As great as going to an in-person Pilates reformer class can be, there’s something to be said about an at-home Pilates workout. Whether you don’t want to venture out into the cold weather or just prefer working out from the comfort of your home (we’re looking at you, cozy cardio), having a Pilates reformer and other Pilates equipment at home can be just the thing that keeps you on track with your exercise goals. Plus, with so many fun classes online, these workouts are now more accessible than ever.
Unfortunately, buying a Pilates reformer is far from cheap. Costing thousands of dollars, this product is a big investment, so taking time to pick the right one is a smart move. Plus, there are so many factors to consider—size, features, and mobility, just to name a few. Where do you even begin? Ahead, Pilates instructors share how to pick a Pilates reformer and some of their favorite choices.
- Emma Wylie, certified Pilates instructor and hormone expert for the non-toxic fashion brand Losano
- Grace Hurry, certified Pilates instructor
- Jill Harris, Pilates instructor in San Francisco who created and owns a FitSprings studio
- Lesley Logan, certified Pilates teacher and founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com
- Nicola Geismar, certified Pilates instructor, movement specialist, and founder of Free Your Spine Pilates
What to look for when buying an at-home Pilates reformer
When filtering through Pilates reformers—or even before pulling that tab up on your phone—consider these six factors.
The price
Even the more affordable reformers aren’t cheap. It’s totally fair that you may not want to (or be able to) spend as much money on the most expensive reformers on this list.
“Once you’ve figured your budget out, you’ll be able to decide across your price bracket as to the other factors,” says Emma Wylie, certified Pilates instructor and hormone expert for the non-toxic fashion brand Losano.
The size of your space
This is another major deciding factor. If the reformer is too big, you won’t be able to use it well, if at all. Even if it fits into a smaller space, you might not be able to fully extend your legs, for example.
“Reformers differ in size and can come with or without ‘legs,’ so don’t be put off if the first brand you find doesn’t seem to fit your space,” says Grace Hurry, a Pilates instructor with over 14 years of experience who specializes in pre- and post-natal exercise.
Along those lines, note that some reformers are portable while others are not. Jill Harris, a Pilates instructor in San Francisco who created and owns a FitSprings studio, recommends considering whether that factor matters to you. Do you have a dedicated space for the reformer or will it need to go into storage at times?
The ways you'll use it
Hurry encourages thinking about how you’ll use the reformer and your past experiences with one. “Light, at-home use won’t require one of the super expensive, commercial-grade reformers,” she says. “However, if you're used to attending a studio with high-end equipment, you will notice a difference if you choose a cheaper, ‘at-home’ model.” The cheaper ones will feel less sturdy and are smaller, she says.
Additionally, ask yourself if you plan to work with a trainer or follow an online platform. “This makes a difference in what you buy because some reformers require exercise modifications that subscription platforms don't account for,” Harris says.
The level of comfort you need
“I don’t always mean comfort in terms of how squishy the foam mat is or how soft the foot bar is. I mean what machine have you done the majority of your practice on?” Wylie says. “If you know your way around the machine, know its nuances and intricacies, then bringing your practice into the home will be a much smoother transition.”
The features can affect the comfort level, too. Padded shoulder rests, an adjustable headrest, and a smooth carriage glide are examples that Nicola Geismar, certified Pilates instructor, movement specialist, and founder of Free Your Spine Pilates mentions.
The features it offers
Besides comfort features, you may want to check out what else the reformer has. Functionality is key. “Ensure the reformer includes adjustable springs for resistance levels, a sturdy foot bar, and compatibility with accessories, like a jump board,” Geismar says.
Lesley Logan, certified Pilates teacher and founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, also encourages verifying if it comes with necessary accessories, such as a box and adjustable straps. “These components can significantly enhance your workout versatility,” she says.
The materials it’s made of
Geismar encourages choosing a reformer that lasts and is environmentally sustainable. “Look for durable materials, like solid wood or aluminum frames, for longevity,” she says.
The production also affects the safety and effectiveness. “Look for reformers that utilize springs instead of bungee cords,” Logan says. “Additionally, the foot bar should be adjustable and angled to facilitate a comprehensive range of motion for various exercises.”
The best at-home Pilates reformers
With that in mind—and without further ado—here are some of these instructor’s favorite reformer brands and models. They also share the pros and cons of each one.
The Allegro 2 is ideal for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike looking for studio-level quality, according to Geismar.
Hurry says this was the first reformer she owned. “I bought it during COVID for home use, and later used it with clients who also loved it,” she says. “It is smaller than some commercial grade reformers, so it’s less imposing in the home, and it’s very sleek and has the unique feature of the ‘infinity bar,’ which can open up some creative, new ways to use the reformer.”
This machine is Wylie’s “absolute favorite,” and “the smoothest machine” she’s ever worked out on. It’s perfect for lunges and planks, she says, and the nuance in the strings allows people to find their desired level of challenge.
