| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Max. user weight | Weight resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apex G5 Check Discounted Price | L:93" W:15.5" H:43.25" | 80+ | 375 lbs | 10 levels | 1 year |
The Total Gym APEX G5 is pretty similar to the APEX G3 model that we’ve already covered here. However, it comes with several extra features. For example, its height adjustment bar offers two extra positions, its gliding board has a pillow headrest, and the exerciser itself offers a superior weight capacity. It costs a bit more than the G3 model, but nonetheless, it does offer excellent value for the price.
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: 375 lbs (170 kg)
- Possible exercises: 80+
- Weight resistance system: Body-weight resistance
- Included accessories: Wing attachment, squat stand, leg pull accessory, dip bars, training deck with holder, 2 stability mats, Total Gym TV access, exercise & nutrition guides, owner’s manual, and DVD
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame and glideboard construction
The Total Gym APEX G5 features a solid steel frame combining oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubes in its
construction. It consists of three main pieces, two that form the rail system for the sliding board, and the third part which serves as the height adjustment bar. Of course, the glideboard is also built on a metallic frame which incorporates four wheels that slide on the two side rails of the main frame.
Similar to most other Total Gym exercisers, the APEX G5 is foldable, offering excellent portability and storage possibilities. With the frame folded, it is approx. 50.5″ (128 cm) long, 15.5″ (39 cm) wide, and 8″ (20 cm) high. This being said, it can be stored in a closet or even under a bed if there is more than 8″ clearance under it. Conversely, with the frame fully extended, the machine’s length is approx. 93″ (236 cm), with remains the same, while its height reaches approx. 43.25″ (110 cm) above floor level.
The exerciser is not extremely heavy but does weigh approx. 53 lbs (24 kg). It is fairly easy to move and set up, though, due to its folding frame. Also, the height adjustment bar features base tube rollers.
The exact dimensions of the glideboard are not specified, but as a general idea, it is approx. 40″ (101 cm) long. Its base is made of plywood with a steel frame. On top of the plywood there’s a layer of foam padding of approx. 2.5″ (6 cm) thick. The top cover is made of durable vinyl material, black in color, and also sweatproof. As we’ve mentioned above, the glideboard of the APEX G5 has a slightly different construction than the one of the APEX G3 as it features a rounded section that can serve as a head cushion. It’s also important to mention that the glideboard can be locked into position
The machine’s frame is pretty sturdy. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 375 lbs (170 kg) which is quite impressive for this type of exerciser. Also, all the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, gray in color, this being the only color available for this model (at least for the moment).
Attachments, accessories, and other parts
The Total Gym APEX G5 comes with an impressive bundle of attachments and accessories. In terms of attachments, we can mention the cable kit with two pulleys and two D-handles, the dip bars, the leg pulley system, and the squat stand. These can easily attach and detach from the main body of the exerciser via hitch pins. All the handles have foam grips for improved comfort. The pulleys are made of durable nylon material with integrated ball bearings for smooth operation.
The accessories included with the exerciser are the Training Deck with its holder, two stability rubber mats, and a “Start It up!” DVD. The Training Deck attaches to the top section of the adjustment bar. It includes a set of cards that depict the most popular exercises that can be performed on this machine. The two stability mats can be pretty useful if you will be using a machine in a room with slippery floors. The included DVD covers the standard Total Gym workouts.
Of course, the APEX G5 comes with Total 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.
Weight Resistance System
The Total Gym APEX G5 is a fitness machine that uses your body weight as the main workout load. This being 
said, you won’t be needing additional weights for it. However, this exerciser can be used as a bench for dumbbell exercises as well. However, in this case, you should make sure that your own weight plus the dumbbells’ weight doesn’t exceed the maximum weight limit of the exerciser.
The adjustment bar of the exerciser features 10 incline attachment positions for the rail system. With the rail system attached to the top position, the machine will provide a workout load of approx. 60% of your total body weight. Considering that its maximum weight limit is 375 lbs (170 kg), you can get a maximum workout load of 225 lbs (102 kg). This being said, from bottom to top, each adjustment position will increase the workout load by approx. 5 – 6% of your total body weight.
Needless to say, since this exerciser does not have a heavy stack like other home gyms, it is not meant for advanced bodybuilding and strength training. But nonetheless, it offers the possibility to perform a wide range of exercises and engage all your muscles during each workout. Thus, it’s a great machine for muscle toning, stamina development, weight loss, and even cardio training.
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 Total Gym APEX G5 comes with its main body fully assembled; all you need to do is unfold it. However, depending on the exercises you wish to perform, you will need to connect the corresponding attachments. This is done with ease via the included hitch pins, so you can have your trainer ready for usage in minutes.
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 375 lbs;
- Space-saving, folding design;
- Thick vinyl finish on the glideboard and 2.5″ cushioning;
- 10 height adjustment positions for a workout load up to 60% of your total body weight;
- Heavy-duty nylon pulleys with internal ball bearings;
- Versatile machine, offering the possibility to perform more than 80 exercises;
- Workout exercise deck along with diet plan, included;
- Multiple attachments included;
- Exercises DVD included;
- Access to Total Gym TV;
- Two stability mats included;
- Excellent for strength, pilates, and cardio training;
- Can be used for inclined dumbbell presses as well;
- Quiet operation, suitable for apartment building use;
- Little maintenance required;
- Little assembly required.
The Cons
- Limited weight range.
Summary
The Total Gym APEX G5 is a multi-function home gym exerciser that uses your own bodyweight as resistance. It offers the possibility to perform more than 80 exercises. It includes a wide variety of accessories and attachments including wing attachment, squat stand, leg pull accessory, dip bars, training deck with holder, 2 stability mats, Total Gym TV access, exercise & nutrition guides, and exercises DVD. It’s also foldable, offering excellent storage possibilities and portability. In all, it’s a great home gym for muscle toning, pilates, stamina development, weight loss, and maintaining your physical and cardiovascular health.