Total Flex Pro vs Total Flex L vs Total Gym Apex
- Osprey Reviews
- May 4
- 9 min read
Updated: May 4
The core difference between Total Gym Apex and Total Flex is their structural design. Total Gym Apex uses a glideboard and pulley system that relies on bodyweight resistance and offers a dynamic, functional workout. In contrast, Total Flex features a bench-style design with resistance bands, providing adjustable tension for targeted strength training. Total Gym Apex is ideal for full-body functional training, while Total Flex is suited for compact, strength-focused workouts.
Total Flex Pro
The Total Flex Pro is a compact, foldable resistance-based home gym designed for efficient full-body workouts. It features a multi-angle bench and cable resistance system that allows users to perform over 50 exercises targeting specific muscle groups. You can do chest presses, seated rows, leg curls, and ab crunches. The quick-adjust resistance settings make it well suited for strength training, toning, and rehabilitation. Total Flex Pro weighs under 20 kg and folds into a suitcase-size unit making it perfect for small spaces. The Total Flex Pro is especially good for users seeking a low-impact, versatile solution for consistent strength-building without bulky machines or free weights. Ideal for beginners and seniors.
Total Flex L
The Total Flex L is an ultra-compact, foldable home gym designed for versatile strength training in limited spaces. It features a multi-position padded bench that adjusts into over 20 configurations, enabling more than 50 exercises targeting the upper body, core, and lower body. The integrated resistance bands offer seven levels of smooth, bidirectional resistance, ranging from 12 lbs to 50 lbs per side, eliminating the need for bulky weights. Weighing 19.5 kg and folding to a suitcase-sized unit, it's ideal for small apartments or home offices. With a user weight capacity of 136 kg (300 lbs), the Total Flex L suits users of all fitness levels seeking a comprehensive, space-saving workout solution.
Total Gym Apex
The Total Gym Apex is a compact incline bodyweight training system ideal for full-body workouts at home. Available in G1, G3, and G5 models, it supports user weights up to 300 lbs (Apex G1 and G3) or 375 lbs (G5). Each model includes a glide board, adjustable incline levels (6 to 10), and accessories like squat stands, wing attachments, and leg pull kits. The Apex G5 adds dip bars, stability mats, and more resistance levels, making it ideal for advanced users. Foldable and lightweight, the Apex series suits users seeking efficient strength training, flexibility, and cardio with minimal space requirements.
Compare Exercise Options
Total Flex Pro & L: 50 Workouts spread across
Total Gym Apex: 70 exercises
Verdict: Total Gym Apex clearly offers more exercise options.
Compare Material
Total Flex Pro: Alloy Steel
Total Flex L: Carbon Steel
Total Gym Apex: Alloy Steel
Verdict: Total Flex Pro and Total Gym Apex, both made of Alloy Steel, offer superior strength and durability, providing excellent support for intense workouts. Total Flex L, constructed from Carbon Steel, is sturdy but generally less robust than alloy steel. For users seeking higher durability and heavier resistance capacity, Total Flex Pro or Total Gym Apex would be better choices.
Compare Resistance
Total Flex uses resistance bands with multiple levels of adjustable tension. The resistance system features three color-coded bands, offering seven adjustable levels of smooth, dual-direction, gradually increasing resistance.
Total Gym Apex has bodyweight-based resistance with adjustable incline levels (6 to 10 levels).
Verdict: Total Gym Apex has the edge with its bodyweight-based resistance and 8 adjustable incline levels, providing a more natural, progressive strength training experience. This setup engages stabilizing muscles effectively and allows for functional, full-body workouts. In contrast, Total Flex's resistance bands offer simplicity and targeted muscle engagement, making it suitable for lighter strength training. For overall versatility and strength progression, Total Gym Apex stands out.
Compare Design & Build
Total Flex Pro & L has a folding bench-style design with adjustable seating.
Total Gym Apex has a glideboard design with a pulley system.
Verdict: Total Gym Apex wins with its glideboard and pulley system offering smoother dynamic movements for functional training. Total Flex Pro and L's folding bench-style design is compact but less versatile.
Compare Attachments
Total Gym Apex
Wing Attachment - For upper and lower body
Squat Stand - Targets thighs, glutes and calves
Dip Bars - Targets pectorals, chest shoulders & triceps
Leg Pulley Accessory - Strengthens and stretches leg muscles
Total Flex Pro & L
Padded Headrest: Provides neck and head support during exercises.
Leg Developer: Facilitates leg curls and extensions for lower body strengthening.
