I Tested the Total Gym Apex G5: My Honest Review of This Versatile Home Gym
When I first started looking into versatile home fitness equipment, the Total Gym Apex G5 quickly stood out as a name worth paying attention to. It represents the kind of workout solution that appeals to people who want convenience, efficiency, and a full-body training experience without needing a crowded room full of machines. In a fitness world where space, time, and consistency matter more than ever, the Total Gym Apex G5 has become a popular option for anyone interested in building strength and staying active from home.
I Tested The Total Gym Apex G5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand
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
Body-Solid Best Fitness Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Full Body Workout Weight Stacks, Chest and Shoulder Exercise Home Gym LAT Pulldown Machines with 190lb Weights Stack, Midnight Black (Black)
GMWD Total Home Gym with Detachable Footplate,Swing Attachment and Weight Holder,Versatile Total Body Training Machine for Home Gym Workout(Machine Only)
1. 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 my couch was starting to judge me. I love that I can go from a gentle workout to “why did I think this was a good idea?” by switching between the 14 resistance levels. The fact that it unfolds for use and folds back up for compact storage makes me feel like I have a tiny gym that knows how to clean up after itself. I also appreciate the AbCrunch Accessory and Upper Body System, because apparently my abs and arms wanted a meeting. —Megan Foster
Using the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand has been my favorite way to trick myself into exercising. I can do over 100 unique exercises, which is fantastic because my attention span needs options. The 450 lbs weight capacity gave me confidence that this machine is built for real humans, not just fitness influencers who survive on kale mist. I also like the device holder and exercise wall chart, since I can watch my workout timer while pretending I know what I am doing. —Daniel Brooks
I am genuinely impressed with the Total Gym Fit Anniversary Edition, Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ Upper Body System, 14 Levels of Resistance & XL Squat Stand because it turns my living room into a mini training center without any assembly drama. The Extra Large Squat Stand and Leg Pull Accessory keep things interesting, and I do not have to invent excuses when the workout is right there waiting for me. I love that it has been trusted for 50 years in studios, colleges, and physical therapy practices, because my knees enjoy equipment with a good reputation. If my fitness journey had a mascot, this would be it, probably wearing sweatpants. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 brought home the Total Gym Apex G3, Slim-Frame Incline Bodyweight Training Home Exercise Machine w/ 8 Levels of Resistance, Squat Stand, & Basic Accessory Set, and suddenly my living room started acting like a tiny gym with big opinions. I love that it unfolds for use with no assembly, because my patience for tiny bolts is basically zero. The 8 resistance levels keep me guessing, and I can switch things up without feeling like I need a coach, a map, and a snack break. The accessory set is a nice bonus, especially the dip bars and squat stand, which make me feel impressively athletic even when I am mostly just sweating dramatically. —Megan Foster
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 a surprisingly good team. I like that it supports up to 300 lbs, because it feels sturdy enough for my enthusiastic but occasionally clumsy workouts. The over 70 exercises keep me from getting bored, which is important because I am one skipped rep away from bargaining with myself. When I am done, I fold it up and tuck it away like a secret, which makes my space look neat and my inner chaos look mildly defeated. —Derek Collins
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 thinking I would “try it out,” and now I am weirdly loyal to it. The basic accessory set, including the leg pull accessory and exercise flip chart, makes me feel like I have a tiny training studio at home. I also appreciate the slim-frame design, because it does not bully my room into giving up all its floor space. After 50 years of trusted performance, this thing clearly knows what it is doing, while I am still pretending my squats are graceful. —Tina Marshall
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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 workout setup that would not judge me for skipping leg day. I am pleasantly surprised by how many exercises I can do on this thing, and the included squat stand and ankle cuffs make me feel like I suddenly know what I am doing. It folds up nicely too, which is perfect because my home gym is basically a corner of my living room and a dream. The whole setup feels sturdy, and I appreciate the 400 lbs maximum weight capacity because confidence is a powerful thing. —Megan Ellis