Logan recommends this reformer, as well. “The Allegro is recognized for its contemporary design and compact size, which allows it to slide under beds or be stored away when not in use,” she says. “Although it doesn’t strictly adhere to classical Pilates designs, it offers home users remarkable versatility and ease of access.”
Pros:
- Smooth, quiet carriage glide
- Adjustable foot bar and rope system
- Excellent durability
Cons:
- The foot bar can be touchy
- It’s closer to the ground, which can limit the range of exercises
- It has ropes instead of leather straps, which may not suit everyone’s preferences
This reformer is what Hurry has in her studio. “This is definitely high-end, studio-grade equipment, which is so beautiful to use and stunning to look at, but it is big,” she says, noting it’s longer, wider, and comfier than other models. “If you have the space and extra money to spend, this is the most luxurious reformer to have in your home, in my opinion, and will give you the real studio experience.”
Pros:
- More comfortable than some other reformers
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- May not fit into smaller spaces
- On the pricier side
Multiple instructors mentioned this choice. “This would be the most compact and mobile reformer I’ve used, and for an at-home machine, [it] can provide a great workout for a relatively [low] entry point cost,” Wylie says. “A great starting point if you have budget and space constraints.”
This reformer is especially suitable for users seeking a high-grade folding option, according to Harris. “The look and feel of this reformer is professional and will work for many subscription platforms,” she adds.
Hurry agrees an Align reformer is, generally speaking, a great choice. “These are perhaps the ‘go-to’ reformers to look at for home use as they are the least expensive of the more established brands,” she says. “I have used Align equipment extensively and they feel smaller and less sturdy than the more expensive manufacturers; however, they are still great machines ideal for home use.”
Word to the wise: Align offers a reformer comparison tool on their website that’s super helpful in choosing the right reformer for your needs.
Pros:
- Compact and will fit into small spaces
- Less pricey than some other reputable options
Cons:
- The height limits certain exercises
- The instruction manual and installation can be challenging
- One of the heavier reformers
This is a studio favorite, according to Wylie. “The V2 Max is a well-built reformer and caters well to a wide demographic, from your regular Pilates goer to injury rehabilitation, aging clients and more,” she says.
Pros:
- Has wheels and is easy to move
- Has a vertical frame, so it’s easy to stack away
Cons:
- Less spring variation, which can be limiting
- Not as sleek as the Allegro
Apartment-renters, this may be the one for you. “Compact yet robust, this reformer is perfect for home use,” Geismar says. “It offers a unique vertical frame for more versatility in workouts.” She says this option is best for individuals who have limited space but still want professional-level features.
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- Includes a vertical frame for additional exercises
- Quiet and smooth operation
Cons:
- Less padding than other models
- Setup can take time
- On the pricier end
This one is perfect for beginners and those on a budget, according to Geismar. It also allows for other types of exercise. “This affordable reformer includes a built-in cardio rebounder, making it great for adding a cardio element to Pilates,” she says.
Pros:
- Affordable and accessible
- Allows for a cardio workout
- Foldable and easy to store
Cons:
- Less durable long-term
- Limited resistance levels compared to premium models
Geismar likes this reformer because it’s “a lightweight, portable reformer that doesn’t compromise on quality.” In other words, it’s a good balance of functional and affordable.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- High-quality, durable build
- Suitable for users at all levels
Cons:
- May lack the advanced features of larger models
- Shorter carriage length may not be suitable for taller users
“For a lightweight, low barrier-to-entry reformer that saves space and has a subscription specifically for the design, I recommend Somato,” Harris says. “This reformer is for you if you like group classes and want that type of vibe.”
Pros:
- Ease of use: It folds and the resistance cords are easy to change
- Price is on the lower end
Cons:
- There’s no reformer box
- You’ll have to pay for membership to use the app after one month
This is the “ultimate luxury home reformer,” according to Harris. “This machine has so many incredible features, including covers on the springs, an anti-tipping mechanism, and a very smooth and quiet ride,” she says. “I recommend this reformer for someone who appreciates good design and works with a trainer.”
Pros:
- Lots of features
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Heavy, so it won’t work well if you need to move or store it
- May be difficult to learn how to use on your own
“The Contrology 80-inch reformer is lauded for its lightweight design, thanks to its aluminum frame, which makes it easy to handle,” Logan says. “It’s well-suited for those with limited space, and its angle-designed foot bar promotes engagement of all leg muscles during exercises.”
Pros:
- It’s lightweight and easy to move
- It has a firm cushion, which is supportive and facilitates more effective workouts
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- Has less padding than some other reformers
Logan recommends this reformer for its luxurious leather straps, weighted springs, adjustable foot bar, and well-designed shoulder blocks. These features mean it caters “to various fitness levels and preferences,” she says, and “make it a versatile choice for many exercises, including a box for added functionality.”
Pros:
- Durable long-term
- Has adjustable features to accommodate various workout styles
Cons:
- Heavier and longer than other options, making it harder for storage
- The cost is higher than some other options
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