Three Stretch Bands: Offer adjustable resistance levels for diverse exercises.
Foot Plate: Assists in stabilizing the machine during workouts.
Ankle Straps: Enable lower body exercises by securing the feet.
Handle Grips with Clips: Allow for interchangeable resistance adjustments during upper body workouts.
Compare Dimensions
Total Gym Flex Pro & Total Gym Flex L - 30" L X 24" W X 41.5" H [Assembled]
Total Gym Flex Pro & Total Gym Flex L - 24.02" L X 10.04" W X 25.59" H [Folded]
Total Gym Apex - 50.5" L X 15.5" W X 8" Height
Compare User Weight Supported
Total Flex Pro & L - 300 lbs.
Total Gym Apex - 300 lbs.
What makes it special?
Total Flex Pro & L
Adjustable Fitness Benches: Both models offer adjustable benches for customized workout positions.
Quick Exercise Changes: Seamlessly switch between exercises for an efficient workout.
Full-Body Training: Target all major muscle groups with versatile strength training options.
Suitable for All Levels: Designed for users of every fitness level.
Pre-Assembled: Both models come pre-assembled for quick and easy setup.
Total Gym Apex
Sturdy Build: High-quality steel frame ensures stability and durability.
Glide Board System: Smooth, low-impact movements with adjustable height for personalized workouts.
Versatile Workouts: Supports cardio, Pilates, strength training, stretching, and circuit training.
Time Efficient: Effective with 15-20 minutes of use, 3-4 days a week.
Total Body Training: Tones, strengthens, and conditions muscles, aiding in body sculpting and weight management.
Height Adjustment: Customizable glide board height for different fitness levels.
Easy Storage: Foldable design for convenient storage.
Training Support: Includes exercise guides and access to workouts via Total Gym TV.
What's included?
Total Flex Pro
TOTAL FLEX Pro
Foot Plate
Ankle Straps
Handle Grips with Clips to allow for interchangeable resistance weight sets
Receptor Bracket
Head Rest
Leg Extension with 3 bungee cords and Manual.
Total Flex L
TOTAL FLEX L foldable bench press gym
Foot Plate
Ankle Straps
Handle Grips with Clips to allow for interchangeable resistance weight sets
Instructional Manual.
Difference between the Total Flex Pro and Total Flex L Models
The Total Flex Pro model offers enhancements for a more versatile workout experience.
Leg Extension: Provides smooth joint-friendly motion for effective leg strengthening.
Head Rest: Offers optimal neck and head support during workouts.
Bungee Cords: Ensures long-lasting elasticity and consistent resistance for various exercises.
Enhanced Design: Built for improved stability and greater workout versatility.
What's Common Between Total Flex Gym Pro and Total Flex Gym L
Foldable and Portable: Both models have a compact, suitcase-like design with a carry handle for easy storage and transport.
Minimal Assembly: They arrive nearly assembled, requiring minimal setup.
Suitable for All Levels: Designed for users of all fitness levels, offering versatile workout options at home.
What are the exercises that you can perform with Total Flex models but not with Total Gym Apex?
Total Flex models allow isolated resistance-based movements not possible with the Total Gym Apex's incline system. For example, standing chest flys and seated reverse flys using bilateral cables are more precise on the Flex due to fixed resistance direction. Simultaneous bicep curls and leg presses can be done with independent cables—unavailable on Apex. Horizontal shoulder presses and lat pulldowns with full seated posture are smoother on the Flex due to its linear cable design. The Total Flex also enables core twists using one-arm resistance pulls, offering rotational core engagement not achievable on the Apex’s glide board incline setup.
What are the exercises that you can perform with Total Gym Apex but not with Total Flex models?
The Total Gym Apex enables unique incline-based exercises that rely on bodyweight and a glide board, which the Total Flex models cannot replicate. For example, plyometric squats use the glide board to perform explosive leg presses with impact absorption—impossible on the fixed bench of the Flex. Pull-ups and chin-ups using dip bars engage upper body and core together through vertical body movement. Hamstring curls using the leg pulley system mimic a prone curl machine via glide motion. The Apex also allows shoulder presses at incline, decline crunches with dynamic core activation, and compound rows that engage posterior chain muscles simultaneously.
Are the Total Flex models better than the free weights?
