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Introduced almost a century ago, Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates as a means for rehabilitation and recovery for soldiers during World War I. It remained obscure for a considerable amount of time until hitting a short-lived peak in the 1990s. It was not until celebrities such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow declared themselves devotees, that pilates exponentially gained popularity beginning in the mid-2000s. Since then, there has been an increase of 450% of pilates participants in the US. And for good reason.
Pilates is a mind-body workout that mainly targets the core to enhance overall flexibility, strength, and mobility. Primarily done on a mat, pilates fanatics know there is nothing better than a reformer machine. Being extremely versatile, these machines will take your workout to the next level. Considered as luxury workout equipment, reformer machines are a big investment. If you have made up your mind about it though, take a look at our list of the top-rated pilates reformer machines for 2024.
Comparing the Top Pilates Reformer Machines of 2024 in Detail
AeroPilates Premier Studio 700 Reformer — Best Overall
If you want an all-in-one exercise machine, the AeroPilates Premier Reformer is the one for you. It offers maximum comfort, portability, and functionality. With a head and neck support, a padded foot bar, shoulder pads, and most importantly, a wide carriage, workouts become a breeze. The frame is foldable and features wheels so you can easily move it around and store it. The height is also adjustable to cater to people of varying skill levels. Apart from the pulley, this device features a cardio rebounder and four elastic cords to take your workouts to the next level. The package also includes two workout tutorial DVDs. The sheer portability and functionality this product offers to customers helped us judge it as the best overall on this list.
Pros
- Foldable frame for compact storage
- Cardio rebounder and elastic cords for intense workouts
- Wide, padded, and textured carriage
Cons
- Does not offer varying resistance levels
Merrithew SPX Reformer — Most Functional
The Merrithew at Home SPX Reformer is every Pilates enthusiast’s dream come true. Supremely functional with multiple accessories, this option offers intense quality and utility. An aluminum frame features a wide carriage with foam padding, a padded 4-position foot bar, and a platform extender. A modern-spring system is also included along with four full-tension and one half-tension spring. This machine offers variable resistance as well, letting you customize your level of workout. Apart from this, this product comes with a metal roll-up poll, a reformer box with a foot strap, and 2 DVDs.
Pros
- Wide carriage with UVA foam padding
- Padded 4-position foot bar
- Includes multiple accessories
Cons
- Needs to be assembled manually
Pilates Power Gym Reformer Machine — Most Compact
The Pilates Power Gym Reformer Machine is an impressive exercise system offering users a complete and comprehensive workout experience. One unique aspect that sets this system apart from other Pilates machines is its combining of both Pilates and strength training into one machine. This makes it ideal for a wide range of people, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Plus, the system comes in three incline levels and four power cords that offer up to 48 resistance settings, allowing users to easily tailor their workouts to meet their individual needs. Moreover, the three included DVDs provide a great starting point for beginners.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Low to the ground with nonslip feet for balance and safety
- Durable construction
Cons
- Heavy and not easily stored
Beverly Hills Fitness Toning Tower — Perfect for Beginners
If you are a beginner and are apprehensive about investing a lot of money in a reformer, go for this tower model from Beverly Hills Fitness. Not only is it inexpensive, but it's simple design is also perfect for beginners. A ground-level trapeze table features a tower with elastic cords. Despite its simple build, it offers a ton of different exercises you can perform to get fit and target all your major muscle groups. One of the greatest features about this machine, and what makes is so awesome for beginners, is that it comes assembled so you do not have to worry about putting it together or any complex installation. Being extremely lightweight, this option is also foldable, offering even more convenience.
Pros
- Compatabile with 100 different exercises
- Simple design, ideal for novices
- Lightweight with compact storage
- Comes pre-assembled
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced pilates
Finding Your Next Pilates Reformer Machine: A Buyer’s Guide
What Is a Pilates Reformer Machine?
If you go to a high-end gym, you have probably already seen a reformer. Most people steer clear from them because of their intimidating construction and the daunting, almost inhuman moves people perform on them. But if you take a closer look, there is no exercise equipment more versatile than Pilates reformer machines.
Consisting of a flat, bed-like surface, a sliding carriage sits atop that’s attached to springs. A pulley system and the ropes/straps aid in performing multiple exercises using body weight. A reformer is specially designed for controlled movements so that bigger muscles are used for strength while smaller muscles help stabilize your body. The isolation of specific muscles and controlled movements helps you achieve both strength and mobility.
