</p><p>For some, using a Pilates reformer may even make workouts more comfortable. “Some people might not be able to get into a position on the mat using just their bodyweight,” says <a href=” target=”_blank”>Alysia Pope Ehret</a>, a certified Pilates instructor and founder of <a href=” target=”_blank”>PurelyYou</a>, a virtual Pilates community and course.<br></p><p class=”body-text”>”The springs on a reformer can add resistance, but they can also help support different parts of the body as well,”says Ehret. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced learner who’s ready to level up, check out the eight best Pilates reformers to buy and add to your home gym right now, per customer reviews and Pilates professionals. </p><p>If you’re investing in an at-home Pilates reformer, it’s a good idea to have access to some form of guidance to kickstart your journey—whether it’s through virtual classes or with a personal instructor IRL. While there are plenty of excellent Pilates workout videos available for free on YouTube, some of our favorite membership-based options including <a href=” target=”_blank”>New York Pilates</a>, <a href=” target=”_blank”>Alo Moves</a>, and <a href=” target=”_blank”>Speir Pilates</a> offer more structured and comprehensive experiences at home.</p><p>Keep scrolling for our comprehensive guide to choosing a home Pilates reformer, plus, our editors’ top eight options to shop in 2024. </p><h2>What To Consider</h2><p>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.</p><h3>Springs</h3><p>According to Pilates instructor <a href=” target=”_blank”>Amanda Blauer</a>, <em>real</em> 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 says. “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 <em>real</em> 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.</p><h3>Style</h3><p class=”body-text”>Blauer also notes that among Pilates reformers, there are two different styles to be aware of: classical and contemporary. A classical reformer is similar to the exact piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates. If you’re really dedicated to Joseph Pilates’ craft, this might be the type of machine you want to look for. </p><p class=”body-text”>There’s also the contemporary style of Pilates reformers, which adds resistance and even more tension to the 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.<br></p><h3>Size</h3><p>It’s important to take into account the size of each machine before making an investment. If you live in a small apartment or home with low ceilings, a Cadillac—this has four posts—or a reformer with a tower is probably not the right choice for you. “If you need one that can be moved when not in use, pick one that folds or can be rolled under a bed,” says <a href=” target=”_blank”>Heather Andersen</a>, founder and owner of <a href=” target=”_blank”>New York Pilates</a>. (Our favorite compact options are the <a href=” target=”_blank”>Metro IQ</a>, <a href=” target=”_blank”>Reformer 287</a>, and <a href=” target=”_blank”>Foldable Reformer 4420</a>). “If you have a big space, you might want to go for a professional model, like those that studios use.” (The <a href=” target=”_blank”>Allegro 2</a> is the gold standard when it comes to reformers used in professional Pilates studios.)<strong></strong></p><h2>How We tested And Selected</h2><p class=”body-text”>For the past year, <em>Women’s Health</em> editors including our fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM, associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and editorial assistants Sabrina Talbert and Olivia Evans, researched, tested, and evaluated more than a dozen of the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated Pilates reformer machines. Our team consulted six Pilates experts and instructors to gain more insights into which machines the pros are using, and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to gauge long-term consumer experience with each option. Below is a list of the best Pilates reformer machines for home use for every fitness level, budget, and space.</p>”/>
Best Pilates Reformer Machine Overall
Balanced Body Allegro 2
“I wish this machine wasn’t so expensive, because I wish every Pilates lover could own one,” said WH fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM. “I’ve been using this machine at home two to three times per week for over a year now, and it’s just as great as the day I got it.” The machine is very heavy, but setting it up with two people is a breeze, according to Talene. “The most difficult part to set up was the footbar, which requires two people and patient communication to line up perfectly on either side.”
This reformer has been on the market for over 20 years, so know you it’s truly a mainstay in the reformer game. More than that, if you’ve ever done Pilates in-studio, you’ve likely used this machine. With a nine-position locking footbar, five springs of varying tension, and a wide, comfortable carriage, this machine is the best in class for good reason.
There is definitely sticker shock with this option, but if you frequent your local boutique studio and are committed to moving your practice forward, the math makes sense.
| Springs | One very light, one light, three medium |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary |
| Size | 93 x 36 x 14.5 inches |
Best Pilates Reformer Machine For Beginners
AeroPilates Pro Reformer
Best Pilates Reformer Machine For Beginners
AeroPilates Pro Reformer
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Easy to set up without a professional
- Fast shipping
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the best option for taller people
This reformer has hundreds of five-star reviews from seasoned pros and beginners alike. The Pro Reformer is particularly great for newbies because it’s a durable machine that can help you progress. People say it’s pretty easy to assemble without a pro as long as you have a helping hand, too.
It’s fairly easy to set up, but we definitely recommend two people, reading the instructions, and leaving yourselves about an hour. This machine also feels very durable for how slimmed-down and streamlined the design is.
| Springs | Two low resistance blue, and two high resistance |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary |
| Size | 100.5 x 23.5 x 15 in |
Best Pilates Reformer Machine for Tall People
Balanced Body Allegro Stretch Reformer
Best Pilates Reformer Machine for Tall People
Balanced Body Allegro Stretch Reformer
According to both Ehret and Blauer, the OG Allegro is still a top-notch option to shop despite the Allegro 2 stealing most of the spotlight these days. Similar to the Allegro 2, the price tag of this machine carries the ouch factor. However, for the tall girlies out there, it’s an investment that might make sense.
