Malibu Pilates Machine

While there are many pilates machines available, the two most popular right now are the traditional Pilates Reformer and the new Malibu Pilates chair. These are two completely different machines and offer different benefits. Below I will give you my list of pros and cons for each machine.

Malibu Pilates - this is a new design for a pilates machine that can be used in your home. Joseph Pilate (the designer of pilates) used a chair to do his pilates years ago but this is the first main stream, easily available to the public pilates chair. This machine comes with two videos (another video is offered with an upgrade). These videos focus on how to get a good workout using the chair. Pilates exercises usually are done for flexibility and core strength and cardio isn't usually part of the work out. The exercises are simple to do yet extremely effective. Like all pilates workouts, the exercises focus on building core strength, but in a different way on the chair. Using the chair you reach muscles you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. The chair is very stable but some exercises take a little time to get used to.

Pros - easy to assemble, comes with a 20 minute video and a more advanced 45 minute video. Exercises target the core but also the legs and arms. Includes a good cardio workout. Stores easily because it folds up. If you’re bored with normal pilates this is a fun alternative.

Cons - when you first start, it can be hard to figure out some of the exercises. Several have you almost standing on the chair, bending over. The chair is stable but it can still take a little while to feel comfortable performing the exerices.

Pilates Performer - this is a more traditional pilates machine. It’s a lay down machine that focuses on doing exercises slowly. The exercises are slow and controlled so you don't get a cardio workout like with the Malibu Pilates chair.

Pros - You can purchase videos that you show you how to use your machine and get the most out of it. It does a great job of strengthening your lower back and stretching your muscles. The pilates performer is easy to use and strengthens and tones your body quickly. It easily slides under a bed out of the way when you are finished using it.

Cons - it doesn’t offer any cardio workout.

Which machine you choose will be a product of how you want to exercise. You get a good strength and flexibility workout with both machines so they either one is a good choice.