Strengthen and tone your body at home with this versatile piece of equipment.
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Pilates is the ultimate low-impact workout to strengthen and tone the entire body. Although the method has been around for nearly 100 years, it has grown in popularity in recent decades thanks to its effectiveness at working deep muscles and improving everything from control to flexibility and circulation. Most Pilates beginners will start with mat Pilates classes, and those who are more experienced may want to level up their workout with a Pilates reformer machine — but reformer Pilates has a slew of benefits for all fitness levels.
Since reformer Pilates classes can cost upwards of $30 a session at fitness clubs and boutique fitness studios, it may be worth investing in a Pilates reformer for your home if it is something you plan to frequently incorporate into your exercise regimen. "A Pilates reformer helps to build strength, tone muscles (especially the small stabilizers), work on balance, and improves your core and posture as well as your mental health," says Marisa Fuller, a Certified Pilates Instructor and owner of Studio Pilates in Brooklyn and North Carolina. "It is a wonderful workout that is low impact yet high intensity, which is perfect for all ages."
In order to find the best Pilates machines for home use, we tested and evaluated over 30 Pilates reformers based on cost, effectiveness, durability and more. We also interviewed a panel of Pilates professionals for their recommendations. You can read more about our top picks below, and find everything you need to know about selecting the best Pilates reformer for your home gym at the end of this guide.
Looking for more equipment picks to stay active at home? Check out our favorite exercise bikes and our top picks for the best workout mirrors.
Easy to use and highly adjustable, this popular reformer accommodates a great variety of body types and heights with its four horizontal and vertical positions. The headrest can be positioned three ways, and the shoulder rests can move to up to four positions or be completely removed if preferred. You'll find five signature springs as well as spring collars.
Our experts deemed the Allegro our best overall pick since it is well-made, relatively easy to adjust and a good quality product for the price, which is moderate compared to some other high-end reformers on the market. We like that the machine is portable and can be moved on its transport wheels and stored vertically.
Some may appreciate that the reformer is low to the ground, while others may find that it limits certain exercises. But for about $350 extra, you can upgrade to the full version with 14-inch leg kit to accommodate for even more movements on the machine. There are also additional compatible accessories like a tower and mat conversion. Reviewers said that the machine was easy to set up and found it quite durable and versatile. "It really does add a whole new dimension to my Pilates workout," one reviewer said.
Those looking to build lean muscle will appreciate this comprehensive reformer that can do the job at a more affordable price than many others on the market. In addition to four levels of resistance from two standard cords, one light cord and one heavy cord, you have a padded foot bar that can be swapped out for a cardio rebounder which is included. The head and neck rest is adjustable as well.
Reviewers said it was well built for the price and quite easy to assemble, making it a good pick for Pilates novices who may not want to splurge or commit to a more expensive machine. Another major perk is that the reformer folds to save space when not in use.
But the machine sits directly on the ground and does not come with legs or a stand so you may be limited in terms of the movements you can do. You'll also notice that the system uses cords and not traditional springs which may take some getting used to. That being said, it's a great deal for the price and can still provide a fantastic workout.
Our top pick for the best Pilates reformer system, this fully-loaded reformer from Merrithew offers five springs (four with 100% and one with 50% tension), as well as spring covers to keep your workout quiet while using the machine. The bundle comes with a variety of accessories, and our experts point out that the reformer itself offers six carriage stopper positions, four foot bar positions and three headrest positions, allowing for ideal customization during your Pilates session.
One standout with this machine in particular is that it includes the reformer box. This included bonus can give you additional height for enhanced range of motion, whether you're sitting or lying on the reformer. It's also fantastic for those who need modifications for knee and hip flexor issues, according to several Pilates professionals that we spoke with.
Machines like the SPX that offer fully adjustable solutions can help improve form and optimize performance too — just note that this is designed best for individuals between about five feet and six feet tall. Reviewers described it as sturdy and high-quality and say that it only requires minimal assembly. If you're looking for a vertical frame, you won't be able to upgrade this model, but Merrithew offers other options with this feature.
You'll find all of the bells and whistles on this commercial-grade reformer that is digitally connected and Bluetooth enabled. A GH Fitness Awards winner, our pros were impressed with the fact that this smart reformer has sophisticated built-in sensors to give feedback in real time, including power output and more, during our demo.
The price is incredibly high, but it is undeniably well-designed and serious Pilates loyals will appreciate that the resistance can be controlled with the touch of a button. Plus, the foot bar adjusts to 28 positions for a wide range of movements and the straps are retractable. There are built-in secondary pieces of Pilates equipment, including the Pilates Chair, located at the back of the reformer too.
