So I received a fantastic inquiry about the BIG question – I want to buy a Pilates Reformer cheap!!!

Sooner or later, every avid Pilates student considers this option so they can stay consistent with their workouts and enjoy the ability to do Pilates day or night in the luxury of their own home.  The challenge then becomes, finding the best Pilates equipment for the space available, and evaluating to determine (a) If you’ll really use it at home, or it will become a drop zone for clothes and miscellaneous stuff.  (b) You feel confident with your Pilates program to work without supervision.

Here’s the question I received about this, and my recommendations:

“Aliesa, if you would be so kind as to help me I would really appreciate it. I am thinking about getting a reformer for my home. I can’t get one too big but also want one that would do the basics for me to keep up Pilates at home. There is a used one on Craig’s list under sporting equipment for $125. Would you tell me if this would work for me or you have a better suggestion. It’s not working to make it into a studio for regular lessons, this will hopefully keep me in Pilates. I’d love to know what you recommend.  Thanks!”  –Judy

Here’s My Reply:

Your question is a fantastic one!  Thrilled to get it!  You’re not the only one out there who is trying to find good, economically priced Pilates Reformers and equipment to use at home.

My first comment for you to consider…  You get what you pay for!

After years of working out on professional grade, high quality Pilates equipment in a studio, I think that you will be very disappointed with a home model that is selling for $125. Unless it was originally priced at $2500+ and they’re basically giving it away.

You really will be better served to invest in something that will last you a lifetime at home with little or no maintenance, then get something on the very low end of the market, that is designed more to sell than to use.

I know that it will cost a bit more, but think about how many years you’ve been doing Pilates and what you’ve spent to participate in private lessons and group classes 2- 3 days a week.  Then multiply that number out by the 25, 30, 40, or 50 years you’ve got left to use it!

For Example:

• Group Reformer Class 2 days a week at $25 = $50 week
• $50 a week x 4 weeks = $200 month
• $200 month x 12 months = $2400 year
• $2400 year x 20 years = and you’ve spent $48,000 to take 2 classes a week for a wonderful 20 years of great Pilates exercise!

Or spend $3,000-$4,000 on a good piece of equipment that you can use for the rest of your life at home and be on it 2, 3, 4 or more days a week!

Spending the money to invest in something that is well-made will be worth the money. Otherwise, you may find yourself like some of the other folks trying to get rid of stuff that they really can’t use (or won’t use) because it just isn’t sturdy, or safe enough, doesn’t feel right, or have adequate resistance like they are used to using in a Pilates studio.

A lot of the lower end machines don’t have springs, but are on giant rubber bands.  Some of the ones I’ve been on are tippy, and the foot bar is not solid, but wiggles when you use it.  They might be ok for the beginning basic exercises, but once you progress, you’re going to progress into needing a more sturdy Reformer.  Honestly, all of the people that I’ve talked to that have purchased lower-end equipment have been disappointed and aren’t using it like they thought they would.

Finding the Right Pilates Equipment Manufacturer to Buy From:

The major players that manufacture equipment all have home-models and some even sell fold-able reformers. These cost much more than the $125 bargain you’ve found on Craig’s list, but the difference in price for one of these from my perspective, still may not be worth the difference in quality of the feel of use when doing a workout on a regular studio reformer.

You might spend $1,000 – $2,000 for a high-end home Reformer, but the extra $1,000 -$1500 I would spend on a professional-grade piece of equipment, in the long run, just makes more sense to me.  Especially if I know I’m going to enjoy using it 3-4 days a week in my living room or basement for the next 20+ years.  But again, these comments are from my perspective.  Buying a good Pilates Reformer is like buying a good Treadmill.  If it doesn’t perform like the one at the health club, you might not be inclined to really use it.

I would love to hear what users who have actually purchased designed-for-home-use Reformers and foldable models have to say.

Here are a few links to go shopping for Pilates equipment:

Peak Pilates

Stott Pilates

Balanced Body Pilates

Gratz Pilates

Basil Blecher

Other manufacturers:

Teague Pilates

Home Equipment Manufacturer:

Stamina

There are probably quite a few other companies selling home equipment, but I really can’t with a clear conscious recommend them for purchase.  (Not sure I’d recommend everyone on the list above, but wanted to you have a variety of options to compare.)

• The difference in quality between professional grade and a $1,000 or less model is HUGE.
• I can’t recommend something I haven’t personally had a chance to use, to really see how they feel and work.

Since I haven’t been on every model out there, it’s a tough call.  I am partial to springs vs. bungee cords, and leather straps vs. ropes and risers.  I also prefer a foot bar that has several height adjustments.  Some manufacturers sell everything you need for your Reformer as a package, and other companies sell the reformer separately from the long/short box, handles, stick, and other accessories you might need to use.  So when comparing prices, you need to also compare the accessories that are included, or what you might have to spend extra money on.

