If it feels like everyone is talking non-stop about Pilates, it’s because they are.
The practice has had a stratospheric rise in popularity in the last few years, in no short thanks to the efficacy of the workout. There’s a reason why Victoria’s Secret models and celebrities from Kourtney Kardashian to Harry Styles praise the movement in their svelte figures.
The strength-building, core-centric exercise offers a low-impact alternative to other intense workouts, remaining gentle on the joints, while still working the muscles so that you can feel the burn from the shoulders down.
“Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s as a form of physical exercise and strength rehabilitation”, explains Jessie Blum, Founder and CEO of Heartcore Pilates. “Joseph Pilates originally called his work “Contrology.” He founded this body/mind/spirit approach to movement on the integrative effect of centring, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow”.
What do you need for Reformer Pilates?
If you want to recreate a Pilates class at home, the equipment required is fairly minimal. You can get by on just a mat, resistance band and a ring. Reformer Pilates, on the other hand? Well, that’s an entirely different story.
Blum highlights the difference: “Reformer Pilates is a full body workout and rather different to mat-based Pilates as the exercises use springs for resistance and usually work muscles through a large range of motion, which is ideal for building and toning muscles as well increasing stability and mobility through the joints.
“Reformer Pilates works the entire body, the core and the peripheral muscles of the arms and legs; in dynamic reformer settings, you’ll often find dumbbells, pilates rings and heavier spring settings incorporated in the workout”.
For Reformer Pilates, you must invest in a designated at-home Reformer Pilates machine. These contraptions are all metal and wood with a carriage that moves with you depending on a combination of adjustable resistance-giving springs, ropes and a foot bar.
Why invest in a Reformer Pilates machine?
You may be looking to elevate your home gym or want to bring the in-studio experience to your own space. You might find it challenging to slot in the fixed class times of the stretch into your busy schedule, or perhaps feel you can better optimise the money that you’re forking out in the costly sessions for something more tangible. No matter why you’re looking to invest in a machine for your home, it will bring the power of mobility, flexibility, balancing and strengthening into your hands.
Fair warning: they don’t come cheap, but a machine should pay for itself in the long run if you’re a regular in classes (£50+ a session). Price-aside, they can also be incredibly cumbersome, taking up far more real estate than most people have to spare. That’s where foldable models come in.
How we tested
At ES Best, we know that investing in a Pilates reformer machine is no small decision. First, we looked at build quality and stability to make sure that the frames - whether metal or wood - were sturdy, durable and free from any wobbling during use. The ease of assembly was also a key factor as some machines arrived partially built while others required a more complex setup.
Once assembled, we assessed the smoothness of the carriage, the comfort of the padding and the overall ergonomics - paying close attention to footbars, hand straps and headrests so that they supported a variety of movements comfortably. We tested whether each machine catered to different experience levels and workout intensities, making it easy to switch between lighter and heavier settings. For those short on space, we evaluated how well foldable models compacted for storage, looking at how easy they were to move and whether they still felt solid when in use.
Best foldable Reformer Pilates machines at a glance
- Best for compact performance: Wunder Pilates F1 Portable Folding Reformer Machine - £1,599, Amazon
- Best for versatility: One Two Fit Pilates Reformer Machine - £499.99, Amazon
- Best for sturdiness: Nexace Pilates Reformer Machine - £1,299.89, Amazon
- Best for movement: AeroPilates Reformer 435 Plus - £799, QVC
- Best for beginners: Latona Foldable Pilates Reformer Machine - £999, Latona
- Best for easily assembled: nexace Pilates Reformer Machine Foldable - £367, Ubuy
- Best for space-deprived Pilates enthusiasts: FITIS Home Pilates Reformer Edit - £152.50, Amazon
- Best for storing upright: Merrithew SPX Max Reformer Bundle - £3,440, Best Gym Equipment
- Best for multipurpose use: FITT Gym MultiGym Home Workout Machine - £199, Amazon
- Best for streaming your workout: Frame Sunrise Reformer - £5799, Healf
These space-saving solutions mean you can make your room multipurpose, unfolding when it’s time to move and stashing it compact when you no longer need it.
See below
Best pilates kit for home: pilates bars, mats, balls and more
Best Pilates mats for at-home or gym workouts, tried and tested
Best core tightening gadgets to sculpt abs and strengthen the core
Best fitness machines to kit out your home with a top exercise setup
Best folding treadmills for home workouts in small spaces
Best folding bikes for commuting
Best folding exercise bikes to save you space between workouts
Best TENS machines for effective chronic pain relief
Best dumbbell sets for weight training in your home workout
Wunder Pilates F1 Portable Folding Reformer Machine
Best for: compact performance
Dimensions: L25.9cm x W68.6cm x H25.9cm
The Wunder Pilates F1 Portable Folding Reformer Machine stands out for its foldable design without compromising on studio-quality performance. The maple wood frame gives it a classic, high-end aesthetic while being impressively durable and the stainless steel runners make for buttery-smooth gliding with extra scratch resistance.
