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You don’t have to be a gym rat or chronically online to know that Pilates is having a moment. The century-old workout, devised by German trainer Joseph Pilates, has been ClassPass’ most-booked fitness class globally for the past two years. And it’s easy to see why so many folks—including Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, and the Kansas City Chiefs—have flocked to the studio. Among the mind-body benefits are better flexibility, more core engagement, total body strengthening, and a sense of empowerment.
If you’re among the movers who’ve racked up dozens, if not hundreds, of hours at your local studio, you’ve probably considered (or dreamt about) investing in a reformer. After all, the best at-home Pilates reformer can take your practice to the next level or simply allow you to sweat on your own schedule. (Those class slots fill up fast!)
While a reformer may seem like an extravagant purchase, you don’t have to break the bank to afford one—we promise. Ready to tap into your inner swan, snake, and mermaid? Here’s your guide to finding the right machine.
Our top picks
- Balanced Body Metro IQ Pilates Reformer, $2295
- Balanced Body Allegro 2, $3995
- Stamina AeroPilates Reformer Premier Studio 700, $699
- Lagree Fitness The Micro Pro, $1990
Shop the best at-home reformers
Bring your Pilates practice into the comfort of your own home with one of these reformers.
Balanced Body Metro IQ Pilates Reformer
Balanced Body
Metro IQ Pilates Reformer
If you’ve taken a reformer class, chances are high you’ve performed planks and pikes on a Balanced Body machine—they’re one of the most popular manufacturers of Pilates equipment and a studio staple. The brand’s Metro IQ is a great at-home option if you’re not quite ready to invest in a top-of-the-line studio version but want something sturdy and stable, Helen Phelan, a Brooklyn-based Pilates instructor, tells SELF.
Phelan used this model for years before upgrading to an Allegro 2 (see below) and appreciated its streamlined size. “It telescopes in, so you can make it small to store underneath a bed or in a closet,” she says. However, to get the most out of this reformer, you’ll need to purchase additional accessories—including a box, which is used in the classical “long box” and “short box” series (IYKYK), for an additional $350.
Dimensions: 96 x 24.5 x 9 inches | Weight capacity: N/A
Balanced Body Allegro 2
Phelan calls the Allegro 2 the “Rolls Royce” of reformers—and for good reason. This model, which you’ll find at many Pilates studios across the country, is both aesthetically pleasing (hello, sleek white aluminum frame!) and versatile (we see you, Infinity Footbar!). That moveable footbar glides vertically and horizontally across the entire length of the reformer, allowing you to get “more creative with your workouts,” Phelan says.
With an additional retrofit kit, the Allegro 2 can be converted into a tower, turning it into a double-duty piece of equipment. Since it’s a studio-grade model, the frame is on the heavy side (around 150 pounds), so it’s best suited for a dedicated space in your house or apartment—you won’t want to be moving this one around on the daily.
Dimensions: 93 x 31 x 9 inches | Weight capacity: N/A
Stamina AeroPilates Reformer Premier Studio 700
Stamina
AeroPilates Reformer Premier Studio 700
Easy to assemble and great quality for the price, the AeroPilates Reformer Premier Studio 700 is a solid entry point for beginners. With a jumpboard, you can mix cardio (by essentially jumping while lying down) into your standard strength workout.
While I haven’t tested this model, I’ve used other AeroPilates reformers in the past and had great experiences with them. The biggest difference between an AeroPilates reformer and a more expensive reformer is that it uses cords, rather than springs, as the means of resistance. This model comes with four cords that are all the same resistance level; a traditional reformer has five springs that each have a different resistance level.
This isn’t a dealbreaker—it just means you have fewer options for some exercises (for instance, one cord might be too light for a move, while two might be too heavy). But at a price point just north of $500, that’s a relatively small gripe for an otherwise sound piece of equipment.
Dimensions: 85 x 23 x 27 inches | Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Lagree Fitness The Micro Pro
Lagree Fitness
The Micro Pro
Pilates purists may want to avert their eyes for a moment while we address the Lagree lovers in the room. Often referred to as “Pilates on steroids,” the Lagree Method was created by Sebastien Lagree. It’s a high-intensity group workout class that’s meant to be gentle on your joints. (If you’ve taken a class at SLT, you’ve done Lagree.)
