
I took over a year of
Pilates classes (on equipment) with a private instructor, and although, granted, this isn’t as sturdy or solid as a “real” Pilates Reformer, it’s still a valuable piece of workout equipment and as close to Pilates Reformer as you can get without paying $45-60 an hour.
(Before any Pilates instructors - whom I respect - get all up in arms about that statement, let me just say that I definitely wish I had the budget to continue paying for an instructor, because it is worth it - but if you don’t have the budget, this is the next best thing.)
I’d recommend that if you’re going to buy one, you take at least a few Pilates Reformer in-person classes first - the accompanying DVD is a bit pithy compared to “real” Pilates - but if you know what you’re doing regarding Pilates positions, you can definitely make use of the Performer.
I’ve had mine for about 3 months, and although the two plastic covers on each far end do occasionally pop off (you assemble much of the machine yourself - not difficult - and those particular pieces are only attached with double-stick tape), the rest of it seems pretty sturdy given the price. I do not have mine up on a stand, and I prefer it that way, as I can tip it on its side, easily fold it, and slide it underneath the stairs at my flat. It IS quite heavy, but I only noticed that while taking it out of the box; once you dedicate a space for storing it, it can quickly be folded/unfolded and slid into/out of wherever you choose to keep it.
Performance-wise (no pun intended), I can do the majority of my previous Reformer routine on this machine, including The Hundred, Mermaid, Arm and Leg Circles, and Elephant, and I’m definitely feeling it in the muscles and seeing results.