Has anyone tried one of those Pilates machines?

[Julius]

I would be interested to know if anyone has tried one? Are they any good? I can't go running any more due to a shoulder injury falling off bike I want something to keep me toned over the next 6 months. Those machines aren't cheap though! £300 - £400! I might get one if they do it as a TSV or put on easy pay. Thanks for advice.

 

[lynnonthelake]

Never tried one Julius I get all my exercise walking around the shops.
Lynn

 

[Julius]

Hmm. I don't have time for shopping! Can't let this injury get me down. Must stay fit! I suppose I can always buy a Pilates machine under the 30 day MBG but before I go through all the expense of getting it I would like to know of peoples' experience with them. I like swimming but am not keen on other people in pool / chlorine etc. Would rather be at home and exercise there.

 

[lynnonthelake]

I never go swimming as I hate chlorine getting into my skin.
Lynn

 

[Tiddlywinks]

I've got one... bought 2 years ago before I had a shoulder operation (so I know how restrictive a shoulder injury can be).

Before you buy a machine just be aware that the dimensions of the 'footprint' do not tell the whole story. In use, it takes up a hell of a lot of room. So much so that I've had to move it into the garage in order to use it properly (and my bedrooms are not that small)... and now I can't be bothered because it's colder out there!

So, to check on whether you have the room, lie on the floor and spread your arms wide out both sides and then add a couple of inches... that's the width. Then, swing your arms back as far as you can behind your head and add a couple of inches... that's the length of space required. In practice, it takes up about the same room as a double bed when in use.

I wish someone had told me this before I bought it as I didn't put my thinking cap on and bought based on the dimensions of the machine and not thinking about the swinging arms and legs.

It is heavy and does really need to be left out as it is a faff to keep dragging it out and unfolding it - don't believe them when they tell you otherwise... I wouldn't have moved it into the garage if I could have opened and closed it easily for storage and use.

If you have the room and the motivation, this machine could be really useful for recovering from your shoulder injury as the cord work is tough and does help build resistance.

 

[Julius]

Thank you Tiddly. This is extremely helpful. I could put it in my bedroom if I move some furniture around, but I can't even do that will have to get someone to move it for me. I might get one. Will have to see what deals are available. I trust QVC more than most places.

I've got one... bought 2 years ago before I had a shoulder operation (so I know how restrictive a shoulder injury can be).

Before you buy a machine just be aware that the dimensions of the 'footprint' do not tell the whole story. In use, it takes up a hell of a lot of room. So much so that I've had to move it into the garage in order to use it properly (and my bedrooms are not that small)... and now I can't be bothered because it's colder out there!

So, to check on whether you have the room, lie on the floor and spread your arms wide out both sides and then add a couple of inches... that's the width. Then, swing your arms back as far as you can behind your head and add a couple of inches... that's the length of space required. In practice, it takes up about the same room as a double bed when in use.

I wish someone had told me this before I bought it as I didn't put my thinking cap on and bought based on the dimensions of the machine and not thinking about the swinging arms and legs.

It is heavy and does really need to be left out as it is a faff to keep dragging it out and unfolding it - don't believe them when they tell you otherwise... I wouldn't have moved it into the garage if I could have opened and closed it easily for storage and use.

If you have the room and the motivation, this machine could be really useful for recovering from your shoulder injury as the cord work is tough and does help build resistance.

 

[DMS]

I also wanted one, but did not have the money to get one from QVC plus my hubby said it would end up like a clothes horse like the other items I have had. SO, I sourced mine locally from ebay and got mine for £5.....yes! £5!! don't think the seller was too happy about selling it to me for that. Anyway, I have the 3 cord one, the seat was a bit clawed up from cats, but I thought that if I didn't get on with it, then I hadn't lost a lot of money. I had mine out in my lounge for about 3 weeks and was enjoying using it (yes, you do need a lot of space), but then hubby got fed up with walking around it and put it in the shed......and that is where it stayed as it was too cold to use there. I really want to get back into using it, but am recovering from surgery atm, but will check with my doc if I would be ok to start gently when he says.

 

[Tiddlywinks]

Thank you Tiddly. This is extremely helpful. I could put it in my bedroom if I move some furniture around, but I can't even do that will have to get someone to move it for me. I might get one. Will have to see what deals are available. I trust QVC more than most places.

Just thinking back to my shoulder problem sends shivers down my spine - it was the single most painful thing ever!!! You have my sympathy. I had nearly a year prior to operation and then a good 9 months recovery and even now I don't have more that 80% strength and still have less muscle mass on injured side.