While it’s sometimes compared to Pilates, the two methods are very different. But Lagree’s signature apparatus, the spring-loaded megaformer, was inspired by Joseph Pilates’ original reformer. The two look slightly different: The megaformer doesn’t have a head rest, though it does feature two stationary platforms on each end.
The Micro Pro, which I tested, is one of the most compact versions of this machine, meant for both home and studio use. Despite its small size, it feels solid under foot. Many of the Lagree Method’s signature exercises can be performed on (or modified for) the Micro Pro, although you’ll need to purchase the arm handles for an additional $290 to make full use of the machine. While the small carriage keeps the Micro Pro sleek, it won’t fit all body types comfortably, and some transitions—like rolling over into a side plank—feel less stable with only a slight bed underneath to offer support (or to catch you if you fall).
Dimensions: 78 x 18.5 x 6 inches | Weight capacity: N/A
What to look for when choosing a reformer
Whether you’re spending $500 or $5,000, purchasing a reformer is a pretty major investment in dollars and your health. Here’s what you’ll want to keep an eye out for as you browse.
Measure the space you can set aside for a reformer and make sure those dimensions match up with the ones listed in the product’s specifications. Also, take note whether the reformer is foldable. You may be able to stash it in a closet or under a bed when you’re not using it to clear up some space. That said, be mindful about weight—a 100-pound piece of equipment might be hard for one person to maneuver alone (even if it has wheels).
Height and weight capacity
Machines vary when it comes to the types of bodies that’ll comfortably and safely fit on the carriage. Even if a machine says it can accommodate a user up to a specific height, your proportions may say otherwise. For instance, if you have long legs and a short torso, you might find the footbar uncomfortably close to your chest during footwork (especially if the footbar isn’t adjustable).
Speaking of adjustable footbars…ideally, your reformer’s should be able to be lifted and lowered. (More budget-conscious models, like the Aeropilates, aren’t adjustable in that way, meaning the footbar has to be removed entirely for certain exercises.)
You’ll also want to be aware of whether the machine can be “geared” in or out. Classical machines typically have three settings: negative gear for short users, first gear for people of average height, and second gear for taller folks. Being able to adjust your reformer for your height will make your practice much more comfortable.
At many studios, props like jumpboards and boxes are either already affixed to a machine or sitting close by, so it’s easy to assume that an at-home reformer will come with those add-ons. But in many cases, props are a separate purchase, so do your homework on what exactly comes in that reformer box—you don’t want to be surprised when it contains fewer pieces than you expected.
Ultimately, product specs can only get you so far when shopping for a machine. If at all possible, says Phelan, try to test the reformer you’re thinking about purchasing before you lay down your credit card. And if you’ve been using a reformer you like in a class setting, don’t be afraid to ask the instructor for the make and model.
How we chose these reformers
Most reformers on this list were tested by myself and Phelan, Pilates instructors who’ve completed 600-hour teacher training programs (the industry standard) and have taught clients on these machines for years. Reformer models we weren’t able to test in person were selected for their high customer ratings and stellar reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Is reformer Pilates harder than mat Pilates?
Not necessarily. “I tell people—and I truly believe this—that mat Pilates can be, and often is, harder than reformer Pilates,” Phelan says. Most people assume that reformer work is harder because of the springs involved. But, while they offer resistance, they can also offer assistance by stabilizing the reformer’s carriage (so your muscles don’t have to do that work). When performing Pilates exercises on a mat, you don’t get any assistance from springs, which makes many exercises harder.
Is it worth having a reformer at home?
It depends on your experience level. If you’re brand new to Pilates, it’s a good idea to work with a seasoned instructor (ideally in a one-on-one setting, but classes are a good option too) to learn the exercises and have an expert eye check and correct your form. After a while, you may feel comfortable enough to do a Pilates workout on your own, and that’s when an at-home reformer can be a good investment.
Where can I find good workout videos to use with my reformer?
Some reformers will come with either a QR code that links to online workouts or a poster of exercises to follow along with. If yours doesn’t—or you simply outgrow those options—there are plenty of resources online to check out.
PilatesAnytime has a vast library of reformer workouts from well-regarded instructors. OnlinePilatesClasses is another great place to find flows or videos that can help you troubleshoot specific exercises. (Founder Lesley Logan also sells nifty flashcards for each exercise specific to the apparatus you’re using.)
Live, Zoom-based sessions are another option. If you have a favorite studio instructor, see if they offer any virtual reformer classes or teach private sessions online.
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