no stand? hi,I am new to pilates and though it is very helpful to go to a studio I do not have the budget to may approx $40-50 per class.Hence I am looking to buy a pilates reformer.since i am relatively new to it i was wondering if all you advanced users could help me out with the following questions1) does it matter whether the machine is on a stand or not?2) does this machine have multiple resistance adjustments ( that is over 3 resistance adjustments as someone in another forum mentioned that its always better to have around 5)Thanks in advance! no stand? hi,I am new to pilates and though it is very helpful to go to a studio I do not have the budget to may approx $40-50 per class.Hence I am looking to buy a pilates... » Read More no stand? hi,I am new to pilates and though it is very helpful to go to a studio I do not have the budget to may approx $40-50 per class.Hence I am looking to buy a pilates reformer.since i am relatively new to it i was wondering if all you advanced users could help me out with the following questions1) does it matter whether the machine is on a stand or not?2) does this machine have multiple resistance adjustments ( that is over 3 resistance adjustments as someone in another forum mentioned that its always better to have around 5)Thanks in advance! « Show Less
1282115
I own a reformer without a stand and I used to take lessons on a Performer in a Pilates studio that was on a stand. I find exercising on either pretty much interchangeable - I don't think the stand is at all necessary.
1282116
Greetings, I am the fitness buyer from Amazon.com and I saw your post. This doesn't come with a stand but one can be purchased separately. Here is the link for the one compatible with this machine (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KKR8PU). This has 3 levels of resistance. We do carry Pilates reformers with 4 and 5 levels of resistance however be prepared to spend $1000 to $2000+ for those.
2145678
Yes, it's actually a good workout for the whole body, especially in the upright elliptical position- you will feel it in your torso as well as your arms and legs. You can increase the resistance to meet your personal needs. The resistance effects both the handles and the pedals. You can do one constant resistance or choose one of the pre-programed modes that adjusts intermittently to simulate going up and down hills, etc. In the recumbent bike position it is more focused on the lower body workout. Thanks for the question - it's was a good reminder for me to start using this machine more often! Yes, it's actually a good workout for the whole body, especially in the upright elliptical position- you will feel it in your torso as well as your arms and legs. You can increase the resistance to meet your personal needs. The resistance effects both the handles and the pedals. You can do one constant resistance or choose one of the pre-programed modes that adjusts intermittently to simulate going up and down hills, etc. In the recumbent bike position it is more focused on the lower body workout. Thanks for the question - it's was a good reminder for me to start using this machine more often!
1670282
Hello, Keep in mind that the board is inclined, that's why the belt slides backwards, sometimes mine does it. I think is normal. I don't mind because anyway, that is the purpose: keep on moving. You control the speed of course...After all this time using it....It became my BEST FRIEND EVER!!!! You should see my legs!!! so toned! I tight some weights along with a pedometer and walk for 40 minutes 3 times a week (Now, but at the very beginning, I was doing only 10-15 min and I was drained! lol)...This is a REAL work out!!! My pedometer shows I burn over 500 calories (Depending on my speed) This treadmill is not so comfortable like the regulars (Electric ones) that we all are used to, but It's been a great help for me. From mid January till now, I dropped 20 pounds combining this work out and reducing calories and I love it! Be patient and give it a try, hope it works for you, like it does for me.
1154425
Thank you for your interest in our SPX Home Reformer! This unit comes 90% assembled for easy set-up. It also includes an assembly manual (http://www.merrithew.com/support/equipment-manuals-assembly) and typically takes 15-20 minutes to assemble. If you have any further questions regarding your SPX Home Reformer model, our manufacturing process or our premier brand, STOTT PILATES®, please contact customerservice@merrithew.com.
1695129
That 's a great solution....if I never put it on Craig's list, I will try that. Thanks for the idea. Joe Pilates would be proud of you. Teehee and Aloha
1074802
I have found this to be the case for me too. I have not been able to use the programs, other than the lowest setting. I also have strength in my legs. Otherwise I like the machine a lot. I do wish we could reduce the resistance to enjoy the workout programs. Maybe Xterra could answer this issue???
2031198
I have both the old Pilates Aero (doesn't incline, 3 cords) and the original Pilates Power Gym (does incline, 4 cords), and the DVD's can be used for both, actually. (I kept the old Pilates because I find it actually works my abs better than the newer one, weird.)
2198384
Yes, it is very similar to the traditional Pilates reformer in that respect, but don't expect a huge amount of resistance as that is not the point with any of the Pilates exercises.
