Although most of us will go to a pilates studio, some of my clients prefer to do their own routine at home.
If you’re one of those people, you’re going to need to invest in a pilates reformer machine.
In this review, I will recommend some of the best machines on the market, for whatever your skill level may be.
I will also go into some detail about things you should consider before buying- like space, features, and type of machine.
Best Pilates Machine
Merrithew At Home SPX Reformer Bundle
- A complete bundle package for starting Pilates at home
- You get 1 half-tension and 4 full-tension reformer springs to make changes in resistance levels.
- The platform extender has extra thick foam and features 4-foot bar positions
- A pair of workout DVDs are included in the purchases
- A metal roll-up pole and a reformer box are also included
This is probably one of the best bundle purchases you can make if you don’t have any Pilates equipment at all and would like to build your home gym from scratch.
It adjusts to your body measures with 6 different stopping and carriage positions, 4 foot bar positions, and 3 headrest settings.
The platform extender works perfectly as a sitting or standing platform, and it is safe to use even if you have hip flexion problems.
What will work even better for you in that case, is the reformer box, which adds more height and increases the range of motion to relieve stress on your joints and muscles.
What customers are saying
Almost every customer review is excellent, and one of its top-rated features is sturdiness. In other words, happy customers say it is a very resistant and reliable Pilates machine.
Customers also say it’s easy to assemble, easy to maneuver, and very versatile, made with high-quality materials.
Ideal Reformer For Studios
Balanced Body Studio Reformer
- Stacked storage, appropriate for home use with limited space
- Includes a carriage ride of 41” with a dual-support foot bar and cotton foot straps
- 3 adjustable heights and 5 signature springs to raise the machine up to 15”
- Comfortable sitting box and neoprene anti-slip handles
- Built on rock maple wood
This Pilates reformer machine has every feature you would expect from a pilates training machine at the gym. It includes several accessories that will further grow your Pilates practice.
The machine can also be stacked when not in use to prevent wasting space at home.
It has a full spring system, loop handles, safe climbing ropes, and versatile foot bar options. It’s also very comfortable and stylish, especially if you have a wooden aesthetic at home.
What customers are saying
Satisfied customers say that this product is made with high-quality materials and is perfect for any home gym or private Pilates practice.
It is easy to set up, smooth, and very silent. It is also well-packaged, and the customer service is responsive if you have problems.
Best For Home
AeroPilates Premier Reformer
- Includes a stand that elevates the machine up to 10”
- Maximum recommended weight is 300 lbs
- Includes a low-impact rebounder
- Easy to clean and assemble
- 3-year warranty on the frame and 90-day warranty on smaller parts
This premier reformer is perfect for home workouts.
It includes a 4-cord resistance with various settings, a very comfortable stand, a cardio rebounder, and a pillow for your neck and heat.
Included in the package is a set of two workout DVDs and a convenient chart of exercises to guide your training.
The foot bar is wider than other models on the market, appropriate if you want to use it with your hands instead of your feet.
Its foot and hand straps have a furry and very comfortable surface. You can adjust the headrest, the height of the ropes, and other settings for maximum comfort.
What customers are saying
Many customers agree that this is a great item to buy if you want a Pilates machine for your home.
Stretch and sturdiness are 2 of the top-rated features, and customers also said it is very easy to assemble and use.
There are many other models out there with similar features at a significantly higher price. So, it is also affordable and offers great value for money.
Best For Storage
Balanced Body Pilates IQ Reformer
- Easy to store upright in your closet or horizontally under the bed, when not in use.
- A budget-friendly alternative adapted for home use
- Includes various accessories: 5 body signature springs, transport wheels, easily adjustable cotton loops, and a patented foot bar
If you don’t have so much available space at home, this model will be perfect for you.
It is the best Pilates machine for storage and has a collapsible feature that allows you to store it upright in your closet or horizontally under the bed.
It has a sleek design, appropriate for home use. It is also made with high-quality materials, including an aluminum frame, an 8-wheel system, and a very smooth sliding function.
The platform can be used for sitting or standing exercises, and the machine is highly adjustable to accommodate any body type.
What customers are saying
The majority of customers left positive feedback and love the functionality of the machine.
Some complained about the assembly process, but customer service is very responsive, and once assembled it works smoothly with a fantastic storage function.
Best Reformer & Cadillac
Pilates Cadillac Reformer Vintage
- Joins the functionality of a Pilates reformer machine and those of a Pilates Cadillac
- Robust, with very comfortable and safe surfaces covered in synthetic leather
- Appropriate for kneeling, standing, and sitting exercises
- Features a long box and a jump board
Despite seeming massive compared to the models reviewed above, this is a compact device that joins the function of a Pilates Cadillac and a Pilates Reformer.