Home Reformer Disappointments

I do know that while I was in Italy, I had the chance to get on a home model reformer that is being manufactured in Argentina.  It has promise for being a good lower-cost option, but the model we were on was a prototype and it was great for basic things, as soon as we progressed through a workout there were issues in keeping the carriage gliding evenly.  And we were only on it for 5-10 minutes.  Can’t imagine how it would hold up under normal use.  So I’m waiting and hoping that they will be able to get the bugs out, before I can recommend it, because it had great potential.

I also have a past client and teacher who ordered from Teague, because their prices are soooo much lower than everybody else.  But unfortunately, she was not thrilled with what she got.  But perhaps this would be a more economical option for you as they usually run some great specials on their equipment.

I would love to hear some comments from folks who are using Teague equipment to let the rest of us know how it compares to the big 3 manufacturers (Peak, Stott, and Balanced Body.)

Finding good used equipment is a challenge – if somebody posts good stuff, it usually sells very quickly. There are a few discussion boards and Pilates sites that do advertise used equipment for sale.

Here are two resources to shop for Used Pilates equipment that I know of:

The Pilates Guy

Pilates Connections Discussion Board (head to forums – Pilates Classifieds)

Yes, possibly on craigslist and eBay.  But the good stuff goes fast, and generally it holds its value – so a good slightly-used reformer won’t be much cheaper than buying a new one.  You might expect to pay  ½ price (plus or minus) for a well-used commercial grade reformer, even if it’s 20 years old!  (Plus shipping)

Final Thoughts

I Know that a $125 Pilates Reformer on Craig’s list sounds like a great bargain…but I’m just not sure you’re going to be happy with what you get. I do agree that it would be really good for you to have equipment that you can use at home to be consistent with your Pilates program.  You have demonstrated your commitment to yourself and your health by sticking with your Pilates workouts for so many years.  Shop around and spend your money wisely. I’m confident that, if, and when, you purchase something you will get your money’s worth and be using it regularly!

It’s always a big decision.  You’re not out much to spend $125 and try it!  But I will be curious to hear feedback from you if you do.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if I can assist you with anything else, and give me some feedback on the equipment you get when you make a decision and purchase a home Reformer.  Best of Luck finding the right equipment for your home Pilates workouts!

And to those of you that have already taken the plunge and purchased a reformer to use at home…

I’d love to hear your comments about the brand and model you’ve purchased:

• What Brand and Model did you purchase?
• Do you like it?
• Do you use it regularly?
• What are the pros and cons from your perspective!

Please share your thoughts so the folks that are still shopping can use your experience to make a great buying decision!

Here are a few frequently asked questions, and Five Tips to find a Great Pilates Teacher near you:

Q. I use Pilates books and videos at home, why should I participate in lessons at a Pilates Studio or Health Club?

A. Books and videos can be good tools to help you remember what you’re doing. However, nothing can replace the eye of a qualified and experienced Pilates teacher to help you understand the exercises and find the right muscles to do each exercise correctly. Books and videos will show you the basics of the exercises, but won’t help you become aware of the ways you’re cheating, or help to identify your bad habits and assist you in correcting them. Also, not every exercise is for every person. Following exactly what’s on a video may be dangerous for your body. Besides, just doing Matwork is only half of the system, so you’re missing out on half the benefits Pilates has to offer. Use of both the Pilates equipment and mat exercises is the ideal and best way to utilize the Pilates system.

A Qualified Pilates Teacher Can Help You:

• Find the right muscles to get the most benefit from the exercises.

• Learn how to modify or tweak the exercises for your body to be in safest position.

• Identify which exercises are appropriate for your body and which exercises you should skip or wait awhile before adding to your workout.

Q. How do I know if my Pilates instructor is a qualified teacher?

A. Great Question! Anyone can call themselves a Pilates Teacher – If they’ve read a book and watched a video, participated in only a weekend workshop, or completed an intensive 500+ hour Comprehensive Pilates Teacher-Training program.

To the uneducated consumer, without asking questions, you may not know if your teacher has the background and experience necessary to really help you get the most from your Pilates training experience.

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is an international non-profit organization to provide information and education to Pilates teachers and consumers.

The PMA^TM recommends that anyone wishing to teach the Pilates method:

• Participate in a Pilates exercise program prior to attending a teacher training program.
• Attend a comprehensive training program, and maintain a commitment to education.

The following are general guidelines, questions, and information from the Pilates Method Alliance that you can use to help search for a qualified Pilates teacher:

1. Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training program?

