I am a yoga teacher and have been weight training for many years but swapped out the gym for yoga for many years. I did some wall and mat Pilates and did online circuit training with HIIT workouts using free weights.
As I’m moving into perimenopause I started noticing that mat work has been less kind to my shoulders and wrists. I’ve also noticed over the last five years that brisk walking and less intense movement is what my body needed but it wasn’t providing ME the same satisfaction overall.
I knew enough about Pilates and the benefits that I made the decision that I would like to add a reformer to my equipment in my home studio so I signed up for a class nearby and I LOVED it! What I didn’t love was what regular classes was going to cost me, not to mention gas and time to travel up and down the mountain to get there and try to make it work within my workday schedule.
I started looking for used reformer online and doing research into different brands. I came upon Fortus and was beyond THRILLED they were a Canadian company and even more the price was a major factor. I started to question why I would buy a used model not knowing for certain it was in good condition with no warranty, when I could buy one new and have all the benefits and peace of mind that would afford me. I reached out to Fortus and immediately came face to face with incredible customer service from my very first interaction, which continued all along with the many inquiries I had, including a special video Greg made for me to answer some questions related to the difference between the aluminum model vs the maple. Once I completed my research I had no doubts that I was making the right decision with Fortus.
There are options to “try before you buy” if you live in an area with a studio that uses the Fortus equipment, but the closest one to me was almost 4 hrs away and they were more than happy to answer some questions for me when I contacted them.
Shipping was going to be a bigger cost as it was coming from Ontario to British Columbia but I had braced myself for that. The company that delivered my reformer and tower was very professional and it was transported in incredibly secure packing that there was minimal chance of any kind of damage. They have VERY clear instructions with videos that explain in great detail the shipping and delivery process, how to unpack your equipment in pieces and bring into your space, assembly of your equipment in every minute detail and set up was very easy.
I decided to buy the tower as I knew I’d eventually want one and I’m that it would only enhance the workouts I could get with the reformer and then I’d only pay for shipping once. I made the right decision.
As I am new to actually using a reformer and have never even tried a tower setup before buying, I had a lot of questions about little things you wouldn’t normally consider. Those details were not really provided in any of the instructions, but MOST people who purchase reformers have been using them and have these things already figured out lol. But Greg was very patient with me and provided me some resources online to help guide me.
I LOOK FORWARD to using my reformer every day when I get home from work. I have 90 days access to an online group from Fortus. I haven’t even started it yet because I’ve found some great people online.
Every model of reformer is going to have some subtle differences related to use, spring colours and set up but the mechanics are generally the same. All the videos I’ve watched on you tube are great about providing modifications and taking into account “depending on the reformer model you are using …”
If you’re EVER on the fence on whether or not to purchase a piece of Pilates equipment from this company, trust me when I say, you will NOT be disappointed! The price is NOT a reflection on quality. It is a reflection of FAIRNESS and VALUE! And the customer service you will receive alone, you cannot attach a value to that, it’s priceless ❤️
I will be able to use this beautiful equipment well into all my ages, for any injuries that should ever arise for recovery … this is the best gift I have ever given myself!!!