The TotalGym EVOLVE is a premium home gym system that provides an effective full-body workout in a compact, low-impact design. Combining resistance training with bodyweight exercises, the EVOLVE allows you to target every major muscle group with a wide range of exercises.
Table of Contents
Resistance Capabilities
At the heart of the system is TotalGym’s patented glideboard and cable resistance mechanism:
- Up to 200 lbs of resistance from the cable pulley system
- Resistance increases smoothly as you push/pull the glideboard
- Ability to adjust start position from ground level up to 6 feet high
- This allows targeting different muscle groups at varying resistance levels
The glideboard glides on an angled rail providing a low-impact, smooth motion that is easy on joints compared to traditional weight stacks.
Exercise Versatility
What makes the EVOLVE so versatile is the ability to perform over 80 different exercises by simply adjusting the glideboard angle and adding accessories:
- Change angles to shift emphasis between pushing/pulling motions
- Attach accessories like squat stand, dip bars, ab boards to enable new exercises
- Target all major muscle groups arms, shoulders, chest, back, core, legs
- Perform traditional strength exercises like rows, presses, squats
- Do cardio and HIIT workouts by rapidly pushing/pulling the glideboard
The various adjustments allow you to mimic exercises you’d perform on multiple machines at a regular gym.
Smooth Cable Motion
Key to enabling this versatility is the EVOLVE’s high-quality cable and pulley system:
- Aircraft-grade cables provide a smooth, low-friction pulling motion
- Pulley system is designed for fluid cable travel without sticking or binding
- Cables can be positioned high, mid, or low to change the line of pull
- Rotating pulleys allow working muscles through full ranges of motion
This smooth cable motion, combined with the low-impact glideboard, provides an ergonomic workout experience that is gentle on joints and connective tissues.
Space-Saving, Foldable Design
The TotalGym EVOLVE has a clever space-saving, foldable design that allows you to get a complete gym-quality workout without taking up much space. Here are more details:
Compact Folded Footprint
When not in use, the EVOLVE can fold up into an incredibly compact footprint:
- Folded dimensions are just 19 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep
- This tiny folded footprint allows you to easily store it in a closet or against a wall
- Frees up valuable floor space in your home gym or extra room
Lightweight and Mobile
Despite its robust construction, the EVOLVE is designed to be easily movable:
- Weighs just 88 lbs, making it light enough for one person to lift
- Integrated transport wheels allow you to simply roll it out of the way
- Can be rolled through standard doorways when folded
This portability makes it easy to quickly set up and stow away the EVOLVE as needed.
Adjustable Height
To accommodate different ceiling heights, the EVOLVE’s height is adjustable:
- Can be set anywhere from 44 inches up to 90 inches tall
- The 44-inch minimum height works for low ceilings or basement spaces
- At 90 inches, it fits comfortably even in rooms with high ceilings
This adjustability ensures you can use the EVOLVE’s full range of motion regardless of your room dimensions.
Unfolded Footprint
Even when unfolded and set up for use, the EVOLVE has a relatively small footprint:
- Unfolded dimensions are 90 inches long by 28 inches wide
- Compact enough to fit along a wall or in a corner of most rooms
- Still provides ample workout space for the user to move freely
So in its folded state, the EVOLVE takes up minimal floor space for easy storage. Yet it can quickly unfold to provide a complete workout station with adjustable height all in a reasonably compact footprint. This makes it an ideal space-saving home gym solution for apartments, condos or houses with limited extra room.
Total-Body Workout Programs
The EVOLVE comes with a variety of workout programs designed by certified personal trainers to meet different fitness goals:
Beginner Programs
For those new to the EVOLVE or resistance training in general, there are dedicated beginner programs that focus on:
- Learning proper exercise form and technique on the machine
- Introducing the fundamental movement patterns like pushing, pulling, squatting, etc.
- Gradually increasing resistance levels and volume over time
- Improving overall strength and building a solid fitness base
The beginner programs act as an on-ramp to more advanced training, ensuring users master the basics before progressing.
