Reformer Home Workout Equipment, Pilates Machine w/Resistance

TLDR - This reformer is amazing for the price for home reformer workouts. Long version - I see a lot of people saying not to buy a "cheap" reformer because they don't compare to the studio reformers. While this is true, most of us don't need a studio reformer for at-home pilates for many reasons. Studio reformers are built for all sizes of people, and to be used many times a day. Studios have more money to invest in higher quality reformers, and they have an image to uphold. That's all great, but for the average sized person who uses their reformer once daily, this reformer is great. I was taking in-studio pilates classes before purchasing this, so I have a good feel for the difference. While there is a difference to be sure, there's no reason for a non-professional not to try this reformer if the price is right for you. I'm able to follow along with any youtube video without feeling like the machine isn't up to par. It glides smoothly & feels strong & secure. The resistance bands aren't going to pop out and cause damage, and the machine's core doesn't feel janky or cheap. A couple of caveats though: - I'm 5'7" 140lbs & I'd say this reformer won't be great for anyone over 5'8". At my height it seems like it's at it's limit. Weight-wise it could definitely support much more weight. - I purchased some accessories to improve the reformer and the one I definitely suggest is new resistance bands - I put on two of the red "strong" weight bands, one yellow "light" and kept one black "medium" weight. That gives me way more resistance options. I also got the box & double arm loops, which are both not as necessary as upgrading the resistance bands. - When releasing the main platform (like bringing the platform back in after extending it against the resistance bands) it can really slam against it's stopper pegs & it can be jarring, especially when doing leg reps. I'm going glue some foam padding onto them and I think that should solve the problem. - My only real complaint about the machine that can't be solved with an alteration is that the foot bar can't angle, it's only straight up & down. Wish I could find a replacement or that they'd make one but so far I'm getting along with the straight foot bar. I think an angled foot bar would even make this machine more suitable for taller people so it'd be a huge improvement. It's a great addition to my home gym & I've stopped going to in-person pilates classes because I like working out with this reformer so much.

First a little backstory: I’m in my mid 70s and I’ve been physically Active most of my life. I really enjoy riding my horse & using free weights. However, as I have gotten older and experienced arthritis in my lower back and knees, free weights & riding have become more difficult.. So I switched to Pilates Mat work, but felt limited in what I could do. For the last three years, I’ve been thinking about getting the Pilates reformer. I had never used one before, didn’t know anyone who owned one and it seemed rather expensive. I want to have a total knee replacement done in the future. as a retired nurse, I know it’s best to get in shape before you have any sort of surgery. I read that you could exercise on the Pilates reformer without Impacting your lower back- that was very important to me. . I decided to give this a try. This is the best (and least stressful) form of exercise for someone in my condition and I am so happy with my purchase! In the past, I have belonged to a few gyms. This machine replaces everything I use in a gym, and I am able to use it in the privacy of my own home. It is a long, narrow, well-made, piece of equipment that I keep set up in my family room. It’s fun to use & I was surprised how quickly it improved my posture (after just 3 day!)!, strengthened my back, and tightened my core muscles. I highly recommend this product!

Although the Pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates about 100 years ago, to me it's all pretty new. I had heard about some of the mat exercises but not the Pilates reformer machine. I read about this just a few weeks back in a book called Pilates-2nd Edition which I read for a review. After reading about it and watching a few videos on YouTube I decided that this could be an interesting way to exercise and increase my core strength, balance, and muscle tone. I mostly just walk for exercise but this looked like a good way to create resistance in a little bit different way than lifting weights and doing other exercises. So I decided to do some research and see if I could find a machine that I could use at home and if there was one that I could afford. Many that I had seen cost thousands of dollars. After much research I finally settled on this Stamina AeroPilates 700 Premier Reformer with the stand. I debated about whether or not to get the stand and I finally decided I would for two reasons: It would be cooler in the summer to have air flowing beneath the machine as well as over the top, and because it would be easier to get on and off the machine if it was on the 10 inch stand. Otherwise, it would be just fine without it. Without the stand you can fold it in half to get it out of the way. When it's on the stand it really isn't going anywhere. It's too heavy and clumsy. One thing I discovered is that these things are really long, about 85 inches overall. We have a home gym but it isn't huge and there's other exercise equipment in there already. This fit with only a couple inches to spare and we have to step over it to get to the other side of the room. But after having it in there think it's well worth the space it takes because there are a lot of different exercises that can be done on this machine and they are actually enjoyable. While sometimes it seems like I'm not working very hard i'm surprised at how much I feel the exercise the next day and the amount of increased flexibility these exercises afford me, even in a very short time. Over the past year, when I stoop down to look at something on the low shelf or pick something up, I have to put a lot of concentration to standing straight up again. I hate to have to grab onto something help myself up, my knees didn't feel as strong as they used to. It made me feel like what I was getting old. (Which I guess I am, but I don't want to feel that way!) I'm happy to report that after using this machine for just a few days doing some of the exercises where I'm pushing the carriage that you lie on, back and forth with my feet and legs, I can now stoop down and get up again without as much effort. One of my knees still kind of hurts, but it feels a lot better going up the stairs and getting up and down. I was really afraid at first that I was going to make my knee feel worse, but I think it's strengthened the muscles around my knee and has really helped a lot. And this is less than a week. My sister says it's the placebo effect, that my knees couldn't feel better this quickly. Hey, if it's the placebo effect, I'll take it. Whatever works! The machine was very easy to put together. It was heavy, just over 100 pounds, and my husband was out for a few hours when it arrived. So I had to use a handcart to get it into the garage, took the box apart, and brought it piece by piece into the room where I was going to set it up. I was able to carry it all in myself except for the carriage which was heavy but mostly clumsy. My husband helped carry that in. The instructions, tools, and all the pieces I needed were included. There wasn't much hardware because most of it was already put together. It took me less than an hour to put it together myself, nothing at all complicated and I didn't have to use any unprintable words. I was impressed at how sturdy this machine feels and how well it is designed. I love things that are easy to assemble! This machine comes with the rebounder (trampoline thing), a neck pillow and DVD's. I've only watched a little bit of the beginner's DVD but it seems fine so far, although it's not HD. I've been mostly using the Pilates book that I mentioned above and I ordered another one today that I am planning to use: The Universal Reformer (Contrology Pilates Phisycal Collection) I got the Kindle version and reviewed it today. People have described the Pilates Reformer as a kind of relaxing way to exercise. Although I use a lot of muscles and put a lot of stress on them, it feels like more of a gentle way to exercise, kind of like Yoga. So far I seem to be getting good results without feeling strained or overworked. I do work up a sweat, especially when using the rebounder which is sort of like jumping on a trampoline while lying down. I'm surprised at how quickly it gets my heart pumping. But it's not like running or jumping around where I think, OMG, I want to lie down! Because I'm already lying down. :). Even after just a few days I feel more balanced and feel more like moving throughout the day. I still have a few aches and pains, but i'm hoping that as I get more in shape and lose the 15 pounds that I need to get rid of, that they'll go away. Because it's an enjoyable way to exercise and I'm seeing some quick results, I think it will keep me motivated to continue. Not having to go outdoors to exercise when the weather is bad and being able to use the machine in the privacy of my own home is a big plus. I will post updates as I continue to use this reformer.

