AeroPilates by Stamina Reformer Plus

Very bulky and cumbersome to set up and use.

Very very good quality. Offers good resistance options. Perfect for my needs. It’s small, compact and folds up. Looks pretty too.

This AeroPilates Reformer model is well made, easy to assemble, and very sturdy. The platform glides smoothly when in use, and it's easy to left and fold for storage. I've enjoyed using this machine for the last month, and it really does make my body feel better. But it's not my first experience with AeroPilates machines. I would easily recommend this model, but it may not be the best model for everyone. It's slightly smaller than the other one I have used, but it's a very well made machine and should be perfect for most people interested in AeroPilates. Also note that this model has a weight limit of 300 pounds, while some slightly larger models have a limit of 350 pounds. This is the AeroPilates Reformer Plus 371 model. I don't know why they make so many models, since most are so similar. The biggest differences are color and the resistance band configuration. You can buy additional bands if you need more or less resistance. The other difference seems to be minor size and quality changes. Ok, maybe not so minor quality changes. I'll describe those differences after I describe the features below. This model comes with 4 black resistance bands. Resistance is as follows: - Black - 24 lbs resistance - Red - 34 lbs resistance - Yellow - 16 lbs resistance Red and yellow bands must be purchased separately if you need them. They are very easy to install. This model, 371, is a little smaller than some older models, and it seems that there have been some shortcuts made in the design over the years, but it's still very stable and should last many years. I also found that accessories for AeroPilates reformers are not always interchangeable now, so you'll have to be careful if you purchase additional parts. The accessories I bought for my older model don't fit this one. This pilates reformer lays directly on the floor. You can purchase a stand for it which will raise it off the floor an additional 10 inches.This model uses the medium size stand. Some models, like my original, use a larger stand. I personally found the stand very helpful and would recommend it to anyone using a pilates reformer. I have a stand and accessories because I bought the first AeroPilates model which was introduced more than 10 years ago. Stamina 55-4650 AeroPilates 650 with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder . I still have it, but the wheels don't glide as smoothly as they used to. I wanted the new model because I assumed it would be an upgrade, and I also liked the bright red color. However, the new one is not quite as nice as the old one. The newer one is a little smaller, the padding is a little thinner, and I can see some shortcuts in construction. The shoulder pad cylinders have posts that simply slip down into a hole and are not attached. The shoulder pads on my older model are threaded and screw down for stability. When I'm laying on the new model and my shoulders rest against the pads, as they should, lifting my upper body up sometimes jiggles the pads up with me. They haven't come out yet, but it catches my attention every time. The cardio rebounder accessory is sturdy and offers a very tight trampoline fabric for rebounding. The new rebounder is oddly in two parts with the mesh attached, but the frame is in two parts folded over like a book. I had to open it up and add plastic support brackets, then screw it together. It was difficult to open due to the tightly wound fabric. The older rebounder had a solid frame that needed no assembly. The padding on the bench, as well as the head support, is a little thinner than the old model. The bench and head support are also smaller. However, it's still comfortable enough during the workout. I feel great after I use the pilates reformer. The stretching movements wake my body up, and the rebounding energizes me. I've noticed a big difference in my core strength after using it for a while. I would easily recommend an AeroPilates reformer to my own family members and friends. There are plenty of models to choose from so you can pick the one that is best for your body.

I purchased (for my daughter) the Stamina AeroPilates 700 Premier Reformer model from this same manufacturer, and she/we absolutely love it for exercising, it offers a good workout without causing a lot of stress on my body which is important as I have osteoporosis. This is a gentler type of exercise imo, suitable for young and old alike. When I was offered this model to evaluate I jumped at the opportunity to see how it compared to the one we have now as she will be moving out soon and taking her reformer with her leaving me, sans reformer! ;-( The nitty gritty: Both the more expensive 700 model and this "Reformer Plus" one are about the same size (*when extended, this one can fold up if you need the floor space but we leave it down) They both have the weight limit of 300 pounds and the same 3 year limited warranties. All info for all their models and pdf to their manuals are online on the mnfr website so if you want to look over how to put them together and how to use it it is all online check them out there and their other reformers as well, btw they have great customer support as well! This one is close to the floor which if you are new to this may make you feel more relaxed as you will not worry about falling off while changing positions, or if getting up and down is an issue you may like the models like the 700 that are already elevated on legs/a stand and up higher. They do sell the stand separately that will raise this up like the other one if you decide later on you want it for the more advanced exercises that require it. You can see it on their website by searching "medium stand" or ASIN: B000KKR8PU here on Amazon that is the same price $129 on each site. *They have MANY different models with different features. This one is lighter weight (63 pounds whereas the 700 model is a bit over 100 pounds, so this one is a LOT easier to move around than the stationary (not foldable) 700 model reformer. The medium stand that you can get later on if you want, added it to this model weighs in at another 30 pounds so based on that it weighs about the same as the 700 model with both the stand and the body. So when comparing the two reformers this one is a substantial savings (of $130) and it is more portable as it has the ability to fold up when you need the floor space. So if you just want a reformer for basic exercises, this one will give you as good a workout and it has the same warranty as the 700 model. IF you are already pretty solid on your workouts and know that you want to progress to the more advanced exercises requiring an elevated reformer, you might want to go ahead and get one with the stand included right at the start but I like the portability of this one and am happy with the basic exercises (there is a DVD that comes with it and all sorts of videos available online and info on the mnfr website) also here on Amazon if you enter in the asin for the stand: ASIN: B000KKR8PU you can scroll down and see a whole slew of "Related Video Shorts" on that page for Pilates reformers.

Although this was a bit difficult to assemble, it might be easier for someone who is less mechanically challenged than I am. This Pilates machine is very comfortable, and makes it so easy to exercise. I'm in my 70's and need an easy exercise regimen, and this provides exactly what I need in a workout. The levels go from easy to extreme, and I get to choose. The videos are very helpful and a huge plus in learning how to use the machine. I have finally found something I can do that will tone my body without leaving me with sore feet [walker or stair-step] and extreme fatigue. Get Yours Now!