Pilates reformer machines are essential equipment in gyms, studios, physiotherapy clinics, and rehabilitation centres. These machines offer versatile, low-impact resistance training, helping users build core strength, recover from injuries, and enhance flexibility.

Pilates is a simple workout that helps you build your core muscles and tone your body. Pilates reformer machines allow you to perform specific movements to recover from an injury and help in rehabilitation.

While mat Pilates is widely practised, reformer Pilates has gained popularity in gyms, physiotherapy clinics, and rehabilitation centres. Reformers provide adjustable resistance, making them practical for rehabilitating injuries, improving posture, and enhancing muscle engagement with low-impact movements.

What is a Pilates reformer machine, and how it works?

The Pilates reformer, invented by Joseph Pilates, consists of a gliding carriage, adjustable springs, and a foot bar, allowing for controlled resistance-based movements. It enhances core strength, flexibility, and alignment while catering to different fitness levels.

While many Pilates reformer exercises are performed under instructor guidance, advanced users can follow pre-recorded programs or customized workouts tailored to their needs. Reformers provide adjustable resistance, improving strength, mobility, and postural alignment.

According to Julie O’Connell, PT, DPT at Athletico Physical Therapy. “The reformer assists the individual in achieving the goals of Pilates, which include the use of diaphragmatic breathing to organize the body’s posture through coordinated movements with an emphasis on postural control.”

The platform is called the carriage, which is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs allow you to adjust the resistance to the carriage, which will be pushed and pulled along the frame by your own body weight and strength. Also, shoulder blocks on the carriage keep you in a stable position so you’re not sliding off the reformer’s end.

You will find a foot bar at the end of the reformer, an adjustable bar that holds the springs. Depending on the exercise, your feet and hands can be placed on this bar. The reformer also has long straps with handles to which your feet or hands can be put. These are at the top of the frame opposite the foot bar. The springs can be adjusted to affect both the foot bar and the handles, to modify the workout for different skill levels and body types.

Who can make the best use of Pilates reformer machines?

Who Should Use a Pilates Reformer?

• Athletes – Boost core strength & injury prevention
• Physiotherapy Patients – Improve rehabilitation & flexibility
• Office Workers – Counteract poor posture & back pain
• Seniors – Engage in low-impact, joint-friendly workouts
• Pilates Enthusiasts – Enjoy progressive resistance training

It is also perfect for those looking to tone up, rehab from an injury, train for a particular hobby or sport, or get a low-impact, full-body workout.

Pilates reformer work focuses on core strength and proper muscle engagement, which improves athletic performance, back pain, injury recovery, weight loss, balance, bone density, and posture, to name a few. It is a movement system designed to better your everyday life and well-being

It is noted that  people with other spinal or neck issues may need to take medical advice before doing the machines

The Best 9 Pilates Reformers Machines To Use

Here are the top Pilates reformer machines.

1. Balanced Body Allegro Reformer

The Balanced Body Allegro Reformer has been well known for over twenty years. This Pilates machine, with a durable anodized frame, comes with free streaming workout videos, double cotton loops, transport wheels, and a built-in standing platform.

You can customize your workouts, and it provides everything you need, from resistance bands to bars and more. The frame is designed with powder-coated anodized aluminium and maple accents. It includes five signature springs with spring collars.

The machine stands on end for easy storage, and a 14-inch leg kit can be added for an extra boost.

Updated 2024 Pricing:

• Amazon US: $2,495 USD
• Pilates Health Equipment (Australia): $3,899 AUD
• Align Pilates (UK): £2,150 GBP

2. Align Pilates F2 Folding Home Reformer Bundle

Though designed for home use, the F2 reformers share many of the key features of commercial reformers. The F2 offers fluid, progressive resistance, and a range of adjustments to personalize the machine for your workout. The mirrored stainless-steel runners guarantee a smooth and quiet ride.

The F2 Pilates Reformer is a self-contained machine that can be easily wheeled around and stored safely out of the way by folding up. When not in use, it does not need to take up any space. The F2 can be used for jumping exercises by adding the F-Series Jump Board.

Current Price: ~$2,195 AUD (Pilates Health Equipment Australia). Available from Align Pilates AU.

3. Reformers from Pilates Equip

Pilates Equip (Australia) manufactures locally-built reformers and supplies Pilates studios across Australia & internationally. Their models include Evolution, Rehab, and Studio Reformers, ranging from $4,500 to $5,500 AUD.

Pilates Equip is appreciated by Pilates professionals all over Australia and around the world. There are Evolution reformers, Rehab reformers, and Studio reformers.

The costs range from $4500 to $5500. You can check which one you wish to buy here.

Here’s how to increase Pilates Group Class Attendance at a studio.

4. Merrithew Reformers

Merrithew Reformers are industry-leading Pilates machines, designed for both classical and contemporary Pilates styles. Their Retractable Rope System and self-locking cleats allow for quick resistance adjustments, catering to users of all fitness levels.

These reformers are equipped with their patented Retractable Rope System and self-locking cleats that allow quick, easy, and precise rope adjustments to ensure an appropriate range of motion for all exercisers. You can find the Scott Pilates reformer machines here in Australia. The cost depends on the model you pick.

