Pilates has been practised for nearly a century. However, in recent years, it’s seen a resurgence thanks to numerous celebrities - from Meghan Markle to Harry Styles - touting its ab-chiselling, arm-toning benefits.
While Pilates can be practised with no equipment at all, founder Joseph Pilates invented a number of machines to help practitioners further strengthen and tone their muscles. The pilates reformer became his most popular piece of equipment, thanks to its ability to combine traditional mat techniques with weight resistance. Most reformer pilates machines are found in studios. However, increasingly, they are becoming a must-have at home for dedicated fans.
Each wooden and metal contraption bears similar features: a body carriage that slides up and down metal rungs, a series of adjustable springs attached to straps for resistance training, as well as a foot bar. But which should you choose?
Consider your living space
Owning your own reformer might be tempting, but remember they do take up space. Most machines are around 2.5m long and weigh around 50kg. That’s before you take into account all the extra accessories. It’s worth pondering how much you’ll use it, especially if you live in an apartment. That said, there are many brands that make lightweight, foldable versions that are easily stashed in a cupboard or under your bed.
Check the resistance levels and add-ons
Pilates reformers all feature a series of three to six springs that create that all-important resistance while you exercise. Bear in mind that more expensive models tend to have more, better-quality springs, allowing for steady progression as you build strength. Similarly, it’s worth investigating any extra features that can be bought retrospectively, like towers and jumping boards. You’ll want to be able to add these on as you advance.
They’re expensive but built to last
It’s no surprise that reformers don’t come cheap. Depending on the size and quality of the machine, they can range from £700 to over £5,000. Basic machines have all the essential features, whilst pricier models boast additional accessories and high-quality parts that will last longer.
It may seem like a lot of money, but if you tot up your eye-wateringly expensive gym membership, buying your own machine might actually work out more cost-effectively in the long run.
Best reformer pilates machines at a glance
- Best for overall: Allegro Reformer by Balanced Body - £4,149.95, Sissel
- Best for traditional Pilates: WaterRower Pilates Reformer - £4499, WaterRower
- Best for streaming your workout: Frame Sunrise Reformer - £5799, Healf
- Best for a tight budget: AeroPilates Reformer 435 Plus - £699.99, Boots
- Best for small living spaces: Metro IQ Reformer - £2,695, Sissel
- Best for studio quality at a decent price: Peak Pilates Fit Reformer - £2,449.95, Gym Kit UK
- Best for a more comprehensive workout: Pilates Reformer with Full Trapeze Table, £2895, Vitality 4 Life
- Best for beginners: Latona Foldable Pilates Reformer Machine - £999, Latona
- Best for sturdy yet collapsible design: Align-Pilates F3 Folding Pilates Reformer - £1,749.99, Align-Pilates
- Best for excellent quality: SPX Max Reformer Bundle - £3,680, Best Gym Equipment
- Best for tall practitioners: BASI Systems Reformer - £5557, Gladform
- Best for versatile design: Elina Pilates Classic Aluminium Reformer 86” - £2,345.90, Elina Pilates
Below, we’ve rounded up the best at-home reformer pilates machines on the market.
Best pilates kit for home: pilates bars, mats, balls and more
Best flared gym leggings: the 90s must-have workout accessory
Best luxury activewear brands for women
Best foldable Reformer Pilates machines for a space saving exercise solution
Best Pilates mats for at-home or gym workouts, tried and tested
What to wear to Reformer Pilates: Best clothes for your workout
Best pilates kit for home: pilates bars, mats, balls and more
Allegro Reformer by Balanced Body
Best for: overall
Dimensions: L236cm x W57cm x H36cm
The long-standing Allegro by Body Balance is one of the most popular Pilates machines in the world - for good reason. The solid aluminium frame offers all the benefits of a studio model - like the foot bar with four vertical and horizontal adjustments, and a quiet rope system - without taking up masses of space.
The five Signature Springs have been tried and tested to withstand vigorous daily use, plus the eight-wheeled carriage promises a smooth, noiseless ride.
On top of that, the Allegro is super easy to set up and can be easily stored on its end. If you’re taller than 6ft 4in, then order the Stretch version for extra length.
Buy now £4149.95, Sissel
Merrithew SPX Max Reformer Bundle
Best for: excellent quality
Dimensions: L247cm x W68cm x H23cm
Long-standing Canadian brand Merrithew is renowned for their high-quality pilates equipment. Unlike its predecessor, the SPX Max has an improved five-spring system, including three at full tension, one at 50 per cent and one at 25 per cent.
On top of this, the ropes are longer to allow for more variety of exercises. This model also comes in a bundle as standard, which includes a reformer box, roll-up pole and padded platform extender (most brands charge extra for these).
It’s not the lightest machine, but it does come almost entirely set up on delivery, plus its low-lying design means you can stash it under a bed.
Buy now £3680.00, Best Gym Equipment
WaterRower Pilates Reformer
Best for: traditional Pilates
Dimensions: 86″
This Reformer machine was created by WaterRower in collaboration with Fredrik Prag, the brains behind the Sweden-based studio Pilates Scandivania. Prag keeps things classic by creating the exercise equipment with the exact dimensions detailed by the founder of the practice Joseph Pilates himself.
You can select oak, ash, walnut, club or cherry and receive a Reformer made from the utmost quality with noise-free movement. The straps are adorned with leather, while the footbar is padded. Everything you see in the picture is included, extending to the foot straps (measuring 20″), the long/short box, the wooden pole, extension straps (27″) and the stoppers.
Buy now £4499.00, WaterRower
Frame Sunrise Reformer
Best for: streaming your workout
Dimensions: L94" x W25.5" x H36"
To assist you in your Pilates practice, Frame has constructed an at-home Reformer machine complete with a touchscreen monitor. The swivel display has Bluetooth connectivity so you can play music and stream your workout from your phone to the screen.