They are two different machines, each one taking their own space at the gym, but this model has combined them into one nifty device.
You will be able to choose between the Reformer or Cadillac functions, and they are both very robust and safe.
The machine’s surfaces are filled with high-density foam and covered by synthetic leather for maximum comfort, even in kneeling exercises.
It looks extremely sturdy, reliable, and safe, plus has a very silent sliding system and 5 springs with different intensity levels.
Pilates & Barre Reformer
Supreme Toning Tower- Pilates & Barre Reformer
- Combines a Barre reformer and a Pilates Cadillac Trap Table
- Folds and unfolds for easier storage
- Comes assembled and only requires minor fixing
- Sturdy and lightweight at the same time, made with high-quality materials
- Comes with an exercise DVD with instructions and workout ideas
One of the best features of this Pilates and Barre Reformer is how small it is after folding, and how it can fit under your bed without a problem.
This feature makes it a great option if you have very limited space at home and are not interested in sliding platforms or other complex machines.
It is perfect for barre and pilates exercises if you know how to do them, and if you don’t there’s a DVD to get you introduced to this world.
What customers are saying
The customer reviews on this model are mostly positive, and stability is one of its top-rated features. It is also very sturdy and comes completely assembled.
You only need to worry about fixing the coils in place before use.
It is great for beginners who are just starting to use Pilates machines, especially if they are doing it at home and need something lightweight and easy to move around.
Satisfied customers also say it is durable, convenient, and highly recommended.
Other Recommended Machines
AeroPilates Pro Reformer With Free-Form Cardio Rebounder
If you like cardio rebounders, this is another option you can evaluate for your home gym.
It includes a 4-cord resistance, elastic bungee cords, different foot bar positions, and comfortable shoulder pads.
This particular model is made with storage in mind and has built-in wheels for easier transport.
Customer experience is very positive, and satisfied customers say it is very easy to use and incredibly sturdy. It is also very durable and high-quality for the price.
Stott Pilates Merrithew SPX Max Plus Reformer
This Pilates reformer model includes 5 springs with different resistance levels, adjustable positions of the headrest, a carriage, gear bar, and the foot bar.
The surface is very comfortable for sitting or staying up, and has removable shoulder rests to make your exercise more comfortable.
Minimal assembly is required before use, and it is very lightweight.
Along with the usual pilates reformer function, it also has a vertical frame with additional coils to add some versatility to your workouts.
What customers are saying
Satisfied customers say this is a very good product, sold at an affordable price, and with a versatile function. It also looks sturdy and has in-built wheels for easier transport at home.
Balanced Body Allegro Reformer
This is another Pilates machine with versatile functions and additional accessories you can buy if you need more functions.
It is manufactured to be durable, with an anodized aluminum frame, and sturdy collars and springs. It also has built-in transport wheels, and it is most appropriate for home use.
Most customer reviews are very positive. Everyone agrees that the machine is very easy to set up and the brand is known for its durable and highly reliable products.
AeroPilates Precision Series Reformer
This is a simpler approach to the usual Pilates reformer, and it’s appropriate for beginners who are learning how to use these machines.
It has 4 levels of spring resistance and a cardio rebounder. The platform is well-padded, with comfortable shoulder pads, and an adjustable headrest.
The reformer is elevated from the ground and has two transport wheels. If you have an Aeropilates Cadillac, you can adjust it easily in this reformer platform.
What customers are saying
According to written customer reviews, most people had an excellent experience.
The assembly takes 1 or 2 hours, and the base is very heavy, but after setting it up, the machine is well-made, sturdy, and works smoothly. It provides superb value for the money.
Things To Consider
Home space
This is one of the most important features in home gyms, and it is important to know its length and whether or not it can be folded.
Most of them are the same length, but it is also essential to measure your own height and make sure it is right for you.
Type of frame
You can get a metal or wood frame, and each one has its pros and cons. Wood frames are stylish but very heavy and need to stay in the same place.
Metal frames are easier to transport and very resistant as well.
Features
Does it have bungee cords or springs? Is it easy to transport and fold? Do you get any extra features such as increased adjustability or more resistance settings?
It is important to evaluate all of these features, especially if you’re comparing several models and want value for your money.
Price
Of course, the price is also important. If you’re looking for inexpensive models, make sure it is well-designed and glides smoothly.
If you’re buying online, read customer reviews, and experiences to make sure you’re on the right track.
