If you’ve been in your workout era (as we have been for months), pilates is a no-nonsense activity that helps you tone, strengthen muscles and, overall, feel good.
Not to mention, if your at-home gym is fully loaded with a rowing machine and a treadmill, then adding a quality pilates reformer to your repertoire is a solid idea.
“A reformer is an apparatus that was invented by Joseph Pilates to help provide physical feedback and spring resistance and a moving mat called ‘the carriage,’ which is set on wheels to assist students in ‘reforming’ their bodies in order to successfully practice Contrology — the series of exercises created by Mr. Pilates that contemporary Pilates is derived from,” Kayla Prestel, owner of Feel Good Pilates in NYC and comprehensive certified pilates instructor for more than eight years, told the New York Post.
- Best Overall: ARKANTOS Foldable Pilates Reformer
- Best Budget: AeroPilates Foldable Reformer
- Most Durable: Balanced Body Allegro 2 Pilates Reformer
- Best Pre-assembled: Merrithew At-Home SPX Reformer
- Best Cadillac: Fattid Pilates Reformer
“His method of body conditioning precedes this invention and was long researched by his own experiences and he taught it daily for his camp of over 24,000 inmates during WW1 while he was stationed at Isle of Man for the duration of the war,” Lynda Gehrman, faculty for BASI pilates and owner/director of Physio Logic Pilates & Movement with more than 25 years of experience, told The Post. “He then designed the reformer and made his way to America. He replaced his early design, which used a weight stack, with coiled springs and added handles so he could do rowing exercises.”
To help you learn all there is to know about pilates reformers — including how to properly use one at home and top exercises to try — read through our in-depth FAQ section that’s filled with advice from the two pilates experts we turned to. Additionally, Prestel hand-picked best reformers on Amazon to add to your cart for a thoughtful health splurge.
Best Pilates Reformers
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Best Overall: ARKANTOS Foldable Pilates Reformer
Amazon Pros:
- Bestseller on Walmart
- Not too long to the ground
- Sleek, foldable design
Cons:
- Only accommodates 4-feet to 5-feet 9 inches
- Longer set-up time
“This is a great choice for beginners as it has most of the features you find in a studio,” Prestel explains. “The foldable legs allow you to lower the reformer when not in use and you can store it upright and roll it to the wall on its wheels.”
What’s great about this model isn’t just its more affordable price point but also that is backrest and shoulder blocks are made of high-performance, quality, breathable leather so you’ll feel comfortable while exercising.
Set-up Time Up to 1.5 hours Item weight 71 pounds Dimensions 77.5 x 28 x 27.3 inches Customer review: “As a Pilates enthusiast, I am extremely satisfied with the ARKANTOS Foldable Pilates Reformer. The machine is of superior quality and offers a wide range of exercises to keep workouts engaging. The gliding motion is smooth and the resistance levels can be easily adjusted. It provides an effective full-body workout while being gentle on the joints. The foldable design is convenient for storage and the overall construction is solid. Highly recommended for home use!”
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Best Budget: AeroPilates Foldable Reformer
Amazon Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Comes with Pilates workout DVDs
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold
- Thinner head rest and low to ground
“This is one of the sturdier in-home models, but due to the resistance cords (instead of springs), you will be limited to certain exercises and won’t be able to do the full system,” Prestel notes.
Not to mention, this model is rated an Amazon’s Choice product and includes two regular black resistance cords, one red extra-heavy resistance cord and one yellow light resistance cord to make your versatile customizable to your workout preference. No wonder this is one of the best Pilates reformer machines!
Set-up Time Up to 20 minutes Item weight 63 pounds Dimensions 48 x 18 x 9.5 inches Customer review: “I love this AeroPilates reformer. The studio was becoming a bit expensive after I have progressed in my pilates form so this is great for using in addition to my pilates classes. I love that I can do pilates whenever I want.. I can’t wait to buy some additional accessories like the box and bar.”
Most Durable: Balanced Body Allegro 2 Pilates Reformer
Amazon Pros:
- Comes with 10 year warranty
- Offers three levels of resistance
- Textured footbar and aluminum frame
Cons:
- Expensive
“This is a great option for a studio-quality reformer at home,” Prestel adds. “The price is on the higher end, but it will last you much longer and you will get so much more use out of it.”
Prestel also names Balanced Body as one of the top brands for reformers, much ado to its ergonomic foot-bar that makes it simple to transition between workouts. It comes partially assembled but there’s also a set-up video that walks you step by step through the process on Youtube.
Set-up Time Up to 30 minutes Item weight 146 pounds Dimensions 94 x 25.5 x 15 inches Customer review: “We love our reformer! Once we watched the video on how to assemble, the assembly went much smoother. This reformer is such high quality, and we have nothing but good things to say! We highly recommend!”
