Total Gym ELEVATE Pull Up Machine: Build Pull-Up Strength With Progressive Bodyweight Assistance
The Total Gym ELEVATE Pull Up Machine makes pull-ups trainable for everyone. The inclined glideboard reduces bodyweight loading so a client who can't do a single pull-up can start at Level 1 (roughly 35% bodyweight) and progress to full bodyweight pulling at Level 7. Seven resistance levels cover rehab patients through advanced athletes. At 16 sq ft and 114 lbs, it's a dedicated pull station for commercial circuits, PT clinics, and home gyms. No bands. No kipping. Clean, progressive pulling strength.
✓ Authorized Total Gym Dealer. Full manufacturer warranty included.
Best For
- Gyms and studios where clients struggle with standard pull-ups
- PT clinics running upper-body, shoulder, and post-surgery rehab
- CrossFit boxes adding accessible pulling stations alongside rig work
- Home gym owners who want real lat development without a cable stack
- Senior fitness centers building functional pulling strength safely
- Beginners training their first strict pull-up
Not Ideal For
- Athletes who already perform 20+ strict pull-ups (Level 7 maxes at full bodyweight)
- Buyers wanting heavy weighted pull-up training (use a belt and bar setup)
- Anyone needing full-body training (see the Encompass)
- Spaces under 16 sq ft of dedicated floor area
- Buyers wanting a cable stack lat pulldown machine
Why RecovAthlete Carries This
The Pull Up pairs naturally with the Press Trainer for balanced push and pull programming. We carry both individually and bundled in the Circuit package. Most commercial buyers start with these two stations before building toward the full ELEVATE lineup. Call 866-861-6317 to compare configurations.
Who Buys the ELEVATE Pull Up
-
Gym owners whose clients can't use a standard pull-up bar or refuse to try one
-
Physical therapists rebuilding pulling strength after shoulder surgery or rotator cuff injury
-
Personal trainers programming progressive pull-up training without bands or jump-assists
-
Home gym builders adding a dedicated back and lat station with measurable progression
-
CrossFit coaches giving beginners a safer pulling entry point before rig work
-
Senior fitness instructors building functional upper-body strength without overhead joint stress
What the ELEVATE Pull Up Does
You lie on the glideboard, grip the overhead handles, and pull your body upward along the inclined track. The incline determines what percentage of your bodyweight you're pulling. Lower incline equals less resistance equals assisted pull-up. Higher incline equals more resistance equals closer to full bodyweight. The 33-inch glideboard range gives you a full pulling arc. Works lats, rhomboids, rear delts, biceps, and grip. Seven levels let you progress a deconditioned patient from assisted pulling to full bodyweight reps on the same machine.
Exercise and Demo Videos
Pull-Up Progression Guide
The seven resistance levels map directly to a structured pull-up progression. Most users move up one level every 2 to 3 weeks of consistent training.
| Level |
Approx. Bodyweight Load |
Best For |
| Level 1 |
~35% |
Beginners, rehab patients, first-pull-up training |
| Level 2 |
Light |
Early strength building, post-injury return |
| Level 3 |
Light to moderate |
Conditioning, multi-set work capacity |
| Level 4 |
Moderate |
Intermediate users, hypertrophy programming |
| Level 5 |
Moderate to heavy |
Strength building, near-bodyweight reps |
| Level 6 |
Heavy |
Advanced pull-up progression |
| Level 7 |
Near full bodyweight |
Strict pull-up training, eccentric overload prep |
Programming starting point: 3 sets of 6 to 10 reps at the highest level where form stays clean. Progress to the next level only when you can complete all sets with controlled tempo and full range. Stuck at one level for 3+ weeks usually means a programming change (volume, frequency, or accessory work) rather than progressing too soon.
Muscles Worked
The ELEVATE Pull Up trains the full pulling chain:
-
Latissimus dorsi (lats). Primary mover in vertical pulling. The driver of pull-up performance.
-
Rhomboids. Mid-back scapular retractors, engaged through the full pulling arc.
-
Trapezius (mid and lower). Scapular stabilization during the pull.
-
Rear deltoids. Shoulder extension and posterior chain support.
-
Biceps brachii. Elbow flexion during the pulling phase.
-
Brachialis and brachioradialis. Forearm flexors engaged during sustained grip.
