I would like to be able to do the reformer classes at home, but don't want to spend $2,000 for a professional reformer.

Someone in my neighborhood is selling one of these for $250:

//www2.staminaproducts.com/products/product_details.cfm?PID=55-4650D&cat=Pilates

Anyone have experience with these? Do you think it would work OK for me (Pilates beginner) doing the Pilates Anytime classes?

Ted, I have some experience with this Reformer. At first, I was a little hesitant when my client wanted to use it because of the bungy cords instead of springs. In the end though, it worked perfectly fine, quite well actually, and yes it would work for our classes. You have had experience with a Pilates teacher and have taken many privates. Still, our equipment workouts are geared for people who have had a little more experience than what I know you have had to this point. Though I think you would be fine if you chose the lower level equipment classes, I would still recommend and prefer that you stick with equipment classes when a teacher is with you in the room.

My sister has one and I can't stand it. But then again it's better then no reformer that's for sure. But I did really really like the rebounder jumpboard thing.

I feel like I would be ready to use it... I've taken about 20 private lessons.

So Ted, did you get it?

No, I didn't get it. I have been doing some group Reformer classes however and gaining more experience.

I know this thread is old, but I thought I'd throw my two cents worth in, in case anyone else is wondering about this. I've been doing the level 1 and 2 videos with a Stamina Performer JP, one of the older home models with three cords. I have run into a couple of moves I could not do on it, because it's just too short, but for the most part, it seems to work okay. I bought it several years ago, and had not used it in ages. The videos that came with it are terrible, and I never felt like I was getting any results just making up my own routines. This has given me a reason to get it out and use it again. Last night, I adjusted the cords to make them a little tighter and oiled the tracks so that it glides nice and smoothly, just like it did when it was new. I do need to get a box, though. That's the one thing that is missing from my workout.

I actually bought one just for the cardio rebounder. I LOVE that rebounder thing. I have an older current concepts reformer too and the aeropilates folds in half so I just got it for the rebounder, but you know what, I have actually been using it quite a bit. Once I'm on it to jump, I end up working out on it. Or I'll start out with a bit of footwork on it before I use the rebounder, and end up doing the 100, then some arm work...and next thing you know I've done a whole workout. Now, I hate doing short/long spine on it. I feel scared. I also don't like doing more advanced moves like tendon stretch, and would NEVER attempt to do snake tist etc on it...but overall it's not bad. But after I have used it a few times and then get back on my "real" reformer...the difference is so noticable. But...I have to say, to use at home they aren't all that bad. We shouldn't really be doing advanced moves like snake twist at home without an instructor anyway!!