I recently purchased the Malibu Pilates chair, endorsed by Susan Lucci (of “All My Children” soap opera), shortly after Mother’s Day in May 2009. The reason I wanted to do a review on this product, is because when I was considering buying the Malibu Pilates system, I had trouble finding reviews for the product. So, I wanted to give a complete review of my experience with Malibu Pilates.
In short, I love it! I have purchased many exercise-related products – from videos to equipment – and the Malibu Pilates chair is amazing and is working for me! I have had the chair and videos for 2 ½ months. I use it regularly and have lost some weight and lost some inches. Plus, I now don’t feel self-conscious wearing sleeveless tops, as my arms are much toner, in just a short period of time. I’m even fitting in shorts and pants that last summer I couldn’t wear; AND, they look good! Plus, I’m toning and losing weight without changing my eating habits; I do eat healthy, but I don’t deny myself some sweets or take-out food, when I want it. I saw multiple reviews putting this system down, saying the chair wasn’t stable, that it was pricey and not worth the money, that they had trouble using the chair. Yes, the chair wasn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for; personally, it’s worth every penny I have paid for it. Here’s why:
I’m in my late 40’s. I’m not overweight, but want to lose around 10 pounds or so, without drastically changing my eating habits. (I like food and don’t want to drastically change what I like to eat.) Since I won’t go on those crazy diets (I want to eat what I want, in moderation), I have been committed to exercise; I have exercised ever since I had my two children in my early 30’s. I’m currently 5’4″ and weigh around 137 pounds. (I just recently started weighing myself, since using the Malibu Pilates system; I never weighed much before, as I go by how my clothes fit.) Since using the Malibu Pilates systems, I have lost a little weight and am down to 137 pounds, but most importantly, I’m getting much more tone. My pants fit better in the legs, hips and waistline. My arms are definitely toning up. I have tried weight lifting, elliptical machines, videos, and much more, but for some reason, the Malibu Pilates system is something that I have seen quick results and it’s easy to stick with.
Here’s what I do. Since the end of May (2 ½ months ago), I use the total body video that comes with the chair. It’s a 45 minute video that tones every part of the body and it’s working! I do that 3 times a week (every other day). On the off days, I started speed walking (with intervals of quicker walks) for 30 minutes around my neighborhood. Walking is a great stress-reliever, too; it’s a great way to start my day! I recently added 15 minutes to my walk and now speed walk for 45 minutes, 3 times a week. I take one day a week off. The Pilates chair gives me a great metabolism workout, that tones every area of my body, but I also work up a great sweat with the interval cardio blasts that the video works in. It’s not a boring workout at all; I actually look forward to it! I always hated trying to figure out what weight lifting exercises I should use. With this video, I don’t have to worry about it; I’m getting just what I need for my entire body! My arms haven’t looked this good in years!
Weight and toning don’t happen overnight. You have to stick to it. I feel that being patient with yourself, understanding that weight and inches take time to come off, and giving yourself mini-goals help. I’m seeing results; I felt the burn the first time on the chair (and I have tried a lot of various systems). It’s great! I plan to stick to this system and continue to lose weight and inches!
One final note. You can find used Malibu Pilates chairs for about half-price on EBay. Since I have never purchased anything off of EBay, I was a little leery and wanted to make sure I got the most up-to-date equipment, so I bit the bullet and purchased it from their website. The equipment I got is a solid piece of equipment; I haven’t had any issues with the product.
Good luck and enjoy the Malibu Pilates system, if you choose to purchase it!
