Wellness

[circles]

I don't have either.....but the Total Gym looks difficult to put together...and then changing out the pieces might be a turn off after a while....

[Luma2]

Both of these machines, although great, take up a lot of space and are very heavy for a woman to move alone. I would suggest a weight bench (like a piano bench even) and a few hand weights and some dvds. There are also plenty of body weight only exercises.

To use the pilates machine, you have to be able to get yourself up off the floor, as it is very low. If you get the total gym, you have to be able to "sit up" from both a head up and head down position. There is repositioning of your body, and repositioning of the cable attachments.

Consider whether you want upper body, lower body, and/or cardio - and which machine can provide it.

[Abrowneyegirl]

Another vote for Aero Pilates! It folds easily for storage and it is not cumbersome to fold and move as a petite person.

I love the workouts I get from my Pilates performer, low or no impact--perfect.

[qualitygal]

No help sorry, too many of my exercise machines became clothes hangers. I used to love step aerobics. I'd probably still go with something that didn't require a machine in my house. I guess you could join Curves or some such thing. ?? JMHO

[vac]

I would definitely go for the Aero Pilates over the Total Gym (just my personal preference in terms of exercise), but with a caveat. I purchased a pilates machine from QVC about 12 years ago, and I couldn't put it together properly and a male friend of mine couldn't either. If you don't have assembly skills, I would seriously consider other options for exercise. There are some great pilates mat workouts around on DVD and some small props available to work out with if you are equipment-inclined.

ETA: You Tube is a great source for pilates/yoga mat workouts to try free of charge.

[Hellodemocrat]

I have had my AeroPilates probably 11 years and love it. It is my first 'machine' and it does not go unused!! I Hate going to the gym. I would go with the five cord and get the stand. When i got mine it was a TSV and came with the stand. The rebounder will work your behind off. You will love it. It streaches all of you and it feels so good. Let us know what u do. Enjoy. I am 64.

[spot555]

I've always excercised, & NOTHING has ever gotten me into shape faster than a Pilates machine. After using it only 3 or 4 weeks, people were asking me what I was doing. The only BIG downfall is the space required. The length is one thing (a lot), but you also have to consider the width. When you use it, you're extending both your arms & legs way out to the sides.

I've never used a TG. It looks great, but I have neck problems & things with a slant really aggravate it.

[gazelle77]

I have both. I NEVER USE my Total gym... it is SO HEAVY and unless you leave it out all the time very hard to put away. The Pilates reformer is much easier to use and if you need to put it up each time, lift and place up against the wall or whatever. I like the workout of the pilates reformer much much more. it is more stretching as well as using muscle strength. And if you have the attachment for bouncing it is even good for heart rate. I think the stretching is so important for us as we age. I would suggest you go with the reformer over the Total gym.

[Winkk]

I don't really have an opinion on the TG, but we do have a pilates that isn't being used. My daughter used it for a while then stopped and now it's collecting dust. Just be very careful in your selection because they aren't that easy to move around and if you don't like it, it will be monster to return. I have no idea how much shipping would be to return it , it has to be a lot. I like the suggestion to get some exercise tapes and hand weights, instead of the expense of a machine. A lot cheaper and easier to store. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[shiningstar]

I have the Total Gym sitting in the corner and never used. This is not female friendly to set up. Very heavy so I just gave up. I'm 67 and live by myself. I think you would need someone to sit it up for you and have enough room where you can leave it up. My son could help with this, but since I have a small place, I would have to take it down every time I use it. Just to much trouble.