-
Grip and forearms. Trained through every rep, especially at higher levels.
-
Core stabilizers. Anti-extension work during the pull keeps the trunk rigid.
Exercises You Can Do on the ELEVATE Pull Up
The pull-up is the primary movement, but the station supports the full vertical and horizontal pulling vocabulary:
-
Assisted pull-ups. The foundation movement, scaled to the user's strength.
-
Neutral-grip pull-ups. Hands facing each other for shoulder-friendly pulling.
-
Chin-ups. Underhand grip for biceps-dominant pulling.
-
Wide-grip lat pulls. Emphasizes outer lat engagement.
-
Incline rows. Horizontal pulling variation at lower inclines.
-
Eccentric pull-up training. Higher levels with slow controlled lowering. Excellent for building strict pull-up strength.
-
Scapular pulls. Pure scapular retraction without elbow bend. Useful for shoulder health and pull-up prep.
-
Single-arm progressions. Unilateral pulling for advanced users targeting strength asymmetries.
-
Tempo work. Slow concentric and eccentric for hypertrophy programming.
ELEVATE Pull Up vs Traditional Assisted Pull-Up Machine
Most commercial gyms have a counterweight-stack assisted pull-up machine. They work, but the mechanics are different from a real pull-up. Here's the trade-off:
| Feature |
ELEVATE Pull Up |
Traditional Assisted Pull-Up Machine |
| Resistance method |
Incline-based bodyweight assistance |
Counterweight stack with knee or foot platform |
| Body position during pull |
Body moves along glideboard |
Body stays vertical, machine assists upward |
| Floor space |
16 sq ft |
Often 25+ sq ft |
| Best for |
Pull-up-specific progression, rehab, mixed populations |
General assisted pull-ups in commercial gym settings |
| Setup |
No weight stack, simpler maintenance |
Cable, pulley, and weight stack service required |
| Transfer to real pull-ups |
Higher (closed-chain bodyweight pattern) |
Lower (counterweight changes movement mechanics) |
| Progression measurement |
7 discrete levels, easy to track |
Pin-loaded weight stack, finer increments |
For pure progression-toward-pull-up training, the ELEVATE Pull Up delivers a closer match to the actual movement pattern. For general gym programming where members already do unassisted pull-ups occasionally, a counterweight machine is simpler.
ELEVATE Pull Up vs Lat Pulldown
Lat pulldowns and pull-ups train the same muscle groups but they're not the same movement. Here's how the two compare:
| Feature |
ELEVATE Pull Up |
Lat Pulldown |
| Movement type |
Closed-chain (body moves, anchor stays) |
Open-chain (anchor moves, body stays) |
| Stabilizer recruitment |
High. Core and shoulder stabilizers engaged throughout |
Lower. Seated position reduces stabilizer demand |
| Transfer to pull-up performance |
High. Trains the actual pull-up pattern |
Moderate. Trains the muscles but not the pattern |
| Best for |
Building real pull-up strength, rehab, functional pulling |
Isolated lat hypertrophy, finishing sets, beginner-friendly |
| Beginner accessibility |
High. Seven assist levels |
High. Light weights available |
| Range of motion |
Full pulling arc |
Cable-driven, depends on setup |
Both have a place. For lat hypertrophy and accessory back work, a lat pulldown is hard to beat. For training the pull-up itself, the ELEVATE Pull Up is the better match because it preserves the closed-chain mechanics that floor pull-ups demand.
ELEVATE Pull Up vs Resistance Bands
Band-assisted pull-ups are the most common alternative when a gym doesn't have an assisted machine. Bands work, but they have real limitations.
| Feature |
ELEVATE Pull Up |
Resistance Bands |
| Assistance pattern |
Controlled through fixed incline levels |
Variable. More assistance at the bottom, less at the top |
| Stability |
Guided glideboard track |
Free-hanging, requires more coordination |
| Progression tracking |
7 measurable levels |
Multiple band thicknesses, less precise increments |
| Best for |
Clinics, gyms, structured progression programs |
Low-cost home option, occasional users |
| Safety |
Controlled track, no snap risk |
Snap risk if band fails under load |
| Cost |
Higher upfront, no consumables |
Lower upfront, bands wear and need replacement |
| Coaching difficulty |
Easier. Level is set, form is the focus. |
Harder. Band tension shifts during the rep. |
For one-off home users, bands are a reasonable starting point. For commercial settings, PT clinics, or anyone running structured pull-up programs across multiple clients, the ELEVATE Pull Up delivers cleaner coaching, safer progression, and more measurable results.
