I recommend attaching a pair of hand grips with snaplinks to the Total Gym handles. By doing so, you can use grip compression and muscular irradiation to achieve muscular overload. Grip compression as a way to achieve muscular overload is what Eugen Sandow, "The Father of Modern Bodybuilding" advocated with his Sandow adjustable spring-grip dumbbells. Muscular irradiation is a fundamental principle of physiology, which refers to when a muscle is hard at work, it recruits its neighboring muscles, and if they are already part of the action, it amplifies their strength. You can test the principle of muscular irradiation by clenching your fist as hard as you can. Not only will your finger flexor muscles contract, so will your forearm and biceps. If you squeeze hard enough, so will your pectoral muscles. Handgrips are cheap, but it will make Total Gym exercises much harder to do, which is a good thing, because the problem with Total Gym exercises is that they are too easy to do if you are trying to develop absolute strength, or to lift as much weight or exert as much force as you possibly can.
I put my Fat Gripz on the ends of my EZ Bar. I don't know if you have tried that or not, but for me it it makes my workouts feel so much better. You won't notice any twisting of the padding either that you mentioned in this video.
Have you considered trying the barbell attachment from the bowflex gym machines, you tuber "Skyler King" uses one on his total gym XLS, it looks very strong and well made💪👍
I know someone else told me about that awhile back and I thought based on what I saw either that bodylastics bar was similar and or I personally didn't see the need for it based on what I was using the innstar bar for at the time. I'll try and search for it, but I know someone shared a very similar (if not better band) on amazon.
Cool 👍, just also wanted to say a big thank you for all the amazing and informative videos that you share, I have gained a lot of knowledge and inspiration from them 👍💪
After seeing the Bowflex bar on a Skyler King video, I purchased one on Ebay a couple years ago. It was a little expensive (~$100 if I remember correctly) but it is very sturdy and well made. The bar is 48 inches long and has two small loop straps that can be placed anywhere along the bar. The straps have a small ring to allow for a carabiner to be attached. When I use it on my TG, I just slip the bar through the handles. However, I mainly use the bar with my UnderSun resistance bands for “dead lifts”. I agree with your comment - I’ve also gained a lot of knowledge and inspiration from Mike’s videos.
Not Total Gym related but would love to see you do a video or videos on "new" X3 Bar Exercises. I feel like you would have some creative ideas around that :)
Just finished my Sunday Morning TG workout and was thinking about adding a bar to the mix after the last video you were talking about it. So, well timed release! I guess I’m just trying to decide if a bar would be a worthwhile add, since I through that “dumbbell” style exercises were better because each arm has to work to stabilize itself and can’t rely on the dominant arm to compensate. Anyway, out of the bunch I think the Hog Legs 36” bar might be the one I’d try. It appears to be solid/safer with the closed-loop attachment, made in the USA, and priced in the range where you’d expect some level of elevated quality. The link in your description took me to the 42”, which no option to choose a different size without navigating away. Will that still work, or do you need to directly link the 36” to get any credit? I know one bar likely won’t mean all the difference; but, since I never would have heard of it or looked at it if I hadn’t seen it here, credit where credits is due, and all. Now, I just have to explain to my wife why I’m buying yet another total gym attachment…
Thanks for the comment and happy you found the video useful. I wouldn't worry or think too much into the using a bar versus a handle. I think there are pros and cons to each, but I simply like mixing in bars for just a different stimulus / feeling to a movement. I think you're right that the brand doesn't carry the 36" on Amazon if that's the one you're looking at. It's no big deal if I don't get any credit for the link. I'd rather you get the product you're looking for. Thanks again.
I recommend the Bodylastics curl bar. It has the carabineer rings on the ends but it also comes with a carabineer ring in the center of it as well. One drawback is that it detaches in two pieces at the middle and twisting it while using it with the total Gym can have it detach. However it's rare for it to come apart that easy and it's a very sturdy curl bar.
I’m just curious, has nothing to do with the bar, but you did a front deltoid raise with it, where you raised your hands pretty much over your head. I normally go to shoulder height. I’m afraid of damaging my shoulder by putting it into a internally rotated position with resistance applied. Am I just overthinking things, and raising all the way up is equally safe?
I can see what you mean, I basically do both at times. I can't say I felt any discomfort, otherwise I definitely wouldn't do it or I just would adjust mid set. I think with things like this it can depend on the person on various levels of biomechanics, range of motion, technique, etc.
