The Pilates Magic Circle

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Does anyone use either?My sister wants one or the other for her birthday coming up, but they both look so similar to me.

Huge difference!
For the Aero Pilates Machine, you get ripped off by Pilates.
For the Total Gym, you get ripped off by some other dude.

Decide on who you think is more deserving to throw your money away to.

The diet/fitness world is full of supplement pills, weight gain supplements, and machines that promise all this amazing stuff but don't deliver. The tools to become fit are right in front of you. If your sister want so become fit, instead of buying her some expensive heap of metal that won't help her, but her Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Don Venuto. It's not some stupid diet book like most of the other fitness books out there. It's based on science and observation and will tell you how to get fit and stay fit.

If you still want to get your sister a machine, get her a treadmill. It's the machine that comes closest to actually being effective (although just plain running is better)

To lose fat:
1. DON’T BELIEVE THOSE FAD DIETS!
2. DO NOT STARVE YOURSELF! Unless you are 4ft tall, a 1,200 calorie a day diet is DANGEROUS and won't work in the long run.
3. Calculate your BMR. Do a google search. A good calculator would ask for your age, height, weight, and activity level.
4. Eat healthy and eat about 500 calories a day less than your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Your BMR is how many calories you need per day to maintain your current weight.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals a day. This keeps your metabolism up. Each meal should include fruits, veggies, water, and protein.
5. Drink at least 64oz (8 8oz glasses) of water a day. No soda (that includes diet soda).
6. Do light/moderate cardio 3 to 5 times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each time. Running, bicycling, and swimming are great for this.
7. Do some strength training to make sure you lose fat and not muscle. Don't worry; you won't look like the hulk if you lift weights.
8. You should lose about 1-2lbs per week. If you lose more than that, chances are the rest is stool, water weight, or even muscle mass.
9. Weigh yourself only once a week at the same time (ie every Friday morning). Your weight fluctuates a lot during any 24hour period because of water and food intake and also bowel movements.
Be patient and be smart. If you follow this guideline you will be very happy with your results.

I need something that is simple but effective, and requires no additional equipment. Some people say pilates, but what specific form of pilates? Are there any other types of exercise that can be done easily? Thank you for your help and consideration!

Okay, first things first. You can't do an excercise to lose weight on your thighs (or any other specific part of your body). You can build up your thigh muscles, but you won't lose fat on your thighs unless you lose weight all over by eating less and doing more cardio.

But, assuming you want to build up your thigh muscles to improve their appearance and strength, squats and lunges are really good. And if you are interested in pilates, a lot of the standing pilates emphasizes plies and other thigh-intestive excercizes.

Back by popular demand the original C-Shaper, first made by Balanced Body in 1988. Designed by Marie Jose Lawrence of Long Beach Dance Conditioning and Quentin Josephy of Kinetic Fitness Studios, the C-Shaper provides support for the spine. Upholstered in Boltaflex vinyl with adjustable handstraps. 16 in. high x 13 in. wide by 29.5 in. long. Black can be ordered online. For custom colors, please call.

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Pilates Power GymTM combines the benefits of Pilates and strength training all in one machine. Strengthen, shape and tone your entire body with over 60 available workouts. Takes you from a beginner to pro in minutes. No need for expensive studio sessions. Change from exercise to exercise in seconds. 11 variable height elevations and 4 variable resistance cords create a workout for every level. Tone calves, thighs, hips, abs, back and shoulders with slow relaxing movements. Supports users up to 300 lbs., includes 2 in 1 DVD. Steel, 56 x 15 x 231”. n Extra $25 shipping

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Padded Foot Plates (also known as Jumpboards) add great versatility to your Reformer. In addition to allowing jumping and other cardio exercises, a Padded Foot Plate also re-creates a biomechanically accurate standing position while on the Reformer. For Allegro, Allegro Sport, Pilates IQ and Personal Reformers, select the Foot Plate created for your specific Reformer. Note: A choice of two Foot Plates is available for the Allegro Reformer. See the difference and determine if you need a Retrofit Kit for your Allegro. For Studio or Clinical Reformers, choose the correct Padded Foot Plate by identifying the type of Footbar you have (Revo, Standard/One-Step or Infinity). Please call 1-800-Pilates if you have questions about which Foot Plate to order. Several of our Reformer workout videos and DVDs use the Foot Plate.

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This unique rubber resistance exercise product simulates the resistance exercise movements of spring-tension Pilates equipment. The Pilate Double Xertube strengthens the core powerhouse muscles, enhances muscle flexibility and joint mobility, release tension and improves circulation while providing head-to-toe conditioning without building bulk.

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This professional quality Magic Circle can be used alone as demonstrated in the accompanying video or added to your Pilates reformer workout. This Magic Circle features form molded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous, molded padding that resists moisture.

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This professional quality Magic Circle can be used alone as demonstrated in the accompanying video or added to your pilates reformer workout. This Magic Circle features form molded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous, molded padding that resists moisture. The Pilates Magic Circle was created by Joseph Pilates to be a versatile exercise aid you can use anywhere. The soft rubber ring provides resistance for faster, more targeted toning, improving muscle strength throughout the body…especially in problem areas like the inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and chest. The comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructional video demonstrates how the Pilates progressive fitness system, can help you sculpt and reshape your body the Pilates way!

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5 of your best american dollars.