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I researched both brands ( and several others) extensively and have ordered (but not yet received) the Total Trainer with a pilates system included. I'm reviewing it here and now because the information is fresh in my mind. I will try to give an update once I've used it. Total Trainer got the best reviews for their machine (best designed, best quality and best value) and Total Gym had the best reviews for their videos/dvds and flip book of exercises. One reviewer recommended buying those items separately, which you can do. Given the price difference, it seemed silly to buy a Total Gym just for the books, especially since they can be had separately.
I never thought I'd buy a home gym, because I don't trust myself to make it a habit. However, I need to exercise. I have autoimmune disorders that leave me exhausted half way through walks and bike rides, so I need something that does not leave me stranded when my energy suddenly fizzles.
One morning I flipped on the tv, and the infamous Chuck Norris infomercial for Total Gym was on. I normally flip infomercials right off, but I found myself riveted to this one. Here was a machine that actually might meet my needs, if it isn't junk, and I knew good ol' google could help me find out about that. It's a relatively small, portable machine that, if it works, can help me build strength and energy. It will work all my muscles without stressing any of my joints, and that is what I need.
I used the infomercial as a jumping off point for research and was quite surprised by the overwhelming praise it got from virtually everyone who reviewed it. I found people who have used it nearly a decade and still love it. Used properly, a person can expect to drop weight appropriately ( no shortcuts here) and build and tone muscles.
Aside from price, the only people who disliked it seemed to be those looking for rapid weight loss, and body builders, who (1)practically live in full sized gyms, and (2) are looking to build bulk. Even they like these for traveling, and say go for it if you're female, or otherwise not looking to be a body builder. They say you can add weights (presumably to your body, since that is the weight you use)if you want the bulk, but this machine is not designed for bulking up. It is for giving a good all around workout. It is particularly good for anyone who is exercising to rebuild health, and wants the convenience of a home gym without devoting a whole room (and thousands of dollars) to it. These machines are frequently used in rehab centers.
I looked at, but dismissed other systems that may be cheaper, but require set ups that use parts of your house. My experience has always been that those sorts of things always end up clamping to a type of door I don't happen to own, or which lacks ample room around
it, etc. One thing that appealed to me about this system is it it is a complete unit that is ready to go out of the box. The Total Trainer is said to be easier to roll and set up than the Total Gym. It weighs a little more, but that is because it is more solid.
As for a cardio workout - it WILL give you one, but some reviewers have trouble keeping their heart rate up while changing the pulleys around, etc. Others pooh pooh that and say you can do it if you plan well, and I suspect that this is one place the flip book by Total Gym comes in handy. Those who dislike this about it seem those who are used to having full sized gyms available to them. You might consider this because comparisons are inevitable and might influence how much you like this.
Bayou Fitness, which makes the Total Trainer, has a great website, and that helped me choose them. Reviewers give high ratings for customer service, and so far I'm happy -- they fed-exed my machine the morning after I ordered it. As a matter of fact, I didn't read a single review that had issues with any of the companies that make these products! The negatives all focus on how well these machines fit a given individual's needs, and only you can decide if such a thing will fit you.
I ordered the system with the Pilates system included because my daughter is a ballerina and it will give her full access to a pilates system at home. I know from her training how good for strength training pilates is, and am looking forward to using it myself. This will also give me some variety, which is good, since boredom is my big bugaboo where exercise is concerned. BTW, this version got the best rating of all the Total Trainers that I read reviews for.
Bottom line - there probably are better systems for cardio workouts alone, but I am pretty convinced this is as good as it gets for an all around workout in a small package.
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I hope you will like it here and look forward to reading more of your posts. This is a great review. I am very curious to know if it will turn out to satisfy your needs after you have tried it. Will you let us know? 