The thing that worries me about some of those bars is the open hook, especially if you don’t have bands to attach to it but would instead use a carabiner clip. It seems to me that it would be fairly easy to have the carabiner clip wriggle off and send me flying. So I’d rather use a bar with a closed hook at the end. Any thoughts on that?
You mean for the Innstar Bar or the x3 type bars? If the for the x3, I feel pretty confident using that loop attachment I featured in the video. I do have concern as I addressed in the video about the InnStar bar type bars. But also like said I'd either slip it through those IPR bars where you it's inside your hands and or be very carful / mindful about the chest presses facing away from the tower.
I was thinking of the x3 types but not using the strap. But taking another look, I think getting the strap is the way to go. It seems that the strap could also be used in lieu of the chains to increase the cable length. Thanks for responding!
@@williamsullivan1126 No problem. I did a review on these straps that I link in the description box and also featured some new exercises with it as well
@@hybridresistance Thank you kindly. May I ask a question? In the video, you said that the Prebene Bar is already bent-- is it is worth the purchase? I would rather purchase the X3 Bar but I am not a fan of the price.
@@GeorgieSoldado Yes, the bar basically is cheap I wouldn't think would last long. Which makes it good in the short term to see if you'd like these setups. But if you're going heavy, you'd want to upgrade something more well made. With regards to the price, I'd have you check out a video I made regarding this, but also right the deal right now really makes. it worth it IMO. Here's the video and shameless plug if you do decide, the link helps support the channel. Let me know if you have any other questions as well. ruclips.net/video/utzAQtx2CiI/видео.html
Wow, I was literally searching for reviews on this bar this morning and couldn't find any. Thanks for this review, just what I needed!!! You rock!
No problem. Thanks for watching.
I recommend attaching a pair of hand grips with snaplinks to the Total Gym handles. By doing so, you can use grip compression and muscular irradiation to achieve muscular overload. Grip compression as a way to achieve muscular overload is what Eugen Sandow, "The Father of Modern Bodybuilding" advocated with his Sandow adjustable spring-grip dumbbells. Muscular irradiation is a fundamental principle of physiology, which refers to when a muscle is hard at work, it recruits its neighboring muscles, and if they are already part of the action, it amplifies their strength. You can test the principle of muscular irradiation by clenching your fist as hard as you can. Not only will your finger flexor muscles contract, so will your forearm and biceps. If you squeeze hard enough, so will your pectoral muscles.
Handgrips are cheap, but it will make Total Gym exercises much harder to do, which is a good thing, because the problem with Total Gym exercises is that they are too easy to do if you are trying to develop absolute strength, or to lift as much weight or exert as much force as you possibly can.
I put my Fat Gripz on the ends of my EZ Bar. I don't know if you have tried that or not, but for me it it makes my workouts feel so much better. You won't notice any twisting of the padding either that you mentioned in this video.
I haven't tried the Fat Grips on that bar no. So thanks for that suggestion!
Have you considered trying the barbell attachment from the bowflex gym machines, you tuber "Skyler King" uses one on his total gym XLS, it looks very strong and well made💪👍
I know someone else told me about that awhile back and I thought based on what I saw either that bodylastics bar was similar and or I personally didn't see the need for it based on what I was using the innstar bar for at the time. I'll try and search for it, but I know someone shared a very similar (if not better band) on amazon.
Cool 👍, just also wanted to say a big thank you for all the amazing and informative videos that you share, I have gained a lot of knowledge and inspiration from them 👍💪
After seeing the Bowflex bar on a Skyler King video, I purchased one on Ebay a couple years ago. It was a little expensive (~$100 if I remember correctly) but it is very sturdy and well made. The bar is 48 inches long and has two small loop straps that can be placed anywhere along the bar. The straps have a small ring to allow for a carabiner to be attached. When I use it on my TG, I just slip the bar through the handles. However, I mainly use the bar with my UnderSun resistance bands for “dead lifts”. I agree with your comment - I’ve also gained a lot of knowledge and inspiration from Mike’s videos.
Very good video. Where is the link for the straps????
Sorry, here you go amzn.to/3J7Sfnl
Not Total Gym related but would love to see you do a video or videos on "new" X3 Bar Exercises. I feel like you would have some creative ideas around that :)
Thanks Joe. I have been messing with some unique (or at least some effective exercises on it). I plan on doing a follow up on the X3 soon.