ELEVATE Pull Up Machine for Home Gyms
For home gym builders who want real back and lat development, the ELEVATE Pull Up is a stronger pick than a doorway pull-up bar plus bands. Three reasons:
-
Measurable progression. Seven discrete levels mean you can track exactly where you are and target the next benchmark.
-
Real pull-up mechanics. Doorway bars limit grip width and stop range. The ELEVATE preserves the full pulling arc.
-
Consistent assistance. Unlike bands that lose tension as you pull, the incline-based assistance stays predictable through every rep.
Footprint: 16 sq ft. Roughly a 4 ft x 4 ft floor area. Fits in most garage gyms and finished basement setups without requiring overhead rig installation. Best for home buyers serious enough to invest in a dedicated pulling station, not a casual all-in-one trainer.
ELEVATE Pull Up for Gyms, Studios, and PT Clinics
Commercial settings buy the ELEVATE Pull Up for one main reason: it removes the intimidation factor. Standard pull-up bars and overhead rigs send a clear "advanced equipment" message that many gym members avoid. The ELEVATE Pull Up is approachable.
What this means in practice:
-
Beginner-friendly first-pull-up training. Members who would never touch a pull-up bar will use this station.
-
Rehab progression. Post-shoulder-surgery and post-rotator-cuff patients can train pulling strength at sub-bodyweight loads with clinically appropriate assistance.
-
Easier coaching than bands. One trainer can program 5 clients across 5 levels without managing band swaps.
-
Lower attrition on pull-up programs. Clients who can't do a pull-up on day one quit faster on bar-only programs.
-
Natural circuit pairing. Stacks with Press Trainer for push-pull programming and with Core ADJ for full upper-body and core circuits.
How to Use the ELEVATE Pull Up Machine
-
Select your incline level. Beginners start at Level 1 to 2. Advanced users start at Level 5 to 6.
-
Lie on the glideboard. Position head toward the handles, feet toward the base.
-
Grip the overhead handles. Choose grip width and orientation based on the variation you're training.
-
Pull your chest toward the handles. Drive elbows down and back, keeping ribs pulled toward your hips.
-
Lower with control. Eccentric phase builds as much strength as the concentric. Take 2 to 3 seconds on the way down.
-
Keep core engaged throughout. Avoid kicking, swinging, or hip-driven momentum. The whole point is clean strict pulling.
-
Progress one level at a time. Only move up when current level reps stay clean and controlled.
Sample Workouts
| Goal |
Workout |
| First pull-up training |
3 sets of 8 reps at Level 1 or 2, 3 times per week |
| Back strength and hypertrophy |
4 sets of 6 to 10 reps at Level 3 to 5, 2 to 3 times per week |
| Rehab progression |
2 to 3 sets of controlled reps at the highest pain-free level, daily as tolerated |
| Circuit conditioning |
30 seconds pull, 30 seconds rest, 6 to 10 rounds at Level 2 to 3 |
| Eccentric strength |
3 sets of 5 reps at Level 6 to 7, 4 to 5 second lowers |
| Pre-pull-up bar transition |
4 sets of 5 at Level 7 before attempting bar pull-ups |
| Single-arm progression |
3 sets of 5 reps per arm at Level 2 to 3, alternating arms |
Specs Translated Into What They Mean
| Spec |
What it means for you |
| Level 1 starts at ~35% bodyweight |
A client who can't do an unassisted pull-up can train the movement from day one. Standard assisted pull-up machines start at higher loading and force compensatory mechanics. |
| Progresses to full bodyweight at Level 7 |
Same station scales from "can't do one pull-up" to "working on weighted pull-ups." No machine swap, no programming break. |
| 33" glideboard range |
Full pulling range. Trains the dead-hang to chin-over-bar arc, not a shortened cable pulldown. |
| 16 sq ft floor space |
Footprint of a single power tower. Replaces assisted pull-up machines that take 25+ sq ft. |
| 400 lb max user weight |
Same capacity as the rest of the ELEVATE line. No weight exclusions for heavier members. |
| 5-year commercial frame warranty |
Pull-up bars and machines see high failure rates in commercial use. Total Gym backs this at the commercial tier. |
