Are cords or springs better for Pilates reformers?

From the first moment you try out a Pilates reformer machine, you&#;ll be hooked.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Built with versatility in mind, the Pilates reformer enables practitioners to achieve a complete workout with hundreds of different Pilates exercises and variations available to them.

Unfortunately, attending a Pilates class is often difficult due to scheduling, and some of us just like to work out in private. However, the cost of a high-end Pilates reformer may be outside your budget. So, where do you turn?

Fortunately, the AeroPilates reformer machine provides a cost-effective solution.

Developed by Stamina Products as an affordable alternative to high-end Pilates reformer machines, the AeroPilates Reformer takes the reformer into your home with a light folding frame and economical design similar to a standard home Pilates reformer.

AeroPilates machines come in all different shapes and sizes, with models that include a standard carriage and jump board to luxury models, such as the AeroPilates Pro Series 565 Pilates Reformer Machine.

While these machines may be affordable, they&#;re not cheaply built. In fact, you&#;ll be able to perform many of the same workouts on an AeroPilates reformer as many standard home Pilates reformer machines.

So while it may lack some of the versatility and accessories of a high-end Pilates reformer, the AeroPilates Reformer is perfect for beginners and Pilates practitioners on a budget.

To better understand this affordable and intuitive machine, let&#;s explore what makes the AeroPilates reformer machine different from standard home machines and why you should buy one. 

What&#;s Different About an AeroPilates Reformer?

Folding Frame

Many AeroPilates reformers feature a foldable design or easy transport and assembly. For example, the AeroPilates Precision Series 535 Pilates Reformer Machine folds down to smaller dimensions of 46.75"L x 20"W x 17"H so you can carry your reformer on the go.

Built with four steel springs, a foot bar, two fiber straps, a carriage, and shoulder rests, this AeroPilates reformer still provides everything you need to tack on resistance to everyday Pilates workouts.

Best of all, foldable Pilates reformers assemble right on your floor like a mat while still offering the same strength resistance as a reformer machine. It&#;s a nice blend of traditional mat and Pilates reformer exercises to add some versatility to your workouts.

However, not all AeroPilates reformer machines are foldable, especially higher-end models with elevation.

The Jumpboard

Many AeroPilates reformers feature a jump board, otherwise known as a Cardio Rebounder. These trampoline boards allow you to incorporate many cardiovascular exercises into your Pilates regimen. However, be careful, as this board is smaller in diameter than many home reformers, so you should always know where your feet land.

Light Padding

For the most part, foot bars, carriages, and shoulder rests will use light foam padding to save you money. Fortunately, if you&#;re relatively young and healthy, you won&#;t really mind this sacrifice, as these reformers still offer a pretty comfortable experience regardless.

No Tower

Most AeroPilates reformers don&#;t feature a tower to save customers money and create a more practical design. However, suppose you&#;re looking for a Pilates reformer with a tower. In that case, the AeroPilates Precision Cadillac Studio Tower offers a tower as a standalone option, although this equipment does not come with a carriage.

Resistance Cords

Lower priced AeroPilates reformers typically substitute high-strength bungee cords for resistance instead of steel springs. These chords provide a similar experience, enabling people to add resistance to their workouts and save a buck as well. For example, the AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Pilates Reformer Machine features an elevated home reformer design with four black resistance cords in a luxury set that provide the same versatility as a normal reformer without expensive materials.

Box Sold Separately

AeroPilates reformer machines do not feature a box, and you will have to buy one separately.

Fiber Straps

Most AeroPilates reformers feature fiber or nylon straps that could switch up from the leather straps you may be used to on a high-end reformer. 

Benefits of an AeroPilates Reformer

Affordable Price

The cost of a standard Pilates home reformer machine runs anywhere from $ to $10,000, with high-end Cadillac reformers costing the most. In addition, a full studio one-on-one Pilates reformer could run as high as $16,000.

Suppose you&#;re looking to save money or don&#;t have the budget for a high-end Pilates reformer. In that case, the AeroPilates reformer is the perfect alternative that will provide much of the same versatility as a standard reformer machine but with an economical design.

Full Functionality

Many AeroPilates machines, such as the AeroPilates Pro XP557 Pilates Reformer Machine, still offer the same full-functionality as a standard home Pilates reformer without a tower or box.

