I have a similar post in the fitness equipment section, but I'm not getting a lot of hits... I want to know if anyone has used the vigorfit machines before and if they have any comments on the quality of construction, how it compares to the total gym and also any experiences good or bad with the lower model total gyms.

I know I should get free weights, or join a gym, or get a personal trainer, get x, y or z... or do workout a, b, or c instead, but I'm really interested in thoughts about the quality of these machines (or any similar machines). How do they compare to each other and will one fall apart sooner than the other... is one smoother, quieter... more versitile etc.

I've wanted a total gym for years, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be able to add weights and resistance to it... I even thought about building something for myself that did it... but when I was searching online for a good price on a total gym I saw that some other companies had the same ideas. I just wanted to know if these are comparable quality.

I bought the vigorfit for 455 (after shipping) as opposed to the 1700 I would have to pay for the total gym which is not as good just because of chucks picture on the video.

Here are the pros.

works stabelizers just as good as free weights. This surprised me. cost is about the same as a one year membership to a gym were I live. I actually quite my gym membership because I can get my hour 15 minute work out at the gym done on this machine in about 26 minutes. It allows me to crosstrain so I go through 12 exercises hitting all my major body groups and some minor ones twice over. I do a set of 12-15 of one exercise and then I move straight to the next. No rest in between. When I am done with the set (all 12 exercises. I repeat the set 2 more times. There is practically no more than 3 or 4 seconds rest while Iswitch positions. Try cross training like that in a gym with 20 other guys trying to compete for the decline bench.

I bench 265lbs. And I tell you I will not reach the limit of this machine anytime soon. Between the bands and the weights you can add it will be hard to out grow unless you take roids.

The cons.

I find that this product is great for upper body. and some lower body. But not as much as I would have liked. Fortunatly for me I do my lower body mostly by other means.

Also if you cross train it will give you a good cardio as well but using the machine as soley cardio is no match for a good olyptical machine at the gym. I jog and like to jog in the outdoors so for me this machine is perfect. If you want it to replace everything though you might be selling yourself short. Comical thing is a martial artisst is advertising the total gym which is great for upper body but not so good for strengthening all those kicks.

Pedram

If you're deadset on getting one of these, then go with the vigor fit, but I'd still recommend a something better: freeweights.

I like everything that the vigorfit stated on their ebay ad and was seriously ready to just go ahead and order when I did another search of total gyms on ebay and saw another company called total trainer. They seem to do a direct comparison of thier gym to the vigorfit and seems to excel in almost everything you would want in a total gym, especially the pilates version.

There seems to be a serious lack of unbiased information on the web about these type of fitness devices.

So, I would also appreciate some honest evaluation of this machine from those that might have first hand knowledge. Unfortunately, you can't just go to a store and see, touch and actually use the machine.

BTW, here are the links that I was referring to above:

Vigorfit
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Total-VigorF...QQcmdZViewItem

Total Trainer
http://cgi.ebay.com/TOTAL-TRAINER-PI...QQcmdZViewItem

I am unsure if these links will work but if they don't you can just do a search on ebay like I did and I am sure you will get the same page that does the direct comparison.

Thanks again,

Ray

That is the same decision I would have made. I will be very curious how you like this machine. It seems to excel in every category. This is just my opinion.

I think you made the right decision. Please keep me posted.

Regards,

Ray

Has anybody purchased either the Vigorfit or the Total trainer yet? I am going to get one of them just as an added workout and am leaning towards the Vigorfit but would like some reviews from somone who has purchased one.

It says your opinion cannot be displayed, so how about pasting it to this thread.

Bobsk8,
I am interested to know why you chose it over the VigorFit.

Got my first look at the total trainer from the bayou fitness website link. Looks like a pilates reformer (in my head I was thinking a pulley machine with a weight stack). I had the good fortune to try out a professional one with a friend of mine (who teaches it) - an ingenious and cool way to exercise I think.

I'm looking at vigor fit, total gym and now the Total trainer, price unfortunatly matters, I need soemthing that had variety otherwise i'm bored.
I am a woman, short, don't weigh to much over my ideal. I need exercise to up my metabolism and strengthen. I do have an elliptical and I'd like something else to switch off with. Variety is what keeps me at it. Between my job, my son, and life I need to exercise at home. Based on this info would people recommend Total trainer vs Vigor fit???? Thanks so much!!!!!!

and I'm more confused about which machine does what! So Bayou and total trainer are the same company? Now I need to find the best fit, if anyone can shed any light, I'd greatly appreciate it.

If you have an elliptical already I'm assuming you're covered for cardio - you might want to think about strength training to add some muscle, and therefore increase your metabolism. It looks like either machine will give you that, or you could opt for some dumbbells and go from there.

My question:
Item: 3500 Black TOTAL TRAINER Home Gym w/Video & DUAL LEG! (7250643134)
This message was sent while the listing was active.
nhmom10 is a potential buyer.
-------------------------------------------------------
Looking at total trainer and confused about the models. I am looking for a machine that will let me tone and get cardio and has good variety and is sturdy. I'm not large in height or weight but need exercise. Can you steer me at all. Price does matter, but hesitate to say until I see what you recommend.
Thanks
Carol
the response:
Hello Carol. If you are looking for the most variety in a gym you would be best to look at the Pilates 2500P (7251036654). This unit has a maximum height capacity of 6ft. and maximum weight of 385lbs. It allows you to do full body strength training plus Pilates, cardio and Ab Bench workouts. You can work a range of 4% to 69% of your body weight on this unit with a 14in x 42in glideboard with 2in. hi-density foam in a black double stitched vinyl box cushion, 38in. gliding distance and open footprint of 20in. x 86in. x 44in. (WLH) (folded footprint of 20in x 14in. x 46in [WLH]). This unit comes with our standard accessory package (Power Bar, Single Leg Cuff Assembly, Pull-up/Push-up Bar, standard size Squat Board [9.5in x 18in.], instructional strength training video, instructional Pilates training video, Program Cards and Workout Manual). It also comes with the Bicep Curl Press Bar, Pilates Dual Leg Cuff Assembly, Sit-Up Cuff Strap, Ab Crunch Strap, 4 Resistance Bands, Toe Bar and 2 Shoulder Braces. The Resistance Bands and Shoulder Braces are detachable for strength training. The Bands are only for Pilates workouts whereas the other Pilates accessories (Toe Bar, Shoulder Braces & Pilates Dual Leg Assembly) may be used in strength training as well. The frame on this unit is the same as this Black Advanced DLX you are looking at in terms of stability (1 1/4in. x 2 1/4in. steel rails with a 3in. diameter 20in. long base bar and 3 1/4in. x 1 1/2in. resistance rail). The Pilates unit does come with ball bearing rollers which are much smoother than the TPU 90AE rollers on this Black Advanced DLX. Both the Black Advanced DLX and Pilates 2500P are covered under the same 1 yr. frame and parts warranty and Lifetime Roller, Rope and Pulley Warranty plus a 30 day return policy. The Pilates 2500P sells for $399USD before shipping. We also offer Best Offer on these units through eBay. Thank you for your interest in our products.
Nikki
Bayou Fitness Customer Service

needless to say I'm looking at that model.

you've been a great help!!!!!!!!!!!

i think that rather then trying to use machines to do training free weights will lways beat anything because it may not be as cushy or safe as these machines but u get better defenition, teaches u to controll your ballance and is less expensive. as long as u have a bench a bar dumbells and some weights u can train and work out any and every part of your boady affordably.