| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Max. user weight | Weight resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Gym 1100 Check Discounted Price | L:91" W:16" H:43.5" | 60+ | 275 lbs | User's body weight | 1 year |
The Total Gym 1100 offers the same main functionality as the Total Gym 1900 that we’ve already reviewed. However, it’s a budget version; it comes with fewer accessories and only offers 6 incline positions for the active bench. But nonetheless, it still offers the possibility to perform more than 60 bodyweight-based exercises.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 91L x 16W x 43.5H inches (231L x 41W x 110H cm)
- Assembled weight: 54 lbs (24.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Possible exercises: 60+
- Weight resistance system: Body-weight resistance, 7 levels
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The Total Gym 1100 is constructed on a durable steel frame. However, it has a lower user weight capacity
than the 1900 model; it can only support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg). All the steel tubes in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model.
The main frame of the unit is made of two sections. These two sections connect at the middle and lock into the extended position.
This Total Gym fitness machine features a folding frame. In fact, it comes fully assembled and in folded position; you only have to attach the pulleys and other accessories, depending on which exercises you want to perform. In folded position, and flat on the floor, the unit is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, 16″ (41 cm) wide, and 8.5″ (21.5 cm) high. This being said, you can even store it under the bed if there is a clearance of at least 9″ (23 cm) under it. Of course, the unit can also be stored vertically.
Conversely, with the frame fully extended, this exerciser is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 91″ (231 cm) long, and 16″ (41 cm) wide, while its height measures approx. 43.5″ (110 cm).
The unit is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 54 lbs (24.5 kg) so it can be carried by only one person. But on the other hand, both its base stabilizers feature rotating caps which facilitate the relocation of the unit, once you have finished your workout.
The upright adjustable post at the rear of the unit offers 6 incline positions for the bench. At the lowest position, the bench is at approx. 10°, while at the highest position, its incline is at approx. 40°. The adjustment post folds between the rails of the top part of the frame when you need to fold up the machine.
The moving bench features approx. 2.5″ (6 cm) of foam padding and durable vinyl upholstery. Its side frame is metallic while its base is a durable plywood board. Its dimensions are 40″L x 14″W wide (102 x 35.5 cm), so it offers plenty of contact surface and comfort. The bench glides on a set of heavy-duty rollers, which integrate small, sealed ball bearings for a smooth movement.
Parts and accessories
The first element that we’re going to cover here is the main pulley bracket. This part integrates two swivel pulleys
which can also rotate 360° allowing the free execution of all possible exercises. The pulley bracket is directly attached to the two main rails of the machine so the pulleys will always be at the selected incline of the board.
In terms of pulleys, the Total Gym 1100 also includes a leg pulley kit. This consists of a detachable pulley with its own cable and a similar swivel casing to the other two pulleys. You can connect this leg pulley accessory to the upright bar as well, for the execution of various leg exercises, such as adductions.
All the pulleys included with the Total Gym 1100 are made of durable nylon material, and they integrate ball bearings for smooth operation. The cables are steel-made and coated with a PVC sheet to prevent the scratching of the pulleys. The main cable is finished with two D-handles, while the leg pulley kit features a specially designed strap for securing your foot.
This Totaly Gym exerciser does not include a dip bar, or a foot press plate like some of the other models. However, it does come with the Multi-Function Attachment. This element can be attached either at the rear or the front of the machine, depending on what exercises you want to perform. It features two thick foam pads at the bottom to provide more comfort for your feet in case you want to perform sit-ups. It also has a handlebar with rubberized grips which can either be used for pull-ups, shoulder presses, and more.
Resistance system
It goes without saying that this Total Gym fitness machine uses your bodyweight as the main element of its 
resistance system. As we’ve mentioned above, its upright bar has 6 adjustment positions giving you the possibility to get a maximum incline for the gliding board of approx. 40°. This being said, it provides a weight resistance up to approx. 40% of your bodyweight.
The machine does not offer the possibility to load it with extra weight plates in order to get more weight resistance than your own bodyweight. It does not have the weight plate pegs like the Bayou DLX-III. It also doesn’t have extra elastic bands for adding resistance to the movement of the gliding board, such as the Weider Ultimate Body Works.
Possible Exercises
The Total Gym 1100 fitness machine offers the possibility to execute more than 60 exercises. Among them, we can count:
Abdominal Exercises
- Crunches
- Trunk rotations
- Resisted crunches
- Inclined crunches
- Crunches with leg curls
- Sit-ups with feet attached
- High leg pull-ins
- Low leg pull-ins
- Side planks
-Arm Exercises
- Biceps curls
- Lateral single-arm biceps curls
- Lying biceps curls
- Biceps curls with hyperextensions
- Biceps curls with leg curls
- Biceps curls with crunches
- Chin-ups
- Triceps extensions
- Kneeling triceps extensions
- Lateral single-arm triceps extensions
- Prone triceps extensions
Back Exercises
- Pull-ups
- Back flies
- Prone back flies
- Back flies with leg curls
- Hyperextensions
- Aerobic rowing
- Crossover rowing
- Kneeling rowing
- Lat pulldowns
- Lat pulldowns with squats
Chest Exercises
- Chest presses
- Wide grip chest presses
- Close grip chest presses
- Chest flies
- Lateral chest flies
- Decline chest flies
- Pullovers
- Pullovers with crunches
- Pullovers with twisting crunch
- Pullovers with squats
Leg Exercises
- Leg curls
- Calf raises
- Leg presses
- Front lunges
- Hip extensions
- Hip adduction
- Hip abductions
Shoulder Exercises
- Shoulder presses
- Upright rows
- Upright rows with leg curls
- Upright rows with hyperextension
- Lateral deltoid raises
- Front deltoid raises
- Lying front deltoid raises
- Front deltoid raises with leg curls
- Wide grip front deltoid raises
- Front deltoid raise with supination grips
- Shoulder extensions
- Shoulder extension with hyperextension
- Shoulder extension with leg curls
- Lateral arm pulls
Assembly and Maintenance
As we’ve mentioned above, the Total Gym 1100 comes fully assembled. You only need to unfold it, select the desired incline for the board, and attach either the leg extension kit, the D-handles or the multi-purpose handlebar, depending on the exercises you want to perform. The manual provides all the instructions for unfolding and setup of the machine.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. The pulleys and the rollers of the board may need lubrication from time to time. Other than this, you should also inspect the unit periodically, checking for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Durable vinyl upholstery on the gliding board, and thick foam cushioning;
- 6 incline positions for the moving board;
- Bodyweight resistance range between 3% and 40%;
- Leg pulley accessory kit included;
- Multi-function handles included;
- Versatile machine, offering the possibility to perform more than 60 exercises;
- Excellent for strength, pilates, and cardio training;
- Can be used for incline dumbbell exercises as well;
- Quiet operation, suitable for apartment building use;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- Limited weight resistance;
- No dip handles;
- No footrest plate for leg presses.
Summary
The Total Gym 1100 is a fitness machine that uses your own bodyweight as the main element of its resistance system. It offers the possibility to execute more than 60 exercises. It’s a machine for muscle toning, aerobic training, pilates and stamina building. It’s not exactly a machine for hardcore weight lifters, but for anyone who wants to workout at home, it simply offers the right training setting. It’s also one of the most affordable Total Gym machines, currently available for less than $150.