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!
942660
It's really simple to get a set of weights at big5 sporting goods...or any outlet such as that.....check our friends at amazon for a set of "free" weights...usually 110 lb. starter set. Other than not being sold with weights...a very nice machine!
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.
1239046
No programmed courses Beth. I'll tell you like I've told everyone else. Don't buy this Elliptical if you are anything other than a casual exerciser. My bother's machine broke right after the warranty ran out (about three months). He only used it three times a week.
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
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.
2046759
This is great for beginners. I was unable to do a pull-up unassisted and can now do do it. The strap adjusts so you can use less and less "assistance" (or resistance) as you progress.
199795
I contacted Iron Gym Customer Support via their 800 number. They said that they don't sell the foam grips. They offerred to sell me the entire bar for $9.99 plus $14.99 shipping. I did find some grips online at http://cart.easyeffort.com/index.php?main_page=index
1821948
In theory I guess you can. Not sure of the support it would give you though. I'd check with a coach or trainer 1st.
808356
This particular machine is probably a bit light. if you start lifting seriously, you will probably outgrow this in a year. I would either get a Bowflex that allows adding rods, or go with free weights.
1152750
Yes. You can adjust the resistance manually or you can choose a pre-set program. Every workout session begins with the pedals at zero resistance.
1240361
I think you could actually make some, I have been thinking about it myself. I was on the total gym website and I like the new handles they have as well. I also like the foot bar they have which is taller than the thing that comes with the total body works. I showed it to my husband and he is going to make me a similar one, seems pretty simple if you can weld or bend metal tubing. It would be nice if they offer accessories like that, but I think for now it would be pretty easy to make your own.
1083821
As a beginner start with the lowest weight...otherwise it can be very difficult on your back. Lowest weight and just a few reps the first several days to see how it will effect you....then slowly up your workout. You can always move up to the next weight once you've mastered this one. Have fun!!
808360
Well if you're like me and you attend school and work and most likely don't have much time to visit a gym, then I think the Bowflex home-gym will sufficeI like that it uses a resistance mechanism as opposed to just dead weight lifting.Keep in mind you'll need a partner to assemble the machine.Hope that helps man.
2179450
Definitely. It is the easiest piece of workout equipment I have or have ever used. Very well worth every penny.
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
755654
I am a beginner and I am loving this machine. It comes with many "foots". Once you get the hang of it, Its like YES! I am a pro. Not really but its fun to dream. You will have no problem getting the hang of it. Do a simple project first then the sky is the limit.