Strength and Muscle Building
For building strength and lean muscle mass, the EVOLVE offers progressive strength training programs that incorporate:
- Compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups
- Periodization for increasing overload over weeks/months
- Higher training volumes and set/rep schemes for hypertrophy
- Emphasis on core lifts like presses, rows, squats, deadlifts
- Smart progression models to continually challenge your body
These programs apply proven strength training principles on the cable resistance system.
Cardio and HIIT
In addition to strength work, the EVOLVE has dedicated high-intensity cardio and conditioning routines:
- HIIT protocols involving intense bursts using the cable system
- Calorie-burning cardio circuits to elevate heart rate
- Metabolic resistance training combining strength and cardio
- Fat-burning workouts focused on energy expenditure
These provide an effective way to get your heart pumping on the same machine.
Pilates and Flexibility
To improve mobility, balance and flexibility, there are Pilates-inspired programs that emphasize:
- Controlled movements through full ranges of motion
- Engaging the core and improving stability
- Stretching and lengthening muscles
- Improving body awareness and mind-muscle connection
These lower-intensity routines allow for active recovery between strength sessions.
Regardless of the program type, each routine provides detailed step-by-step exercise guides with video demonstrations from certified trainers. This ensures you learn proper form to get the most out of your workouts and avoid injury.
The variety of programs allows the EVOLVE to provide an all-in-one solution you can build strength, burn fat, improve flexibility and achieve overall fitness using just this single compact machine. The workouts keep things engaging and allow you to continually make progress over time.
Additional Features
Some other standout features of the TotalGym EVOLVE include:
Wing Attachment
The EVOLVE comes with a wing attachment that can be secured to the glideboard for added stability during exercises:
- Provides a wider base to prevent any side-to-side rocking motion
- Allows you to really push through the footplate without instability
- Particularly useful for single-leg exercises like lunges or step-ups
- Can be easily attached or removed depending on the exercise
This simple accessory enhances the solid feel of the machine under heavy resistance.
Ergonomic Glideboard
The glideboard itself has been ergonomically designed for comfort and proper body positioning:
- Contoured headrest provides neck support during exercises
- High-density foam padding on the glides prevents pressure points
- Angled glideboard allows for a natural upright torso position
- Non-slip footplate surface gives you a secure footing
These ergonomic touches allow you to exercise in proper alignment while minimizing strain.
Vertical Wall Storage
In addition to folding up for compact floor storage, the EVOLVE can also fold vertically against a wall:
- Simply tilt the entire unit up and lock the wheels in place
- Frees up floor space completely when not in use
- Convenient for tight spaces like apartment gyms or garages
This vertical storage option maximizes the EVOLVE’s space-saving capabilities.
High Weight Capacity
Despite its relatively lightweight construction, the EVOLVE is built to handle up to 450 lbs of user weight:
- Robust steel frame and reinforced glideboard can support heavy users
- Allows you to really push the resistance levels hard
- Suitable for serious strength training, not just light workouts
So the EVOLVE can accommodate users of all sizes and strength levels.
Nutrition/Workout Guides
Rounding out the package, the EVOLVE also comes with:
- A nutrition guide with meal plans and healthy eating tips
- A workout calendar to track your routine and progress
- Access to Total Gym’s streaming workout library
These extras provide guidance beyond just the equipment to support your overall fitness journey.
From the wing attachment for added stability, to the ergonomic glideboard, vertical storage option, high weight capacity, and included guides, the TotalGym EVOLVE is designed with thoughtful features to enhance the user experience and make it an ideal all-in-one home gym solution.
Bottom Line
With its versatile cable & pulley system, space-saving foldable design, total-body workout programs, and premium accessories, the TotalGym EVOLVE provides a comprehensive home gym solution for users of all fitness levels. It allows you to strength train, build muscle, burn fat, and improve flexibility all in one compact, low-impact machine.
