I'm rating this a 4 star only because there are some excercises, like long spine, that you can't do with this machine. That being said this is a fantastic substitute for the real deal, which can cost 2k or more. Though I wouldn't recommend this, or any other pilates machine to someone who has never taken a studio class! I bought this because I couldn't afford pilates classes anymore, and I'm happy with how little assembly was required, and the quality of both the machine and the workout. I definitely feel a good burn, and I am at an intermediate level. So sometimes I do need to modify and use all 4 springs but it does the trick and I never feel the need for more (for now). The range of the springs are somewhat limited, so I wouldn't recommend this for anyone over 5'9" (which is what I am). I will say that the DVD's that come with the machine are way too fast and are only 30 minute workouts, but it's not a big deal I just watch YouTube videos. (Again, only do this if you are experienced.)

We like the machine but after using it for about a month it is making a loud popping noise as it slides. We have figured out what is causing this issue is the support for bench is catching on the bolt of a pulley. It is just catching it a small bit but you can tell my the damage that it has already to done to the support that it will not last much longer before breaking. We can see no way of making an adjustment...the machine came pre-assembled and all bolts/nuts seem to be tight.

Kaswit shipped it fast. This is a nice compact machine and a good workout, but I returned it. I have a bad knee and a torn rotator cuff that I am trying to rehab without surgery. For me personally I found it uncomfortable to get on and off due to it being low to the ground and compact. I bruised my legs several times on the footboard. The placement of the shoulder pulley's and the "jerking" of one of them did not work for the movements I need and I couldn't get comfortable. To be fair, I have limited movement in my left shoulder from the injury. The seller was responsive and said I may have gotten a defective unit (the pully jerking) and offered to send a new one. The resistance is good. As a former Total Gym user, you can get many similar moves done with this and not take up an entire bedroom or half the garage. I felt I got more resistance with this because of the bungee cords. When you have all the bungees engaged and the unit at it's highest elevation squats burn. At least for me they did (female, 120 lbs). You can switch them out for harder resistance bungees if more advanced. At 5'-5", I found the unit to be a bit small feeling in overall length, but again, I am used to an 8 foot Total Gym. The seller was easy to work with and the return was seamless. I was able to pack it up just as it originally came. I can't say if the DVD's workouts were good as I never opened them, but YouTube has some good videos of this machine in action. Overall, I would say it's a good machine for a small person without injuries or joint issues.

Kaswit shipped it fast. This is a nice compact machine and a good workout, but I returned it. I have a bad knee and a torn rotator cuff that I am trying to rehab without surgery. For me personally I found it uncomfortable to get on and off due to it being low to the ground and compact. I bruised my legs several times on the footboard. The placement of the shoulder pulley's and the "jerking" of one of them did not work for the movements I need and I couldn't get comfortable. To be fair, I have limited movement in my left shoulder from the injury. The seller was responsive and said I may have gotten a defective unit (the pully jerking) and offered to send a new one. The resistance is good. As a former Total Gym user, you can get many similar moves done with this and not take up an entire bedroom or half the garage. I felt I got more resistance with this because of the bungee cords. When you have all the bungees engaged and the unit at it's highest elevation squats burn. At least for me they did (female, 120 lbs). You can switch them out for harder resistance bungees if more advanced. At 5'-5", I found the unit to be a bit small feeling in overall length, but again, I am used to an 8 foot Total Gym. The seller was easy to work with and the return was seamless. I was able to pack it up just as it originally came. I can't say if the DVD's workouts were good as I never opened them, but YouTube has some good videos of this machine in action. Overall, I would say it's a good machine for a small person without injuries or joint issues.

Works great!