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

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.

1. Horrible delivery Even though you choose to pay for in-room delivery, Amazon delivery people will still leave the 115lb package is left in the mailroom on 1st floor at their most convenience. You will need to find at least two strong people to help move it to your apartment, and install it by yourself. 2. Wrong spring part The product image shows 3 red/heavy, 1 blue/medium, and 1 white/light. The actual product comes with 4 red/heavy, and 1 blue/medium. The white/light one is challenging for core work (plank, etc.), so you won't be able to do it given the high price you pay for the machine. Also, Amazon refuses to send the white/light spring to you, but ask you to "pack" back to original packaging and return the entire machine without any help (again). The overall machine is high quality, but you will need to put yourself in a lot of trouble before getting it ready to use, and won't be able to use it to the full potential. Think twice before committing to this one. Learn from my lesson!

I was using another reformer (different brand, much less expensive) for a few months and realized how much I liked doing the workouts but the machine had wasn't working well. The woman I do workouts with on YouTube was using this one so I started doing my research and read reviews and decided to take the chance this one would workout well for me. It most definitely HAS!! I was concerned because others had some complaints about poor delivery. Granted it did take a few weeks to ship (as stated in product info) and I didn't receive a call beforehand to scheduled an actual delivery date ... but I DID get a call on the morning of delivery from the driver to confirm I was home and could accept delivery. They were SO kind ... they unloaded from the truck (no damage to the shipping box at all) and even helped wheel it into the workout room (separate outbuilding near the driveway). So grateful for their help! The reformer itself is beautiful!! I haven't used all the extras that were included yet ... but I love the smoothness of the gliding and the ease of changing springs. My previous one had straps and I was always worried they would snap ... I feel safer with the springs! Even the foot straps feel good and stay in place. The machine feels solid/sturdy. Thankfully I don't move it around but it is heavy (to me) so I'm glad it stays solidly in place. I told my husband it's like I traded in a hamburger for steak as far as the quality. ;-) I will share that the shoulder pads were a little too low - I'm 64" so maybe that why? Anyway - I moved them up so I only was able to use one of the screws to keep it in place but they work fine like this for me - no moving around and now my head is able to get all the way on the headboard. (Not sure if I'm explaining this well??) I am very happy with this reformer!

I was a little nervous ordering something this big and expensive but Wow! - Amazon provided amazing customer service from the beginning to the end. The original one got damaged in transit. They offered me several options to choose from. I mean from money off, replacement part (if possible), or return that one and get another. I did return it and they were fantastic every step of the way and arranged for the damaged one to be picked up at the same time the replacement was delivered - Excellent Service! Now, the product is awesome. It comes with many attachments and others that I purchased through Amazon. This is a commercial duty unit. I wanted it as it has springs and as a guy I can do more body building on it. I have used reformers for many years. This one is very well constructed and I am totally pleased with this. This is a unit if you are heavier or do advanced reformer workouts. Excellent Machine. If you are new to a Pilates Reformer, I would suggest looking on Amazon for the Stamina Aeropilates. I like the XP556 as it has springs instead of cords. The cords are fine, I just like prefer the springs. All of the Stamina units are excellent and they have them at many different price points. The instructional DVD that comes with the Aeropilates is excellent. The lady is Marjolein Brugman and her DVD's are very instructional and great workouts. Again, both units are exceptional, it just depends how far you want to go and how much you want to spend. Whichever you choose, I like how Amazon provided a great experience in purchasing this from them on line. I know I keep giving them Kudo's but in today's world, it is rare that you get good customer service so when you do, I feel you should recognize it.

Using this product at home. I’ve been practicing Pilates for a few years. The springs are heavy but adjustable 3 ways and that’s great. I love the rails glide so well. Easy set up - EXCEPT the ropes are very hard to set up evenly. I’d like to see an updated Merrithew product to address this. Doing long spine can be a challenge as the ropes do not glide or retract easily. Candlestick makes more sense. Materials are quality. I’m only 5’0” and 110 lb and I feel like I barely fit. Put my sister on it and she barely fit!

A very cost-effective home Pilates equipment.