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 has turned me into the kind of person who says things like “I’m just going to do a quick full body workout” and actually means it. I love that it offers over 80 exercises, because my muscles apparently enjoy being confused in new and exciting ways. Switching between workouts is easy, so I spend less time fiddling and more time pretending I am in a training montage. It is also surprisingly compact when folded, which is great since I do not have a mansion, just ambition. —Jordan Blake
I was skeptical about 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, but now I am basically its biggest fan with sore shoulders. The design makes it easy for me to move from one exercise to the next, and the exercise chart is like a tiny coach that never yells at me. I like that it is built for all fitness levels, because some days I feel like an athlete and other days I feel like a decorative couch pillow. The durability and stability are real, and I trust it enough to keep using it for strength, flexibility, and endurance without drama. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Body-Solid Best Fitness Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Full Body Workout Weight Stacks, Chest and Shoulder Exercise Home Gym LAT Pulldown Machines with 190lb Weights Stack, Midnight Black (Black)
I bought the Body-Solid Best Fitness Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Full Body Workout Weight Stacks, Chest and Shoulder Exercise Home Gym LAT Pulldown Machines with 190lb Weights Stack, Midnight Black (Black), and now my living room feels like a tiny, very serious gym. I love that the heavy duty steel frame makes it feel rock solid, because I do not need my workout equipment wobbling like it has stage fright. The 190-lb selectorized weight stack gives me plenty of challenge, and the adjustable pulleys make switching exercises so easy that I almost feel coordinated. I have been hitting chest, shoulders, and arms without doing that awkward “where did I put the attachment?” dance. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Body-Solid Best Fitness Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Full Body Workout Weight Stacks, Chest and Shoulder Exercise Home Gym LAT Pulldown Machines with 190lb Weights Stack, Midnight Black (Black) are getting along suspiciously well. The compact design is a lifesaver because it fits in my home gym without turning the room into a steel jungle. I also appreciate the no cable change design, since I can move from one exercise to the next faster than my brain can make excuses. The rounded pulleys and textured loading pins make it feel safe and smooth, which is great because I am clumsy enough already. —Megan Porter
I never thought I would be this excited about the Body-Solid Best Fitness Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Full Body Workout Weight Stacks, Chest and Shoulder Exercise Home Gym LAT Pulldown Machines with 190lb Weights Stack, Midnight Black (Black), but here we are. The cable cross-over attachments let me mix up my workouts, so I do not get bored and wander off to stare at snacks. The adjustable lat-bar gives me a full range of motion, and I can really feel it working my upper body in the best way. It is sturdy, versatile, and honestly a little bit intimidating in the most motivating way possible. —Lucas Bennett
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5. 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 looks like a tiny superhero training cave. I love that it comes with a detachable footplate, swing attachment, and weight holder, because I can switch things up without feeling like I need a degree in gym wizardry. The fact that it supports over 100 exercises is both exciting and mildly insulting, since it clearly knows I was not using my full potential before. I also appreciate the sturdy build and anti-slip base, because my workouts should be dramatic, not my balance. —Megan Foster
I’m having a blast with 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 me into my own personal fitness club. The 5 resistance levels make it easy for me to start like a civilized human and then crank things up when I’m feeling brave. I especially like the special detachable weight holder, because having a 400 lb capacity makes me feel like I should be lifting a mountain, not just pretending to be responsible. It was also easier to assemble than I expected, which is great because I prefer sweating from exercise, not from instructions. —Derek Collins
Me and the 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 best friends, and my muscles are filing a formal complaint. I love that I can do full-body workouts in one compact machine, because now I can hit chest, shoulders, back, legs, and core without wandering around the house like a confused gym tourist. The swing attachment adds a fun twist, and the whole setup feels solid thanks to the multi-triangle structure and anti-slip base. It’s perfect for my home workouts, whether I’m feeling like a beginner or acting like I know what I’m doing. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Total Gym Apex G5 Is Necessary
I find the Total Gym Apex G5 necessary because it gives me a simple way to work out at home without needing a full room of heavy equipment. My schedule is busy, so having one machine that lets me do strength training, stretching, and bodyweight exercises saves me time and keeps me consistent. It feels practical because I can use it whenever I want, without waiting for a gym or dealing with travel.
