The 9 Best At-Home Pilates Reformers, According to a Pilates Instructors

Dimensions: 93” L x 26.5” W x 14” H | Springs: 5

The Balanced Body Studio Reformer is close to what you’ll likely find in a classic Pilates reformer class. The brand uses a proprietary precision carriage system — a fancy way of saying it’s a smooth and quiet ride. The machine is equipped with the brand’s signature Balanced Springs, which are made from nickel-plated carbon steel. You can also change the aesthetic by opting for one of nine upholstery colors. The footbar, wheels, and springbars are also adjustable, with three different frame heights available. 

Dimensions: 82.25” L x 17.5” W x 9” H | Springs: 3

Andriello is a fan of AeroPilates’ reformers. While they have fewer springs, she notes that they’re “good for beginners and help to save space if you’re lacking in it.” Shape editors agree, noting anyone beginning their Pilates practice who doesn’t want to drop four figures on a piece of exercise equipment should consider this one. This at-home Pilates reformer comes with three elastic bungee cords, an adjustable headrest, foam grips, and three guided reformer DVD workouts (if you still have something that’ll play those). It’s also foldable, making it a fitting choice for anyone living in a smaller space.

Dimensions: 94″L x 25″W x 15″H with legs | Springs: 5

Wondering which at-home Pilates reformer has a real-life instructor’s stamp of approval? Andriello recommends Balanced Body’s Allegro 2 reformer, calling it “an incredibly durable machine.” She touts its various spring options and comfortable carriage and loves how “very advanced exercises can be done on this reformer with ease because it’s so adjustable.” Her only qualm with the Allegro 2 is that it’s a tad heavy. Shape editors also love how customizable this reformer is, offering multiple color options, a steel or carbon fiber footbed, and a choice to add legs for additional height.

Dimensions: 71.1” L x 18.5” W x 5.5” H | Springs: 4

If you prefer Lagree’s burns-so-good classes to Pilates, you can avail yourself of the company’s Micro Reformer. This is a smaller, lighter alternative to the Megaformer used in Lagree studios that incorporates springs. Sign up for a Lagree At Home subscription, and you’ll have everything you need to get in on the Rihanna-approved workout method at home.

For the record, the Lagree Fitness Method focuses on a mix of high-intensity bodybuilding techniques and low-impact movements, as well as Pilates moves for rehabilitation.

Dimensions: 15″ H x 94″ L x 25.5” W | Springs: 13

A Pilates tower is a frame that allows for additional configurations. You can use it to do almost all of the exercises typically done on a full Cadillac (a larger table with a metal frame that can be outfitted with attachments such as straps, handles, and bars). If that sounds good, you can buy a tower as an attachment or go with a reformer with one included, such as the Balanced Body Allegro Tower of Power.

Dimensions: 10” H x 26” W x 96.5” L | Springs: 5

With this at-home Pilates reformer, you can choose a just-the-basics option and buy the accessories (such as a jump board or additional springs) to customize your resistance à la carte. Or, you can go with a bundle such as this Pilates reformer that’s already equipped with springs and comes with a box, pole, and two workout DVDs. At 96.5 inches, it’s longer than many available options, which you might appreciate if you’re tall.

Dimensions: 77.5” L x 19.7” W x 28” H | Springs: 5

If your biggest priority is an at-home Pilates reformer you can move around on a whim, this ARKANTOS Foldable Pilates Reformer may be your winner. The aluminum frame is on wheels and weighs only 70 pounds, so moving around the house is relatively easy (compared to other options out there). Once you’re done practicing your Pilates, you can fold it up and wheel it away to store it as you wish.

The reformer is only 77.5” long — although you get up to 81.5” with the included footbar extended — and is best suited for those under 5’9” so keep this in mind if you’re on the taller side. Also, this at-home reformer uses resistance band tubes, which may break down faster than a reformer with springs.

Dimensions: 90″ L x 30″ W x 14″ H | Springs: 5

Shape loves an accessible fitness tool, and the Flexia Smart Reformer impressed us with its height and weight capacities. Not only is the at-home Pilates reformer long and strong enough to accommodate many people, but the reformer itself is “smart,” meaning it’s equipped with sensors to track speed, control, and consistency so you can assess your own form. Heads up, you’ll need to plug it in if you want to take advantage of this AI tracking. There’s no screen included (the Flexia team maintains that makes it easier for you to move on the reformer), but you can cast the analytics on a laptop or television easily enough. We’re not too upset about this, because it means the Flexia is nearly half the price of other options we researched from Balanced Body and Frame.

Note that the Flexia doesn’t come with any extra Pilates equipment, although you can buy it in a bundle at time of purchase or add it later. After your first month, you’ll also have to pay extra for the All Access Membership to the Online Studio for on-demand classes and access to the form tracking. 

Dimensions: 94” L x 25.5” W x 36” H | Springs: 6

This is the most modernized version of the reformer on this list. That’s largely because it has a 24-inch swivel touchscreen to stream guided workouts and play your music. It also lets you push a button to adjust your springs rather than manually adding and removing them. Plus, it’s gorgeous. 

“I had the chance to try the Frame Pilates Reformer under their team’s expert guidance, and I was wowed by the quality of the machine and the classes,” says Kristen Geil, Shape’s former senior commerce editor. “I was able to change out the resistance quickly, thanks to the clever buttons that let you adjust quickly. I never struggled to keep up with the instructor like I often am in real-life classes!”