Best Pre-assembled: Merrithew At-Home SPX Reformer
Amazon Pros:
- Comes 90% assembled
- Three levels of spring resistance
- Includes 60 day access to digital workouts on Merrithew Connect
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a vertical frame
“This is a more affordable option than the Allegro 2 for those looking for studio quality for their home reformer,” Prestel explains. “Plus, it includes the accessories (the box, handles, straps, poles, etc.) that many other brands make you buy separately making it a great value for money.”
Plus, it incomes four full-tension and one half-tension reformer springs to have full rein of your workout speed. Its padded foot-bar is also a nice, comfortable touch.
Set-up Time Up to 20 minutes Item weight 115 pounds Dimensions 95.3 x 26.3 x 10.9 inches Customer review: “I’m a former professional ballet dancer and this machine is perfect for my home workout! I unboxed and put together the remaining parts myself. Highly recommend if you have the space for it!!”
Best Cadillac: Fattid Pilates Reformer
Amazon Pros:
- Comes in three styles, including Cadillac
- Padded jumpboard
- Thick frame
Cons:
- Heavy
- Pricey
“While ‘vintage’ is not an accurate descriptor for this model, it seems like a decent in-home Reformer that would compare to the Merrithew,” Prestel notes.
If you’re on the fence, don’t fret. This model is backed by a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty (on parts; you’ll receive a full one-year warranty for the frame, too).
Set-up Time Up to 30 minutes Item weight ‎242.51 pounds (packaged) Dimensions 94 x 25.5 x 15 inches Customer review: “I’m happy that I ordered this Pilates machine. It’s sturdy, the carriage is smooth and the material is solid wood. You need help to set it up because it’s really heavy. I can do my Pilates sessions at home without paying a membership club and I don’t have to wait for availability to schedule any classes. I couldn’t be happier”
Best Folding: Faittd Foldable Pilates Machine
Amazon Pros:
- Space saving
- Under $2,000
- Great for beginners and pros
Cons:
- Heavy, so grab some help for set up
If you like the original Fattid but are short on space, you may prefer this foldable option. It’s far easier to store, has the same gorgeous look, and is slightly cheaper. The adjustable head rest is extra thick for comfort, while the footbar offers five different positions to switch between. It also comes mostly assembled, but will still take some time to set up the board because of its size.
Set-up Time Up to 1.5 Item weight 170 pounds (packaged) Dimensions 94 x 23.6 x 10.23 inches Customer review: “I am a pilates junkie and I love this reformer. It works perfectly and I am very pleased with my purchase. My husband and I were spending $120 a week taking pilates classes and now we can do pilates comfortably in our home.”
Best with Subscription: Frame The Reformer
Frame Pros:
- No assembly required
- Modern design
- Sturdy frame
- Attached touchscreen
Cons:
- Must have membership subscription to access workouts
If you need everything, from your outfit to your kitchen, aesthetically appealing, this is the Pilates reformer for you!
The Reformer comes to your door assembled, which means you can be getting your stretch on within the hour. It has transport wheels, too, so it’s easy to move, plus comes with a screen to connect to different workouts. Unfortunately, you will need a subscription to access those ($40/month), but that’s still probably cheaper than hitting the studio several times a week.
Set-up Time Comes fully assembled Item weight 136 pounds Dimensions 94 x 25.5 x 36 inches w/screen displayed | 94 x 25.5 x 13 inches w/screen stored
Best Operation: AeroPilates Pro XP
Amazon Pros:
- Elevated frame
- Removable footbar
- Includes workout DVDs
Cons:
- Non-padded jumpboard
- Thin back padding
With adjustable resistance and a removable foot bar, this reformer has a lot to offer. We like that it’s higher off the ground, making it easier to on and offboard — especially if you have mobility issues. Made of steel, we love the wood trim, as well as that the machine comes with workout DVDs to teach some new moves.
Set-up Time Up to 3 hours Item weight 130 pounds Dimensions ‎97 x 23.5 x 36 inches Customer review: “This machine runs smoothly and quietly, just as I had hoped. Its well constructed and provides and excellent workout.”
Best Multifunctional: Lit Reformer Holiday Pack
LIT Pros:
- 3-in-1 machine design
- Stores vertically
- Great for men and women
Cons:
- Still takes up a lot of space
Any fitness trainer will tell you the importance of cross-training, which is why we’ve added this option from Lit to the list. The reformer is part Pilates machine, part rower machine, part strength training machine — amazing, we know.
Start out with a low impact cardio session using the rowing function. It offers water-based resistance for an authentic drag. Best of all, you don’t need to switch the water out, only drop a treatment tablet inside once per year.
Once you’ve worked up a sweat, use the anchor and resistance bands to stretch those muscles Pilates style. You’ll feel the burn in a whole different way. And if you sign up for Lit’s fitness membership ($199/year), you can access your workout metics too!
Set-up Time Up to 15 minutes Item weight 89 pounds Dimensions ‎7ft lx 1.75d x 1.6ft
An FAQ on Pilates Reformers
Ahead, our team of pilates experts answered top-button FAQs on these at-home machines, along with the best exercises to work on.
