AeroPilates Pilates Reformer Machine, Gym Equipment for Resistance Workout, Strength & Fitness Training - Foldable & Compact

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 did a ton of research before deciding on buying this reformer and I love this reformer! Its a good one. it makes exercise fun. Be sure to get the one with the stand. It is worth the extra money because it really makes getting up and down off the reformer easy. It comes with the rebounder and the bar, so you can switch them out for added exercise variety. It also comes with a large poster to hang so you can follow the exercises. I have not used the DVDs cuz there are so many great videos on you tube I just didn't need the DVDs, so I can't tell you about those. However, get on you tube and you will find everything you need to know. The hand/foot loops are padded with a faux sheep skin so they are very comfortable to use. The head rest is very supportive and comfortable. I love lying on my back and exercising, make it feel so relaxed and its so low impact, but you really do get a good work out too. I feel my abs working within a few minutes. The unit feels very sturdy and solid. i have it on carpet so can't say how it would do on hard floor. But if you have it on flooring, it might be good to get one of those pads they sell, to protect your floor if it is nice wood or something you worry about. For carpeted floors it is great. There are so many exercises you can do on this machine, it never gets boring. I assembled it myself, and it was not hard at all. took about 30 min. Just read the directions carefully and you should not have a problem. It is pretty easy to move, i just grab the base and drag it out to the middle of the room when i want to use it. Because of the base, you can't fold it. If you want to be able to fold it, don't get the base cuz it does not fold. However, the base sure makes it nice. It does require some space but you can always put it up agains the wall and pull it out from the wall a few feet to use it. You want about 3 feet of clearance to do some of the exercises where you have your legs out to the side.

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!

Just set this up in about an hour. I was surprised that it was mostly put together already, and the instructions were straight forward. I did most by myself, but I did need help lifting the unit onto the stand. I don't see this being easy to fold up every day. As far as quality, it certainly is not studio-grade, but is well made for a beginning unit at home. The construction seems solid, it just doesn't have the smoothness and extra features of a studio unit. I took pilates classes for awhile, so I knew how to adjust the ropes properly, I can see where if you have no experience, you could hurt yourself not adjusting everything right. I did upgrade the hand/foot loops to a studio-level set. The ones that come with this are thin and uncomfortable. The cords are all black, so I'll have to see if I need to upgrade those as well. The company is great to work with. My order was delayed and they graciously gave me a discount for the inconvenience. Overall, I do recommend this for someone who knows what they are doing but doesn't want to commit to the expensive higher quality units. It's a good "starter" option.

So, after moving a bunch of things out of the way in order to fit this thing in the room, I start putting it together just to find out that one of the holes in the middle floor stand is not large enough for the securing bolt to fit through. Very disappointed. I can do nothing with this thing now. Update: I contacted the seller on Amazon. They directed me to Aeropilates. After emailing back and forth a few times, the rep let me know they have sent me out a replacement part. After part is received and I put it together! Hoping this is the only issue I have with it. Final Update: I received the replacement stand from the Aeropilates company. Put the entire thing together myself and it is really great!! I did have a Balanced Body Metro IQ, which was a wonderful piece, but it sat low to the floor and I never used it. Sold it and wished I had a higher one. I did not want to spend $5000 for the Allegro 2 by Balanced Body, so I figured why not just get a low priced reformer and just see how it is. Honestly...no, it is not Balanced Body $3000-$5000 quality but it is a lot better than I thought it would be and had I never purchased a Balanced Body, I would not know this one was not as great. If you have never had a reformer or are not sure how often you will use your reformer once you do get it, buy this one. The resistance cords "springs" are all black. I've purchased 2 red cords and 1 yellow cord so I have a mix of resistances. I've also purchased snap trigger hooks to attach the upgraded hand/foot double loops I purchased and the "stirrups" for foot kickbacks. It's just going to be easier to use hooks that to keep tying and untying the ropes. Anyway, from being very disappointed to being very pleased my rating has jumped from 1 star to 5 stars!

