| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Max. user weight | Weight resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apex G3 Check Discounted Price | L:93" W:15.5" H:43.25" | 70+ | 300 lbs | User's body weight | 1 year |
The Total Gym APEX G3 is basically a newer version of the Total Gym 1400 that we’ve already covered here. It offers the same range of features, but has superior weight capacity; it can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) while the 1400 model only has a weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg). Nonetheless, it’s a multi-function exercise bench that offers the possibility to perform a plethora of exercises.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 93L x 15.5W x 43.25H inches (236 x 39 x 110 cm)
- Assembled weight: 53.2 lbs (24 kg)
- Max. user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Possible exercises: 70+
- Weight resistance system: Body-weight resistance
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The Total Gym APEX G3 features a durable steel frame consisting of two main pieces that allow it to fold for 
better storage possibilities. The connection between the two parts is pretty solid when the unit is fully extended; as we’ve mentioned above, it can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used for this particular model is light gray.
The fully assembled and extended unit is fairly large. It measures approx. 93″ (236 cm) in length, and 15.5″ (39 cm) in width, while its highest point reaches approx. 43.25″ (110 cm) above floor level. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the machine and at the front to be able to execute all the exercises without any hindrance and for ease of access. These being said, it may not fit too well into a small room or apartment.
This Total Gym exerciser is not extremely heavy. With all the parts and accessories assembled, it only weighs approx. 53.2 lbs (24 kg). Therefore, it can be carried and set up by only one person. Plus, the rear base bar features rotating caps which can serve as wheels when moving the folded unit.
In case you’re wondering, the folded-flat machine is 50.5″ (128 cm) long, 15.5″ (39 cm) wide, and approx. 8″ (20 cm) high. It can be stored vertically against a wall. It can also fit in a small closet and even under a bed if there’s a higher clearance than 8″ (20 cm).
Similar to the Total Gym 1400, the APEX G3 has 8 adjustment positions on its backbone bar. This being said, it offers angles for the bench and rail system between 0° and 45°. When unit is folded, the backbone bar enters between the two rails in order to create a more compact footprint.
Parts and attachments
The sliding board of the Total Gym APEX G3 is fairly large; it measures approx. 40″ (102 cm) in length, and 14″ (35.5 cm) in width. It integrates a thick layer of foam padding and its top cover is made of durable faux leather material which is also sweatproof.
The bench slides on a set of four heavy-duty rollers. They integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion of the board and also have a rubberized outer layer to reduce noise.
It’s also important to mention here that the sliding board can be locked onto the rails to remain fixed for the execution of various exercises such as sit-ups. Also, the lower section of the two-rail frame features a set of rubberized stoppers.
In terms of attachments, the Total Gym APEX G3 includes quite a few. These are the Cable Kit with the pulleys and D-handles for arm exercises, the Wing Attachment with the grips and foam rollers for pull-ups, push-ups and a variety of other exercises, the Squat Stand, the Dip Bars, and the Leg Pulley system with an ankle cuff / footstrap.
On the list of included accessories, we can also mention the Flip Chart support that attaches at the top of the adjustment bar, and of course, the included Exercise Flip Chart. A DVD with exercises is also included. Plus, the trainer comes with Gym TV access; Gym TV is an on-demand video platform that gives you the possibility to stream Total Gym workouts from any device 24/7 with an internet connection.
In terms of pulleys, the Total Gym APEX G3 includes four in number. Three of them are part of the Arm Pulley & Cable Assembly. The two main pulleys for the D-Handles can swivel freely allowing the execution of multiple exercises from different angles. The third pulley connects to the sliding board. And finally, the fourth pulley is part of the Leg Pulley & Rope assembly and attaches to the top of the adjustment bar. All the pulleys are made of heavy-duty nylon material. They also integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth cable and rope motion.
Weight Resistance System
It’s pretty obvious that the Total Gym APEX G3 uses your own body weight as the main workout load. There 
are no weight stacks or any included additional weights for it. However, a weight bar (not included) can be attached to the moving bench, and you can load it with dumbbell plates for extra weight, as long as you plus the extra weight don’t exceed the 300 lbs (136 kg) weight limit of the unit.
The back adjustment bar of the trainer features attachment positions for the rail system. Needless to say, the higher you lock the rails, the more resistance you will get during cable or rope pulls. As a general idea, the weight that the machine can generate is approx. 55% of the user’s weight, plus approx. 10 lbs, which is half the weight of the gliding bench.
Considering that this home gym doesn’t use a heavy weight stack like other cable gym systems such as the Body-Solid S2FT, or the BodyCraft CFT for example, it is not meant for advanced bodybuilding and strength training. But nonetheless, due to the multitude of exercises that can be executed on it, it gives you the possibility to perform a full-body workout, tone muscles, improve stamina, lose weight, and maintain a great physical and cardiovascular shape.
Possible Exercises
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
- Dips
- 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
- Lateral pulldowns
- Lateral pulldowns with squats
Chest Exercises
- Chest presses
- Wide grip chest presses
- Close grip chest presses
- Incline push-ups
- Chest flies
- Incline 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
- Reverse leg curls
- Squats
- Single-leg squats
- Kneeling single-leg squats
- Wide squats
- Twisting squats
- Jumping squats
- Front lunges
- Hip extensions
- Hip adductions
- 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
The main body of the Total Gym APEX G3 comes pre-assembled and folded. All you need to do is unfold it and connect that attachments that you want for your exercises. The Wing Attachments, Leg Pulley Attachment, the Squat Pad, and the Dip Bars don’t have to be connected all the time to the unit. In fact, depending on the exercises you want to perform, some of them must not be connected to the machine. The whole setup of the unit shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. All the necessary instructions are provided by the manual. Also, all the necessary tools and pins for the attachments are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the unit clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to the bench rollers. The pulleys may need lubrication from time to time. Other than this, you only have to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Space-saving, folding design;
- Thick vinyl finish on the gliding board, and 3.5″ cushioning;
- 8 adjustment positions for the rail system;
- Heavy-duty nylon pulleys with internal ball bearings;
- Versatile machine, offering the possibility to perform more than 70 exercises;
- Workout exercise booklet along with diet plan, included;
- Multiple attachments included;
- Exercises DVD included;
- Access to Total Gym TV;
- Excellent for strength, pilates, and cardio training;
- Can be used for inclined dumbbell press as well;
- Quiet operation, suitable for apartment building use;
- Little maintenance required;
- Little assembly required.
The Cons
- Limited weight resistance.
Summary
The Total Gym APEX G3 is a versatile home gym system that uses your own weight for resistance. It offers the possibility to perform more than 70 exercises and benefit from a full-body workout. It comes with a variety of accessories, including the Wing Attachment, the Cable Kit with D-Handles, Dip Bars, Squat Stand, Leg Pulley Set, an exercise flip chart, a start-up DVD, and access to the Total Gym TV. It’s an excellent machine for muscle toning, pilates, stamina development, weight loss, and maintaining a healthy physical and cardiovascular shape.