Empower Pilates Resistance Band and Toning Bar Home Gym, Portable Pilates Total Body Workout, Yoga, Fitness, Stretch, Sculpt, Tone

I love this thing. I'm 42, out of shape, and in the last 2 years, I had 4 surgeries on my cervical, lumbar and sacral spine to straighten it from 50 degrees to less than 10 degrees. The last 2 surgeries (lumbar and sacral) were 7 mos ago. This keeps me from ever again doing hard-core cardio or weights (I never enjoyed that anyway). My spine is mostly titanium and it doesn't really bend or lift like a normal body. Throughout my physical therapy, my PT subtly introduced me to Pilates, eventually putting me on the reformer. This little bar/band setup wonderfully replicates most of the things I did in PT, from the stretches to the mat work to the reformer. I love it. I've always hated yoga, but this is a great way to do pilates in my own home, taking up very little space. As for the video, I used the DVD a few times, but where I like to work out in the house, there isn't a DVD player. Empower actually has the full video on YouTube, so I use that on my iPad or laptop. Don't be put off by the horrible production value. Gin Miller is a great instructor and the exercises are, as I said, everything I did in physical therapy. There are also different levels of each exercise, from easier to really hard. I'm somewhere in the middle. I've only had this a couple of days, but it makes me feel great and like I'm really taking control and getting back in shape. I always hated working out but pilates is actually fun. Oh, and if I can do this 7 mos after 3 intense spine straightening surgeries, you can do it too.

This product comes with 30 in bands. Apparently that is the standard as I cannot find them any longer. This severely limits what can be done with this product for somebody over 5'7" or 5'8". At 5'10", i cannot perform most of the overhead exercises in full range. This is really disappointing. This is a great product if you are short to average height but for taller men and women, don't waste the money. It would be really nice to see them offer 33 and 36 inch bands as an option.

WOW..I just received this pilates contraption today (Wednesday) and boy does this thing work for my injury. I have VERY tight hip flexors and within 5-10 minutes of using this thing i felt my hips and thighs opening up. I haven't even looked at the dvd yet. I just strapped my right leg on and started doing circular motions, fast and slow, left to right and i felt such a relief. A relief i have not felt in months. I tried doing stretches i found on youtube but i found it difficult to do by myself especially since my hips are weak and i am in so much pain but this device made it easy to lift the problem leg.I am looking forward to seeing the dvd and doing different workouts with this device. I HIGHLY recommend this pilates device you wont regret it.P.S. I am not affiliated in any way with this company or paid to write a review. Im just very happy i found something that works and i usually don't leave reviews but i felt i had to share for anyone out there with tight hip flexors. ENJOY.

I bought this to add to my workouts. Boy the cords are strong and gives you a good workout. I think I am a weakling. I am going slow due to a knee injury. But I am glad I bought this. I have been looking at similar items, but this one stuck out. good pricing however only issue once you connect the bar you can not take it apart to take it on the go. however I could be over looking the how of it. I can not play the DVD due to my PC, I wished it came with a chart. however I have found other ways to find types of exercises .....Over all I am happy I got it over three months of thinking should I get it....thanks

I was hoping to ease my back pain, strengthen my arms as well as back and abs, stall my late-onset scoliosis, and make exercise more fun. This cheap but sturdy gadget hit all the goals. As a bonus it got rid of a pesky shoulder pain on day one. And don't think I'm following instructions (I lost them) or exercising more than five or ten minutes a day (you should probably follow instructions to avoid injury). It's true that the tension may be insufficient for somebody my height (5'3") for some exercises, but you can easily put a twist or two in the cords. I use a cheap thick camping mat that handily rolls into a cylinder to stash the bar (see picture). Instead of sneakers I put on slippers with thick soles. Even for someone as lazy as I am this provides a very easy and fun routine with instant gratification. Boring Pilates moves are now both easier to endure and more effective. Imagine what you can do if you bother to read the instructions and watch the videos!

As other reviewers have pointed out, the resistance bands are a bit too long. As a result, if you are 5'3" or less, the item loses it's effectiveness. And when you roll the bar it to shorten the bands, the bands don't roll evenly around the bar, and the whole thing becomes awkward to use. That said, the item is of very good quality, sturdy, and manufactured well. The resistance bands are not typical plastic tubes; they are strong bungee cords. And the bar is foam-padded, and comfortable to hold. However, it takes some research, experience, and creativity to learn all of the exercises you can actually do with it; it is capable of performing MANY more exercises than are listed in the included brochure. In fact, you can tone almost any part of your body if you know how to position the components, and yourself. If you are not accustomed to working out with a pilates bar, the learning process can be cumbersome, and takes some practice. But I'm impressed with the product for the price.

This company believes in quality. It is very sturdy and the pink cover is very thick and soft. It is perfect. I have done pilates in the past and have had great results and thought this would be a great addition to my workouts. I cannot believe the price. Lately, I have gotten lazy in doing my exercises, so I also purchase a subliminal mp3 recording (from another company) which helps me exercise without even thinking about it. I give the company an A+. It arrive early.

Product arrived but looked as if it been repacked and the handles on the bars were all marked. It likes used.

I am absolutely happy with my purchase. I use the bar for stretching or doing full body workout with it. I love it so much a few of my friends have ordered it and love it! I have recently cancelled my gym membership because the online workout with this bar is challenging and amazing.

I love this workout, I am certain I will get good results because of the resistance tubbing. The only problem is the tubbing isn't long enough to do certain moves in the 3rd workout when we are 5'6", stress on tubbing makes it difficult, I imagine a shorter person would do the exercise where we are on our stomach reaching over head and clicking heals together with more ease. I modified the movement and still get a good workout.

The bar itself is excellent,but the DVD did not load. There was a number to call/email for help and I received a prompt response. That said, the DVD leaves something to be desired. You're better off to look up videos on YouTube. Would still recommend though as the bar itself is good.

I am pleasantly surprised by this product. I've been looking for pieces to add to my home gym, and added this last minute to an order. The video gives good suggestions for using the bar. I personally like the addition of exercises for bi- and tri-ceps. The bar itself, and the handles, are more sturdy than I expected. The cords give great resistance. My at home workouts have been enhanced by adding this equipment to my regimen.