What Ships With It
- ELEVATE Pull Up Machine station (114 lbs)
- Integrated pull-up handles and grip positions
- Glideboard with self-skinning foam upholstery
- Anodized aluminum rails with precision ball bearings
- Owner's guide and pull-up progression reference
- Manufacturer warranty registration
Full Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Primary Movement |
Assisted pull-ups, lat pulls, rowing variations |
| Resistance Levels |
7 (adjustable incline) |
| Glideboard Range |
33 inches (838 mm) |
| Max User Weight |
400 lbs (181 kg) |
| Floor Space |
16 sq ft (1.5 m²) |
| Unit Weight |
114 lbs (52 kg) |
| Frame |
Anodized aluminum rails, reinforced steel |
| Rollers |
Sealed precision ball bearings |
| Power Required |
None. No electricity, no batteries. |
| Shipping Weight |
134 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions |
74" x 26" x 12" |
| Warranty: Frame |
5 years (commercial) |
| Warranty: Moving Parts |
1 year |
| Warranty: Upholstery |
90 days |
| Commercial Rated |
Yes. Built for daily multi-user facility use. |
ELEVATE Pull Up vs Other ELEVATE Stations
Each ELEVATE station targets a different movement pattern. Most commercial facilities start with 2 to 3 stations and build toward the full circuit.
| Station |
Focus |
Floor Space |
Unit Weight |
| Core ADJ |
Core stability, plank, scrunch |
12 sq ft |
80 lbs |
| Press Trainer |
Chest press, shoulder press, push-up |
14 sq ft |
116 lbs |
| Pull Up |
Assisted pull-ups, rows, lat pulls |
16 sq ft |
114 lbs |
| Row |
Rowing, back strengthening |
12 sq ft |
98 lbs |
| Row ADJ |
Rowing, adjustable arm positions |
12 sq ft |
106 lbs |
| Jump Trainer |
Plyometrics, lower-body power |
22 sq ft |
230 lbs |
Choose Pull Up if your main goal is back strength, assisted pull-up progression, and upper-body pulling. Choose Press Trainer for pushing strength, Core ADJ for trunk stability, Row for conditioning, and Jump Trainer for lower-body power. For the full setup, the Circuit package bundles multiple stations at facility pricing. Call 866-861-6317 for current pricing on any individual station or bundle.
Shipping & Delivery
-
Freight only. Ships LTL freight in one box. 134 lb shipping weight, 74" x 26" x 12" crated.
-
Liftgate recommended. Confirm liftgate service when scheduling delivery.
-
Delivery options: Curbside (standard), threshold, or room-of-choice (available in many areas, additional cost).
-
Doorway planning: Confirm doorway clearance for the 74" long crate before delivery.
-
Assembly: Minimal assembly. Plan for one to two people and basic tools. Setup typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Space and Placement
-
Minimum floor space: 16 sq ft for the unit itself, plus access on both sides for user entry and trainer coaching position
-
Ceiling clearance: Standard 8 ft ceiling is sufficient
-
Flooring: Sits on commercial gym flooring, hardwood, or concrete
-
Placement tip: Position with at least 2 feet of clearance on each side for safe user access
Lead times and delivery options vary by location. Call 866-861-6317 or email info@recovathlete.com before ordering. We'll confirm what's available for your zip code, including liftgate and inside-delivery options.
Financing: Affirm available at checkout for individual buyers. Commercial financing available on facility orders and multi-unit bundles. Call 866-861-6317 to pre-qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Product
What is the Total Gym ELEVATE Pull Up Machine?
The ELEVATE Pull Up is a commercial-grade assisted pull-up trainer. The user lies on an inclined glideboard, grips overhead handles, and pulls their body up the track. Seven incline levels adjust how much bodyweight the user is pulling. Built for gyms, PT clinics, and home gyms training pull-up progression.
Is it an assisted pull-up machine?
Yes. The incline-based assistance system reduces effective bodyweight load to 35% at Level 1 and progresses to full bodyweight at Level 7. Unlike counterweight-stack assisted pull-up machines, the ELEVATE preserves the closed-chain mechanics of an actual pull-up.
