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12 Best Pilates Reformer Machines For Home Workouts In 2023, Per Reviews And Pilates Instructors
Rock solid core coming right up!
If you've taken a Pilates class—or 10—you know there's a reason why so many people are obsessed with the workout. It probably has something to do with the countless benefits or the fact that you don't really need fitness equipment to get a Pilates workout in.
That being said, if you are interested in taking your workout to the next level, a Pilates reformer is a must. The machine helps you increase your mobility, overall strength, core, and balance, says Studio SWEAT onDemand's Pilates trainer Sam Belle. After all, Pilates is all about balance and movement. "Pilates moves the spine in all four planes of motion, and focuses on rebalancing the inevitable imbalances we all have due to our daily activities and posture,” Belle says.
Peep some of the best Pilates machines, below:
For some, using a Pilates reformer may even make their workouts a little more comfortable. "Some people might not be able to get into a position on the mat using just their bodyweight. The springs [on a reformer] can add resistance, but they can also help support to different parts of the body as well," explains Alysia Pope Ehret, a certified Pilates instructor and founder of PurelyYou, a virtual Pilates community and course.
So if you are ready to level up, check out the 12 best Pilates reformers you should add to your home gym right now, per customer reviews.
Balanced Body Studio Reformer
Balanced Body Studio Reformer
Pros
- Great for taller people
- Quieter than other reformers
- Used in many boutique studios
Cons
- Pricey
This sleek, wood-framed machine will blend perfectly into your mid-century modern aesthetic. It’s an excellent choice for taller people, too, given the length of its carriage. If it looks familiar, that's because this is the exact machine a lot of boutique studios use.
Rave Review: “This is the best investment that I’ve made in a while! There is definitely sticker shock when you hit the purchase button....but if you do the math, it makes sense! It is exactly the same reformer as [the one] at my local Pilates studio, so it’s easy to move forward with my practice."
| Dimensions | 14 x 9 x 26.5 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 152 lbs |
| Handle type | Neoprene handles and cotton foot strap |
AeroPilates Foldable Reformer 4420
AeroPilates Foldable Reformer 4420
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Built-in wheels for easy storage
Cons
- Doesn't use spring resistance
This is one of the most affordable Pilates reformers you'll find, but that doesn't mean you won't still get a quality workout from it. It's designed with a mixture of light to heavy resistance cords and an upgraded pulling system. Plus, if you're new to the Pilates world, it comes with four workout DVDs. Sure, you could look some up on YouTube, but why not hop back into the '90s for a while?
Rave Review: "I have never wanted to write a review so badly and I usually don't! This is the GREATEST thing to happen to me. I LOVE Pilates. It is super light and works for almost all of the box exercises. This home reformer is a game-changer for me. I highly recommend."
| Dimensions | 86 x 21 x 26 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60 lbs |
| Handle type | Strap |
Flexia Smart Reformer & All-In Bundle
Flexia Smart Reformer & All-In Bundle
Pros
- Adjustable headrest
- Access to a paid membership program
Cons
- Pricey
If you don't like assembling things yourself—understood. This Flexia Pilates machine comes with optional in-home assembly. Once it's up and going, the machine can fold up for easy storage. Plus, with access to an online studio of weekly curated classes for $39 a month, you can gradually progress and elevate your Pilates skills.
Rave Review: "I just love it! I put it together all by myself and did my first reformer workout on the app after work."
| Dimensions | 90 x 30 x 14 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 170 lbs |
| Handle type | Adjustable strap and padded footstrap |
Balanced Body Allegro Reformer
Balanced Body Allegro Reformer
Pros
- Includes secure-locking footbar
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Can take up to five weeks to ship
This reformer has been on the market for over 20 years, proving it’s truly a mainstay in the reformer game. The Allegro features a secure-locking footbar for added stability. It's also designed with four horizontal and four vertical positions to customize your experience, making this great for beginners. Bonus: Reviewers rave about how easy it is to set up.
Rave Review: “I don't know why this machine doesn't get more attention! The quality is exactly what you'd expect from any Balanced Body reformer—best in class. It's a step up from their home reformer, the IQ, but not as expensive as the Allegro 2 or studio reformers (but make no mistake, this is definitely a professional piece of equipment)."
| Dimensions | 93 x 36 x 14.5 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 129 lbs |
| Handle type | Adjustable strap |
Merrithew SPX Max Plus Reformer
Merrithew SPX Max Plus Reformer
Pros
- Vertical frame means you can fold it up
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners
Ready to take your Pilates practice up a notch? Consider this next-level reformer the ultimate choice for advanced practitioners. It comes with five strength springs with three resistance levels each. Plus, its vertical frame can be easily folded up to make space when you're not using it. The comfort footbar, foam padding, and platform extenders are just the cherries on top.
Best part? It comes fully assembled.
