The Reformer is arguably the most popular Pilates machine, beloved by both traditional Pilates enthusiasts and fans of high-octane group classes. Since studio workouts are on hold in most of the U.S. right now, particularly as the weather gets colder and outdoor Reformer workouts are less appealing, a Reformer of one's own has become an object of desire for many Pilates aficionados. With so many makes, models, and styles to choose from you may need some help deciding which one is right for your home set-up. To help you decide, we've compiled a handy guide to choosing and purchasing a Reformer for home use.
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If you're thinking about buying your own Reformer, congratulations. You must be very committed to practicing Pilates. But how do you know which one to buy, and how can you ensure that it doesn't become an expensive, bulky spot to stash your laundry (we're looking at you, stationary bike!)? The Pilates community is famously tribal, with adherents of traditional Pilates and more contemporary Pilates styles. As might be expected, these predilections apply to a favored make of Reformer. The big names are Gratz ($), known for their fidelity to Joe's original designs and loved by more traditional practitioners, and Balanced Body ($-$), preferred by the contemporary crowd and famous for their innovations and snazzy extras. There are a couple of other manufacturers from whom the consumer can buy directly such as Peak Pilates, Pilates Designs, Merrithew, also known as STOTT, and AeroPilates, but even discount stores like Costco or websites like Overstock now sell Reformers for home use.
One of the first questions you'll need to think about is whether you have space for a Pilates Reformer machine. Depending upon the manufacturer, Reformers are between 80' and 100' long, and they can weigh more than 100 pounds. The box used for short and long box exercises will add another 12-18 inches to the footprint, as it is typically stored at the back of the Reformer when not in use. Foldable and portable models are a space-saving option, but ask yourself how often you will actually set it up and use it if it's not out in the open. Sometimes, out of sight means out of mind.
Also, think about how you plan to use your home Pilates Reformer. Will you have an instructor teach you one-on-one (either virtually or in-person) in your home studio? Will you be following along with streaming workouts? Or will you be doing a self-directed workout? Depending upon your answer, and your proficiency with spring and equipment changes, you may choose one style of Reformer over another. Gratz Reformers, for example, have four springs, all of which have the same tension, while most Balanced Body Reformers have five springs ranging from heavy to light, each denoted by a distinctive colored tag. More spring options mean more versatility, but also more complexity.
Preference is often a matter of familiarity. For some reason, people tend to prefer the Reformer brand on which they first experienced Pilates. The different springs and dimensions of various brands create a distinctive feel that just seems 'right." If you are thinking about buying a Pilates machine, most likely it's because you like the equipment you've been using at your local Pilates studio or health club. In this case, a good place to start is to ask your Pilates instructor what brand or model of Reformer is used in the studio and start your search there.
Once you've decided on a manufacturer or narrowed down your choice of model, additional options to consider include a choice of several frame materials (wood or aluminum), various colors and types of upholstery, and a slew of upgrades and accessories such as fuzzy foot loops and cushioned footbars. Expect to pay north of $ for a top-of-the-line, studio-quality Reformer, while stripped-down, strictly budget models designed for personal use can be found from $ and up.
Your local studio owner may be selling used equipment. The benefits to this arrangement are that you are already familiar with their Reformers and you will save money on a gently used Reformer. Some Pilates equipment companies offer an affiliate program to local Pilates studios, meaning that if you order your equipment through your local studio, you receive a discount.
Finding a used or second-hand Reformer online is a more affordable option. Sites such as Craigslist are good places to start. Not only will a previously owned Reformer be cheaper than buying new from a manufacturer, but you will also save on shipping if you arrange to pick it up from the seller yourself. If you go this route, make sure that you see the Reformer for yourself and try it out to see how it feels. If you have an instructor you trust, he or she may be able to evaluate it for you before you buy it. Shipping a pre-owned Reformer long distance is not recommended as it may get damaged en route. And just as you would for any big-ticket purchase from an individual you don't know personally, be careful when it comes to transferring funds to the seller.
If you decide that due to space or budget limits a home Pilates Reformer is out of reach, remember that Pilates Mat work is tremendously varied, rigorous, and effective. You can achieve great results using only your own body weight as resistance. If you are worried about getting bored, adding small props such as the Magic Circle, a playground ball and a set of elastic bands can boost the intensity of your Mat work for a much smaller investment and in a much smaller footprint.
Posted By: Pamela Toy
After much consideration, you have decided to purchase a Pilates Reformer.
Great!
Now you open up your browser and start searching for reformers online. However, there are so many different types of reformers and brands.
Where do you even start?
You should look for several things when picking a machine for your needs. Reformers are pretty expensive and you want to ensure the purchase is worth it.
In this post, we are going to break down how to choose a reformer in the following 8 steps:
Understanding what your personal needs are is the first step to picking a reformer.
If you are an aspiring pilates instructor, then you will probably want to get a Studio-grade reformer that is adjustable and has a lot of different attachments.
