total gym XL & pilates attachments /videos

[Gibbee]

Has anyone tried the total gym XL with the pilates attachments and videos? What is different on the total gym and are the pilates exercises pretty good?

[luvcritters]

We had a Total Gym without Pilates attachments sitting next to a Pilates reformer. There's too much resistance on a Total Gym for me to do Pilates. Maybe that's not the same for you. You'd have to try it. For me it didn't work and that's why there was a reformer right next to it. We got rid of the Total Gym because we can do Total Gym exercises on the reformer but couldn't do Pilates on the Total Gym. I hope someone else answers because I'd love to know how Pilates feels on the Total Gym. It was next to impossible to have correct form because of the resistance.

L

[Softshoe]

Hi Linda,

What brand is your Pilates reformer?

Thanks, Mary.

[luvcritters]

I have a Stott studio reformer. I have a bad low back and hip and Pilates helps keep me upright. It's the best investment we ever made.

L

[Softshoe]

Hey Linda,

I just wanted to ask, do you find the need to still lift weights? Or does the resistance on the reformer do the job?

Thanks, Mary.

[luvcritters]

The answer to the question is yes the reformer can do the job very nicely. I used to do strength with Cathe or Joyce Vedral or Gilad but I gave them up for Pilates once I saw what the reformer can do. Once you try it you won't go back unless you want bigger muscles. But if you want bigger muscles, add more springs or cords and use it like a Total Gym. The reformer is very versatile.

Linda