Rave Review: “Super high quality reformer. Near silent glide. Arrives assembled. Attach the ropes (which takes five minutes) and you're ready to go."
| Dimensions | 10.9 x 26.3 x 95.3 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 115 lbs |
| Handle type | Metal roll-up pole |
Wolfmate All-in-One Pilates Home Workout System
Wolfmate All-in-One Pilates Home Workout System
Pros
- Multiple gears and strength adjustable
- Wheels for easy transport and storage
Cons
- Very heavy
While still pricey at almost $2,000, reviewers say that for the quality you get, this Pilates reformer is still a great deal since it comes with a ton of extras. It's designed with an infinity bar, five-position footbar, jumping bar, padded foot rest, and more. All of that, and reviewers say it's pretty quiet.
Rave Review: "This is a great price for a heavy-duty reformer. It compares very well against the big names in studio-grade reformers (at one-third of the price). You can see where some costs were cut, but no serious deal breakers. The overall feel and function of the reformer is great."
| Dimensions | 95 x 23 x 11 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 200 lbs |
| Handle type | Adjustable strap |
Maximum Fitness Microformer
Maximum Fitness Microformer
Pros
- Easily slides under a bed or couch
- Can be customized with lots of add-ons
Cons
- Every add-on has an additional cost that can add up
This top-rated, popular reformer is super portable and can easily be slid under beds or into closets. As small as it may look, it still manages to feature four tension springs, and the ability to further customize it by adding on front handles, bungee attachments, weighted poles, pulley cables, and more.
Rave Review: “The Microformer is the perfect reformer for small spaces, and at a reasonable price point. I can easily slide it under my couch or queen bed with the convenient wheels, and it fits and functions perfectly in my small NYC living room for workouts. I also appreciate how customizable the machine is, with additional handlebars and cables you can add depending on the workout moves and styles you want to try." -Jacqueline Andriakos, Women's Health health and fitness director
| Dimensions | Unlisted, but can accommodate people up to 6'8 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Handle type | Bar |
Elina Pilates Convertible Cadillac Reformer
Elina Pilates Convertible Cadillac Reformer
Pros
- Convertible
- Made with faux leather upholstery
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners
If you want the full shebang, you can’t beat this beauty— especially if you want to practice Pilates at home the way celebs like Kate Hudson and Lady Gaga do. It's convertible, so you can easily switch between the full tower and reformer design depending on the type of workout you're looking for. Because this comes with a lot of features, it's best for anyone who's working with a personal trainer or who has a lot of advanced experience.
Rave Review: “This machine works great. I had been doing Pilates for over a year before this. This machine slides well and does everything more expensive studio machines do, and I'm super happy. It was easy to assemble."
| Dimensions | 95 x 29 x 28 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 480 lbs |
| Handle type | Adjustable strap |
Arkantos Foldable Pilates Reformer
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Compact design
Cons
- Some reviews say parts needed replacing after some use
Another option that's great for small spaces, this Pilates machine can easily fold down for easy storage and is a breeze to move, thanks to its built-in wheels and lightweight frame. It's made with five resistance cords, each weighing 11 pounds. So, despite it being a little more basic than other options, you'll still be able to gradually adjust your level of difficulty.
Rave Review: "I have been using this reformer for a couple of months now and it is great. It folds up nicely and I can easily keep it in the living room."
| Dimensions | 44.1 x 22.1 x 11.4 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 lbs |
| Handle type | Strap |
AeroPilates Reformer Pro XP 557
Pros
- Easy to set up without a professional
- Fast shipping
Cons
- Not the best option for taller people
This reformer has hundreds of five-star reviews from seasoned pros and beginners alike. It's particularly great for newbies because it’s a strong machine that can take you into advanced territory, but it isn’t on the higher end in terms of price point. People say it's pretty easy to assemble without a pro so long as you have a helping hand, too.
Rave Review: “This product is an excellent exercise station to be used independently or as an adjunct with existing equipment for anyone who's young, old, a beginner, or advanced. It's easy to set up and will take two people a good hour. It's very well made and requires little space to use. When you use it, your core is constantly engaged and adjustments are easy. The intensity of workouts vary from easy to intense, but the learning curve for the exercises is easy."
| Dimensions | 100.5 x 23.5 x 15 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 133 lbs |
| Handle type | Double loop hand and foot straps |
AeroPilates AeroPilates Reformer 287
AeroPilates AeroPilates Reformer 287
Pros
- Very affordable
- Foam shoulder pads
Cons
- Not the best option for advanced practitioners
With its price point and fairly basic offerings, this reformer is great for those new to the world of Pilates. It still has everything you want out of a machine, but scales back on the luxury offerings and resistance capacity.
