oops, let me clarify......

I did not get the stronger springs, I just saw them on a website that sold equipment.

However, they are available if you would want them, I think about $40. a set? and you could adapt them to this machine.

Thanks for the info, I'm really considering it, it would work well within the space constraints that I have right now, and I don't mind spending the money, because I'm spending it to make me healthier, and when we do get our basement finished and I have the space, I will probably get one of the models that doesn't fold up. This one will more than likely go to my mom if she doesn't have one by then.

I'd say to keep checking eBay and elsewhere for cheaper prices...they probably jacked up the price to take advantage of the big post-holiday exercise market when EVERYONE and their uncle want to buy fitness stuff.

Marbleflys - thanks for the info - I'm used to the Reformers at my gym and it's hard to tell from such an ittybitty picture sometimes...I would definitely get stronger springs, myself, from what you said!

Oh I'm absolutely going to. I told myself I couldn't buy anything until I lost 25 pounds, which is my first mini goal for the middle of April. I figure by then I will be getting bored with the routines that I have, and the prospect of a new routine will keep me going.

The penny pincher in me is also hoping that I find it for cheaper on ebay or something of the sorts, because I know when we get the remodel done I want to upgrade. I really like the one that Suzanne has . . .

The one I have will come apart and fold up so you can slide it under a bed or behind a door. However, it's very heavy and awkward to lift on and off of the stand, and would be best done by two people. The stand isn't as easy to store. It comes apart, but it's too high to put behind a door or under a bed. I leave mine out and ready to use. I like it. But I've never used a professional machine, so I don't know what I'm missing

So I'm going to wait a couple of months before I buy anything, unless while scouring the classifides or something I come across a Total Gym with the pilates attachment, or if by some way I come across one of these Supreme Pilates machines.

Then I was showing hubby the machine that Suzanne has, and he said that once we get the remodel done, he'll buy it for me as a way to go for the weight lost. That one I won't have to worry if it comes apart or not, in fact it won't come apart at all, it will just always be there and ready.

I have one of the older, home model reformers that has 4 cords- I think I got it 7 or 8 years ago. I did have to buy a seperate stand, as it wasn't available when I orriginally purchased mine. I haven't used it in the past couple of years due to complecated health issues, but I will say I love it and look forward to getting back on it as soon as I can. I have used top quality, professional Total Gym's at a couple different physical therapy places- and I'm talking about the ones that cost $1000+, not a couple hundred buck- they never seem to feel as smooth & as supportive. I don't know if its the shoulder pads and how they give me a point to check my alignment, laying flat versus the incline, or what, but the feeling is sooooo different then on the Total Gym...to the point I would tell my physical therapist I would rather do the exercises at home. One big plus for me is how easy it is to increase/decrease resistance on my Pilates. Most of them do fold in the middle and don't take a lot of space. If you do get one, go for the the 4 cords- it is worth the little extra...plus the carriage is wider so you have more room, which is always better, especially with some exercises.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Christine. I just found out that a gym in the next community down from me has a major Pilates studio. It is a subsidized rec center so the price seems reasonable. I am going to find time to check that out ... I do wonder what it'd be like to train on on big, professional equipment.

Suzanne-

How do you like the rebounder part on yours? I see I can get the add on kit for mine and I really like the looks of it- but would like to hear how it works first hand.

I have a Pilates Performer JP and I LOVE it! It does fold up, and is not too much of a pain to put together, however, I find that I use it more if I just leave it set up all the time.

The Performer JP has a total of 32 exercises, plus whatever modifications you create on your own and really, really, works core muscles (abs,back). I bought mine on QVC and it's the best thing I've ever done!

I found one of these on Ebay and ended up getting it for under a hundred dollars!! Including all the tapes and everything. I agree it doesn't come with enough of the clip thingy's hubby is going to stop at home depot and get me a few more tonight. But I tried it out last night and it really is sturdy. Once we get our basement done though, I want one that doesn't fold up. I haven't tried it yet, but I think I can adapt some of my Windsor Pilates movements to the machine.

Congrats on your new purchase! I hope it works out well for you. Please keep us updated, if you don't mind. A lot of members have been curious about this machine and we'd all love to hear if it helps

mine actually came with Windsor Pilates DVD....I keep it right under the bed, pull it out and set up and fold back up. The clip things are about $1.50 at home depot.

it's a very good home version, i use it at night to stretch my poor muscles, helps me relax.

So I went home the other night, and was looking at what else came in the package, I got all the DVD's. I really like the Windsor Pilates one. It gives a pretty good workout, I can feel it after I've complete it. I really like the fact that I can get a good stretch.

It's really sturdy, my hubby is 6'5" and around 275 pounds, and he uses it also. He is a painter by trade, and he generally has been using it at night before we go to bed. He likes the stretch that he gets from it, so he doesn't feel so tight in the mornings. I can definitely see us getting some heavier springs down the line.

Anyone with any updated info? I saw the infomercial and now I am not sure that I can live without it.