If you’ve been doing Pilates for any length of time, you’ve probably come across a couple of Pilates machines. There are a number of these pieces of equipment available on the market today. A Pilates machine, such as the Pilates Reformer, is an all in one, self contained Pilates workout.

I don’t care which “brand name” of Pilates you practice, whether it’s Winsor Pilates, Malibu Pilates, or Stott Pilates, there is a good chance you’ve used one of these machines. Maybe you have even bought one for your own home gym. If you don’t have one but thought about buying one…keep reading.

What I am going to do now is give a little comparison for three of the best Pilates machines out there: the Pilates Reformer, the Pilates Power Gym, and the Malibu Pilates Chair. These are, by far, the three most popular pieces of exercise equipment.

So here is the first review…the Pilates Reformer, the big dog of Pilates machines.

Pilates Reformer

In a class by itself, the Pilates Reformer is THE best in Pilates machines, bar none. It has shown itself to consistently be the exercise equipment of choice used by the world’s elite of Pilates instructors. I know the name sounds like a torture device straight from the Spanish Inquisition, but it is a piece of high quality equipment.

As you probably know, the modern form of exercise known as Pilates is one that emphasizes strengthening the core postural muscles of the torso. It was designed and developed by Joe Pilates in the early 20th century. What is amazing is that the story goes that Joe came up with the basic idea of Pilates while in political prison. What he wanted was a holistic system of body development that improved the body’s health by working the abdominal musculature.

The Pilates Reformer allows you to sit in its carriage on a padded seat and pull and push yourself along the track using the patented pulley and spring system. This way you can build yourself up with a steady and progressive pace, increasing your workload with time.

The Pilates Power Gym

What a beautiful piece of equipment is the Pilates Power Gym. Assuming you are under 250 pounds, it is perfect for you with its padded foot straps and handles just like the Pilates Reformer. Like the Reformer, you can adjust the PPG to your own fitness level to strengthen your body’s core muscles. As well, it is only about half the size of the PR and is fairly light weight for easy maneuverability. The sturdy carbon steel frame makes firming and toning a snap. You can quickly sculpt your thighs, calves, abdominals, hips, butt,and back using its modern technology. Use it for a few weeks and see a whole new, fit not fat, you.

Malibu Pilates Chair

The Malibu Pilates chair is probably the most compact Pilates machine available today. At under $350, it might just be the most affordable of the larger pieces of Pilates equipment. The new dog on the market, the MPC is a convenient and effective method of weight loss and control. Along with the free wall chart and diet plan, using the Malibu chair makes losing weight a breeze. I know it may seem odd to think of working out while sitting on your bum, you can actually get an excellent work out on this machine.

Whatever Pilates machine you decide to buy, you just can’t go wrong…as long as you actually use it to lose weight and not as a clothes line. Be prepared for a whole new and wonderful you!