Rave Review: "This is a great at home reformer! It’s the next best thing to going to a Pilates studio. It really helps loosen my back muscles and strengthen [my] body overall."
| Dimensions | 85.3 x 17.5 x 9 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 56 lbs |
| Handle type | Foam straps |
Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformer
Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformer
Pros
- SoftTouch rope system
- Built-in standing platform
Cons
- Pricey
According to both Ehret and Pilates Instructor Amanda Blauer, Allegro is a top-notch brand for reformers, especially if you're looking for something that will fit seamlessly into your home. The Allegro 2 design irons out any kinks that existed in the original Allegro, and Ehret loves its ability to add on accessories as your Pilates practice improves.
Rave Review: "This is the most GORGEOUS reformer I have ever seen. It is a studio-quality reformer and I have it sitting right in the middle of my living room. Balanced Body has literally thought of everything when designing this thing."
| Dimensions | 15 x 94 x 25.5 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 133 lbs |
| Handle type | Loops and handles |
What is a Pilates reformer and how is it used?
A Pilates reformer is actually a tool that was created synonymously with the practice itself by Joseph Pilates. So, to do Pilates with a reformer is how it was meant to be done. If you ever do Pilates without a reformer, it's all inspired by moves that were classically done with one, says Pilates instructor Amanda Blauer.
"A reformer in a lot of ways supports your body," Blauer says. "It can assist people that are just getting started [in their Pilates practice] to learn where [their] body should be in space and [it gives] that extra guidance."
Reformers can also make a training session a bit more challenging for someone with more experience with Pilates, says Carrie Minter, a certified Pilates instructor and founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus in Los Angeles.
“The reformer machine works your entire body,” she explains. “The springs and cables on it change the tension, so you get much more of a workout than you would on just a mat."
How do you choose the best Pilates reformer machine for you?
There are a few things to consider when making a Pilates reformer purchase, including quality, size, and price. Experts reiterate that when it comes to reformers, everything is relative to the person shopping—so definitely listen to yourself first.
Springs or no springs
According to Blauer, real Pilates reformers include springs and are not going to be less than $500. Some reformer companies will make versions of Pilates reformers using bands instead of springs, which makes the machine less expensive.
"A traditional reformer will have either four or five springs that connect the carriage—that piece that glides back and forth—to the end of the frame, Blauer explains. "The spring resistance is really what gives it that amazing reformer feel and the springs should hold up for 10 years."
If you want the real deal though, you need to invest in a more expensive piece of equipment—and springs. However, you'll be able to count on the machine for a long time—so it's not for nothing!
Contemporary or classical
Blauer also notes that among Pilates reformers, there are two different styles to be aware of—classical and contemporary. A classical reformer is more similar to the exact piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates—with the same tension in their springs. If you're really dedicated to Joseph Pilates' craft, this might be the type of machine to look for.
There's also the contemporary style of Pilates reformers, which adds resistance and even more tension to their springs. They're also compatible with non-traditional Pilates exercises and movements.
"You can get really creative on the more contemporary reformers and kind of create your own variations of exercises," Blauer says. "I lean towards and prefer a contemporary one."
Ehret also says you should consider whether you will want to add accessories to your reformer, such as a tower or a jump board.
Size of your space and home
Both Blauer and Ehret say that if you are going to invest in an at-home Pilates reformer, you should have some type of instruction on deck—whether that's a virtual class (BTW, you can use the code 'WOMENSHEALTH' for a free month of PurelyYou) or a personal instructor.
You should also take into account the size of your personal space. If you live in a one bedroom or studio apartment, a Cadillac or a reformer with a tower is probably not the right choice for you.
"If you need one that folds under a bed, pick that one. If you have a big space, maybe pick one that’s an actual professional model that studios use," says Heather Andersen, founder and owner of New York Pilates. "The most important thing is that you have one, so pick the reformer that works best for your living situation."
What are the benefits of doing Pilates on a reformer?
Classically-trained ballet dancer and Pilates instructor Melissa Bentivoglio says that while mat Pilates can be practiced in low to high intensity, your brain and body activate totally different muscles (called stabilizers) when you're on a reformer. This allows for a more challenging full-body workout.
"Your balance and focus are challenged by being elevated on the reformer," she says. "Through small, controlled movements and customizable weight resistances, you can strengthen, tone, and build endurance all in one workout." Doing this allows you to implement safe, progressive overloads for your fitness needs," she adds.
Is a Pilates reformer machine worth it?
Pilates reformer machines are not exactly cheap—the best ones are typically over $2,000, though you can certainly find budget buys without any bells and whistles for $200 to $400.
So, if you already have the cash or plan on swapping this machine for your gym membership, it'll definitely be worth the cost over time.
"Doing reformer Pilates at home also allows you to go at your own pace in an intuitive, personalized way with the best technology available at your fingertips—if you get a quality machine," says Bentivoglio.
"Additionally, in-person classes can be large or too fast paced for the instructor to be able to check or guide all participants' form," she adds. That's why it's important that beginners stick to beginner classes [until] they're fully comfortable with the machine.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
Olivia Evans (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Her work has previously appeared in The Cut and Teen Vogue. She loves covering topics where culture and wellness intersect. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, and watching rom-coms.
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