2. Did that training program require a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours?

3. How many total hours were spent in the training program? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)

4. Does the instructor have any other movement related teaching experience.

5. How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?

6. What is the instructor’s / studio’s philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?

7. Does the instructor or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?

Q. How do I find a Pilates studio with qualified, comprehensively-trained Pilates teachers?

Five Tips To Locate a Great Pilates Teacher Near You:

1. See what’s listed in your local phone book under Pilates.
2. Inquire with your local health clubs.
3. Call sports medicine / physical therapy / or kinesiology / chiropractic clinics and ask where they refer their patients for Pilates Training.
4. Check with the Pilates Method Alliance. The PMA is an international membership organization for Pilates. You can search on their website to locate a PMA member Pilates Teacher/Studio at http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/curntmemb.html
5. PilatesStyle Magazine also has a good studio referral network at http://www.pilatesstyle.com/web/directory.aspx

Remember…Pilates is for Every Body! Find a Great Pilates Teacher and check out what Pilates can do for you.

Question: Is Pilates appropriate for someone with peripheral atrophy? Balancing is becoming more & more difficult so yoga is no longer an option. If appropriate, please tell me where I might find a certified teacher/instructor. Please advise.

Answer: I do not feel it’s appropriate for me to answer this with a specific yes, or no – because I’m out of my scope of practice to recommend Pilates for a specific person, with a specific medical issue. (Especially someone I’ve never seen or worked with!)

However, here are my personal thoughts on the subject:

There can be many different reasons for peripheral atrophy. It would be important to know the causes, what parts of the body are being affected, how long it’s been an issue, symptoms, challenges, goals, a personal medical and exercise history, AND get prior approval from your primary care physician and medical specialist who is treating you for this — before starting a Pilates program. Your physician should give you the green light that it’s ok for you to begin (or continue) an exercise program – Pilates training or other forms of exercise.

Based on my years of Pilates teaching experience, and having worked with several clients with moderate to severe health challenges related to degenerative nerve and muscle diseases, Pilates training didn’t help reverse the clock and make everything “normal” but I have watched my clients enjoy substantial benefits in regards to gaining and maintaining strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness for an improved quality of life.

Because a training session with the Pilates equipment can get you off your feet, and into more supportive positions – the challenge of balance can be taken out of the equation while learning different ways to improve strength and body control. The goal, of a Pilates program (in my opinion) would be to help identify things in your daily life activities, movements, and posture that are becoming a challenge, and then develop a program with the Pilates exercises that will best help to maintain and improve your fitness.

Some of what I do with my special needs clients is Pilates. Some exercises have been creatively modified; other exercises I pull from my experience in dance and general fitness that I feel are applicable to continue gently encouraging the body to stay strong and healthy. This is my approach! It might be different with a different teacher.

If your Physician agrees that Pilates might be beneficial and recommends you give it a try, then you can start the search for a qualified Pilates teacher with the knowledge and background to work with you.

Not all Pilates teachers are created equal. With health challenges, it would be best to find a teacher with good experience, and it might be advisable to find someone with rehabilitation background or physical therapy experience (You want to find a Pilates teacher who is confident to work with special populations.)

Ask your potential Pilates trainer if they’ve worked with other clients with special needs or peripheral atrophy. If you’re lucky enough to be in an area of the country with an abundance of Pilates professional, I’d recommend visiting several studios, asking lots of questions, and possibly take lessons from a few different teachers to be sure you’ve found one that has a personality that clicks with yours and fits the bill for knowledge, expertise, ability to help encourage you, and can design a Pilates training program that allows you to work at your own pace.

Begin with private one-on-one Pilates training, and let the teacher you are working with help guide you into Pilates Mat or other equipment classes if and when it’s appropriate for you. (Private Pilates lessons may be your long-term best and safest option.) Chances are there will be lots of exercises and concepts that you will be able to take out of the studio for “homework” as a supplement to your Pilates personal training routine.

To locate a Pilates Teacher near you:

• See what’s listed in your local phone book under Pilates.
• Inquire with your local health clubs.
• Call sports medicine / physical therapy / or kinesiology / chiropractic clinics and ask where they refer their patients for Pilates Training.
• Check with the Pilates Method Alliance. The PMA is an international membership organization for Pilates. You can search on their website to locate a PMA member Pilates Teacher/Studio at http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/curntmemb.html
• PilatesStyle Magazine also has a good studio referral network at http://www.pilatesstyle.com/web/directory.aspx

It’s so important – that we maintain a good level of wellness! Finding an exercise program that you can do safely to maintain strength and flexibility will keep you as healthy as possible. It doesn’t have to be a wild and vigorous workout to get results. There is a difference between a professional athlete training for sports performance, and you or me enjoying exercise to maintain a good quality of life. Check with your doctor to be sure it’s ok for you to be active, and then find exercises you can do and enjoy that keep you moving at your own pace… and keep on moving!

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If you’re looking for more general info on peripheral atrophy visit: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000593.htm