This machine is the argument against springs.

I have over 7000 hours of experience teaching on studio quality spring-loaded Pilates equipment. In the last years that I taught professionally I cut down my insane teaching schedule by teaching group classes on these machines.



They are safer than spring-loaded reformers because of the bungee cords--springs snap back. Bungee cords will move but not with the kind of propulsive really dramatic force you see in springs. Over and over again I watched students do things on these reformers that would have injured them on spring-loaded equipment.



In my own practice lack of attention has caused a moment or two of real danger; the worst thing that happened was a flying bungee cord cutting the upholstery.



Safety aside these provide enough resistance for a really good workout. They are big enough that anyone under 6'2" can do all of the exercises with the exception of the Semi-Circle which is a more intermediate exercise anyway. Students with knee and hip injuries reported that they were more comfortable on these machines possibly because the bungee cords provide less resistance.



Also these reformers do what reformers were designed to do: in two hour-long workouts a week these machines increased flexibility improved back pain and dramatically changed the shape of bodies just like studio quality equipment would. (Yes Virginia there is a way to get rid of saddlebags without lipo.)



Finally unlike some other pieces of non-studio quality equipment I can unequivocally recommend these for even very fit men. The runners bikers and hunters in my classes really found the machine workouts challenging.



Cons: I have never been able to get replacement parts. You will need two people or one man over six feet to move each machine. Attempt to fold them up again at your own peril. Lock them away from children or vice versa--even bungee cords can cut.More detail ...