Furthermore, with the addition of many platforms like a standalone tower or a cardio rebounder, you can still incorporate a full workout with an AeroPilates reformer, whether you&#;re looking for low-impact stretching or a little intense strength and conditioning training.

Ease of Transport of Assembly

Many AeroPilates machines allow for easy stacking, thanks to their folding design. As a result, these machines are easy to take with you on the go, whether you&#;re moving or practicing Pilates with a friend.

In addition, these machines are really easy to set up, so you can save a little more money skipping the professional assembly.

Health Benefits

Finally, the AeroPilates reformer machine offers many of the same health benefits as any other machine, whether you&#;re practicing daily low-impact stretches or semi-daily workouts with the help of a professional trainer or DVD.

Many customers have reported back pain relief, flatter stomachs, and better sleep after investing in an AeroPilates reformer.

The AeroPilates reformer machine is the perfect investment to get started with Pilates at home.

As much as we love Pilates on a reformer, taking scheduled classes or buying an expensive home Pilates reformer is sometimes not practical.

For more information, please visit gymfrog.

Additional reading:
How to Wear a Belly Band | Best Pregnancy Support ...
What to Know About Belly Bands

While the AeroPilates reformer may sacrifice some of the comforts that a high-end Cadillac reformer may offer, you get much of the same versatility and freedom to perform your favorite Pilates workouts on this intuitive device.

Be sure to browse our wide selection of AeroPilates reformer machines to find one that&#;s perfect for your budget and workout routine.

It&#;s a scenario so many of us relate to - what starts out as an innocent curiosity quickly becomes an exciting romance and in no time turns into a serious dependency. Yep, we&#;re talking about your Pilates addiction, and it's no joke.

Finding a Pilates class or private session is easier than ever these days. Practically on every street corner, there's a studio full of teachers with knowing smiles and the promise of Pilates-induced bliss drawing you in. But improved flexibility, long, lean muscles, and this feel-good drug of choice are no match for a dwindling bank account. You're the picture of health, but your wallet is worse for the wear.

The reality is, this relationship is one of your healthiest and one that&#;s worth keeping. Augmenting your practice with at-home Pilates, you think, will help you get more out of your Pilates studio sessions and stay connected to your mind and body when you can&#;t meet your favorite teacher around the corner for your 6 AM fix.

Then, one early Saturday morning, you find a potential solution to your current fitness conundrum: the AeroPilates Reformer (sometimes called the AeroPilates Machine), moving...gliding, even...across your TV screen. Those home shopping hosts sure do look like they're having fun, and boy, that one host&#;s arms and thighs are really toned!

Best of all, the AeroPilates Reformer is only three easy payments, and the price, well, it sounds too good to be true. Then there&#;s free delivery. Could the AeroPilates Reformer really be the answer to your Pilates prayers?

Quite possibly.

Get the Skinny on Your New AeroPilates Machine

The Set Up

Unlike Reformers sold at higher price points, the AeroPilates Reformer arrives unassembled. That&#;s right. You&#;re in for an hours&#; long set up session. An IKEA Fleuvengeugen has nothing on this Reformer. We recommend you recruit someone who is handy with tools, a wiz at following blueprints, and who also maybe owes you a favor.

The Equipment

If you&#;re accustomed to studio-quality Pilates machines, the AeroPilates Reformer feels less substantial than a solid wood or aluminum Reformer. Though, the new line of premium models are constructed with wood accents and panels that add girth and are quite heavy.

Springs and Cords

On most AeroPilates Reformers, cords replace springs to provide the tension you need for your movements. Black cords are all equal in strength, much like the four equal springs of a Gratz Reformer. To vary the resistance, you can buy a cord upgrade package of lighter weight (yellow) and heavier weight (red) cords. Cords do take some getting used to, but once you acclimate yourself to this new set of "springs", you probably won&#;t think too much about it.

A higher-end unit does come with four actual springs, two lighter and two heavy. If you're used to studio equipment (an advanced practitioner or teacher, for example) you'll notice that the spring resistance is a little light in comparison. This is especially apparent in exercises like Side Splits or Front Splits.

Hack: For $25 + shipping, you can order a heavy spring to replace one of the lighter springs by calling AeroPilates' customer service.

