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 ...

Good resistance workout

The delivery was quick it was easy to put together it's easy to use. This machine is good for someone just getting into exercise or someone wanting to keep flexible. Anyone into building serious muscle or a more hard core workout probably needs to consider something else. Also anyone short on space may want to reconsider it doesn't fold up or roll under the bed. More detail ...

Awesome workout!

I have the whole Stamina series and this DVD is my favorite. It is not for wimps! Once mastered you can tweak the routine to match your level by increasing reps adding the box and pole magic circle etc. I return to this one again and again. Just watching Marjorie is an inspiration. I recommend this to anyone looking to increase strength and muscle tone. More detail ...

Best Machine on the Market . . . Great for Back Pain

This has easily become one of "our" best ever purchases. My husband bought this as a a birthday gift for me and now we have to fight some nights for who will use it first. I have taken private ($75 an hour session) and group reformer classes ($30 an hour session x5 in a class) locally but needed to use more than once a week which is hard to do with the pricey costs. We bought the risers too since I like being a little off the ground when exercising. It makes getting on and off the machine a lot easier plus my 3 dogs don't bother us as much with the elevation.



My husband has had low back pain for years and I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia so this machine is a must have in our house to keep us both moving. It stretches and strengthens your muscles and joints and really keep us moving on our rough days. I always get off the machine feeling more relaxed lengthened and energized. After using different types and brands of machines at different local studios this machine is my favorite because: 1) easiest to adjust if you have two or more people using the machine and more adjustment settings then any other on the market (e.g. footbar adjustments for length/height as well as angle. 2) allows quick adjustments of the straps when moving from one exercise to the next and because of the dual strap loop design you don't have to make any additional adjustments between the arm and leg exercises once initially setup for yourself. 3) quick and easy adjustment of springs/tension between exercises.



I would definitely recommend trying local instructors for proper form and safe use of a reformer prior to purchase. Try different studios and/or instructors to see which styles of reformer exercise you like best. Some instructors are more classical (usually move quickly from one move the the next) to more modern techniques (combining props with their moves sometimes at a slower pace etc.) This truly is the best quality machine and the most wonderful form of exercise for anyone with back pain or problems. We hope you enjoy as much as we do and use this machine in good health! More detail ...

Great Stand!

I liked my pilates reformer but it was too low on the ground preventing me from doing certain postures. This was very helpful and easy to assemble and get the reformer installed on it.More detail ...

Stamina Pilates Level 3 DVD

These are pretty good workout from Stamina. It is hard to find reformer workouts most people do their own thing when using a reformer but I like following along with someone. It has all the benefits of having a personal trainer without having to pay for one every time. More detail ...

Makes me LOVE working out!!

This is the machine I use at the local YMCA's pilates classes. I am a person who usually gets bored very fast with working out. This machine has changed everything!! The Y was only having classes twice a week and I loved it so much I had to buy this for home. It is amazing!! Makes me want to work out. I got the Stamina videos to lead me through these exercises at home so I don't have to think after a long day at work. The one thing I love about doing this at home...I get to chose my own music!!! From someone who usually hates working out I cannot recommend this machine enough. It gives an awesome workout I'm usually a little tender the next day. Just enough to let me know it's working!!More detail ...