Total Flex models offer convenience, safety, and versatility, especially for beginners or those in limited spaces, but they are not inherently better than free weights. Free weights like dumbbells and barbells provide greater range of motion, progressive overload, and functional strength benefits by engaging stabilizer muscles. However, Total Flex machines excel in guided motion and quick resistance changes, reducing injury risk and improving workout speed. They’re ideal for toning, rehab, and general fitness but less effective for building maximum strength or muscle mass.
Total Flex Pro & L Pros
Versatility - Users appreciate the ability to perform over 50 exercises targeting various muscle groups, allowing for comprehensive full-body workouts.
Compact Design - The foldable and lightweight structure makes it suitable for small spaces, with users noting easy storage under beds or in closets.
Adjustable Resistance - The inclusion of resistance bands with multiple levels allows users to customize workout intensity, catering to different fitness levels.
Ease of Use - Quick transitions between exercises and straightforward setup are highlighted, making workouts more efficient.
Durability - Users report that the equipment maintains its quality over time, even with regular use.
Total Flex Pro & L Cons
Missing Promised Materials - The product is often shipped without the advertised wall chart and meal guide, and no downloadable versions are available.
Lack of Customer Support - Customers report serious issues with customer support, including non-functional phone numbers and undeliverable email addresses.
Inadequate Exercise Instructions - The instruction manual lacks detailed visual explanations for each exercise and combines setup directions with limited exercise guidance.
Accessory Compatibility Issues - Accessories such as leg and head rests are difficult to match with the main unit due to a lack of part numbers or compatibility information.
Not Ideal for Taller or Stronger Users - The equipment is not well-suited for taller individuals or those seeking higher resistance; seat size and muscle engagement are limited, especially for men.
Limited Portability - Despite marketing claims, the unit is heavier and more difficult to move than expected, making it less portable.
Build Quality Concerns - Build quality is inconsistent—users mention wobbliness during workouts and foam padding on leg curl extensions that slides off during use.
Bench Length Limitations - The bench is considered too short when fully extended for taller users, making certain exercises uncomfortable.
Restricted Resistance Range - Resistance bands have a limited range, restricting long-term strength progression.
Exercise Functionality Issues - Some exercises advertised are awkward or ineffective on the machine due to design constraints.
Total Gym Apex Advantages
Beginner-Friendly Design - Suitable for users new to fitness, offering approachable setup and usage.
Full-Body Range of Motion - Enables a wide variety of exercises that target the entire body with natural movement patterns.
Comes with Visual Instructional Materials - Includes a wall-sized exercise chart and an instructional video that clearly explains setup and workout options.
Compact Storage - Can be stored upright or flat; ideal for users with limited space and no children or pets.
Durable Build Quality - Sturdy construction that withstands rough handling, including minor user errors like cable jams, without damage.
Cost-Effective Alternative - Considered a strong value compared to high-end models and gym memberships; pays for itself in a short time.
Long-Term Usability - Built to last for years, even with regular use.
Pre-Workout Setup Practice Recommended - Learning pulley and bar attachment sequences early helps reduce non-workout setup time during actual sessions.
Total Gym Apex Disadvantages
Wheel Durability Issues - Underside bench wheels begin flaking and producing residue within months of use, creating a hidden health and maintenance problem.
Mismatched Instructional Materials - The instruction booklet and DVD do not match the included accessories, leaving users confused about setup and usage.
Poor Customer Support Access - Difficult to reach support; when contacted, users were told only high-end models receive service, with unresolved issues left to email.
Weak Lower Body Engagement - Leg attachments are uncomfortable and ineffective; the squat platform is too small, and hamstring attachments appear untested.
Not for Advanced Users - Bodyweight-based resistance is too low for experienced lifters, offering minimal muscle development potential.
Return and Restocking Fees - Product return requires a UPS drop-off and includes both a $30 return fee and a restocking charge.
Heavy and Difficult to Handle - Weighs over 70 pounds; challenging to carry, assemble, or store—especially for seniors or users with limited strength.
Assembly and Stability Problems - Bench foot detached during use, damaging flooring; parts feel unstable during exercises like pull-ups.
Awkward Folding Mechanism - Folding the unit is physically demanding with no proper handles and high risk of injury if folded incorrectly.
Limited Resistance and Board Length - Short board and low incline limit resistance; increasing board height costs an additional $200.
Uncomfortable Seat and Movements - Seat lacks adequate padding and feels unstable during workouts.
Cumbersome Exercise Transitions - Switching between exercises requires frequent pulley adjustments, disrupting workout flow.
Overpriced for Performance - Users feel the machine is overpriced given its design flaws, limited functionality, and lack of resistance variety.
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