It is important to note though, that you should learn how to use a reformer from a trained professional to ensure the workouts you do are correct and safe.
Components of Pilates Reformer Machines
Carriage
The carriage is the sliding platform on a Pilates reformer machine over which the user either sits, stands, or lays down. Using bodyweight, the carriage is slid with the help of an adjustable footrest and ropes. To ensure comfort and safety, make sure that the carriage has sufficient padding and is covered with a non-slip material. It needs to be strong and sturdy, and should not squeak or creak when pressure is applied. The size of the carriage is also a key feature to consider. You need a carriage with a reasonable width to avoid falling off. Some carriages feature an extensible width to accommodate a variety of exercises and people.
Resistance system
The resistance system is governed by springs or bungee-like cords. Higher-end models feature springs of varying tensions, offering different levels of resistance or intensity. Mostly, these springs are color-coded so you can switch between varying intensities easily. Springs are more durable and offer a better range of resistance compared to cords. Pilates reformer machines with springs tend to be pricier though.
Foot bar
Depending on the exercise, the user rests his feet or hands on a foot bar. Most reformers feature an adjustable foot bar. You can adjust its position and angle to vary the intensity and target specific muscle groups.
Frame
The frame will determine the overall sturdiness and resistance of a reformer machine. Even though most frames are made of steel or aluminum, which are both resistant to external factors, wood reformers are not uncommon either. They are equally durable and offer a more rustic look. Whichever option you choose, make sure that the frame is stable, durable, and can withstand a considerable amount of weight.
Straps/rope system
For a multi-dimensional workout, ropes or straps play a crucial role. These ropes have loops at the ends so the user can place their hands, feet, or arms in them and acquire specific positions. In a traditional rope system, the length can be adjusted from under the carriage. More advanced reformer machines feature a recoiling rope system that does not require you to get off the carriage to adjust the length.
Types of Pilates Reformer Machines
Cadillac
An advanced version of the old-school reformer machine, a Cadillac reformer features a frame over the Cadillac or trapeze table. The frame has horizontal and vertical bars with multiple accessories for a three-dimensional workout.
Professional
Also known as studio reformers, professional reformers typically have one extra feature: a tower. Towers can be used for various other exercises and offer an added challenge. Apart from this, a professional reformer is much more sturdy, durable, and capable of enduring continuous and long-term use.
Home
Home reformers differ in build and durability compared to studio reformers. This is also why they are less expensive. They are a great choice if you do not want to splurge, especially if you are going to be the only person using the machine. Home reformers typically do not include a tower but they can be bought separately.
Small
Small reformers are specially designed for homes with space restrictions. These can either be shorter, so you can slide them under a bed, or their width can be less than average. Some reformers are also foldable, making storing them significantly easier.
Factors to Consider
Space requirements
Reformer machines are known for taking up a lot of space. Their humongous builds require ample room along with even more space needed on either side for stretching. So, double-check the dimensions and make sure the machine will fit in your chosen space. Typically, the length of a Pilates reformer machine varies between 80 to 100 inches while the width is between 20 to 30 inches. If you have space restrictions, you should go for foldable options that can be stored compactly.
Weight capacity
Most people choose a Pilates reformer machine while keeping their body weight in mind. This is correct, however, you should also take into account any additional weight you might use as well as any high-intensity exercise you might do — this also increases your weight capacity requirements.
Special features
Special features typically upgrade a basic reformer for an added challenge. Depending on your skill level, you can go for different features. These may include a pole or tower, a side-split carriage, a jump bar, a rotational-disk board, and more. You can also go for a Cadillac reformer featuring multiple accessories for a more well-rounded workout routine. Special features also include instruction manuals and workout DVDs which can assist you in setting up the machine and getting started.
Price
Even though buying a Pilates reformer machine is a big commitment due to its price, it can be worth it. Pilates sessions in a professional gym with a trainer can cost way more over time, so, if you are fully committed to the practice, you should definitely get your own machine.
With reformer machines, you will typically get what you pay for. More expensive models are of higher quality and feature more special features and accessories. Generally, the cost of a reformer machine can be as low as $400 and as high as $8000.
