or bands of any type. I believe you only use your body weight as resistance and you therefore have to incline the bench at various degrees to get different levels of resistance. I would find that to be uncomfortable and problematic. I think it is safer and more adjustable to have power cords and to work on a horizontal bench as opposed to on an incline. HTH!

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

geezerette — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:30:32 GMT

I've had a Pilates machine for ten years, well, actually I've had two over that period. I've never tried the Total Gym. For me, I went with Pilates because I've tried other machines and they always ended up as clothes racks. I hate, and I mean HATE, to exercise. I'm your age and have continually used the Pilates machines for the past ten years that I've had them. I was looking more for strengthening and loosening my body rather than losing weight and wanted something I could continue for the rest of my life. With the rebounder attachment you can also do aerobic exercise, which will really help tone quicker and will also help with the weight loss. I could go on and on about why I personally like the Pilates. However, just looking at the Total Gym presentations, it appears you can do some Pilates-type movements on them. But it just looks to me that equipment is more about building muscle.

Four or five cord? There isn't much difference. I have both--my five cord is the newest and what I currently use. The five cord offers more variations for the exercises (use more or fewer cords for the same exercises which does different things for your body). And again for me personally, I would suggest getting a stand since it's easier to use the machine that way and you can do the box and pole moves. But if you are going to fold and move the machine daily, the stand wouldn't be feasible. My older machine is folded in one of my bedroom closets, so when it's folded it takes up about 8" or so width-wise and about 40" tall. Easy to keep in a corner of a room, if necessary. Put a throw over it and no one will even know it's an exercise machine.

Pilates is the 'easiest' form of exercise I've found. I haven't tired of it and will continue it. If I hadn't been doing it the past several years, I doubt very much if I could move around like I do today. It keeps me flexible. It's a form of exercise you could start at your age without fear of hurting yourself if you're out of shape.

Whatever you decide, I applaud you for starting to do any type of physical activity. As we age, we need to keep active or we end up not being able to! Good luck!

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

meem120 — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:35:38 GMT

I too love my pilates. Have had it about 5 years with the rebounder. I use 3 to 4 times a week and it is the only machine that I truly love. It is always set up in the back of my family room. It is heavy to move around. Hard to fold up, very long, so there it sits. I've also had the air climber, waste of $100.00 in my opinion.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

ladygirl — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:48:05 GMT

I know someone who had the total gym and it provides hardly any resistance. Save your money!

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

circles — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:50:54 GMT

I don't have either.....but the Total Gym looks difficult to put together...and then changing out the pieces might be a turn off after a while....

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

Luma2 — Sat, 24 May 2014 18:00:54 GMT

Both of these machines, although great, take up a lot of space and are very heavy for a woman to move alone. I would suggest a weight bench (like a piano bench even) and a few hand weights and some dvds. There are also plenty of body weight only exercises.

To use the pilates machine, you have to be able to get yourself up off the floor, as it is very low. If you get the total gym, you have to be able to "sit up" from both a head up and head down position. There is repositioning of your body, and repositioning of the cable attachments.

Consider whether you want upper body, lower body, and/or cardio - and which machine can provide it.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

Abrowneyegirl — Sat, 24 May 2014 18:45:54 GMT

Another vote for Aero Pilates! It folds easily for storage and it is not cumbersome to fold and move as a petite person.

I love the workouts I get from my Pilates performer, low or no impact--perfect.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

qualitygal — Mon, 26 May 2014 15:25:33 GMT

No help sorry, too many of my exercise machines became clothes hangers. I used to love step aerobics. I'd probably still go with something that didn't require a machine in my house. I guess you could join Curves or some such thing. ?? JMHO

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

vac — Mon, 26 May 2014 15:31:41 GMT

I would definitely go for the Aero Pilates over the Total Gym (just my personal preference in terms of exercise), but with a caveat. I purchased a pilates machine from QVC about 12 years ago, and I couldn't put it together properly and a male friend of mine couldn't either. If you don't have assembly skills, I would seriously consider other options for exercise. There are some great pilates mat workouts around on DVD and some small props available to work out with if you are equipment-inclined.

ETA: You Tube is a great source for pilates/yoga mat workouts to try free of charge.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

Hellodemocrat — Mon, 26 May 2014 15:39:17 GMT

I have had my AeroPilates probably 11 years and love it. It is my first 'machine' and it does not go unused!! I Hate going to the gym. I would go with the five cord and get the stand. When i got mine it was a TSV and came with the stand. The rebounder will work your behind off. You will love it. It streaches all of you and it feels so good. Let us know what u do. Enjoy. I am 64.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

spot555 — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:19:40 GMT

I've always excercised, & NOTHING has ever gotten me into shape faster than a Pilates machine. After using it only 3 or 4 weeks, people were asking me what I was doing. The only BIG downfall is the space required. The length is one thing (a lot), but you also have to consider the width. When you use it, you're extending both your arms & legs way out to the sides.

I've never used a TG. It looks great, but I have neck problems & things with a slant really aggravate it.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

gazelle77 — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:24:51 GMT

I have both. I NEVER USE my Total gym... it is SO HEAVY and unless you leave it out all the time very hard to put away. The Pilates reformer is much easier to use and if you need to put it up each time, lift and place up against the wall or whatever. I like the workout of the pilates reformer much much more. it is more stretching as well as using muscle strength. And if you have the attachment for bouncing it is even good for heart rate. I think the stretching is so important for us as we age. I would suggest you go with the reformer over the Total gym.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

Winkk — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:42:03 GMT

I don't really have an opinion on the TG, but we do have a pilates that isn't being used. My daughter used it for a while then stopped and now it's collecting dust. Just be very careful in your selection because they aren't that easy to move around and if you don't like it, it will be monster to return. I have no idea how much shipping would be to return it , it has to be a lot. I like the suggestion to get some exercise tapes and hand weights, instead of the expense of a machine. A lot cheaper and easier to store. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Re: PLEASE help me decide!!! PLEASE

shiningstar — Mon, 26 May 2014 18:36:13 GMT

I have the Total Gym sitting in the corner and never used. This is not female friendly to set up. Very heavy so I just gave up. I'm 67 and live by myself. I think you would need someone to sit it up for you and have enough room where you can leave it up. My son could help with this, but since I have a small place, I would have to take it down every time I use it. Just to much trouble.