Sara Sandstrom's Reviews (15)


(5.00)
3/7/2026
I like it a lot. The pad is wide and thick. The handles feel good, but what I like even more is attaching my Atlas Bar (from Etsy seller ATLASBARStore), using a strap around the center post, clipped with a carabiner. - see Kinzi's review on YouTube (@KpexHomeGymLab) for a demo of what I mean, as she does the same with a homemade version of the Etsy bar I bought. I like that this machine also as a stand for a curl bar. The adjustment points are nice, and fits both myself (5'6") and my husband (6'2"). No complaints.
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(3.67)
3/7/2026
They're just "OK." They were the first extra handles I bought, and if I were to do it again, I would've gotten something else. They do the job, but I don't like how they feel in my hands - it's weird, it's like they inspire cramping. They're cheap, which is nice, but I don't recommend them.
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(4.00)
3/7/2026
I was extremely ill for 3 years, during which time I lost all my muscle, so when coming back to life afterward, I got this Total Gym and felt like it worked great. It was an awesome tool for my weak body. But, as I got stronger, it started to outlive its usefulness, as many movements could no longer be done at low reps (like squats and row movements). I could've bought a small 1" bar and 1" weight plates, or added bands, but I felt like the plates would be a waste of money and the bands are a pain in the butt for switching out for different movements. So, I bought a leg press machine, and then a linear row machine. I still like the Total Gym for triceps, biceps and shoulders. And chest flies feel pretty good, but chest press is annoying, based on the angle of the cables coming from down low and close together, wrapping around my body - I don't like it. So, it served it purpose for me, and I'd totally recommend it for anyone just starting out, or rehabbing. But I have plans to upgrade to a functional trainer sometime in the next year.
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(5.00)
3/7/2026
Strong, work great. Not much to say about them except that I think I'll be buying another pack soon, as I use them everywhere.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(4.33)
3/2/2026
Mine doesn't have the incline feature, but same brand. Had it for a year and it's holding up well enough. Did not hold up to my husband (200-ish pounds), as after about 30 minutes it'd start to smell like something burning. Works fine for me for an hour or so, but then I don't want to use it more than that at one time. It's not a super strong build, and therefore has a cheap price. I keep a slow pace just to get in steps while I watch tv. Works for my use, but I wouldn't try running on it.
Performance
Value
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(5.00)
3/2/2026
I bought these based on the recommendation of YouTube reviewer Kinzi (@KpexHomeGymLab). I use them with my linear row machine, for a neutral grip. Work great, and good value.
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(5.00)
3/2/2026
Bought them on sale for like 50 cents a pound, brand new and delivered to my door. Can't beat it. And I think they look good. I'll probably buy more next time Walmart has them on sale again. No idea how exact they are in weight, but I don't really care.
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(5.00)
3/2/2026
Love this machine. I got it at the beginning of July 2025 for $499. I removed the long weight horn and just use the shorter one, so I have a slimmer footprint than advertised. Super beefy/strong. Welds are not pretty nor smooth, but they do the job. My left safety handle was a little too short, so I used the YouTube hack to add a few super thin washers to make it higher so both safety handles support the weight of the foot sled. My favorite thing is the giant foot plate. I've heard of people putting it together by themselves, but they all seem to regret it. You really need 2 people, but 3 is even better, so 2 people can hoist up the footplate, and the 3rd can feed the rails through. Definitely recommend it.
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15 total