More importantly, the machine can accommodate heights 4’10” to 6’7” and weights up to 375 pounds, making it user-friendly for multiple users in your home to take advantage of which may help justify the cost for some. You'll have to pay an additional monthly membership for the content, but $39 per month can include up to eight users for your household (keep in mind that there is a 12 month minimum membership term). Plus, the 21.5-inch screen makes it easy to follow-along in real time.
If you're looking for a few more bells and whistles than our best value pick but don't want to splurge on a premium machine, the AeroPilates Reformer XP 557 is affordably priced and has a few upgraded features and a beautiful wooden trim to compliment any home gym.
You'll find four heavy-duty resistance springs, as well as a larger cardio rebounder for a great strength and cardio workout. The headrest has three positioning options as does the padded foot bar. You'll be about 15 inches off the ground, which one Pilates professional we spoke to said allows for a nice range of motion through a variety of movements. Plus, there are dual loop hand and foot straps for a variety of exercises.
Reviewers say that the machine is well-constructed, sturdy and effective. Although the reformer doesn't fold, you'll be able to transport it on its wheels and store it vertically. Our pros like that it accommodates a wide variety of body sizes, including heights from 4'9" up to 6'4".
Pilates pros may be interested in a Cadillac-style reformer which includes a trapeze style frame and additional loops, bars and attachments for an enhanced workout. The different loops and pulleys can allow the body to be suspended in different positions and multiplies the amount of exercises you can do compared to traditional reformer and mat Pilates workouts.
Any Cadillac-style reformer will be a major investment and take up a considerable amount of space. But this model from Faittd is well made and durable to support you through serious Pilates workouts. You'll find five springs to challenge you through a variety of movements. Our experts love that the machine has lots of adjustable features and a large padded jump board for a well-rounded workout. The push through bar covers allow for a secure grip, and the stability swing allows for a ton of versatility in Pilates exercises. The set even includes a large padded box.
There is no doubt that seasoned Pilates athletes will appreciate all that this complete system has to offer. But if you don't have the space or budget for something like this, you can purchase the Tower model or just the standard reformer from the brand.
Created by Pilates instructor Melissa Bentivoglio, this digitally-connected reformer is one of the most innovative products in the industry. The beautiful machine has sleek lines, comes in two color choices of black and "sunrise" (tan and peach) to fit into any home gym and has a 24-inch swivel touchscreen packed with a large library of Pilates classes content and more.
But this machine isn't just good looks — Frame replaces coils with a simple and modern push-button system that makes transitions seamless when you need to adjust the weight of your resistance. "The springs on this machine are unique; you don't have to pull the machine forward to attach the springs, you press a button and they attach from both sides and much easier than pulling the machine," one of our analysts said.
The machine has wheels and is highly adjustable too, folding to just 13 inches tall with the screen folded down, making it relatively easy to store when not in use. Although the class content is an additional membership fee of $39.99 per month, it offers a large library of not just reformer content but also mat Pilates classes, meditation and more.
We were impressed with the different levels from classic Pilates style to power Pilates, as well as the different lengths of class time. We found the instructors to be seasoned and easy to follow as well, but have only done demos of this reformer and will report back on durability when we have the opportunity to test this model for long-term use.
If you're going to splurge on a large piece of equipment like a Pilates reformer, why not find something that offers multiple types of workouts? This unique and effective rowing machine from LIT (which stands for Low Impact Training) doubles as a Pilates reformer and more, offering an efficient piece of exercise equipment for any home gym. You'll have to purchase the higher-end PRO Pack option which includes the LIT ankle cuffs that are needed for LIT Pilates classes. But you can complement your Pilates sessions with cardio and strength training all on this innovative machine.
A GH Fitness Award winner, testers and experts alike loved the versatility and multi-functionality of the machine. One expert said that it felt durable and looked great in a home gym too. Even though the machine weights only 75 pounds without water, it has a maximum user weight of 450 pounds which is the highest of most machines we evaluated. Plus, it can accommodate users up to 6'9". For the price, you're essentially getting three pieces of equipment in one that a variety of members in your household can utilize, which can greatly justify the cost.
If you're looking for Pilates classes and additional guidance, you can take advantage of LIT's on-demand classes for $25 per month. Keep in mind that while there is no touchscreen, there is a tablet attachment for you to put a smart device to access the app. Plus, it can store vertically when not in use. The best part is that up to five individuals can be authorized to use your LIT membership.
The fitness experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test sports equipment year-round ranging from e-bikes to exercise bikes and treadmills. When evaluating Pilates reformer machines, we researched over 30 models to find the best options that are durably made and provide an effective workout.
Our fitness pros did in-person and virtual demos of certain models and went to various Pilates studios around New York City and Long Island to try some of the models ourselves for real-life feedback on how they performed during a variety of Pilates sessions.
We also looked at ratings and reviews online to see how users fared with the machines after owning them for longer periods of time. We even interviewed a panel of Pilates professionals for their feedback on the machines.
