Bayou Fitness Total Trainer DLX-III Home Gym Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have tried numerous home gyms: Free weights, Nordicflex Gold, Soloflex, Bowflex, and Powerblock dumbells, and I have worked out on the Nautilus, Hammerstrength, Cable machines, Free Weights and the Cybex machines. Through my experience of weight training for 10 years for fitness, a variety of exercises are necessary to keep interest going.
As a complement to free weights (Powerblock Prorexan Pro), this gym completes what I need: variety for exercises to keep muscles growing. Cable exercises give constant tension when going through the entire range of motion. This machine replicates that feeling and simulates exercises similar to handstand pushups, pullups and every exercise for the body that you can think of (ie Bench, Rows, Curls, extensions, incline situps). The limitation comes to exercises for legs. Although 100 pounds can be added and an exercise similar to leg curls is available, you will need to look for other exercises to 'overload' the muscles.
Instructions, a video, workout cards with prescribed routines are provided. The machine is 95% assembled except for the foot rest.
As for the machine, setup took less than 10 minutes. Motion is smooth with the ball bearing setup. Only certain exercises make you notice the notch in the middle of the track where there is a noticeable click (majority of exercises do not precipitate the clicking noise). The chrome finish and leather like vinyl cover with 2 inches of padding is nice. Action is smooth and the accessories included tops the higher end gyms such as the Infomercial Total Gym and Bowflex (ie straight bar, leg attachment, pull up and incline bar, deluxe oversized platform for leg exercises). The option to add weights is another advantage over conventional machines of this genre. One limitation is that ropes instead of cables were used; however, there is a lifetime replacement on the pulleys, cables and rollers (this is more than I can say for competitors). The foot rest could be designed to be sturdier (it does tend to sway slightly).
As for safety, two pins lock the incline in place (one metal, one plastic).
This machine is excellent for beginners, intermediate and advanced bodybuilders and athletes. Although not the end all for the advanced bodybuilders, this machine helps augment free weights and is excellent for a supplement to routines. For pilates enthusiasts, a pilates machine is available.
For my first workout, I did the following sequence:
Rows, Seated Bench press, Pull ups, Supine bench press (x3 sets)
Military presses, biceps curls, triceps extensions, squats and leg curls (x 3 sets)
The transition between exercises were pretty simple and circuit training can easily be implemented. Pulley position has to be changed when doing "advanced exercises" such as upright rows, supine bench presses, kneeling curls, etc.
Workouts are 'fun' and I look forward to exercising regularly. Due to its flexibility and ease of changing resistance, two training partners of different levels can workout together without much trouble.
Item has a 1 year warranty on the remainder of the parts.
Highly recommend Bayou Fitness and the DLX III!
Update:
2 years since I bought this machine and it is still working well for me. I have found that the smooth operation along its tracks to be holding up well. The nylon cords are still holding up despite rigorous use. The only exercise equipment that I have ever owned that is not a rack for drying clothes :)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bayou Fitness Total Trainer DLX-III Home Gym

Total Trainer is a safe, easy, and effective way to get into the best shape of your life.Let the Total Trainer help you achieve the results you desire in the privacy of your own home.Achieve a complete body workout with one piece of equipment.Assembled and folded in the box11 levels of resistance46" x 14" glide boardBall bearing rollersLift from 4% to 69% of your body weightDeluxe 2" double stitched box cushionInstructional DVD and strength training DVDPro Ab crunch strapPilates toe barBicep Power FlexBicep curl press barPower weight bar for adding free weightsChrome pull-up push-up barFolds and rolls for easy storageSit-up cuff strapExtra large heavy duty squat boardChrome independent twin handlesDual leg cuff assembly3 & 4 point pulley systemInstructional manual and four program cards400 lb. user weight capacityMaximum recommended user height 6' 7"Unit weight - 102 lbs.Folded footprint - 20" x 14" x 50"Open footprint - 20" x 94" x 48"

Click here for more information about Bayou Fitness Total Trainer DLX-III Home Gym