Additionally, if you have health issues or a limited range of motion, you may want to pick a Reformer that is very adjustable as well.
If you are an intermediate to advanced practitioner, having more accessories and attachments will allow you to make your workouts more robust and engaging.
However, if you are a less experienced practitioner, are on a tighter budget and are just looking for a good Pilates workout at home, you may not need all the accessories (we will get into this later).
As mentioned in the previous step, having a Reformer that is adjustable is very important especially if you are an aspiring instructor or have a limited range of motion.
Here are the following components that should be adjustable:
The Head and shoulder rest supports the back, neck and shoulders. They should be comfortable and provide maximum stability. For people with neck or back injuries, having an adjustable head and shoulder rest is very important.
The foot bar initiates spring resistance at the start of an exercise. The more adjustable the foot bar is, the more it can adjust to different body sizes and also to different ranges of motion. If you are fairly inflexible or had knee surgery/injuries, having an adjustable foot bar can provide you with the correct angle/support.
After you have determined what your needs are, you will likely need to determine how much you are willing to spend on a Reformer.
We recently broke down the cost in this post, but Reformers can go anywhere from $400 ' $8k (higher end). While that is a fairly wide range, it's worth noting that the higher the price, the higher the quality of the reformer, and the more features and accessories are usually available.
If you are an aspiring instructor, you will likely want to have a Reformer that is high quality with at least some accessories. However, you may not need the Bundle Reformers with every attachment available. These reformers can go from anywhere between $1-5k.
Before pulling the trigger to purchase a Reformer, you need to understand how much space is readily available in your house/apartment/studio.
Reformers on average range from about 80 to 100 inches long and are roughly 20 to 30 inches wide.
Please measure your space beforehand.
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There are also Reformers that are foldable, which may be a good option if you have limited space or need to utilize your space for other activities.
Having a frame that is of the highest quality is really important.
Some frames are made of wood and others are made of metal, so do your research before pressing the buy button.
A Reformer may be less expensive with a lot of the same features, but if the Frame is not good, then you will be unable to use your reformer for a long period of time. It's worth checking out reviews to make sure others didn't have any issues beforehand!
Some Reformers utilize cords for their resistance system, however, it is highly recommended to find a reformer with springs. Springs are more robust and are usually a trait of a higher quality reformer.
You should also check to see how 'heavy' the springs are and how many are available with the reformer.
Most reformers will have 4-5 springs available with varying degrees of difficulty.
If you are an aspiring instructor, you should probably look for a machine with more springs as it will allow you to adjust to many different body types and skill levels.
For example, if your reformer only has 3 springs, with medium to heavy levels of resistance, you will be unable to work with seniors or people who aren't very strong.
Also, if your clients have injuries they probably won't be able to go as heavy, so having more springs will provide a better workout.
In contrast, if your springs aren't super heavy, then people who are bigger and stronger won't be able to get the best workout due to the springs maxing out.
The more springs you have the better, but if the reformer that fits your needs/budget only has a few springs available, make sure they provide the right resistance level.
Many Reformers come with a variety of different accessories that can enhance your workouts.
Here are the most popular accessories:
Pilates Dvds can be helpful as they can introduce you to a variety of exercises led by a professional instructor. If you are a relatively new student or like following along with workouts, then Dvds can be really useful.
The Jumpboard is a firm, padded jumping surface that allows for sound foot placement for aerobic and plyometric workouts. It can help to expand your repertoire as it will train your core, and lower body when used on the Reformer.
The Cardio Rebounder provides a landing surface for rebounding activities. This increases your workout potential turning your reformer into a heart-pumping cardiovascular machine.
The Vertical Frame/Tower provides multiple spring attachments facilitating increased programming as the travel pulleys provide different angles of resistance. This allows you to perform three-dimensional motions.
Also, some vertical towers/frames have arm attachments, which allow you to work your upper body on the reformer.
The Reformer Box assists with optimal sitting positions allowing for a greater range of motion when working your upper body, torso and legs. There are also additional exercises specific to the box. If you are an aspiring instructor, the box is definitely an accessory you want to have.
Adjustable foot straps allow you to anchor your feet for exercises using the Reformer Box. This can make your workouts tougher and more engaging.
Some Reformers have a mat converter, which allows you to turn your machine into an elevated mat surface. This can be great if you are already tight on space as you can do your mat workouts right on your reformer!
These are a few accessories that reformers may include. However, many of these items can be bought separately, so if you plan to purchase the accessories separately, make sure that your reformer is compatible before purchase.
Last but not least, you should make sure your Reformer has a warranty. Most Reformers offer a warranty for 6-12 months. It would be very disappointing to spend a lot of money on a reformer only for it to break after a few uses, so please make sure you are covered!
Choosing the right Reformer depends on your needs, space and budget, so please review each step in depth before pulling the trigger. Reformers are not cheap, so you should have a machine that you are going to use!
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