Hi! My name is Kate Maher. I will be 49 years old next month, and have never felt better in my life. I have raised 3 beautiful, successful grown daughters, and will be faced with an empty nest this Fall up in stunning Northern Vermont!
I have been a Total Gym user for over 20 years. Fitness and good nutrition have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up in a family of 8 about 20 miles south of Boston, and my parents always encouraged us to exercise and eat nutritious food. I firmly believe that these are the two most important things to maintain health and happiness in one’s life.
In my 20’s, I was an avid runner and fitness nut at the local YMCA – all the while working a full time, demanding job and raising small children. When I was 28 years old, I was hit with the shock of my life – a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. I continued running and working out, but it became increasingly difficult due to extreme fatigue and a host of other issues. The day that I fell while running because I could not feel my legs under me was a huge turning point for me. I had also fallen off a step during a step class. Both of those events scared me quite a bit, to say the least. However, the thought of not being able to work out was devastating to me, but I knew in my heart that running and high impact fitness classes would probably need to take a back seat – at least for a while.
I had heard about the Total Gym, and starting doing some research on this machine that it appeared I could either sit down or lay down on – and still get a great workout! No more risk of falling! I bought my first Total Gym when I was 28 years old, and am now on my 3rd one – the Total Gym Fit, which in my opinion is the best one yet. I purchased the split squat stand separately, which was a great investment because it’s so much easier on the knees. This machine has been an absolute life saver for me. I am now one of their biggest advocates. I get asked a lot how I have stayed in shape all these years, and the answer is always a resounding – Total Gym! It is the most amazing piece of equipment, as you can get an awesome, total body workout in very little time. Not to mention that it is a lot of fun!
Over the years, I have certainly had my share of ups and downs with MS – but have been able to consistently work out – thanks to the Total Gym! My goal was never to have huge, bulging muscles – but to stay in good shape in order to feel and look my best! I hardly ever get a cold or the flu, and always get great reports from my doctor. The Total Gym, along with hiking and walking, and following a healthy diet – I believe are the things that will keep me resilient and healthy for years to come. Another huge thing I forgot to mention is the fact that I have always used exercise for the mental health benefits it offers. I would strongly encourage anyone who struggles in this area to work out regularly on the Total Gym. It really has been a life saver for me over and over again. Very happy customer here, I cannot thank Total Gym enough.
The following is the routine I follow 5-6 times/week. It takes about 45-50 minutes, and I have found it to be challenging and a lot of fun!
| Exercise | TG Level | # of Sets | # of Reps per Set |
| Seated Chest Fly | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Oblique Twister | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Upright Row | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Surfer | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Front Pullover | 9 | 4 | 12 |
| Kneeling Triceps Kickback | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Outer Hip & Thigh | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Leg Curl | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Pull-Up | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Chin-Up | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| Ab Crunch | 10 | 5 | 15 |
| Jump Squat | 12 | 4 | 15 |
| Regular Squat w/Feet Turned Out | 12 | 4 | 15 |
| Calf Raises | 12 | 4 | 15 |
| Leg Pulley – Outer Thigh, Right | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| Leg Pulley – Outer Thigh, Left | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| Leg Pulley – Inner Thigh, Right | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| Leg Pulley – Inner Thigh, Left | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| Leg Pulley – Front Leg Raise, Right | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| Leg Pulley – Front Leg Raise, Left | 6 | 3 | 15 |
