| The reformer features oversized polyurethane rollers to ensure years of smooth, maintenance-free operation, along with five heavy-duty steel springs that offer a wide range of resistance. The lift-and-slide gear changer, meanwhile, adjusts to four different starting positions, while the pulley risers offer five positions of their own to produce an outstanding range of motion. And users will love the adjustable headrest and oversized, high-density foam shoulder pads, which combine to deliver serious support. Perhaps the most valuable feature from an advanced Pilates perspective, however, is the elevated exercise surface, which not only makes it easier to mount and dismount, but also lets the user perform more sophisticated exercises thatrequire ground clearance. The elevated surface also aids instructors, who will enjoy a better posture while teaching. Additional details include a multi-position, removable foot bar that's easily adjustable; a high-density padded cushion assembly for increased comfort and support; a jump board assembly; adjustable ropes with padded, double-loop handles; warm wood accents on the heavy-duty steel and aluminum frame; a non-skid base; and large-diameter wheels that deliver mobility even on rubber or carpeted floors. |
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 Highly recommend this reformer |
| Review Date: May 16, 2008 |
| Reviewer: mad shopper, Los Angeles, CA |
I ordered the Stamina XP 686, which at the time of order was titled Calm Pilates. It arrived and I thought I would need my husband to put it together. Husband not needed but an extra pr of hands will be needed at least once. It took a couple of hours to assemble and was relatively easy for this 5'10, 150lbs female. No additional tools were needed, everything included. Just follow the step by step instructions and take your time while putting this together.
There were a couple of small snags like a problem with one of the rails that had a metal pc welded together (for screws) but one side of the welding was off aligned. I needed to go to Lowe's to get a smaller fourth screw. Worked fine. Another welding snag with another screw for pulley but was able to put in a spacer/bolt and wingnut till the replacement part arrives. Minor things really. Stamina products customer service is fantastic and so helpful.
Once assembled it was wonderful! This is a commercial reformer. I am soooo glad I took the chance and got it as my Mother's day gift to myself. It's great for all classical pilates moves that use a reformer. Great for the intermediate - advance follower to workout at home. This is fine for the beginner too, but I would recommend watching the videos level 1, and reading method books. Do take a few classes to learn proper technique, esp. since you can really advance on this reformer. A reformer like this is a lifetime investment to your health & fitness.
The XP686 has a removable metal footbar and uses 5 springs not 3-4 cords like the XP555. The padding is very comfortable and shoulder pads adjusts to two widths...I have broad shoulders so this is a plus for me.
Two workout DVDs are included. For those needing a cardio workout there is a rebounder also included. I do have to order the box and pole set separately for $99, reason I am here now. This reformer is so stable, professional quality and very attractive/modern looking. Best pc of equipment I've bought since my treadmill. Would definitely recommend this to others, as it had been recommended to me.
It was delivered in two boxes which I kept. Since I will be moving in 6 months and will have to disassemble it. I have no problem with this at all.
Warning: This is a heavy pc of equipment so rolling it (as stated you could for storage) is not an option...at least not for this person. |
Professional Quality Workout
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| Review Date: May 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Maria Moreno, SUGAR GROVE, NORTH CAROLINA USA |
I was extremely pleased with the sturdy, professional quality of my new Stamina XP 686 AeroPilates Pro Reformer. I took lessons at ASU's pilates
studio before buying my reformer, and it is the same quality as the reformers in the studio. Top Quality! Great service! |
Studio Quality Reformer
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| Review Date: March 22, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Angie Fernandez, Seattle, WA |
I've been doing pilates reformer at the gym (personal training sessions and classes) for the past 4 months. I decided to get a reformer for my home to save time and money since I have a baby and full time job. Once assembled, my expectations were far surpassed with this machine and it is a great deal for $999 since most reformers with springs are priced way above that. It is of commercial quality and even nicer than the portable reformers I used in classes. It is very heavy though (~200 lbs) and very difficult for me (female 5'3" 110 lbs) to move around. I did most of the assembly myself, but did have my husband help me carry it upstairs and load the carriage onto the track. The assembly was pretty much a nightmare for two reasons:
1) The instruction manual is out of date and so the part list doesn't match up with the hardware kit received. Specifically, the instructions ask you to use 8 screws to assemble footboard and headboard. The screws aren't in the kit and there aren't even holes for them to go in. The 4 bolts that are used to assemble footboard and headboard are "slightly" different sizes than what's documented in manual. Some of the parts are also preassembled even though the instructions indicate you will have to assemble them. So all of this resulted in it looking like I was missing a lot of hardware along with some extra hardware that didn't match up to anything in the manual. I was going to go to the hardware store to buy some replacements, and in the process of figuring out exactly what I needed, I realized that the instructions were just wrong and was able to sort out what goes where. It shouldn't be that hard and frustrating though.
2) Attaching the side rails to the bases was hellish. I'm actually a very handy person and have assembled much more complicated smith machines without any help, so this is not a case of me not knowing what I'm doing. No matter how aligned the holes looked, I really struggled to get those bolts in, they just didn't want to thread. In fact, there is one bolt that I never was able to get in despite the hole being aligned. It's very sturdy as it is, so I decided to just let it go, but this is one area where they could've made it easier. However, after this part was done, everything else was easy for the assembly.
If the machine hadn't been so great in the end, I would've docked it a star for the difficult assembly. I also like the DVD that came with this, the exercise program is very similar to what I was doing in my classes, so makes it very easy to follow along at home. |
Quality!
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| Review Date: March 23, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Annie, Plymouth, MI USA |
| I have been taking Pilates at a local studio and I have to say this machine is about as sturdy as the $5000 machine I have been using. Once it arrived my husband put it together....no problems, but set aside a few hours to get the job done. I was so impressed once if was finished I felt lucky to have purchased it for this price. It is almost $2200 on the Stamina website! For me this was an investment in my health (healing from a back injury) and it seems to be worth every penny. If I could change one thing I would have liked a more complete users manual. Lots of how to instructions on assembly, but not on the ins and outs of the machine. I'm sure I will figure it out, but some more documentation would have been nice. |
Love This Equipment
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| Review Date: April 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: teamd, Palm City, FL |
This equipment is time consuming to assemble. I find the machine to be very sturdy and quiet feels like a professional piece, looks great in my gym. I have never tried pilates before when I looked into classes I was disappointed when I found out how expensive they are. I thought this would be a perfect compromise. I absolutely love it. I works every part of my body. I originally purchased this for me but my husband seems to like it just as much as I do. Comes with two videos which are great for beginners.
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