Can I start with the Trainer as a complete beginner? I.E. No weight lifting at the gym, no previous grip machine eperience?
272593
Try this: Go to a pull up bar and try to hang from one hand (DON'T just let your weight drop on your hand entirely, place the weight of your body on just one arm but keep your feet on the floor, then slowly remove your feet if you feel you can) are you able to hang on for a few seconds with ONE hand? then yes you can start with the trainer. If you cannot, go lighter. See how long you can hang with both arms, it should be at least 25-30 seconds before messing with the trainer. I went for the trainer even though I have been doing pull ups/chin ups and such for a few years, and I wasn't able to close it at first. I used a cheaper grip instrument as a warm up then would try to close the trainer in sets of 1 to 5 reps. I also did some static holds. Now I can close it 5 times with my right hand (dominant) and 3 times with my left hand. This is after about a month of training. I don't think I'd suggest getting the guide, get the trainer and also a cheaper gripper, the guide is too expensive and you'll outgrow it really fast. I mean, you can use it for a warm up for a while, and then you can gift it or sell it to a novice trainee - I'm just saying I wouldn't. I plan to give my trainer to my son someday! I'm sure it'll last that long (don't have a kid yet) Good luck!
272594
Get a newspaper and crunch it into a ball with one hand.You will get a better overall grip workout than a coc and its free!!girls can rep the no 2.!!
272595
Yes. i believe that you can. You may find that, at first, you can't completely close the gripper, ie complete 1 full rep. However, if you use it 3 times per day, doing what you can, you will quickly gain 1 rep, and from there you will progress. have fun with it!
272596
Personally, I would suggest getting a cheapy one from a sporting goods store to start with. Use it for a couple weeks and then get the trainer. I wouldn't waste my money on an extremely easy CoC gripper when you can progress so quickly.
272597
I suggest that you begin with the lightest (i.e. the Guide) as you may find the Trainer too advanced/difficult. Start with the Guide and progress your way up the ladder. Good luck!
1673317
I couldn't say...we returned this piece of equipment as soon as we could!! I have worked in many gyms and could NOT figure this machine out. The programming was terrible and could NOT get any support from Smooth Fitness!! Amazon was very helpful though in returning the product.
1248801
I would go with the rowing machine or even better a power tower instead. After having this machine, just like my total gym I gave it away as I found myself not even using it. The resistance isn't all that great. I bought a power tower, a spin bike, those two things I use at least one every day 5 times a week, where with the Ultimate body I found myself bored of it in about a week, it just wasn't a good workout. I get so much better workouts just using my power tower, spin bike, and free weights.
1778608
Sorry for the delayed response. I bought this product over a year ago so I can't remember if there were instructions but I don't recall have issues getting it set up. I did have an issue with trainer even though I haven't used it too much but the company agreed to send me the part I needed.
578738
Yes for some. You would need good balance and also to begin carefully until you learned the characteristics of the treadmill. Because you are supplying the power, this treadmill does not react the same way as the powered ones at a gym.
55798
You can go thru your bike gears to add resistance. Trainer can be set before you start only. The more you tighten it the more resistance, only before you mount bike. The rest is dependent on bike gears.
1833658
Yes there is the Zumba has a beginner program to use before moving on to the harder workout.
1074802
I have found this to be the case for me too. I have not been able to use the programs, other than the lowest setting. I also have strength in my legs. Otherwise I like the machine a lot. I do wish we could reduce the resistance to enjoy the workout programs. Maybe Xterra could answer this issue???
298020
You don't need any equipment. But let me warn you, it is the hardest workout ever!
100030
No I found it very easy but I'm extremely athletic and have balance I would suggest clear griptape to start out so you don't fall
361430
Not at all. The only thing you need to do is twist the knob to lift pedals and begin to work out. Is pretty much ready to use.
480148
Sorry If I led any readers a stray with my last comment. The Body Works has been a good investment for me. After I learned how to use it with the help of my Pilates class, (that's where I got the idea to buy one) and a return email from Weider, I wasn't using it correctly. Price, assembly and using it has been a really good thing for me. People may give up because they don't want to work that hard at gaining strength, endurance, and building muscle. The chart printed on the box shows all the positions it can be used for...... If you can afford the time, money and have the room to set up the "total gym", that's one thing. Try putting the total gym back in the same box, pay the return postage, and then waiting to have the charges reversed from the account you purchased it on. Like most mail or internet orders, they can suck you in and give you one big headache. I am a 74 year young woman and my body is getting younger every day. My Body Works was and is a good health investment. Thank you!
1294681
It would be tough for a beginner. More so if you have no sports or workout background. If you are just out of shape and trying to get back into shape then you can just start out slow and work harder as you become more fit. If you are in decent shape and new to workout videos then it will be a good challenge. I hope that helps:)
1238651
No leg cuffs, that is a new innovation for the total gym. Perhaps they will add them in the future? I also wish my machine had dip bars as well, but I can't really complain about all I can do for the price. I also like the total gym's new handle, as the cables do not pull down on your arms as much, if any. But the bottom plate still works well enough for lower body exercises.
1327105
It's perfect for beginners. I was a beginner when I started using it. Just be careful. Use proper technique or you'll throw your back out. It took me about 3 weeks to get fully used to them
718803
Kelly, do you work for beachbody or something? These workouts are insane! You didn't even break a sweat?? I just finished Chalean Extreme, a 12 week program training with heavy weights along with some plyometrics, kickboxing, etc. It's a great workout, but that was easy compared to this. I'm no athlete, but I'm in pretty good shape. I totally disagree. BBL is NOT good for a beginner. I sweat bullets when I do this and I'm not a big sweater! Good luck Kat.
1477095
You would be disappointed...not the same kind of workout as a bow flex. Better off joining a gym for the several months.