Although the Pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates about 100 years ago, to me it's all pretty new. I had heard about some of the mat exercises but not the Pilates reformer machine. I read about this just a few weeks back in a book called Pilates-2nd Edition which I read for a review. After reading about it and watching a few videos on YouTube I decided that this could be an interesting way to exercise and increase my core strength, balance, and muscle tone. I mostly just walk for exercise but this looked like a good way to create resistance in a little bit different way than lifting weights and doing other exercises. So I decided to do some research and see if I could find a machine that I could use at home and if there was one that I could afford. Many that I had seen cost thousands of dollars. After much research I finally settled on this Stamina AeroPilates 700 Premier Reformer with the stand. I debated about whether or not to get the stand and I finally decided I would for two reasons: It would be cooler in the summer to have air flowing beneath the machine as well as over the top, and because it would be easier to get on and off the machine if it was on the 10 inch stand. Otherwise, it would be just fine without it. Without the stand you can fold it in half to get it out of the way. When it's on the stand it really isn't going anywhere. It's too heavy and clumsy.One thing I discovered is that these things are really long, about 85 inches overall. We have a home gym but it isn't huge and there's other exercise equipment in there already. This fit with only a couple inches to spare and we have to step over it to get to the other side of the room. But after having it in there think it's well worth the space it takes because there are a lot of different exercises that can be done on this machine and they are actually enjoyable. While sometimes it seems like I'm not working very hard i'm surprised at how much I feel the exercise the next day and the amount of increased flexibility these exercises afford me, even in a very short time. Over the past year, when I stoop down to look at something on the low shelf or pick something up, I have to put a lot of concentration to standing straight up again. I hate to have to grab onto something help myself up, my knees didn't feel as strong as they used to. It made me feel like what I was getting old. (Which I guess I am, but I don't want to feel that way!) I'm happy to report that after using this machine for just a few days doing some of the exercises where I'm pushing the carriage that you lie on, back and forth with my feet and legs, I can now stoop down and get up again without as much effort. One of my knees still kind of hurts, but it feels a lot better going up the stairs and getting up and down. I was really afraid at first that I was going to make my knee feel worse, but I think it's strengthened the muscles around my knee and has really helped a lot. And this is less than a week. My sister says it's the placebo effect, that my knees couldn't feel better this quickly. Hey, if it's the placebo effect, I'll take it. Whatever works!The machine was very easy to put together. It was heavy, just over 100 pounds, and my husband was out for a few hours when it arrived. So I had to use a handcart to get it into the garage, took the box apart, and brought it piece by piece into the room where I was going to set it up. I was able to carry it all in myself except for the carriage which was heavy but mostly clumsy. My husband helped carry that in. The instructions, tools, and all the pieces I needed were included. There wasn't much hardware because most of it was already put together. It took me less than an hour to put it together myself, nothing at all complicated and I didn't have to use any unprintable words. I was impressed at how sturdy this machine feels and how well it is designed. I love things that are easy to assemble!This machine comes with the rebounder (trampoline thing), a neck pillow and DVD's. I've only watched a little bit of the beginner's DVD but it seems fine so far, although it's not HD. I've been mostly using the Pilates book that I mentioned above and I ordered another one today that I am planning to use: The Universal Reformer (Contrology Pilates Phisycal Collection) I got the Kindle version and reviewed it today.People have described the Pilates Reformer as a kind of relaxing way to exercise. Although I use a lot of muscles and put a lot of stress on them, it feels like more of a gentle way to exercise, kind of like Yoga. So far I seem to be getting good results without feeling strained or overworked. I do work up a sweat, especially when using the rebounder which is sort of like jumping on a trampoline while lying down. I'm surprised at how quickly it gets my heart pumping. But it's not like running or jumping around where I think, OMG, I want to lie down! Because I'm already lying down. :). Even after just a few days I feel more balanced and feel more like moving throughout the day. I still have a few aches and pains, but i'm hoping that as I get more in shape and lose the 15 pounds that I need to get rid of, that they'll go away. Because it's an enjoyable way to exercise and I'm seeing some quick results, I think it will keep me motivated to continue. Not having to go outdoors to exercise when the weather is bad and being able to use the machine in the privacy of my own home is a big plus. I will post updates as I continue to use this reformer.