This machine features the same attributes of the original Allegro Reformer, plus an extended frame (by 18 inches) and broader carriage for a more spacious, safe, and comfortable workout.
| Springs | One very light, one light, three medium |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary |
| Size | 111 x 24.5 x 14 in |
Best Size Pilates Reformer Machine
Balanced Body Metro IQ
Best Size Pilates Reformer Machine
Balanced Body Metro IQ
Pros
- Smaller than a full-size reformer
- Extendable length
- Wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Bigger than most ‘compact’ options
Talene used this compact option from Balanced Body in her one bedroom apartment for nearly two years before moving into a bigger living space and upgrading to the Allegro 2. Despite its low-profile silhouette, patented telescoping technology extends the frame up to 98 inches for added versatility, especially for taller users. We love the low-to-the-ground design for home use, as it’s safer, simplified setup (no pesky legs to attach!), and can be rolled under furniture to save space when not in use.
If you’re super tight on space and need a very compact option, this might not be the best fit. However, it’s a great choice for those who want a low height machine that takes up less space than a full size machine but doesn’t compromise on long-term durability.
| Springs | One very light, one light, three medium |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary |
| Size | 98 x 24 x 5.5 inches |
Best Value Pilates Reformer Machine
Arkantos Pilates Reformer Pro
Best Value Pilates Reformer Machine
Arkantos Pilates Reformer Pro
This reformer might just be the best-looking option on this list, with a gorgeous wood frame that’s sure to compliment any home aesthetic. The leather base is comfortable, water-resistant, and tear resistant, and we found the wooden frame to be just as durable as metal-framed options we tested.
For just north of $1,000, you get a similar spring resistance setup as Balanced Body options, and a reasonably sized machine that is ideal for home use. It’s not the cheapest or most advanced option on this list, but it’s not pretending to be. If you want a good-looking mid-range reformer than won’t break the bank but will last you a good while, this is a great option.
| Springs | Five springs with multiple levels of resistance |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary |
| Size | 87.8 x 25.6 x 24 in |
Best Compact Pilates Reformer Machine
AeroPilates Reformer 287
Best Compact Pilates Reformer Machine
AeroPilates Reformer 287
Pros
- Very affordable
- Foam shoulder pads
- Great for beginners
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, meaning it won’t deliver the toughest workout or most stability, but is a good option if you can’t spring (pun very much intended) for a beefier machine.
Aside from it’s affordable price, this machine shines when it comes to its space-saving design. It sits directly on the floor (no legs), so it’s good for homes with low ceilings. This reformer also folds in half for easy storage in a closet or under a bed or couch when not in use.
| Springs | Three elastic resistance cords |
|---|---|
| Style | Classical |
| Size | 85.3 x 17.5 x 9 in |
Best Pilates Reformer Machine With Extra Features
Wolfmate Pilates Home Workout System
Best Pilates Reformer Machine With Extra Features
Wolfmate Pilates Home Workout System
Pros
- Multiple gears and strength adjustable
- Wheels for easy transport and storage
- Comes with a ton of extras
Cons
- Very heavy
While still relatively expensive priced north of $1,500, for the quality, this Pilates reformer is actually a great deal. It includes so many valuable features, including an infinity bar, five-position footbar, jumping bar, padded foot rest, and box. The carriage slides smoothly and easily, and it’s pretty quiet.
However, with a relatively limited weight capacity of 200 pounds, it’s not the most durable or heavy-duty option on this list. It compares very well against the big names in studio-grade reformers in terms of feel and function, but weight capacity is one area where sacrifices have been made with this machine. Keep this in mind to determine if this machine is a fit for yourself and/or others who intend to use it.
| Springs | Five varied resistance |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary |
| Size | 95 x 23 x 11 inches |
What is a Pilates reformer and what is it used for?
A Pilates reformer is actually a tool that was created synonymously with the practice itself by Joseph Pilates. So, practicing Pilates with a reformer is how it was meant to be done back in the day! If you ever do Pilates without a reformer, it’s all inspired by moves that were classically done with one, says Blauer.
“A reformer 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 Pilates experience, says Carrie Minter, a certified Pilates instructor and founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus in Los Angeles.
“The reformer machine works your entire body,” Minter continues. “The springs and cables on it change the tension, so you get much more of a workout than you would on just a mat.”
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 says. “That’s why it’s important that beginners stick to beginner classes [until] they’re fully comfortable with the machine.”
What are the benefits of doing Pilates on a reformer?
Pilates instructor and co-founder of Frame Fitness 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.
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.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at Women’s Health and has more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She’s always out exploring—sweat-testing workouts and gear, hiking, snowboarding, running, and more—with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Talene Appleton is a fitness and food writer and editor, certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), and former professional dancer based in New York City. Passionate about both exercise and cuisine, she merges her fitness, nutrition and culinary expertise with the goal of motivating others to embrace balanced healthy living. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, General Surgery News, The Food Institute, The Nessie, and more.
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