What to look for in a pilates reformer, according to experts
Above all else, you want to prioritize materials and sturdiness. “Working with equipment that is made with metal springs and word or aluminum frames is going to give you equipment that will last,” Prestel recommends. Specifically, she notes Balanced Body as one of the best brands.
It’s also important to look for “one that is sturdy, with an adjustable footbar, carriage, risers, and with multiple spring settings,” Gehrman adds. “I personally like 1/4, 1/2 and full spring options for detailed shoulder work along with being able to work on heavy loaded setting for strength training.”
What are the benefits of using a Pilates reformer?
According to Prestel, you have more variety and a greater quantity of exercises on the reformer than you would on the mat. “Plus, you get the benefits of spring resistance to build strength and stamina,” she adds.
Unlike other types of equipment, the pilates reformer provides a true full-body workout, literally from head to toe. “It also takes years (decades even) to get to a true advanced level, so the reformer is an investment that stands the test of time,” Prestel adds.
The benefits of pilates are endless and vary from person to person, too, but for most people, they include improved posture, increased core strength, increase in bone density, better stamina, improved flexibility and mobility, relief from back and neck pain and better breathing, per Prestel.
“It is for absolutely anyone looking for a system that can support their life’s movements, Gehrman adds. It’s been around since before 1920, standing the test of time. It is a modality, far beyond just a form of exercise.
The work provides your body with an education to make better choices as it moves in any sport, or everyday life functions. “This is done though stability first followed by lengthening eccentric and shortening concentric contractions of your muscles,” Gehrman adds. “Range of motion is increased by using your strength in these types of contractions rather than simply ‘stretching.'”
More, the reformer allows you to work with and against gravity, not weight bearing on the joints, while safely loading and adding weight or resistance for strength building. “Every spring has a starting pound conversion and additional pounds are added for every inch you extend the spring with the given movement,” Gehrman adds. “You not only get both resistance and assistance in every exercise, you also get the feedback from the springs, pulleys, carriage and shoulder rests as you are in motion.”
If something doesn’t feel right, or you are losing resistance — according to Gehrman — then it means you aren’t executing the repertoire correctly or with the correct movement quality.
What workouts can you do on a Pilates reformer?
The pilates reformer works the whole body as it includes a series for your feet, footwork, and it has arm and leg straps.
“It challenges balance with the rolling carriage while strengthening the posterior chain, and of course your core —your core is always working,” Prestel explains. “Every exercise on the reformer involves the coordination of the whole body working together to achieve the objective of each individual exercise.
Impressively, every single muscle and joint can be worked both eccentrically and concentrically on a reformer. “On your back, your belly, side lying, kneeling, standing, planking, balancing, skating, and even jumping!” Gehrman lists.
How do pilates reformers differ from taking in-person Pilates classes?
The same principles from the mat exercises exist within the reformer exercises, but with the mat you are limited to your own body weight and a static surface.
“With the reformer, you add spring resistance and moving surface to challenge your form and increase feedback to the body in order to help correct imbalances,” Prestel adds.
Safety notes to keep in mind when using a Pilates reformer, according to experts
There are many safety notes for reformers, according to our team of experts.
“Each exercise has its own safety measures so it’s important to work with a certified instructor, especially in the beginning,” Prestel explains. “An instructor dedicates a minimum of nine months with over 600 hours of education and practice before teaching students. Unless you are an instructor, you should never perform exercises on the reformer as a beginner without supervision.”
Why are Pilates reformers so popular right now?
Pilates is an anaerobic exercise meaning it’s “without oxygen,” aka it’s not a high-impact cardio workout.
“It taps into the parasympathetic nervous system which promotes calm, rest, and ease of mind,” Prestel explains. “During the pandemic, I think people gravitated towards pilates because it provided a great workout that was low-impact, but it also helped people connect to their breath, manage their stress and ease anxiety.”
How much is a Pilates machine?
Like bigger pieces of fitness equipment, Pilates machines can vary in cost. Basic models, for example, start around $350 and go up to $1,000. Mid-range models start where basic options end, and go up to $3,000, while professional models can be as much as $5,000.
If you’re ready to upgrade your workout but don’t want to spend a ton, check out the ARKANTOS Foldable Pilates Reformer. It’s under $400, a bestseller, and has an elevated frame.
Another pick we like is the reformer from LIT. It’s currently on sale for $1,500, which we know is a lot pricier than $400. However, it also has a built-in rowing machine, and offers multiple workouts styles, including strength training and cardio.
Are home Pilates reformers worth it?
Pilates reformers offer a full body workout that is both challenging but great for flexibility training. Wonderful for those seeking a low-impact fitness routine, they not only sculpt muscles but tap into the mind-body connection, which many are interested in.
Although the machines are an investment, as Prestel mentioned, “[they] stand the test of time,” when it comes to a workout that keeps on giving.
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