Total Body Works 5000 By Nursemary on Sep 30, 2007 - Updated Sep 18, 2011

The Weider Total Body Works 5000 is a home gym that is efficient, low cost and delivers what it promises, which is a total body workout. I have been using it for about 8 months and love it. The machine is simple to use. The machine uses a system of cables and a gliding board which allows the exerciser to use their own body weight as resistance. There is also an attached squatting board for lower body exercises. The Total Body Works 5000 does not come with an exercise video but does claim in the instructions the machine can be used for 100 exercises. They do have a poster showing about 25 different exercises. I have never been able to figure out that many additional exercises but it still provides enough variety that you work each major muscle.

As you progress there are additional bands that can be attached to add another 50 pounds of resistance. By raising the incline of the gliding bench you change the percent of bodyweight you are lifting. The higher the bench the more weight you lift. This is great because as you progress you can still increase resistance and challenge yourself. There are also additional bands that can be attached to add another 50 pounds. This is a good feature for men or someone who has been exercising a while. The workout moves quickly because you are able to move from one exercise to the next with just small adjustments in your body position.

The machine is very easy to assemble and does not take up much space. It does fold down easy but because of the length it would be difficult to keep under a bed and it is too heavy to be lifting in and out of a closet. I would suggest leaving it set up in a corner of a garage or spare room.

For the cost and the convenience the Total Body Works 5000 is a good choice when selecting a piece of exercise equipment for home use.