I gave this machine 4 stars because, while it is a great, affordable option for a home reformer, it is definitely a few steps down from what you’d find in a studio. I’ll start with the pros: It was fairly easy to assemble - my husband put it together pretty quickly without any issue. The jumpboard is a nice feature if you like to add cardio into your Pilates practice. The machine is fairly smooth and quiet. The straps are comfortable and sturdy. The carriage is a nice size that can accommodate various body types and sizes. Now, the cons: The cord system is, in my opinion, very different from springs you’d find on a studio reformer. They are all one resistance, so it’s hard to figure out how many/how little to use when you’re working out. I had to buy a yellow cord, because even one black cord was too heavy for exercises like side arm series. The footbar doesn’t move forward or backward, so it can be uncomfortable doing certain exercises where I would typically move the footbar down a notch or two to accommodate my height. I am currently in training to become a Pilates instructor, so this is a pretty valuable addition to my home gym. I can practice more without spending money on several classes per week, and I can put create workouts and use this reformer to teach others in my home. I will be purchasing the box/magic circle, and probably a heavy red cord (if they ever come back in stock). All in all, i’d say this is a great machine to have at home to supplement your practice when you can’t get to a studio class. If you’re new to Pilates, I would highly recommend you take classes in-person with a certified instructor before just using this machine, so you understand order alignment and have a basic understanding of how the exercises feel on a studio reformer first.

Very fun way to exercise! It seems like there are endless ways to move and strengthen the core. It is nice and quiet, while being sturdy. Both my husband and I are enjoying it. It is fun changing out the resistance cords in a timely manner between moves. It is a lengthy machine, but the base is plenty big to mobilize comfortably for the entire array of positions. We really enjoy the constant change up and being in motion while getting fit!

I love, love, LOVE this Stamina AeroPilates 55-4700B reformer. Just now I, by myself, finished the assembly. Super smooth...just needed help lifting the platform on to the risers. It's perfect in every way. Let me explain. I've had FOUR (4) AeroPilates reformers over the years and have either had to sell because I was moving or wanted the next level-up model. The last one I had was the top-of-the-line wood one w/ the 4 steel cords. I like the nylon bungee cords better as they are WAY quieter and, honestly, will last just as long with the same amount of resistance. The wider platform is a plus for a place to put your hands. It folds and can be easily disassembled for moving which the fancier one didn't do. This one is super smooth...super quiet...super sturdy. Can't say enough. Gratitude Stamina for consistently putting out such a superlative product.

Glides smoothly and offers true reformer workout at a reasonable price. Not hard to put together but does require attention to detail. Very happy with it.

Account holder’s wife here, avid Pilates practitioner. Overall this machine is good enough if you don’t want to drop thousands on one. I don’t have a need to fold it up so I have no feedback on that other than the wheels to move it when folded are REALLY small, I feel like they would not lift the machine over other components without scraping your floor. But, so far I like it and I hope it holds up. The good: -Pretty easy to assemble -Slim enough to get shoved against the wall while not in use -Quite sturdy, I immediately tried flying squirrel and it was solid -Good resistance (but with a catch, below) -Carriage is wide and comfy The not so good: -Because it folds, the rails have a separating point which causes the wheels to have a rather significant *thump* when you glide over the separation. I added tape to mine to try to smooth it out…it’s better but still not great. -The 4 resistance bands are all the same resistance, and only having one on is equivalent to a red in my opinion, so any exercises requiring one blue, forget it. Get stronger. -The foot bar doesn’t adjust so you have to remove it completely when doing standing exercises -The straps - oh my god - they look like fuzzy handcuffs. I immediately ordered a standard pair to replace them. Embarrassing. -Carriage is not adjustable to “gear out” or in depending on your height. I’m 5’8” and the set position on this is about the same as being geared out 1 on a standard reformer. If you’re shorter, you may not be comfortable. -It’s a bit shorter overall than a standard reformer. If you have long legs, you will absolutely max out during standing exercises. My head touches the top during feet in straps. -Foot bar needs more padding, on high resistance your feet will cry. -The shoulder blocks aren’t held in by anything so when you remove your straps the blocks come with them usually. Going to have my husband rig something with them to stay put.