I teach and use my reformer 4/6 times a week. It’s a balanced body allegro ii. I’d recommend taking a few private classes to get going, try a local studio and approach an instructor you like. Then use videos as discussed above. Maybe quarterly take a few private sessions - just to check on the precision of your movement, be able to ask where you are feeling the moves. And to get inspo for how to take various exercises to the next level. Also to check for any imbalances, etc. All to say it’s a great idea to get one - go for it and enjoy!!

I have an allegro 2 reformer with a tower and jump board.
I got it before the pandemic. I had been taking private and group sessions for a couple of years-closest studio to me was 1.25 hrs away (I live in a rural area now).

It is very easy to use and is very solid, I had used the Allegro 2 and the Balanced Body studio reformer in studio. Balanced Body was having a little bit of a sale on the Allegro 2 and b/c I was wiling to go with the standard grey it was shipping in a matter of days, whereas if I had been set on the studio reformer it was a little higher in price and I did not want the black upholstery, so it would have taken even longer to get the grey or cream upholstery.

During the pandemic my instructor started offering sessions over facetime/ zoom. So I practice with her 2x a week virtually. B/c I had been taking pilates for a couple of years before switching to zoom I was familiar with most of the exercises and my instructor is great a cueing, it has worked out really well.

Sometimes I will put myself through beginner or intermediate or do a youtube video for jumpboard-something that is not overly complicated as my exercise for a day when I haven't been able to do something else or I just feel like I need what pilates gives me.

On a side note, on the question or comment on the cost of a private session, you are paying for training and expertise.
A good pilates instructor has gone through a comprehensive program that is 600 hrs, with test outs at each level and completes continuing education courses. A classical comprehensive training program costs about $4500.00.
I do not begrudge my instructor her hourly rate at all.

I got cake and I know you wanna slice

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: why would you pay $100+ per workout? I don’t get it.

Some people choose to get their nails done every week, hair highlighted every few months, purchase expensive cars.. I choose to invest in my health. To each their own. Not only have this dramatically improved my physical health but also my mental health.

This is more money than a gym membership for an entire month. Or a physical therapy session (if you are doing Pilates in hopes of improving an injury) with someone with a graduate or post graduate degree in physical therapy. Or a personal trainer. Especially if you are using your own equipment, what exactly are paying $160/session for?

I hear you. I’m considering hiring someone to help me get acquainted with this specific equipment and then I will be able to maintain it with videos. The one on one instruction is important to ensure proper form and proper use of the equipment while I attempt to go on this on my own at home eventually.