5. Basi system

The Basi Systems Reformer is smooth in movement and powerfully adjustable. Its innovative Enhanced Pulley System (EPS) provides fine-tuning control of the pulley angle, and the expanded gear system allows precision in spring resistance settings. With the industry’s largest carriage cushion and longest track, it offers unprecedented comfort and range of motion.

It comes with four prepared ports to accommodate the revolutionary F2 System upgrade. The BASI Systems Reformer is an expandable system that seamlessly adapts to your needs. It costs between $3500 and $4000.

You can buy it here.

6. Align Pilates New Reformers

The Align-Pilates Pilates Reformer Range offers a comprehensive collection of reformers to suit different tastes for commercial and home use! They have a Pilates machine for all budgets.

Their latest models include Align Pilates C8-Pro, A8-Pro, and M8-Pro, all designed for commercial and home use with Rapid Change (RC) spring bars for effortless resistance adjustments.

The principal change from the M2-Pro is that the M8-Pro uses our new patent-pending Rapid Change (RC) spring bar, which can be adjusted with the springs attached with one hand without the need to move a separate carriage stopper. The reformer comes complete with a removable maple standing platform, storage hooks for a Gondola Pole, and removable off-centred shoulder rests for a choice of shoulder-width positions. The M8 costs $5199. You can click here to buy now.

7. AeroPilates Pro XP 556

This machine features a durable and modern-looking frame, a high level of adjustability and comfort, and the ability to perform well over 100 Pilates-related exercises. The Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 offers a great mix of affordability, functionality, and durability. It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty on the frame and a 90-day warranty on the moving parts.

Updated Price: ~$1,049 USD (Amazon US) / $1,599 AUD (Pilates Health Equipment Australia).

8. Studio Reformer

This sleek, wood-framed machine might blend more into your mid-century modern aesthetic than other machines. Given the length of its carriage, it’s an excellent choice for taller people, too. The Studio Reformer also features Balanced Body TwistLock shoulder rests. Adjust or remove your shoulder rests quickly without needing tethered pins.

This product comes from Balanced Body and is dedicated to providing Pilates-based education and equipment that empowers users to be mindful of movement, make healthy lifestyle changes, and ultimately find balance.

Click here to buy now costing $3,455

9. Elina Pilates Elite Cadillac Reformer

It is made of stainless steel, anodized aluminium, and Canadian maple wood, finished in a smooth and glossy satin varnish. The aluminium parts are anodized for strength and durability. In addition, anodizing helps reduce friction and prevent oxidation.

The carriage has a strong interior frame with adjustable alignment control. The top surface features comfortable foam padding for perfect resilience, providing excellent stability and safety.

The trapezoid structure is made of extra tough stainless steel, designed and built to provide a robust and stable area. All moving sections are locked in place using the fixing manuals: pull to unlock the position, slide to the new position and release the manual knob to lock the new position.

Eight connection points to the structure ensure that the trapezoid is attached to the maple base frame, providing maximum stability and evenly dispersing the stress of the activities associated with the trapeze throughout the frame.

Price Update: ~$5,990 AUD (Australia) / ~$5,750 NZD (New Zealand). Available from Pilates World AU.

BodyLight offers Pilates equipment and reformers in New Zealand, which you can buy directly from their studio.

Best Places to Buy Pilates Reformers

• Australia: Pilates Health Equipment, Pilates Reformers Australia, Align Pilates AU
• New Zealand: BodyLight NZ, Peak Pilates NZ, NZ Fitness Gear

Tips to consider when buying Pilates Reformers Machines

Follow the below tips before you buy any Pilates machines.

1. Know why you want a reformer. Are you a patient or a studio owner? Do you want one for your home or studio space?
2. Next, find your size and physical abilities. Reformers come in various kinds, heights, and sizes, so see which will fit your body type.
3. Then, consider your budget. These equipment come in various prices, though the prices from reputable online sellers almost always match the MSRP (manufacturer-recommended retail price). You should buy from the seller with the best customer service.
4. When buying for individuals, you need to understand how this will work. So, you’d better take Pilates classes at a reputed studio under an instructor before investing in a reformer. The exercises are particular, and it’s necessary to have a trained Pilates instructor guide you. You can even take online classes if you want.
5. Buy from reputed brands like Gratz, Balanced Body, Basi Systems, Stott Pilates, Peak Pilates, and Elina Pilates.
6. Check its features, as they are essential; mid-range and professional reformers have different features.
7. Finally, look at the warranty period that comes with your reformer purchase.

Final Tips on Choosing the Right Reformer

• For Home Use: Compact or foldable reformers (e.g., Align Pilates F2, AeroPilates Pro XP 556)
• For Studios & Professionals: High-durability models with adjustable resistance (e.g., Balanced Body Allegro, Merrithew Reformers)
• For Rehabilitation: Reformers with adaptive features (e.g., Basi Systems Rehab Reformer)
• Budget Considerations: Prices range from $1,000–$6,000 AUD/NZD, depending on brand and features.

Good Luck!