Before you get someone over to haul furniture around perhaps you could measure your height with good arm up in the air and then add a few inches and then work out your arm span and add a few inches... then use some newspaper laid out to show the space required... it'll then show you just how much space you will be giving up to it.

Have you been referred for physio? After my op, I was referred to a physio and then to group sessions which specialised in shoulder injuries. Most of the work used tennis balls, gym balls and air walkers and did me more good than the pilates machine to be honest. The machine involves a lot of movement which you might feel in your shoulder... what are you hoping from getting it? Cardio, toning or what... I don't need to tell you just how limited you are when one shoulder doesn't work - the 30 day MBG will at least let you know just how much use you could put it to.

 

[Julius]

£5 sounds like a great price! Don't think I will be lucky enough to find one for that. I just don't want to become flabby and untoned. I want to keep my abs toned and my legs.Am going to specialist again next week. Had to pay £100 but all future sessions are free covered by med insurance. I only have to pay for medicines. I might ask specialist. He said he may have to do a "manipulation" under anesthesia and possibly operate

Just thinking back to my shoulder problem sends shivers down my spine - it was the single most painful thing ever!!! You have my sympathy. I had nearly a year prior to operation and then a good 9 months recovery and even now I don't have more that 80% strength and still have less muscle mass on injured side.

Before you get someone over to haul furniture around perhaps you could measure your height with good arm up in the air and then add a few inches and then work out your arm span and add a few inches... then use some newspaper laid out to show the space required... it'll then show you just how much space you will be giving up to it.

Have you been referred for physio? After my op, I was referred to a physio and then to group sessions which specialised in shoulder injuries. Most of the work used tennis balls, gym balls and air walkers and did me more good than the pilates machine to be honest. The machine involves a lot of movement which you might feel in your shoulder... what are you hoping from getting it? Cardio, toning or what... I don't need to tell you just how limited you are when one shoulder doesn't work - the 30 day MBG will at least let you know just how much use you could put it to.

 

[Dips]

I've had one for about 15 years, so mine is one of the original ones before it became the aero-version. I am lucky enough to be able to dedicate my box room to being a "gym" so my machine is out all the time along with my cross-trainer (as I say, mine's the old, non-aerobic version). Therefore, I only use mine for toning and it is very effective at that. The basic toning work-out takes c25-30 mins, so if you were also to add 30mins of rebounding aerobic exercise to this, you would have a very effective workout. When you are recovered from your injury, it is also a very effective toning machine for post-workout stretching.

So, my summary is that if you can keep it out so that it is accessible, then I think it is an effective piece of kit. Also, this is really a case where the 30-day MBG comes into its own. One of my forum buddies on CraftTelly.com ordered one but found it aggravated a medical condition that they had, so it was collected for free and full refund given. HTH

Finally, if anyone who has a machine but no longer uses it, I am interested in acquiring the intermediate and/or advance Pilates workout DVDs (not the cardio ones). Please PM me if you would be happy to sell them at a reasonable price.

 

[Silver Fox]

I agree with Tiddlywinks.I have had one for years & have used in the past but it is now gathering dust simply because I do not have the room to leave it out & assembled & it is too heavy to drag out & set up all the time.

 

[Whatsgoinon?]

I for one can't praise the AeroPilates machine enough and for all the likes and dislikes of Julia Roberts, she certainly helped me out when I was at my lowest and the Physio said she couldn't do anything more for me.

Two and half years ago I had a freak accident, slipped on moss, dislocated my right foot and broke me leg in 2 places. My foot had to be re-located before surgery and I now have a pin on the inside of my ankle and a 4" plate and pins on the outside ankle bone. It was 2 weeks after leaving hospital before I had any form of physio. I was given basic exercises and bought a balance board, but I felt I needed more.

Speaking to Julia on her blog, she suggested AeroPilates, so I took the plunge and ordered the 4 corded, wide boarded machine, confident in the knowledge that if it wasn't suitable QVC would arrange collection. It was very slow at first and I had days where my ankle swelled up and became painful, but I just rested it. After a while, Julia asked me to phone in...a number of times actually, then I plucked up the courage to do so.

Following that I had a couple of issues with various exercises and as Marjolein very often says "Send me an email and I will answer", she certainly keeps to her word. I actually emailed her the other day, with a question and within a couple of hours, bearing in mind she could be anywhere in the world, she emailed back...now that's what I call service!

So I would advise anybody to give the AeroPilates a try and as already said, if you can leave the machine out, the better, it's more likely to get used. Mine stays out at the side of the bed and I tend to use it more in the morning, preferably before breakfast.

