I purchased this with alot of reservation. First, it is better made than I thought it would be. Second, it functions as well as the very pricey ones ($2000.00 and up). I started taking private one-on-one lessons on a reformer manufactured by Balanced Body and have learned how to use the machine. In the beginning, I couldn't keep up the DVD's, but now that I have had my private lesson ($53.00 an hour), I can do the DVD successful. Doing the private lesson really paid off in the long run, especially since it is cheaper to purchase the DVD instead of forking out the big bucks every 10 lessons.
I also purchased a long/short box, pole, and foot strap to use on the reformer with the corresponding DVD. These 3 pieces of equipment provides more a variety of excercise on the reformer. *This style doesn't have all of the bells and whistles you would find on a reformer that is several thousand dollars, but not everyone needs all of the fancy stuff.
The set up was tricky, and it weighs over 100 lbs. Be sure to set it up in the room you plan on using it in. It is difficult to move once it is set up. It is is my basement accross from my 19 inch DVD HDTV. I put in the DVD and do the workout for 30 minutes. It workouts great for me.
Even my husband was shock in the decent quality. Really, what would you expect for $500.00? It worked better than we all thought. Kudos to Stamina!