Ah, Pilates. The fitness system developed by trainer and gymnast Joseph Pilates focuses on controlling the core muscles to build strength and develop alignment and posture. Well, it isn't just limited to exercises done on a padded mat.

Here's the deal: the Pilates reformer is a machine used for an alternative to the typical Pilates mat workout. With the Pilates reformer, you can exercise standing up, sitting, kneeling or lying down. The contraption is essentially a sliding bed/platform with foam shoulder blocks, an adjustable headrest, straps/ropes, gear systems/break, springs/cords and a non-slip adjustable foot bar.

The reformer has a sliding platform with springs on one end that moves when you pull on the ropes or push off from the footbar. Instead of weights used in a typical Pilates workout, the springs are used for resistance. As for the swivel pulleys, since you can pull the ropes in any direction, you're able to alter the angles of resistance. Caps on the non-slip frame keep the frame in place while you're exercising and the adjustable headrest helps keep your movements smooth and elongated. On average, a brand new Pilates reformer may cost about $1,000 to $3,400.