Merrithew™ At Home SPX® Reformer Package with Reformer Box, Footstrap, Padded Platform Extender and Metal Roll-up Pole – Pilates Workouts at Home(BLACK)

I got this as a xmas gift for me wife and was really surprised with the entire package. First of all it is constructed of high quality aluminum and steel. The frame/rails looks like very heavy gauge aircraft aluminum. The pad was well made with a synthetic leather cover over a very firm pad. The same quality held true for the other components. Granted this is an expensive piece of gear but this is as close to true commercial equipment as I have seen at this price point.The second nice thing is that is comes almost entirely assembled. It showed up in one box that was clean dry and completely intact. There are a few things to put together, but I do a lot of home improvement so the assembly wasn't particularly complicated from my perspective. It probably took me 30 mins to get the bars and ropes and pulleys all assembled, but even if you aren't handy you could still figure it out and only need a wrench and a screw driver (I think the allen wrench that is needed is in the kit).Delivery was simple. I ordered on Amazon. It took about 4 or 5 days to get a call from the local delivery company, and then the company was out in a day or two and put it right in my garage. They don't unpack or set up but I wasn't expecting that (and didn't pay for any others services).The only thing to be aware of is that the reformer is large and very heavy. I dont know what the weight is listed as but I would guess it was between 100 and 200 pounds. And given that it is also very long, moving it around is not possible with one person. Two healthy guys or fairly strong women can move it easily enough but stairs and corners are a pain so make sure you plan for it.The other odd thing is that it wasn't branded STOTT even though everything on Amazon clearly said STOTT PILATES. It was another company name on the reformer. I'm guessing one company bought out the other or got licensing rights.Regardless, my wife loves it. She wasn't into weights but likes yoga, running, tennis etc. She watched the DVDs and got started right away. The DVDs are important as it is all about body position so if you use it the wrong way it seems like you aren't getting a work out, but if you use it the way the DVDs or a trainer shows you it is a great total body work out.Really nice product and at least for us the entire experience was great.

This Stott Pilates reformer is exactly the same one my wife has been using at the fitness center. It came packaged very solidly with all the components and videos as listed on the description. Assembly was very easy. The biggest obstacle was disposing of the large cardboard shipping box. HINT: I took a razor knife and cut the boxes into 3 foot by 1 foot pieces, bundled it for my garbage collector recycling day.I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of this machine. The carriage is well padded and slides very smoothly. The rails are aluminum and very sturdy. I expect many years of use of this product.What makes this extremely beneficial for me is my pocket book. My wife was paying $65.00 per session at the fitness center. This machine will pay for itself in less than 6 months for me.My biggest disappointment was the freight company. The first unit was mishandled so badly that the box was bowed. I refused delivery. Amazon promptly shipped another that same day. The second one arrived with damage to the package externally but fortunately no damage to the unit. I would encourage Amazon to have this item clearly marked to ship flat only.My wife has back and neck issues and this has been the only thing that has help alleviate her pain. Her doctors have stated for long term healing this is the best approach. Her progress has been remarkable since she started using this system. Seeing her improvement so dramatically was the determining factor in my purchasing this machine for her.The videos are very detailed and give precise instruction on proper use of this machine. If not used properly it can do more harm than good. WATCH THE VIDEO before using, regardless if you have been getting one on one instruction.

I'd started an intro to pilates about 2 months ago, and pretty much fell in love with it immediately. However, after my initial "intro classes" were over I was looking at around 45-50$ a class, and at twice a week, actually purchasing an at home system seemed the best option. I chose the Stott system as it was what I had already been using, and after looking around on line, it actually looked to be the best "mid grade" option. I looked at some less expensive reformers, but I really wanted actual springs vs pulley ropes (for the foot work) and the cheaper options didn't really offer that. The frame is already 80% assembled, and the actual "putting together" is pretty simple. The instructions were pretty clear, and are able to be followed step by step. ** Amazon scheduled delivery service was great (this is the second time I've used it, and it was just as nice the first time), altho my nice delivery men had to leave the box (which is all of 10 ft long and an easy 150 lbs) outside my house and it took me (a pretty small, petite framed lady) about 30 minutes to wrestle it inside my front door. Be prepared to have some help moving the box- and the reformer once you get it unpacked as it's heavy and bulky. I was also not allowed to sign for it (due to the corona virus restrictions right now), so I wasn't able to document the damage done to the box in shipping (and consequently the carriage cover-a pretty good size rip) on the waybill/manifest which Merrithew -the manufacturer-asks you to do. Amazon came thru with exceptional customer service (as always) and made things right which Merrithew wouldn't-so be very aware of this when ordering from a third party vendor.