Wellness

[MILKI]

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!!

[lolakimono]

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.

[pattypeep]

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.

[sidsmom]

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.

[Tinkrbl44]

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.

[I am still oxox]

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

[focksie]

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!

[geezerette]

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!

[meem120]

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.

[ladygirl]

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