Malibu Pilates Chair with 3 Workout DVDs

I taught Pilates professionally for seven years. In that time, one of two studio quality versions of this sat perched in a corner of my studio. Comparatively, this isn''t perfect, but it''s very, very good.

What''s fantastic about it:

1.) Real springs. It makes a difference. Springs require control and slower speed--you will get a better workout because you have to do the exercises with more effort to control springs than the comparative effort required by weights.

2.) It folds up!

This folds up into the space that a folding chair would take up; when Joseph Pilates invented the original Wunda Chair, he was trying to create a piece of Pilates equipment that would fit into a tiny New York apartment, or a corner of your average suburban living room; his solution was to create a box that could be used as a chair when its exercise-equipment-side was turned down towards the floor.

This is a better idea. Pilates would have loved it. Instead of a box, it''s like a folding chair with no back and an attached platform on the floor. Someone should submit it for a design award. It folds up!

3.) This is a safer chair than some studio quality chairs. In fact, it''s much more stable than the first Pilates chair I bought for my studio, which came from a manufacturer in California that I shall not name to avoid their annoying, rude, and distinctly non-refundable legal department.

4.) Mari Winsor DVD''s designed specifically for this piece of equipment are included.

Loathe as I am to admit it, Mari Winsor is a genius. About the time that I started thinking about how much you could improve the calorie-burning effect of Pilates by alternating the difficulty levels and tempos, so that it was Pilates-interval training, I discovered that someone had already done that and very successfully marketed it: Mari Winsor, darn her.

The DVDs included in this follow the same ''dynamic sequencing'' pattern used in Mari''s other Pilates DVD''s. On the chair, a very difficult exercise known as Mountain Climber is alternated with less difficult exercises, to make this a very challenging interval-Pilates workout.

What''s not so fabulous about it:

1.) The range of motion on the pedal is an inch or two less than a ''real'' chair. It may not functionally make a difference, but it feels a little odd compared to studio quality equipment.

2.) The springs aren''t interchangeable with other manufacturer''s springs: if you are male or a stronger female, it''s helpful to be able to put heavier springs and/or bungee cords on equipment like a non-studio quality trap table, the Pilates Extreme, and a Stamina Reformer, to increase the difficulty of workouts. I would also suspect the springs are not replaceable--this is sold as a unit without the option of replacement parts.

Any complaints aside, I love this. It''s a real, useable, spring-loaded Pilates chair; it was dirt cheap for what it is; it folds up into a very small space, for the cost of about five private sessions in a studio. Impressive.

P.S. Just read the instructions first. I pulled on the wrong thing when opening up the chair right out of the box, and heard an alarming crack. But you''ll be smarter than me.

I am most impressed with the pilates exercises. It''s the first that I''ve been able to do that doesn''t aggravate severe spinal and cervical injuries received in an auto accident. I have hope again to regain some physically fit condition without risking further damage to my injuries.

The chair itself is a great tool to use for these maneuvers although for the price, the quality of the chair leaves a bit to be desired. For several hundred dollars I do think they could use a better quality vinyl on the seat and foot piece. One of the brackets was bent when mine arrived and my husband bent it back into shape. One handle doesn''t insert snuggly no matter which direction or side you insert it into. The toggle on the foot pedals leaves a bit to be desired. This is quality I would expect on a piece of equipment under $100, not for a few hundred dollars. This is a quality workout program and for $359.00 (nearing $400 with shipping), there should be better quality on the chair.

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As a 74 yr old widow, with hip and knee problems, this machine has been the most comfortable to work on. It is helping to limber sore areas. With the anticipation it will relieve pain, I continue to use it, with ease. Thank you

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I definitely took a moment to decide whether to give this item 4 or 5 stars. Here''s the deal, the chair itself is great. If (and only IF) you order directly from the company, Guthy Renker or perhaps HSN, you can be sure that you are getting a really great quality pilates chair for much much less than it''s worth. Comparatively, other pilates chairs with the same composition, design, and function will cost two, three or sometimes 4 times as much as this chair. Literally.

I find this chair to be sturdy and made of quality materials. It folds up fairly easily and does indeed fit under my bed. I love it. I just ordered the sculpting handles from HSN because I think they''ll add to the workout and make the chair more versatile.

My recent order, direct from Guthy Renker, came in one box and it seems as though the company has taken note of customers having difficulty opening the machine because when I received mine, no springs were connected and nowhere did it say that I must read directions first. Although, I did and it was pretty simple.

The machine weighs almost 40 pounds, so if you think that it will be difficult for you to transport, keep that in mind. I personally have no problems with it at all.

Okay, now for the bad (or let''s say mediocre.) The workout dvd''s themselves are just okay. I actually like Mari''s workout better because it engaged my core much more. Also, she explains a little more about which muscles you are attempting to isolate and that''s sort of the whole point of pilates. If you are a beginner, do yourself a favor and take a few classes first OR do some basic pilates workouts from a different instructor. I highly recommend Rael Isacowitz who is a complete pilates bada$$. His direction is excellent and he will definitely instill in you a basic understanding of pilates. It is all about isolating each muscle group as you work it, and I don''t believe Carol Krieff does a very good job of explaining this in the workouts or in the instructions.

It will help if you have a prior knowledge of, or experience with pilates. If you are not doing the exercises correctly, and breathing correctly while utilizing the correct muscles, your workout will be completely ineffective. If you are doing them correctly, they will totally kick your butt.

The great thing about this chair (especially if you also get the handles) is that you can do pretty much any pilates chair workout DVD with it. MVe, Stott''s, and even Rael Isacowitz also have DVD''s that are compatible and that I will be considering purchasing.

All in all, this chair was a good purchase for me because I love pilates and can''t afford individual lessons in a studio.

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I bought this Pilates Malibu chair and am very happy with the purchase. It''s sturdy and well built. It''s not a professional chair, but for 1/3 the price, its a great substitute for your home gym. I''m happy with the chair and would recommend it. I haven''t watched any of the videos, but the enclosed chart shows you how to do many chair exercises