Need Advice re Total Gym machine vs Pilates Machine

[Orygun]

Hi,
I'm new to this site. I've never used a Forum and I'm not used to Threads, etc. so forgive me if I make some mistakes.
I'm female, 60, lifted free weights and used a Universal Gym in the past, but I've gotten sedentary and lost a lot of muscle tone. I've been doing research online regarding exercise options. I started with the Universal gym and other brands with multiple stations in one unit, but the cost, weight and space taken up by them discouraged me so I started looking at Pilates Performer machines and Total Gyms (1000, 1500 all the way up to 1700, 2000).

I know most of the women in this Forum are probably more into free weights and possibly competitive body-building, but I figured you would have a lot of knowledge about equipment because some of you may have started with Pilates, Total Gym and similar setups, then went to more intensive bodybuilding.

QUESTION: Comparing a Pilates machine vs Total Gym of comparable/same quality (frame, workmanship, warranty) and same price---- which one would you buy? Which is the best option for me to get toned and a cardiovascular workout? Or are both about even?

Please give me your input, and Thanks in advance.

[Hawkwind]

I would choose the Pilates reformer verses the total gym. But...I have a lot of experience with yoga and Pilates as I use both regularly and I know that the reformer is made specifically to be incorporated with the Pilates mat work.

My apologies for taking so long to get back to you on this. I have been away the past couple of days.

[musclesntx]

Chuck Norris endorses the Total Gym, so it must be the greatest thing ever created.

[Hawkwind]

Originally Posted by musclesntx

Chuck Norris endorses the Total Gym, so it must be the greatest thing ever created.

Not...but if one wants to do advanced Pilates...the reformer is the way to go. The total gym is just a 'copy' and a poor one for the most part.

[musclesntx]

Originally Posted by Hawkwind

Not...but if one wants to do advanced Pilates...the reformer is the way to go. The total gym is just a 'copy' and a poor one for the most part.

If first you don't succeed, then you are not Chuck Norris.

[Orygun]

Thanks for the responses! I didn't get an e-mail notifying me of them until today.
I had to make up my mind fast because there was an auction for a Fitness QuestTotal Gym 1700 Club on eBay. There was a lot of bidding competition and I ended up paying $150-200 less than the retail price. I've been buying on eBay for about six years.
In reviews I read in various sites online, both machines were about neck and neck. Pilates seems to be more expensive, and the machines sit flat on the floor unless you have the Pilates table/platform, which costs around $100 extra. With a Total Gym, you are working higher, on an incline, so you aren't on the floor. With Total Gym you lift a percentage of your body weight against gravity. To increase resistance, you raise the incline and/or add free weight to the weight bar.
Some 1700 Features -Pilates Bar to add a new dimension to your workout by helping you improve your range of motion and balance,Weight bar allows you to add up to 75 pounds of additional free weights to increase your workout.
Dip Bars and Press Up Bars add exercise versatility
Strengthens and tones every major muscle group with over 60 different exercises. Provides both resistance training and a cardiovascular workout. Features an ergonomic glide board, wing and leg attachments and an adjustable incline for increased resistance. Folds easily to slide under a bed or place in closet.

[Hawkwind]

Originally Posted by musclesntx

If first you don't succeed, then you are not Chuck Norris.

Heh...wo is me! I'll never be he!

[bbha]

I had a physical therapist who used a total gym and it worked...I think a combination of that with some free weights could work really well! Good luck!

[Orygun]

Thanks,
Now I have to assemble it. It's partially assembled, but I have to do some of it. The steel tubing is HEAVY, very strong, Actually the whole thing weighs about 60lbs. It looks like the workmanship is good in the product. The smaller ones, like the 1100, may fit under a bed, but this is so big you'd need a bed with steps up to it- to get this under it.

I have free weights. I can alternate workouts. I also walk daily, though it's not much of a workout because my (male) dog has to stop at every interesting smell.

TTYL