Assuming that you have done Pilates before, I imagine that you've used a Pilates machine or other such Pilates equipment. There are quite a few of these machines available for the home market. Every Pilaters machine I've seen, like the Pilates Reformer, is a completely self contained workout device.

Whether you are doing Winsor Pilates, Stott Pilates, Malibu Pilates or one of the many variations of these three similar systems, chances are that you have been introduced to one or even several of these excellent pieces of home exercise equipment. If you have ever thought about purchasing any of these Pilates machines, or even which to use at your local Pilates studio, read on.

Alright, let's get down to it. Here is my review of the three best Pilates machines available on the internet today. I am going to review, for your benefit, the Pilates Reformer, the Malibu Pilates Chair, and the ever popular Pilates Power Gym.

So here is the first review…the Pilates Reformer, the big dog of Pilates machines.

Pilates Reformer

This legendary (alright I'm being a little facetious with this term) Pilates Reformer is the top of the line Pilates machine out there. It is the equipment of choice among most of the worlds Pilates teaching elite. Although the name certainly does sound like some ancient torture device straight out of the Spanish Inquisition (which, if you remember your Monty Python, no one expects), it is actually a state of the art and up to date exercise equipment model.

As you probably know, the modern form of exercise known as Pilates is one that emphasizes strengthening the core postural muscles of the torso. It was designed and developed by Joe Pilates in the early 20th century. What is amazing is that the story goes that Joe came up with the basic idea of Pilates while in political prison. What he wanted was a holistic system of body development that improved the body's health by working the abdominal musculature.

The Pilates Reformer allows you to sit in its carriage on a padded seat and pull and push yourself along the track using the patented pulley and spring system. This way you can build yourself up with a steady and progressive pace, increasing your workload with time.

The Pilates Power Gym

If you are looking for a lightweight workout machine the Pilates Power Gym should be right up your alley. With its padded handles and straps and carbon steel structure ( just like the Reformer) it is simple and easy to use. It is fully adjustable for every level of fitness, including yours. At about half the size of the Pilates Reformer, the PPG makes sculpting and toning of you hips, calves, butt and back, not to mention firming up and adding muscle to your arms and abs, a simple process. You won't be able to help checking yourself out in your mirror to see a more fit and healthy new you!

Malibu Pilates Chair

The Malibu Pilates chair is probably the most compact Pilates machine available today. At under $350, it might just be the most affordable of the larger pieces of Pilates equipment. The new dog on the market, the MPC is a convenient and effective method of weight loss and control. Along with the free wall chart and diet plan, using the Malibu chair makes losing weight a breeze. I know it may seem odd to think of working out while sitting on your bum, you can actually get an excellent work out on this machine.

It doesn't matter which of these superior machines you purchase, you're going to feel great about losing all that weight and building up greater lean muscle mass.