Just finished my Sunday Morning TG workout and was thinking about adding a bar to the mix after the last video you were talking about it. So, well timed release! I guess I’m just trying to decide if a bar would be a worthwhile add, since I through that “dumbbell” style exercises were better because each arm has to work to stabilize itself and can’t rely on the dominant arm to compensate. Anyway, out of the bunch I think the Hog Legs 36” bar might be the one I’d try. It appears to be solid/safer with the closed-loop attachment, made in the USA, and priced in the range where you’d expect some level of elevated quality. The link in your description took me to the 42”, which no option to choose a different size without navigating away. Will that still work, or do you need to directly link the 36” to get any credit? I know one bar likely won’t mean all the difference; but, since I never would have heard of it or looked at it if I hadn’t seen it here, credit where credits is due, and all.
Now, I just have to explain to my wife why I’m buying yet another total gym attachment…
Thanks for the comment and happy you found the video useful. I wouldn't worry or think too much into the using a bar versus a handle. I think there are pros and cons to each, but I simply like mixing in bars for just a different stimulus / feeling to a movement. I think you're right that the brand doesn't carry the 36" on Amazon if that's the one you're looking at. It's no big deal if I don't get any credit for the link. I'd rather you get the product you're looking for. Thanks again.
Nice review. Thank you for sharing.
Happy you liked it John.
I recommend the Bodylastics curl bar. It has the carabineer rings on the ends but it also comes with a carabineer ring in the center of it as well. One drawback is that it detaches in two pieces at the middle and twisting it while using it with the total Gym can have it detach. However it's rare for it to come apart that easy and it's a very sturdy curl bar.
Thanks Raul. They make great products, so I could see their bar being a great option as well.
I have the combat bar but I haven't taken it apart since I got it, would lock tight be an option to stop it from separating if it's an issue?
I'll second the bodylastics bar. Fantastic bar. Added feature is a place to attach to a middle ring in addition to the rings on each end.
A video on the longer J Bryant bar. Please
Ok, I will definitely be considering that.
Check out the ez curl bar from bodylastics.
Gotta check those out good review 👍
Thanks brother.
I’m just curious, has nothing to do with the bar, but you did a front deltoid raise with it, where you raised your hands pretty much over your head. I normally go to shoulder height. I’m afraid of damaging my shoulder by putting it into a internally rotated position with resistance applied. Am I just overthinking things, and raising all the way up is equally safe?
I can see what you mean, I basically do both at times. I can't say I felt any discomfort, otherwise I definitely wouldn't do it or I just would adjust mid set. I think with things like this it can depend on the person on various levels of biomechanics, range of motion, technique, etc.
@@hybridresistance thx mike. God bless bro.
The thing that worries me about some of those bars is the open hook, especially if you don’t have bands to attach to it but would instead use a carabiner clip. It seems to me that it would be fairly easy to have the carabiner clip wriggle off and send me flying. So I’d rather use a bar with a closed hook at the end. Any thoughts on that?
You mean for the Innstar Bar or the x3 type bars? If the for the x3, I feel pretty confident using that loop attachment I featured in the video. I do have concern as I addressed in the video about the InnStar bar type bars. But also like said I'd either slip it through those IPR bars where you it's inside your hands and or be very carful / mindful about the chest presses facing away from the tower.
I was thinking of the x3 types but not using the strap. But taking another look, I think getting the strap is the way to go. It seems that the strap could also be used in lieu of the chains to increase the cable length. Thanks for responding!
@@williamsullivan1126 No problem. I did a review on these straps that I link in the description box and also featured some new exercises with it as well
Can you do a review of Prebene Resistance Band Bar?
Here you go brother ruclips.net/video/C-S0ivGKQQA/видео.html
@@hybridresistance Thank you kindly. May I ask a question? In the video, you said that the Prebene Bar is already bent-- is it is worth the purchase? I would rather purchase the X3 Bar but I am not a fan of the price.
@@GeorgieSoldado Yes, the bar basically is cheap I wouldn't think would last long. Which makes it good in the short term to see if you'd like these setups. But if you're going heavy, you'd want to upgrade something more well made. With regards to the price, I'd have you check out a video I made regarding this, but also right the deal right now really makes. it worth it IMO. Here's the video and shameless plug if you do decide, the link helps support the channel. Let me know if you have any other questions as well. ruclips.net/video/utzAQtx2CiI/видео.html