The Footbar

The Footbar is fairly slender and has light padding. The strap for your feet used in Short Box also lacks padding. This is a barebones sacrifice if you&#;re used to a fuzzy strap caressing your cuneiforms (the midfoot).

The Footbar is fairly slender and has light padding. The strap for your feet used in Short Box also lacks padding. This is a barebones sacrifice if you&#;re used to a fuzzy strap caressing your cuneiforms (the midfoot).

According to Pilates Anytime co-founder, Kristi Cooper, the skinnier Footbar actually helps with some exercises, like Long Stretch Series. "You can really hold on to it," says Kristi.

Additionally, the Footbar moves a little bit as you set up for an exercise.

Hack: if the Footbar feels uncomfortable on your feet, especially during Arches, slice a pool noodle length-wise, and wrap it around the Footbar. (Genius!)

The Jumpboard

...is a literal trampoline. If you are used to a solid piece of padding on wood, the sensation is less solid and more springy. If you like to get height to your jump, here&#;s your chance.

...is a literal trampoline. If you are used to a solid piece of padding on wood, the sensation is less solid and more springy. If you like to get height to your jump, here&#;s your chance.

"A Jumpboard allows you to incorporate a cardiovascular workout into your Pilates routine and helps raise your heart rate." Kristi continues, "The springboard on the AeroPilates Reformer has a smaller surface area than other Reformers, so you have to be aware of where your feet land. It's actually a great proprioception indicator." The springy material is a solution for sensitive feet as well.

The Box

The AeroPilates Reformer does not come with the Box. As with other Reformers, not having the Box limits the exercises you can perform on the Reformer. If you like to do or aim to do exercises like

The Carriage

The pad is wide enough to hold many body types and feel safe and supported. If you're going to perform exercises that require lowering any part of yourself into the well, like Semi-Circle, consider that the space between the springs and carriage is very narrow, and you can't really "tuck" down into that space much.

Straps and Handles

These are fiber cords, similar to what you will find on a contemporary Reformer in a group Pilates class. If you&#;re accustomed to fiber straps, there&#;s no big change here. If you&#;re used to leather straps and wooden handles, you&#;re giving up a bit of Pilates luxury.

The Moves

The AeroPilates Reformer does not come with the Box. As with other Reformers, not having the Box limits the exercises you can perform on the Reformer. If you like to do or aim to do exercises like Long Box Series and Short Box Series , spring for the Box. You&#;ll be equipped to do so many more exercises and make the most of your Reformer.The pad is wide enough to hold many body types and feel safe and supported. If you're going to perform exercises that require lowering any part of yourself into the well, like Semi-Circle, consider that the space between the springs and carriage is very narrow, and you can't really "tuck" down into that space much.These are fiber cords, similar to what you will find on a contemporary Reformer in a group Pilates class. If you&#;re accustomed to fiber straps, there&#;s no big change here. If you&#;re used to leather straps and wooden handles, you&#;re giving up a bit of Pilates luxury.

You can do just about any exercises on the AeroPilates Reformer that you can do on a studio-quality Reformer, including inversion exercises like Short Spine Massage. The equipment is solid, and the Reformer is not going to tip over with you (if that&#;s a fear).

Short Spine Massage on the AeroPilates Reformer

Your Options

The lighter weight materials used in the AeroPilates Reformer keep the cost down. Stamina, the company that manufactures the Aero brand, sells Reformers of varying price points and different materials, so you will have to consult your pocketbook when deciding which product is right for you.

Additional Tips

As with all Pilates equipment, Kristi tells us that "Knowing movements and cues and working with some instruction is ideal." She continues, "The real trick to a solid Pilates practice and using your equipment effectively is to understand how each movement is supposed to feel and instruction can help with that."

Kristi also recommends watching online Reformer videos to help you progress and enhance your practice. "You have this Reformer in your space, and if left unused, it can be a constant reminder of all the Pilates you're not doing."

It turns out, you don't have to give up your Pilates habit after all. You just need to make this healthy habit a healthy one for your budget.

Think of the AeroPilates Reformer like a Hampton Garden Inn. It may not be the Ritz Carlton, but you&#;ll get a good nights sleep, a hot shower, and maybe a warm cookie - everything you need to feel refreshed and put in a good day&#;s work.

Want more information on folding pilates reformer? Feel free to contact us.