Convenience is a priority of the brand, so the machine is on wheels and the resistance can be adjusted at the touch of a button.
Buy now £5799.00, Healf
Vitality 4 Life Pilates Reformer with Full Trapeze Table
Best for: a more comprehensive workout
Dimensions: L 227cm x W 75cm x H 210cm
Okay, you’re going to need space in your home for this beast. The Vitality 4 Life Pilates Reformer is a step up from your traditional machine. With an overhead canopy, it boasts an array of straps, pulleys and bars to take your workout to the next level. This model has a sleek Scandi feel, thanks to the solid beech wood frame.
With a two-position EVA Foam padded headrest for extra comfort and support, five springs with varying degrees of strength and adjustable rope lengths, the machine promises the most effective of workouts.
Buy now £2895.00, Vitality 4 Life
AeroPilates Reformer 435 Plus
Best for: a tight budget
Dimensions: L219cm x W42cm x H65cm
This reformer from AeroPilates is great value for money. The sleek black and pink design comes with adjustable resistance cords, plush shoulder rests and optional add-ons, like a pull-up bar for toning that upper body.
However, the real standout feature is the vertical trampoline, ideal for squeezing some cardio into your workout. Jumping while lying horizontally is more effective than using a treadmill or cross-trainer, don’t you know? If you’re tight on space, don’t fret - this model folds down to just 120cm for simple storage.
Downside? When fully assembled, it is significantly shorter than other models on this list, so not ideal for tall practitioners.
Buy now £699.99, Boots
Metro IQ Reformer
Best for: small living spaces
Dimensions: L249cm x W61cm x H14cm
Looking for something more compact? The Metro IQ is another favourite from Balanced Body.
The smart telescopic design compresses down to fit easily under your bed or inside a cupboard, perfect for apartment living. Even though the frame collapses down, the carriage is noticeably smooth when you’re using it, thanks to the seamless tracks. Versatility is key here. With four position options for the foot bar, and two for the shoulder support, you can adjust the features to suit the exercise you’re working on.
Balanced Body hasn’t skimped when it comes to comfort either; the padding used is exactly identical to that used on their studio model.
Buy now £2975.00, Sissel
Latona Foldable Pilates Reformer Machine
Best for: beginners
Dimensions: L248cm x W54cm x H56cm
If you’re relatively new to Pilates, you’ll want a machine that’s straightforward to use and won’t cost thousands.
This Latona machine ticks a lot of boxes with its five adjustable carriage springs, four-foot bar positions and double loop handles, primed for progression. Unlike other models, this reformer sits flush to the ground, ensuring optimal stability when you’re practising those tricky balance postures.
Bonus? It folds away easily in seconds to just 132 cm in length and locks into place. Latona also has its own monthly online subscription service for 24/7 classes.
Buy now £999.00, Latona
Peak Pilates Fit Reformer
Best for: studio quality at a decent price
Dimensions: L246cm x W64cm x H41cm
If you want to workout at home, but don’t want to compromise on studio height, try the Fit Reformer from Peak Pilates. It has the length of a studio machine without taking up as much space. Its ergonomic design is equally appealing; expect easily adjustable ropes and a straight-forward gear bar, as well as a four-position foot bar and three-position headrest.
While the Fit Reformer doesn’t collapse down, it can be safely stored on its end, rather than taking up your entire living room. Ideal if you’re looking for a high-quality piece of kit that isn’t astronomically expensive.
Buy now £2449.95, Gym Kit UK
Align-Pilates F3 Folding Pilates Reformer
Best for: sturdy yet collapsible design
Dimensions: L242cm x W70cm x H23cm
After numerous iterations, UK brand Align-Pilates has honed its F3 model to ensure it’s its best at-home reformer machine yet.
Slide the carriage along the lightweight aluminium runners and you won’t notice that it’s a foldable design. Add to this the silent rope pulleys and you’ll be impressed by how quiet it is; you won’t even disturb anyone in the next room. When you’re done, just fold it up and use the wheels to slide it into the corner.
Note: It’s not the longest reformer out there, but it’ll suit those up to 6ft 4in tall.
Buy now £1749.99, The Mad Group
BASI Systems Reformer
Best for: tall practitioners
Dimensions: L254cm x W72cm x H87cm
Long-limbed pilates fans will love this reformer from BASI Systems. It has the largest carriage on the market, allowing for better range of movement, especially if you’re over 6ft.
Careful attention has been given to the finer details, like the sensitive gear box for subtle adjustments and safety straps that keep your feet snug inside the foot straps. You can even tweak the height of the pulley system on the mini tower, depending on your desired angle.
The cherry on top has to be the aesthetic combination of pale wood and aluminium, guaranteed to look good in any home studio.
Buy now £5557.00, Gladform
Elina Pilates Classic Aluminium Reformer 86”
Best for: versatile design
Dimensions: L203cm to 226cm x W66cm x H35cm
Keep it simple with this super sturdy reformer from Elina Pilates. With an anodized aluminium frame, alongside a leather bed and straps, it’s built to last.
Climb on top and you’ll find everything is where you need it - from the lightweight foot straps to the easy-to-use gear stops. While this machine looks fairly pared back, there are plenty of extras you can add later, including a jump board or a tower.
Choose from three different lengths, depending on your height, plus the upholstered bed comes in an array of colours - from subtle black to spicy chilli red.
Buy now £2345.90, Elina Pilates
Verdict
Balanced Body’s Allegro Reformer is a firm favourite for its simple construction, studio-standard quality and adaptable length. However, it’s also worth flagging up the Align-Pilates F3 for its smart foldable design.