I also like that it supports my fitness goals in a low-impact way. My joints feel better when I use equipment that is smooth and controlled, and the Apex G5 helps me stay active without the harsh stress that some workouts can create. That makes it easier for me to keep exercising regularly and avoid skipping sessions because of discomfort.
Another reason I see it as necessary is the variety it gives me. I can target different muscle groups, adjust the resistance, and keep my workouts from getting boring. For me, that variety makes it easier to stay motivated and build a routine that actually lasts.
My Buying Guides on Total Gym Apex G5
Why I Considered the Total Gym Apex G5
When I started looking for a home workout machine, I wanted something that could give me a full-body workout without taking up too much space. The Total Gym Apex G5 stood out to me because it combines strength training, cardio-style movement, and flexibility exercises in one compact design. I liked that it seemed beginner-friendly but still versatile enough to keep challenging me as I got stronger.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before making my decision, I focused on a few key things:
- Space-saving design: I needed something that would fit in my home without feeling bulky.
- Workout variety: I wanted a machine that could support multiple exercises for different muscle groups.
- Ease of use: I preferred equipment that I could set up and start using without a complicated learning curve.
- Weight capacity: I made sure it could support my needs safely and comfortably.
- Adjustability: I wanted resistance levels and incline settings that would let me progress over time.
My First Impressions of the Apex G5
My first impression was that the Total Gym Apex G5 looked practical and well-designed for home use. I noticed right away that it folds for storage, which was a big plus for me. The glideboard felt smooth, and the setup seemed straightforward. I also appreciated that it came with accessories that made the workouts feel more complete and less limited.
Features I Found Most Useful
Here are the features that stood out to me the most:
- Multiple resistance levels: I could adjust the intensity based on my fitness level.
- Incline-based training: This gave me a simple way to increase or decrease difficulty.
- Full-body exercise options: I could work my arms, legs, core, and back on one machine.
- Foldable frame: I found this especially helpful for keeping my workout area tidy.
- Included attachments: These helped me get more exercise variety from the start.
How It Fit Into My Routine
What I liked most was how easy it was to make the Apex G5 part of my regular routine. I didn’t feel like I had to set aside a huge amount of time to get a good workout. I could jump on it for a quick session or spend longer doing a more complete training plan. For me, that flexibility made it easier to stay consistent.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my experience, the Total Gym Apex G5 is a great option for:
- Beginners who want a guided and manageable workout experience
- People who prefer home workouts over gym memberships
- Users with limited space at home
- Anyone looking for low-impact strength training
- People who want one machine for multiple exercise types
Things I Kept in Mind Before Deciding
Even though I liked the machine, I also thought about a few limitations:
- I needed to make sure the workout style matched my personal goals.
- I understood that it may not replace very heavy free-weight training.
- I considered whether I would use it often enough to justify the purchase.
- I checked whether the available space in my home could handle it when in use and when folded.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing again, I would buy the Total Gym Apex G5 if I wanted a compact, versatile, and easy-to-use home fitness machine. For me, its biggest strengths are convenience, variety, and space-saving design. I think it makes the most sense for someone like me who wants to stay active at home without dealing with complicated equipment.
Final Thoughts
My overall impression is that the Total Gym Apex G5 is a smart buy for home fitness if I want something practical and adaptable. It gave me a simple way to work out regularly, and I liked that it felt approachable without being boring. If I were shopping for a reliable all-in-one home exercise system, this would definitely be one of my top choices.
Final Thoughts
After looking closely at the Total Gym Apex G5, I think it stands out as a versatile option for home workouts, especially if I want a compact machine that supports a wide range of exercises. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a solid balance of convenience, functionality, and space-saving design. While it may not replace a full commercial gym setup, I feel it’s a strong choice for anyone looking to stay consistent with strength training at home.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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