How to Fold Up a Total Gym for Storage

Folding a Total Gym makes the machine more compact for storage, but the exact release points can vary between models. Check the owner’s manual for your specific unit before starting, especially if its latch or folding sequence differs from the instructions below. Work on a clear, level floor, and do not force any part that will not move freely.

What You’ll Need

Your Total Gym owner’s manual, if available
A clear, level area with enough room to lower and fold the glideboard
A helper if the unit feels awkward or heavy to handle

Step-by-Step

Clear the area. Move furniture and loose items away from the machine. Make sure the floor is dry and stable, with room to fold the frame and roll or carry it to its storage spot. Keep children and pets away while you work.
Remove accessories. Take off detachable items such as the wing attachment, squat stand, leg-pull accessory, or other add-ons. Set them aside so they cannot catch in the rails or fall during folding. Do not remove parts that are fixed to the frame.
Lower the glideboard. Hold the glideboard and guide it down the rails to the bottom position specified in your manual. Keep hands away from the track and pulley cable. Do not let the board slide or drop freely; control its movement throughout.
Set the incline to its lowest position. Support the rails as you release the height-adjustment mechanism, then lower the rails fully. The release may be a pin, lever, or other model-specific fitting. Keep the rails supported while adjusting, and do not put fingers under the frame.
Release the folding lock. Find the frame’s folding latch or safety pin, consulting the manual if it is not obvious. Hold the frame steady, then release the mechanism as instructed. Avoid pulling on cables or using tools to pry a latch open.
Fold the frame together. Hold the frame at the designated handles or safe gripping points and bring the rails together slowly. Keep fingers, clothing, and cables away from the hinges and closing gaps. If the frame resists, stop and check that the incline is fully lowered and all required locks or accessories are clear.
Secure and store it upright. Engage the storage latch or retaining pin, if your model has one, and check that the frame cannot unfold on its own. Move the folded unit using its intended wheels or handles; ask for help rather than lifting awkwardly. Store it on a stable surface where it cannot tip, and avoid damp locations or blocking an exit.

Common Mistakes

Folding with accessories attached: Attachments can snag on the frame or prevent it from closing. Remove detachable accessories first.
Letting the glideboard drop: A freely moving board can strike the frame or catch fingers. Guide it down under control.
Lowering the rails without supporting them: The frame can shift suddenly when the height lock is released. Hold the rails steady and follow the model’s instructions.
Forcing the latch: A latch that will not release may be under tension or blocked. Recheck the setup and manual instead of prying or striking it.
Storing it without locking it: A folded unit that is not secured can open unexpectedly. Confirm the storage lock is engaged before moving or leaving it upright.

Tips

Keep the manual nearby the first time you fold the machine. Model names and mechanisms differ, so do not assume a release is in the same place on every Total Gym.
Use two hands to control moving frame sections, and keep your grip on frame handles rather than cables or pulleys.
Before moving the folded unit, check that accessories and loose parts are stored separately and cannot fall into the rails.
Choose a storage spot that is dry, level, and out of the way. If the machine is stored upright, position it as directed in the manual and make sure it is stable.
For regular storage, use the same folding sequence each time. This helps you notice a loose pin, damaged latch, or cable that is not sitting properly.

Troubleshooting

The rails will not fold together. Stop rather than pushing harder. Check that the glideboard is at the correct end, the rails are at their lowest setting, detachable accessories are off, and the folding latch has been released as directed. A cable or attachment may be caught; clear it only if you can do so without reaching into a pinch point.

The height-adjustment pin will not come out. The frame may be pressing against the pin. Support the rails and gently adjust their position to reduce pressure, following the manual’s release instructions. Do not hammer the pin or use a tool that could damage it.

The glideboard moves while you fold. Pause and return it to the position specified in the manual. Keep it controlled by holding the board, and check that the pulley cable is not twisted, caught, or pulled across the frame.

The storage latch will not engage. Do not move or leave the unit standing unsecured. Check that the rails are fully together and that nothing is obstructing the latch. If it still will not lock, store the machine flat in a safe place if the manual permits, and contact Total Gym support or a qualified service provider before using or transporting it.

A part is bent, damaged, or unusually difficult to move. Stop folding and do not force the mechanism. Keep the unit from tipping, consult the manual, and seek product support. Do not use the machine again until the issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Total Gym models fold the same way?

No. The general process is similar, but latch locations and release steps can differ. Follow the manual for your exact model if its instructions differ from this guide.

Should I remove the glideboard before folding?

Usually the glideboard stays on the rails and is moved to the position specified in the manual. Do not detach it unless your model’s instructions tell you to.

Can I fold the machine with the cables attached?

Do not disconnect cables unless the manual specifically requires it. Keep them clear of hinges and make sure they are not twisted, trapped, or under tension as the frame closes.

Can one person fold a Total Gym?

Many users can fold their unit alone, but it depends on the model and the person handling it. Get help if the frame feels heavy, awkward, or unstable; do not attempt to catch a falling machine.

How should I store a folded Total Gym?

Use the storage position recommended in your manual, on a level, dry surface. Secure the frame with its storage latch where provided, and keep it away from places where it could tip or block a walkway.

What if I cannot find the folding latch?

Check the model-specific manual or contact Total Gym support. Do not guess at release points or force a pin or lever, since the mechanism may differ between models.

Sources: Total Gym. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.