Most of my Amazon purchases are delivered to my office, but needed this item delivered to my home for obvious reason - - it is a large, heavy package (over 100 pounds). I accidently click the "order now" not realizing it would by-pass shipping options. I called Amazon customer service and spoke with a nice lady who told me she took care of the shipping issue and it would be delivered to my home address. It wasn't. I had a really difficult time getting this from my office to my home, but I managed. I looked at some online reviews indicating it could take about 2 hours if assembling by yourself. I was able to assemble it by myself in about one hour, but with some effort since the machine is quite long and heavy. Two people would make the process, I think, quite easy. The only complaint with assembly is none of the parts are marked. The machine is heavy and seems to be good quality- - a lot of metal in its construction. the hand/ foot straps are nicely padded for comfort. I have only used it a few times, but so far am very happy with the purchase. All the parts seem to work very well and it moves smoothly. It would be perfect for me if the stand were only a few inches higher- - even with the stand, it is only a few inches off the floor. The machine is large and requires a good bit of floor space, as many of the exercises extend legs and arms out from the machine itself. It does not roll up or fit under the bed, etc, and since it is heavy, where it is, is where it stays, so keep in mind there is really no "hiding it" when not in use.

Purchased this machine about 3 weeks ago, and have used it a handful of times. I am not an exercise lover because I get migraines when overheated, so when I discovered pilates from a friend...I looked into this machine because it's low impact, and local classes are very expensive. I LOVE this machine. I am still learning how to use it, but it is very 'user-friendly' and not difficult. I need exercise to be easy and quick--so a big set up would deter me. It isn't perfect--a couple of hiccups, but not enough for me to lower my 'love it' rating:) You just have to be aware and work with it. Storage: The machine says it folds in half, which it does--but only the top portion, which leaves the big stand out with no where to store. We had to move some things around in our room, but decided to leave it out, at least to start with, so it's easy and convenient. Now, you don't have to use the base at all, so then it would be easier to fold in half. Might try that down the road, but for now...make sure there is a place to leave it out. Measure before you buys--it is a LONG machine. It is pretty heavy...so we put small furniture sliders underneath each pedestal (you need 6 total-I bought them on amazon and they are the size of the pedastal so you can't really tell), which makes it a cinch to slide out from the wall to see the tv, or just to have room to use it. Highly recommend this unless it is in a place where you don't need to move it. I leave them on and doesn't affect the workout at all... The DVDs that come with the machine don't work in my macbook nor in my blu-ray player. I read some reviews on here, and it seems to be a common problem. I called stamina fitness 2 nights ago and left a voicemail and they returned my call the next morning--they are mailing me new dvd's that will work in my blu ray player. Haven't received them yet--but I assume they will be fine. Maybe they will fix this issue soon... I just did my first 'real' workout--found some snippets of videos online and really like this machine...I feel like I got a good workout, and it was fun! This machine can do a lot of different things--and I am just getting started. I am hopeful this machine will continue to give me good results and be easy to use!

This is my second pilates reformer by Stamina. My first one lasted 25 years of daily use before the wheels crumbled. They are no longer available so decided to replace it with this one. This one has a stand which is an upgrade from my previous model. It’s very easy to get on and off and it doesn’t move at all while doing so. The platform has a slight triangle shape for wider hips which is also an upgrade for me. It was a bit challenging to assemble but my husband was able to get it together in a few hours. It glides smoothly. Headrest and padded straps are a blessing for us older folks. The only thing i wish could be changed is the frame does not lock so when i move it a bit to clean, it goes crooked instead of staying straight so it then needs readjusted to align correctly again. Overall it’s a great machine and I’m expecting it to last my lifetime.

Love having this in the comfort of my own home! Instructions were easy to follow, and the machine is great! Obviously not top quality but it’s good for the price! Carriage does bump a little at a certain spot when moving but otherwise good. Very happy with this so far!

Llego en el tiempo indicado, un mes aproximadamente. Armarla fue fácil siguiendo el instructivo y además trae las herramientas necesarias para hacerlo. No es profesional pero si de buena calidad, necesitas por lo menos 2 mts. De espacio para poder usarla . Me he divertido haciendo ejercicio en casa a la hora que yo desee y no a la hora que haya disponibilidad en un estudio de pilates. Trae un póster con los ejercicios y parte del cuerpo que trabajarás, yo en lo personal prefiero poner un video en la TV y seguirlo. Le doy 4 estrellas porque los resortes no tienen color y no sé cuál es de mayor o menor resistencia. Lo recomiendo.

This machine is used daily and has held up well. Easy to put together.

Excelente compra, el equipo de muy buena calidad, instalación muy fácil, rápida e intuitiva, y lo mejor de todo...cliente muy satisfecha! Temía recibir un producto de mala calidad, pero con certeza puedo decir que mis dudas en vano. Todo lo que necesito, incluso para un nivel avanzado de pilates. El brincolín esta genial para hacer un buen Cardio después de la sesión, fue un buen plus.

We love our AeroPilates 701 Reformer. It was easy to assemble. We use it daily and are enjoying the benefits. Only wish I had purchased it sooner!