Hey Mike, thanks for another informative video. I like to use the bands and/or external plates either alone or together depending on the exercise. Another great way to increase the intensity of a movement that I often utilize without actually adding any form of external resistance is to simply slow down the rep cadence. By extending the time under tension of each repetition you can make a lighter weight feel much heavier.
For leg press, I added a tow rope on the weight bar around the back-waist to help the leverage of the press. You can add the max weight plates and thank Skyler King for the idea!
A tricep bar loaded up and sitting on top of the glide board works also. It stays put really well. It’s how I did it with my old machine that lacked the place for a bar.
Thanks for the tips! I got the XLS and so many of the combination exercises just became too easy. After watching this video I went and got a few heavy tube bands from the sports store. Game changer! Plus they don’t add weight to the machine when traveling!
"Bands + Weighted Vest" is my go-to! If you could try loading with different gym bars it would be awesome as an alternative for us that don't have the weight bar attachment.
Taking off the middle pulley will actually essentially *double* your resistance compared with the same level having the middle pulley attached to the glideboard! It actually says that in the set of workout cards that come with the machine (it's specifically the card with the chart that shows how much weight you're moving if you're set to _____ level of incline and you weigh ______ pounds...) So taking off the middle pulley is a legit way of increasing your resistance, according to the very maker of the machine =]
Gr8 video..I like the idea of unhooking the middle pulley..and using bands..I find the external plates awkward when laying on the board facind away from the tower
Good stuff. Raising the TG is too risky for me and I am not a fan of bands but I have done sets with the cable detached. That really increases the load. Also when its I time I will get some external weights. Can the carabiners be used to attach the handles directly to the pulley anchors?
My biggest question with this machine. And yes I've owned one. Can you actually build muscle mass using this machine only? Maintain muscle... Titan and firm your physique absolutely but add muscle?
I definitely think you can assuming the training / diet on the machine are good. Just like resistance training in general, there's a lot variables going into actually gaining muscle. I'm going on 3 plus years using this machine, if it didn't work I should be seeing a steady loss in size. I'd recommend these two videos of mine that also get into this more ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ncpzH5fCMmM.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fx3m3b5FJE0.html
It did for me! I got a Total Gym in 1999 and worked out with it at least four days a week for several years and I gained strength and, yes, muscle mass. At one point I visited my brother in Florida, where he has his own lawn service. He had a new helper with him I had never seen or met before. After just a moment or two, the helper asked me, "Do you work out?" I think that says it all as to whether the Total Gym can build visible muscle mass. (Over the years I became busy with other things, including longer work hours, and I worked out less often, and not at all for periods of time. I lost my obvious muscle mass, though for many years I retained more visible muscle than I had started with. Now I have bought a new Total Gym Fit and have resumed regular workouts. It feels good!)
Great video as usual. Adding bands is always an excellent option. I agree with the safety risk with raising the incline and assume that would void any warranty.
I definitely think your own bodyweight will suffice. These are really icing on the cake, you can get plenty of results simply using the machines as is.
@@hybridresistance I like the looks of it because I can support my back through some heavier moves. Then go lighter for sitting up so I can build up my core. I used to be big into lifting. Now I'd like to get a little bit of strength back and lose some weight. I don't need a 500lb deadlift anymore
I've used these Undersun Bands for many uses amzn.to/3oxAOpE but recently have been referring people to this company's set as they have a "lifetime warranty" on bands which is great considering all bands will fail eventually. amzn.to/3KPmbFC If you do decide to pick these up, consider purchasing from these link as they help support me in the process. Thanks for great question.
Thank you. Got to say of all the ones I featured again in the video, I'm probably going to be using those blocks a lot more. Definitely got to be careful though.
