If your fitness goals include building lean muscle, improving flexibility, and strengthening the core, Pilates may be the perfect exercise for you. You can roll out a mat to start. But if you’re more experienced (and don’t attend studio sessions because of the pandemic), you can invest in a Pilates reformer for your home.
Recent research has shown that regular reformer exercise is associated with greater shoulder and lower back strength, as well as a decreased risk of falls in people over 65, proving that the machines are worth the investment. Here’s what to look for in a Pilates reformer, as well as many options at all price points - and experience levels - to add to your home fitness studio.
What is a Pilates reformer?
Invented by Joseph Pilates, the Pilates reformer is a device that creates resistance to work every muscle in your body. It comprises a cart with a sliding platform held in place by adjustable springs, explains Anna Clark, trainer and co-owner of Nexa Pilates and Fitness in New York. The springs provide resistance to muscle jolts while facilitating full-body stretches.
“Adding Pilates to your regular workout routine will help improve your strength, stretching, endurance and stability,” says Anna Clark. “The reformer is versatile enough to give you a full-body workout in less than an hour without missing hard-to-reach areas and giving you the stretch you’re looking for.”
Pilates reformers also allow you to work out without adding unnecessary stress to your joints, making them ideal for newcomers to the fitness world and those recovering from injuries. That said, if you’ve never used a reformer before, it’s best to have a professional show you how it works to make sure you’re performing each exercise correctly and safely. Make the investment when you feel ready to use a reformer on your own.
How we chose the best Pilates reformers
We consulted with Anna Clark, trainer and co-owner of Nexa Pilates and Fitness in New York City, to find the best Pilates reformers for those looking to improve their home workouts. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specifications to find the only Pilates reformers worth adding to your fitness collection.
Now that you’re a Pilates reformer pro, you’re ready to pick your own. Here are the top picks, according to the professionals and enthusiastic online reviewers:
1. AeroPilates Pro XP 556
For home reformers, you can confidently invest in one of the most popular models from AeroPilates. The XP 556 is reliable and sturdy, and it’s very inexpensive at under $1,000, especially with its oak detailing. I’m thrilled I bought this Pilates machine," says one of Dick’s customer. “The decision was not an easy one to make. “It was not a simple decision to make, because of the other cheaper models available...and I am so happy with my decision!”.
2. Supreme Toning Tower
If you’re looking to elevate your Pilates workouts at home, but don’t want to burn a big hole in your wallet, this simple machine is the perfect option. It has all the elements of a Cadillac Pilates traction table and a bar for Barre exercises. The reformer comes with spring straps for toning, and Amazon reviews say it’s “perfect for beginners.”
Buy: Supreme Toning Tower
3. 700 Premier Reformer
If you’re looking for a compromise between price and quality, go for this Pilates reformer, which uses ropes instead of springs. Amazon reviewers say it offers “incredible value for the money.” “As a manual therapist, I regularly recommend reformers to patients for chronic back problems, and this works very well for us.”
Buy: 700 Premier Reformer
4. AeroPilates Reformer 287
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Pilates reformer, you can’t go wrong with this stripped-down model, which includes all the elements (like three cords, a padded cushion, and a foot bar) for less. “This is a great reformer for a FANTASTIC price,” says one reviewer. “It’s light enough that I can fold and store it easily, and safe enough that my kids can use it, too.”
5. SPX Reformer Home Bundle
Merrithew’s bundle includes everything you need to get started with your new Pilates reformer, including a box, roll-up bar, platform extension and straps. Reviewers say that although the box is heavy, assembly is very easy. Also, this machine uses resistance springs instead of ropes, which many practitioners prefer.
6. AeroPilates Pro XP 557
Attention tall people: This is AeroPilates’ longest reformer, so people over six feet tall (and up to 300 pounds) can get in on the action. Thanks to the springs, you can store the unit if necessary and move it easily. “If you’re comfortable with Pilates and using a solo reformer, this is a great machine considering the price,” says an Amazon reviewer.
7. Allegro Reformer
We know balanced Body for making some of the strongest, smoothest, most functional Pilates reformers on the market - and this one is no exception. Home users especially appreciate that the Allegro develops with their practice, with room for upgrades like a tower and taller legs. “I don’t know why this device isn’t getting a lot of attention,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “I am so glad I bought this reformer and have no regrets!
Buy: Allegro Reformer
8. AeroPilates Precision Cadillac
Cadillacs open up more types of movement during your workouts, which can be useful for both recovery and general workouts. This machine doesn’t require a reformer, but we can combine it with a reformer, making it a hit with Amazon shoppers. “I’ve already done two 90-minute workouts on it and this thing is really really great for the price,” one said. “It was SUPER easy to put together.”
Buy: AeroPilates Precision Cadillac
How do you choose the best Pilates reformer for you?
Pilates reformers don’t come cheap: many models cost more than $1,000, and the most sophisticated ones cost more than $5,000. But if you’ve ever used one in a class, you know how effective they are. (You can also look at them to save money on Pilates classes in the long run.) Choosing a reformer comes down to three key factors: quality, design and spring strength.
✔️Invest in quality. Like any other piece of exercise equipment, the more expensive models are harder to swallow but more likely to last in the long run. Of course, you can still find some pretty impressive models at low prices, but if you can afford it, Clark recommends choosing a studio quality Pilates reformer that you know will hold up in the future.
✔️Look for a thoughtful design. “Today, reformers come in many varieties, and not all are the same,” Clark warns. Reformers built to be higher off the ground will give you increased mobility and stability, she explains. However, if you don’t have a dedicated space for your reformer, such as a home gym, folding or mobile models (which are typically closer to the ground) may work better for you.Some models come with Cadillacs, metal towers with handles, straps, and bars. (Yes, they’re apparently named after cars.) The most luxurious reformers include full Cadillacs, which resemble a suspended bed frame and allow for aerial and trapeze workouts.
✔️Opt for springs. Clark suggests choosing a Pilates reformer with springs, which offers a more studio-like experience than those with ropes (just note that they are more expensive). The springs should have different levels of resistance so you can challenge yourself.