I can honestly say, that Julia Roberts has helped me out again...I was having a lot of head pain (no it wasn't a headache) in the area that hit the floor when I fell, along with other symptoms. I received an email from Julia, who had received a message from a concerned customer who had read my symptoms on Julia's blog and she passed the message on and because of her actions I went to see my GP and had various blood tests and X-Rays for Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis, the latter if not caught early enough can cause blindness...it was a very worrying time for me, but I am pleased to say that for all my symptoms I was clear, but who knows if I hadn't been contacted by Julia...she didn't need to do that, but she did and I for one am grateful:whew:

Hope you can take the plunge Julius...you've got 30 days to try it out, Good Luck!

 

[Judith]

I have had a four corded machine I bought about seven years ago. I found I had difficulty getting on and off due to mobility problems so I bought the stand which makes it easier. I am fortunate that we have a spare bedroom so can leave it out permanently. I have also e-mailed Marjolein in the past and had quick replies. I found when I spoke to doctors,consultants and physios about the machine not one knew anything about it.
Well done to Julia for responding to you Whatsgoinon?.

 

[Dips]

Ah, Judith, it was the getting on and off that was a problem for Jacksmissus over on CT.com.

That's interesting about Marjolein, I'm going to email her as I have a problem doing one of the exercises. I've tried calling the studio when she's on air but they never put my call through.

So, like most exercise machines, it seems that if you have the space to leave it out, you'll use it. If you don't, you won't!

 

[Nutsville]

I have a 4 cord Pilates machine with the pull up bar. This is my 2nd machine as I originally brought one cheaply off Ebay, got on really well with it and upgraded to the newer model. I have spinal problems with 4 curvatures, 3 in my back and 1 in my neck which was pinching the spinal cord, so much so that they removed a disc and put a carbon cage in between C5 & C6. The stand was an absolute game changer for me. As I live on my own I had the suite chairs put away, just leaving my settee in the front room so I could leave my Pilates machine set up. To start with I honestly thought that I'd made a huge mistake because using the machine caused me pain in both my neck and back. I emailed Marjolein and within a couple of hours she sent me a message back. Her suggestion was to get the headrest cushion. Well I thought it wasn't expensive and I had my 30dmbg. It made such a huge difference and stopped the pain. I had a frozen shoulder at one point, painful was an understatement so can feel for you, I took the instruction book and wall chart to the physio and she was more than happy for me to use the machine. It worked out that I recovered in just over half the time the physio was expecting. My biggest problem using the machine now is that every time I get on it, one or both of my cats suddenly appear and want to sit on my belly for a ride!

I don't know in which part of the country you live in Julius, but if you're anywhere near Lancashire or want a day out you are more than welcome to come and try my machine before you take the plunge.

Jen

 

[Julius]

Thank you everyone for your kind and helpful responses. Very informative! It seems that these machines have helped people very much. I can't wait to see the specialist and see if he will let me get one. I was going to try swimming as I read that it was supportive but I don't like the chlorine and other people in pool. Also I don't have the same range of motion in right arm. Well I do but I would probably pass out with pain if I tried my usual swimming style! They gave me some tablets called tramadol but I'm only supposed to use them sparingly. So I think I may go for the machine.

 

[iloveshopping]

Tramadol are pain killers. They can be addictive so that is why the doc said to use them sparingly

 

[louise66]

I've always been put off buying one for three main reasons: assembling the machine; the price; storing it - it is a large machine and, if put away, it won't get used. I have found this to be the case with exercise equipment, so it would be a waste of money buying it for me.

 

[Julius]

Thank you everyone for the information. I have only taken the tramadol twice. I don't really want to take anything although at 4am I took some ibuprofen. Hopefully I can get the manipulation thing done soon. The good thing is with the private medical insurance things are quicker than on the NHS. I was told that the manipulation will have to be done under anesthesia - either twilight or general. As I understand it "twilight" is where I would be drugged up to my eyeballs and general is where I'm knocked out completely. They need to work out the extent of the manipulation and my fitness to decide what to do. Apparently with the manipulation and physio the recovery would be faster than operation, but I could ruin everything by doing the wrong exercise. Am used to being fit and don't want to let myself go I will wait for next consultation and then maybe order machine.

 

[iloveshopping]

Yes it seems like you have understood that you need to be patient and not do anything to spoil your recovery. I have a lot of respect for the physiotherapists - they certainly know the human body well and are really helpful if you are motivated to do the exercises they recommend.