Can beginners use the ELEVATE Pull Up?
Yes. The primary use case. Level 1 reduces bodyweight loading to roughly 35%, which means most people who can't do a single pull-up can start training the movement immediately. The controlled track and progressive levels make it more beginner-friendly than band-assisted pull-ups.
Can it help me get my first pull-up?
Yes. The seven-level progression is specifically designed to bridge the gap from "can't do one" to "first strict pull-up." Most users follow a 3-day-per-week protocol starting at Level 1 or 2, progressing one level every 2 to 3 weeks. Reaching Level 7 with clean form typically translates to first unassisted pull-up.
What muscles does it work?
Primary muscles: latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, traps, rear deltoids, biceps, brachialis. Secondary engagement: forearms and grip (worked through every rep), core stabilizers (anti-extension during the pull). Higher levels also engage the shoulder stabilizers heavily during the eccentric phase.
Is it better than resistance bands for pull-up training?
For structured progression, yes. Bands deliver variable assistance (more at the bottom, less at the top), which means the hardest part of the rep gets the least help. The ELEVATE provides consistent assistance through the full range. Bands are cheaper, ELEVATE is more measurable and safer.
Is it better than a lat pulldown machine?
For training the pull-up itself, yes. Lat pulldowns are open-chain (you pull a cable to your body). The ELEVATE Pull Up is closed-chain (your body moves against the track). Closed-chain movements recruit more stabilizers and transfer better to actual pull-up performance. For isolated lat hypertrophy, a lat pulldown is still useful.
How does it compare to a counterweight assisted pull-up machine?
Counterweight machines keep your body vertical and have you stand or kneel on an assist platform. The ELEVATE has you lie on a glideboard that moves along an incline. The ELEVATE preserves the closed-chain bodyweight mechanics of a real pull-up. Counterweight machines change the movement pattern and have a larger footprint.
Is it suitable for heavier users?
Yes. 400 lb max user weight. Heavier users often benefit more from the assisted loading because the percentage reduction is more impactful in absolute terms. A 250 lb user at Level 1 is pulling around 88 lbs, which is trainable from day one.
Is it good for physical therapy clinics?
Yes, and it's a common piece in PT clinics rebuilding upper-body pulling strength. Post-shoulder-surgery, post-rotator-cuff, and post-cervical patients can start pulling at sub-bodyweight loads with controlled mechanics. The seven-level progression maps naturally to clinical return-to-function protocols.
Can commercial gyms use it?
Yes. Built to commercial spec with 5-year frame warranty, 400 lb capacity, and steel and aluminum construction. Used in college and pro athletic facilities, CrossFit boxes, commercial gyms, and personal training studios. Removes the intimidation factor that keeps members away from standard pull-up bars.
Specs & Setup
What is the max user weight?
400 lbs (181 kg). Same capacity as the rest of the ELEVATE line. No weight exclusions.
How much space does it need?
Minimum 16 sq ft of floor space for the unit. Allow additional clearance on both sides (at least 2 feet each side) for user entry and trainer coaching position. Standard 8 ft ceiling clearance is sufficient.
Does it require electricity?
No. The unit is fully mechanical, powered by the user's bodyweight and gravity through the inclined glideboard. No power outlet, no batteries, no motor service.
How long does setup take?
Minimal assembly required. Plan for one to two people, basic tools, and 20 to 30 minutes. Most of the unit ships pre-assembled. The owner's guide includes step-by-step setup instructions.
Does it come fully assembled?
Largely assembled, with minimal final assembly required. Glideboard, rails, and frame ship as one unit. Final assembly involves attaching the overhead handles and confirming all hardware is fully tightened before first use.
Pricing & Purchase
Can I finance it?
Yes. Affirm financing is available at checkout for individual buyers. Commercial financing is available on facility orders, multi-station packages, and Circuit packages through our finance partners. Call 866-861-6317 to pre-qualify.
Is there a bundle discount with the Press Trainer or Circuit package?
Yes. The
ELEVATE Circuit package bundles multiple stations at facility pricing. The Pull Up pairs naturally with the
Press Trainer for balanced push-pull programming. Call 866-861-6317 for current bundle pricing.
Authorized Dealer