We prioritized models with a sturdy frame, easy to adjust springs and ergonomic handles and attachments. Our top picks include budget-friendly items as well as higher-end options with more features for those looking for an intense workout. We also included options that fold for smaller spaces.
Stability in the frame, quality, strong springs and a cushioned carriage are some of the most important things to look for in a quality Pilates reformer, according to Fuller. It's also important to keep the following considerations in mind:
✔️ Cost: Reformers are a large investment, so it's imperative that you thoroughly research the one you plan to purchase and consider whether or not the cost is within your budget. More expensive models tend to be a bit higher quality and include more special features and related accessories.
✔️ Dimensions: Pay close attention to the height, length and width of the reformer, and ensure that you'll have additional room beyond this as you'll want to be able to walk around the machine and perform movements that require stretching out your arms or legs past the edges of the machine. You can also position the machine on a diagonal if you need to make additional space. Another thing to note is the height and weight limits of the machine to make sure you will feel comfortable and supported during the workout.
✔️ Warranty: Since a Pilates reformer is a big investment, you'll want to get the most use out of your machine as possible. Look for products with lifetime or competitive warranties, especially for the frame of the machine.
✔️ Content: Even the most seasoned Pilates pros may want some sort of classes and content to come with their reformer. Smart Pilates reformers are expensive but typically offer a variety of content on a screen connected to the platform so you don't have to stream on a phone or other device. That being said, that additional content may incur a membership fee so this is another cost to keep in mind.
Developed by Joseph Pilates, the exercise method combines core stabilization, strength, flexibility, balance and proper alignment with concepts like mindfulness, breathing techniques and fluidity of movement.
The workout was initially designed to help injured athletes and dancers return to exercise in a safe manner and also maintain fitness moving forward. Using a combination of simple repetitive exercises, Pilates recruits tremendous core strength and other muscular activity. The method can be performed on a mat or exercises can be done on a reformer using a variety of accessories.
A Pilates reformer is a large piece of equipment that resembles a padded table with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. They can be made from different materials, including steel, aluminum and more.
"The Pilates reformer looks like a narrow bed frame with a carriage in the center that is on wheels to move up and down," Fuller says. "The carriage is attached on one end by a set of springs that are used for resistance with the body for each exercise. Towards the top of the carriage are shoulder rests to keep people from sliding off the reformer. Above the springs is a footbar that is adjustable up and down for various exercises." Additional components of the Pilates reformer include:
Mat Pilates leverages bodyweight exercises off the floor, whereas reformer Pilates has you elevated off the ground on a platform that utilizes springs and straps for resistance.
"Mat Pilates is the basis of Pilates exercise as it incorporates the fundamentals of Pilates movement and techniques, including how to engage the core and use intentional breathwork. It relies mostly on bodyweight exercises," says Triana Brown, director of talent and product development for Solidcore, a Pilates based fitness studio. "Reformer Pilates incorporates low-impact, slow and controlled movements to target specific muscle groups. The machine allows you to perform a whole range of exercises in many different body positions (including lying down, standing, sitting, kneeling and more) and exercise with a variety of weight loads."
If you're frequently going to Pilates classes and boutique fitness studios, it may be in your best interest to invest in a Pilates reformer for your home gym. You'll be able to exercise in the comfort of your own home and most importantly on your own schedule. The convenience alone is a huge benefit of having the machine in your space. If you have other members in your household who want to utilize the machine that can also be an added benefit and justify the cost.
But there are also a variety of health benefits that come with owning and regularly using a Pilates reformer. From toning muscles to building strength, reformer Pilates provides a full-body workout that can help develop a strong core and tone a variety of major muscle groups. The exercise can also increase flexibility, posture and more. "The use of a reformer will lead to more impactful results," Brown says. "With consistency, you will experience an increase in physical strength, coordination and balance and be less prone to injury." You can read more about the full benefits of a Pilates reformer.
About three to four times a week is ideal to really see a difference, according to Fuller. "However, I always say that even if someone is only able to practice once a week that is better than not coming at all." Ultimately though, consistency is key in terms of finding true results from the method.
The answer ultimately depends on how often you plan to utilize the machine and if any other members of your household will be able to take advantage of it. Reformer Pilates classes can cost upwards of $30 a session, and if you frequent them that can add up quickly. If you're not sure about whether you should make the investment, consider a lower-priced but still high-quality model like our Best Value pick. "If someone has the room for a reformer in their house, I will always say it is worth it," Fuller says. "However, you do need to make sure you are well versed in the movements so you do not get injured."
Stefani Sassos been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and Women's Fitness Specialist, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. From vigorously testing exercise equipment to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She found reformer Pilates especially useful for pelvic floor work after giving birth to her daughter.
For this story, Stefani interviewed the following experts:
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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