Whether you are looking to build muscle, tone up a flabby body or increase strength and stamina, exercise programs can help you achieve your goals. Although the Total Gym system and Pilates exercise system utilize two very different routines, both methods can be effective for weight loss and body toning. A comparison of Pilates vs Total Gym identifies important differences between the two systems.
Functions
Although both Pilates and the Total Gym can provide an effective workout for the whole body, the Total Gym allows for a greater range of exercises. Created by Joseph Pilates, the entire practice of Pilates focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility and developing lean muscle mass. There are a wide variety of Pilates exercises available, from the Hundred for the abdominal muscles to the Bicycle for the leg muscles. However, all these exercises focus on the main Pilates philosophy. The Total Gym, on the other hand, offers the opportunity for a much wider array of exercises. The Total Gym can easily be used for the abdominals, legs, chest, arms, shoulders and back. In fact, the Total Gym can even be used to perform a variety of Pilates exercises, including the Scissors and Spine Stretch.
Equipment
To use the Total Gym, you must have access to the Total Gym exercise machine. As of 2011, three different Total Gym models are available. The Total Gym 2000 is the basic model, Total Gym 3000 is the intermediate model and Total Gym XLS is the most advanced model available and it is the only one that includes the additional Pilates kit. A cushioned Pilates mat is the only piece of equipment you need to perform basic Pilates exercises. Additional pieces of equipment include resistance bands, foam blocks, wedges and exercise balls. For a more advanced Pilates workout, a Pilates reformer machine can be used. The reformer features a sliding platform and a complex system of ropes, springs, cables, straps and pulleys. When using the Pilates reformer, exercises can be done while sitting, standing, lying or kneeling.
Specifications
In the unfolded position, all three Total Gym models are 19 inches wide, 90 inches long and 43 inches high and can be folded up for storage. When folded, the machine is just 51 inches long and 7 to 9 inches high. The Total Gym 2000 holds up to 250 pounds, the Total Gym 3000 holds up to 300 pounds and the Total Gym XLS can hold up to 400 pounds. The exact specifications of the Pilates reformer depend on the specific manufacturer, with most reformers averaging about 20 to 25 inches wide, 80 to 90 inches long and 35 to 40 inches high. However, some reformers are much shorter, and the equipment can rarely be folded into a smaller dimension.
Cost
As of February 2011, the Total Gym website was offering the Total Gym 2000 for approximately $600, while the Total Gym 3000 was offered for $849 to $1099. The advanced Total Gym XLS model ranges from $974 to $1949. Most quality Pilates reformers range from $2000 to $4000. Although certain models are available at much lower prices, the quality of these reformers are often inferior to traditional models.
Member Comments