2226719
I actually just finished my 30 min walk! I really love this machine! U have to know that it needs a permanent place since it's a big machine. I absolutely love this! Since its been colder I've been working out almost daily. I'm down 56lbs! I read on my Kindle & I've read 10 books since I started! It's crazy really! You can also watch TV. Very happy w this purchase! Hope this helps!I found when walking outside my feet & knees were hurting, they DO NOT hurt at all!
756549
It's worth the cost if you actually use it everyday and commit to stretching. I made progress then became less committed and started back again. I have a friend that uses it daily and he is extremely flexible. He was already more flexible than me, but he pushes himself and actually does use it.
1510153
The Intro to AeroPilates DVD from Stamina is good for a refresher. I haven't tried the Level 2 Pure Pilates DVD next but that would be a good next step - will probably buy that one too for when I only want to do straight pilates with no rebounder.
1113120
At $650+ I agree that you definitely want to do a 'try before buy'. We found one at the local sporting goods shop (Sports Authority). A recumbent bike only specifies that the rider is placed in a laid-back, reclining position. That is not the case here, you are upright. The resistance that is provided correlates to how hard you pedal -- the harder that you pedal, the more resistance. The marketing hyperbole describes it as "infinite wind resistance". The added benefit is that the bike provides a cooling effect from the wind turbine - increasing the comfort of your workout.
1788727
I was also wondering if this machine would be helpful in doing that. I like pilates but hate that there is no neck support and was wondering if this machine would help put the two together?
34146
I am 5'4" and I am using this machine to work my shoulders, core and lower back. I find that by adjusting my legs i.e. push with legs and knees (shoulders, back), straight legged (core, shoulders, back), and alternate weight on each leg (core, back) that I am getting the desired results I wanted. By focusing on which muscles I want to work on, I find my body works on them accordingly. Hope this helps you. I really love this machine. I crave my sessions on it as opposed to dreading that 'work-out'. Very relaxing and you can work as hard or soft as you like.
1619066
I started as a beginner a month ago and did the quick start dvd until I felt comfortable with the basic moves (about 2-3 times). While I still don't look as coordinated as the instructors and still make mistakes from time to time, I got the basics and I have a great time doing the program. I'd start with the 20 minute dvd or the 30 minute burn after that to help ease you into the program. Good luck!
315955
Hi, N. Brown! I actually ordered mine from JC Penney, since I got a good price on it by way of an advertising error on their part... Either way, I only got it last night, and didn't find it too difficult to assemble just going by the sheet instructions. It IS quite heavy weight in construction, which I definitely count as a plus. The one thing that I can see that, so far, hasn't been mentioned in the reviews is, if you're on the heavier side (I'm 210 lbs at 5'5" tall, and wide through the hips) it doesn't SEEM particularly roomy when you're on the machine. I DID have a great time exercising on it last night after assembling it, though! If you love elliptical machines, as I do (they were my only motivation for going to the gym, and every time I went, I had to wait at least 20 minutes to get on one, so I cancelled my membership... Now I've got my own, dagnabbit! ;) ), you should really like this machine. I don't know if they're as squeaky over time as the other reviews state, but I'd assume that they are. Also, I live in a single bedroom apartment, and don't have a lot of room left over to leave this standing up. The main problem? I'd planned on sliding it under my futon when I'm not using it, but everything but the handles will fit - the handles just sit too high up to fit underneath it. It IS a heavy piece, as I said before, so a bit unwieldy, but the wheels on both the bottom of the rear frame, and the foot pedal pieces, help for maneuvering it. If you're not big on exercise, as I am not unless it's fun for me, but love cross trainer and elliptical machines, then I'd suggest you get this, if it's not more than you want to spend. It does take a little initial exercise to figure out your rhythm, but once you get going, it's GREAT! I woke up this morning eager to get back on it and go, and I haven't felt that way about exercise in YEARS, if ever!
558051
I agree on all points. No incline but the resistance settings work great and provide a lot of resistance if you turn it up. Super smooth. And the pedals do have an angle adjustment which is very nice. I am currently using the middle setting of three. It does use an AC outlet but is only a wall wart type power supply and it is supplied. I also don't think you can use a chest monitor though it does have the handles for monitoring heart rate. I would think it would be pretty easy to connect in where the handles connect to the display and hard wire a chest monitor. I really can't say for sure how well it would work but I would be it could be done. And I like it much better than the gym ellipticals I have tried. In fact I was taking a risk buying this since I actually didn't really care for the gym ellipticals. I was determined to adjust to this to help with upper body toning but there was no adjustment needed. It beats the heck out of the gym ellipticals in my opinion. Very ergonomically designed, whisper smooth and quiet, and a pleasure to use.