I blame Chuck Norris. And Christie Brinkley. And my friend Marji Stallbaumer.
About five years ago, I took a girls trip to Des Moines with my best friend from college and her sisters. While at the mall trying on clothes, we were “gushing” over Marji and her amazing body. She was trim and toned without being “too” trim and toned. She just looked fit.
After about a thirty minutes of gushing, I couldn’t stand it any longer and finally just ASKED what she had been doing to look so amazing. Her answer…Total Gym.
My response…“GET OUT!! You mean the infomercial?!? With Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley?”
Yes, the one and the same.
She used to be a runner (like me) and was having trouble with her knees (like me). She was looking for a home workout (like me) that could be stored easily and yet, give her an all-body workout (like me).
Right then and there, I wanted to be like Chuck Norris and Marji Stallbaumer and own a Total Gym.
So I came home from Des Moines and did my best to convince Hubs…and he was less than enthusiastic. Even my best tactics didn’t work…so needless to say, there was no Total Gym in the Snyder House. And for five long years, I was sad and pined away.
I’m giving you this background so you’ll understand how over the moon I was when Total Gym contacted me and asked if I would be willing to review their Total Gym FIT, plus Pilates Kit. I’d been dreaming about this equipment for over five years and I was finally going to have the chance to use it.
Why I’m So Excited For My Total Gym
Total Gym allows a variety of exercises, so you never get bored. There are over 250 different exercises targeting different muscles. Plus, additional kits can be purchased to do non-traditional exercises like Pilates. Thank goodness, because I need variety. Plus, Total Gym provides resources like DVDs, Workout Cards and Programs, plus additional videos on their blog so you get the most out of your machine. Seriously, there are probably 100 different all-ready created workouts on the site (like my new favorite – Lose a Dress Size in 4 Weeks.)
Total Gym can provide results in as little as 20-minutes-per-day. I’m a busy work-at-home mom. I wish I had the luxury of going to the gym for an hour, plus the drive time back and forth. But, I don’t. Spending 20 minutes, with my headphones on, jamming to a little Usher and JT….well, I can make that happen.
Total Gym is easier on joints than traditional cardio, while still building muscle mass. I’m getting old. I don’t like to admit it, but I am. While I enjoy a good “soreness” from a workout, I don’t enjoy “hobbling” up stairs that can happen if I run or do HIIT workouts. Plus, at my age increasing muscle mass is a priority.
Total Gym can be used at home and is easy to set up and put away when not in use. I’m lucky that I have a dedicated workout area in my home, but I know that isn’t the case for everyone. Total Gym is easy to set up and put away. Making it convenient to workout at home and not have your bedroom look like a gym.
Lose the extra 15 lbs that have crept on since working from home. I weighed myself at the start of this journey and I was 159.2 lbs. This is the heaviest I have been since my daughter’s birth (and she’s 11-years-old). My clothes are starting to fit tighter and become uncomfortable (as you can see with these awesome workout shorts that used to fit just fine). I’m at a point that if I don’t do something about it NOW, it will just get worse as the years progress.
Want To Follow My Journey?
So, over the next month, I’m going to share my journey and here is what I’m committing to:
- Use the Total Gym for 20 minutes each day, five times per week.
- Be mindful of my eating and portion control. This includes eating a well-balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner. I learned a long time ago that my eating habits are the number one determiner for weight gain or loss. It’s time to stock up on the fruits, veggies, lean protein, and water.
- Provide you an update with an honest review of my experience with Total Gym in three weeks. This not only holds me accountable, but shows if I CAN DO IT, anyone CAN DO IT.
Disclosure: I’m THRILLED (like almost giddy with excitement) to be partnering with Total Gym in a sponsored capacity on this series of posts. With that being said, the written remarks about Chuck Norris and opinions, are entirely my own. Want more information – check out my full disclosure statement.
