These Pilates Reformers Will Seriously Upgrade Your Home Workouts
- 1/12
These Pilates Reformers Will Seriously Upgrade Your Home Workouts
We updated this article in January 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).
If your fitness goals include building lean muscle, improving flexibility, and strengthening your core, Pilates may be the perfect exercise for you. You could roll out a mat to get started. But if you’re more experienced (and miss attending studio sessions due to the pandemic), you might want to invest in the best Pilates reformer for your home.
Recent research has shown that regular reformer exercise is associated with greater shoulder and lower back strength, plus a decreased chance of falling in people over 65, proving that the machines are worth the investment. Here’s what to look for in a Pilates reformer, plus plenty of options at every price point—and experience level—to add to your home fitness studio.
Meet the expert: Anna Clark, trainer and co-owner of Nexa Pilates and Fitness in New York
“Adding Pilates into your regular workout routine will help you improve your strength, stretch, stamina, and stability,” says Clark. “The reformer is versatile enough to give you a whole-body workout in less than an hour without missing those 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 fitness newcomers 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 so you can make sure you’re performing each exercise safely and correctly. In other words, make the investment after you feel ready to use a reformer on your own.
Our top picks
Now that you’re a Pilates reformer pro, you’re ready to pick your very own model. Here are the best choices, according to the pros and online reviewers.
FreshSplash - Getty Images - 2/12
1) AeroPilates Pro XP 556
Stamina
amazon.com
$899.00
As far as home reformers go, you can feel confident investing in one of AeroPilates’ most popular models. The XP 556 is dependable and sturdy, and it’s a steal at under $1,000, especially with its oak detailing. “I’m so glad I bought this Pilates machine,” one Dick’s shopper says. “It was not an easy decision, because of the other, less expensive models available...and I am so happy with my decision!”
Amazon - 3/12
2) Supreme Toning Tower
Beverly Hills Fitness
amazon.com
$288.00
If you’re looking to elevate your Pilates workouts at home but don’t want to put a huge dent in your wallet, this simple machine is the perfect option. It has all of the elements of a Pilates Cadillac Trap Table as well as a bar for Barre exercises. The reformer comes with spring straps for toning, and Amazon reviewers say it’s “perfect for beginners.”
Amazon - 4/12
3) 700 Premier Reformer
AeroPilates
amazon.com
$839.00
If you’re looking for a compromise between price and quality, go with this Pilates reformer, which uses cords instead of springs. Amazon reviewers say it offers “incredible value for the money.” “As a manual therapist, I recommend reformers to patients regularly for chronic back issues, and this works great for us.”
Amazon - 5/12
4) AeroPilates Reformer 287
Stamina
amazon.com
$293.99
If you're looking for a Pilates reformer on a budget, you can't go wrong with this bare-bones model, which includes all the necessities (like three cords, a padded cushion, and a foot bar) for less. “It’s a great reformer for a FANTASTIC price,” one reviewer explains. “It’s light enough that I can fold it up and put it away easily, and safe enough that my kids can use it, too.”
Amazon - 6/12
5) At-Home SPX Reformer Bundle
Merrithew
amazon.com
$2372.14
Merrithew’s bundle includes everything you’ll need to get started with your new Pilates reformer, including a box, a roll-up pole, a platform extender, and straps. Reviewers say that although the box is heavy, assembly is very easy. Plus, this machine uses resistance springs instead of ropes, which many practitioners prefer.
Amazon - 7/12
6) AeroPilates Pro XP 557
Stamina
amazon.com
$1584.49
Attention, tall people: This is AeroPilates’ longest reformer, which means people over six feet (and up to 300 lbs.) can get in on the action. Springs offer a smooth range of motion while wheels allow you to easily move the machine around, making it easy to tuck away if you need to. “If you are comfortable with Pilates and using a reformer solo, this machine is great given the price point,” one Amazon reviewer says.
Amazon - 8/12
7) Allegro Reformer
Balanced Body
amazon.com
$2740.00
Balanced Body is known for making some of the sturdiest, smoothest, most functional Pilates reformers on the market—and this one is no exception. Home users especially love the fact that the Allegro grows with your practice, with room for upgrades like a tower and taller legs. “I don’t know why this machine doesn’t get much attention,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I am so happy I bought this reformer and have zero regrets!”
Amazon - 9/12
8) Precision Cadillac
AeroPilates
amazon.com
$685.98
*Out of stock*
Cadillacs open up more types of movement during your exercises, which can be useful for both recovery and general workouts. This machine doesn’t require a reformer, but it can be combined with one, making it a hit with Amazon buyers. “I’ve already done two 90-minute workouts on it and this thing is really really great for the price,” one says. “It was SUPER easy to put together.”
Amazon - 10/12
9) Designer Reformer
Gratz Pilates
pilates-gratz.com
$4545.00
You can’t go wrong with a reformer based on the original design created by Joseph Pilates. This gorgeous piece features a sturdy maple frame and is elevated nearly 14-inches off the ground for a smooth, wide range of motion. Thoughtful details like leather straps, adjustable springs, and a cushioned foot bar make it worth the money.
Gratz Pilates - 11/12
10) Studio Reformer
Balanced Body
pilates.com
$5000.00
If you’re looking to bring the studio experience home, Clark recommends Balanced Body’s Studio Reformer. It’s longer than other models, making it ideal for taller people, and its maple frame actually looks good. As a bonus, you can customize nearly every aspect of the construction, including the footbar shape and the color of the upholstery.
Balanced Body - 12/12
11) Sportline Superior Reformer Bundle
Pilates Connector
pilatesconnector.com
$4499.00
If money and space are no object, you might as well invest in the ultimate home Pilates experience. With only 5-star reviews, the studio-ready Sportline reformer is sturdy, easy to assemble, and complete with every accessory you could want. (Plus, it’s similar to Kate Hudson’s reformer-Cadillac of choice.)
Additional reporting by Sanah Faroke
Pilates Connector