The five-spring tension system (with heavy, medium and light options) allows for a fully customisable workout, whether I’m focusing on strength, flexibility or control. The rope and riser package offers added versatility, and the included long/short box and jump board make it perfect for explosive cardio moves.
Buy now £1599.00, Amazon
One Two Fit Pilates Reformer Machine
Best for: versatility
Dimensions: L56cm x W110cm x H29cm
I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and adaptable the One Two Fit Pilates Reformer Machine was, especially given its affordable price point. The lightweight metal frame makes it easy to move around, but it still feels stable enough for intense core workouts. The plush padding adds comfort, and the adjustable elastic resistance straps offer a customisable challenge - whether I’m working on strength, flexibility or rehab exercises.
For home use, the foldable design is a major plus. It doesn’t take up much space when stored and it’s easy to set up.
Buy now £499.99, Amazon
Nexace Pilates Reformer Machine
Best for: sturdiness
Weight: 68kg
Solid and well-built, the Nexace Pilates Reformer is a top-end machine thanks to it high-quality oak wood frame and traditional joint structure. It supports up to 400 lbs, making it incredibly stable, and the eight wooden legs provide extra reinforcement while adding a sleek, elegant touch.
With six adjustable springs ranging from light to heavy tension, I can fine-tune my workouts to match my strength level and training goals. Whether I’m focusing on core strength, flexibility, or low-impact recovery, the included accessories, like the jump board, foot strap, and padded platform extender, help target different muscle groups well.
Buy now £1299.89, Amazon
AeroPilates Reformer 379 Plus
Best for: movement
Dimensions: L218cm x W53.3cm x H66cm
This reformer from AeroPilates is great value for money. The sleek black and purple 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 £822.00, Amazon
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
nexace Pilates Reformer Machine Foldable Pilates Machine Equipment for Home
Best for: easily assembled
Dimensions: L114.3 x W63.5 x 27.94cm
It takes just a few minutes to assemble the parts of this Pilates machine and then you’ll be up and running. The nexace may not be the most attractive on the market but the metal frame is incredibly sturdy and durable, standing the test of time as you stretch, bend and flex for years to come
What’s more, it’s foldable and there are wheels to move it easily around as needed. While it’s metal, it is fitted out with a plush cushion so you’re comfortable and the carriage glides with ease, no creaking or disturbing the neighbours during your class.
Buy now £367.00, Ubuy
FITIS Home Pilates Reformer Edit
Best for: space-deprived Pilates enthusiasts
Dimensions: N/A
If you don’t have the space for a fully-fledged Reformer Pilates machine, Amazon has this innovative solution. It is as if the box was deconstructed, giving the carriage a whole new form. In the set, there’s a birch wood board adorned with wheels and various bands for different levels of resistance ranging from red (extra-heavy) to yellow (extra-light). There is also a non-slip silicone pad to keep you secure while you work your core.
Buy now £152.50, Amazon
Merrithew SPX® Max Reformer Bundle
Best for: storing upright
Dimensions: L246 x W56
Not exactly a folding reformer, the upright stand on this device means it still offers compact storage.
This is a professional-looking Reformer machine complete with all the components you need to step up your Pilates practice to the next level - including a tall box. There’s a delightfully padded carriage with detachable shoulder rests, ropes with a slightly longer design to encourage a full range of motion and a gliding rolling mechanism that comes into play as you move across the aluminium rails.
Buy now £3440.00, Best Gym Equipment
FITT Gym MultiGym Home Workout Machine
Best for: multipurpose use
Dimensions: L165 x W41 x H80cm
If you’re looking for a multitasking machine that will support you beyond your Pilates workout and for other aspects of weight training, this MultiGym has got you covered. It’s easily assembled, collapsed and repositioned so you can incorporate varied exercises for the abs, arms and beyond. The adaptability is endless; you can use it flat, at an incline, with weights or simply bodyweight and it’s sturdy too with a quality steel construction.
Buy now £199.02, Amazon
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 display can swivel for easy storage and viewing and it 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
Need more convincing to join the Reformer Pilates revolution? Jessie Blum, Founder and CEO of Heartcore Pilates breaks it down.
Is Reformer Pilates good for weight loss?
Yes, but it also depends on your lifestyle choices like your diet, how often you move, how well you sleep, genetics etc.
Dynamic Reformer Pilates, especially our Heartcore Method, will get you moving, sweating and working hard in every session. The combination of strength, mobility and conditioning training will help you fire up your metabolism and build muscle mass - which is a great combo for toning your body in a safe way. And with the focus on breath, you’ll also benefit from feeling more connected in mind and body, calming down your nervous system and regulating your hormone levels which can also have a huge impact on your weight and body shape.
Can you do Reformer Pilates while pregnant?
Yes, and we take joy and privilege in guiding women through their pregnancy and beyond. Pilates is a great way to prepare the body for the changes to come and to help it return to its strongest, post-partum. It’s also a great way to boost your mental well-being during a time which, let’s be honest, isn’t without its stresses.
When taught by an expert, Pilates is very safe for mums-to-be and can be practised right up until giving birth. Low-impact exercise classes such as Pilates won’t harm your baby, and there’s evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and through labour.
