How much does a Pilates Reformer cost? Best in 2021!
If you have been doing Pilates for a while and have been considering getting a Pilates Reformer Machine, this article will help you with your decision-making. I have been teaching Pilates for over 20 years now, and I have used quite a few models from the studios I have worked with before as well as the Pilates studio that I run for over 8 years here in Singapore.
There are quite a few factors that affect the Pilates Reformers pricing, and let me elaborate in this post on which are the ones that are the most important.
On average, a Pilates Reformer costs $3100. Depending on the brand and the additional features you are including in the purchase, the price range may vary between $800 to over $6000. Don’t forget to factor in the shipping charges as this can be a significant amount depending on your location.
Because Pilates Reformer is getting very popular nowadays, a lot more models have been available in the market that is as cheap as a few hundred dollars. I didn’t bother including them on my list as I don’t want to confuse you, and I am not sure how reputable these brands are and how good is the quality of the equipment.
Here is a table of the popular models that I would consider myself buying, their sizes, and additional features that they come with.
Pilates Reformer Comparison Chart
|
Reformer Model and size |
Price |
Additional Features |
|
Length: 96″ (244cm) Width: 26.5″ (67cm) Height: 14″ (36cm) |
$2795 |
Sitting box Upgradable to a Tower conversion |
|
Length: 93″ (236cm) Width: 26.5″ (67cm) Height: 14″ (36cm) |
$3750 |
Upgradable to a Tower conversion |
|
Height: 9″ (22.5cm) or 15″ (37.5cm) with legs Length: 94″ (238cm) Width: 25.5″ (65cm) |
$3045 |
With Wheels to roll easily to a different location Upgradable to a Tower attachment Can be stored upright The foot bar can slide horizontally throughout the entire frame Upgradable to a Tower conversion |
|
Height: 24” (61cm). or 18” or 14”. Length: 93” (236cm) Frame Width: 27” (69cm) |
$4895 |
Sitting box Jumpboard Standing platform extender The footbar can slide horizontally Upgradable to a Tower conversion |
|
Height: 14″ (36cm). Length: 91″ (228cm) Width: 25.5″ (65cm) |
$4325 |
Sitting box Roll up pole Long 60” pole for balance support Kneeling pads Upgradable to a Tower conversion |
|
93*14*25.5 |
$3895 |
|
|
Height: 24″ (61cm). Length: 93″ (236cm) Width: 26.5″ (67cm) Height overall with trapeze table 24”+61.5”=85.5”(217cm) |
$6645 |
Sitting box It comes with the Trapeze table and all its accessory: Canopy Push through bar Twin mats Trapeze table springs Long springs Slider bars Trapeze bar Roll-down bar |
|
Merrithew at Home SPX Reformer Bundle Height: 10″ (25.4cm). Length: 96.5″ (245cm) Width: 26″ (66cm) |
$2899 |
Reformer Box Metal Roll up pole Platform extender |
|
Height: 6.75″ (17cm) or 14″ (36cm) with legs Length: 93″ (236cm) Width: 22.5″ (57cm) |
$2445 |
With Wheels to roll easily to a different location Low height than normal but upgradable to a 14” Leg Kit Upgradable to a Tower attachment Can be stored upright |
|
80" DESIGNER REFORMER IN MAPLE WOOD Length: 80”(203cm), 86”(218.5) & 89”(226cm) Width: 26”(66cm) Height: 13 ¾”(34cm) |
$4950 |
None |
|
Sportline™ Superior Reformer Bundle Height: 16″ (40.5cm). Length: 96″ (244cm) Width: 26″ (66cm) |
$4499 |
Sitting box Jumpboard Upgradable for Cadillac attachment |
This post is based on my thorough research on what information is available on the web as of writing this post in August 2021. The prices may vary from time to time if the seller runs a promotion on their website to clear out stocks.
It is a very exciting time when you are about to make a big purchase, and at the same time, you’re scared of making the wrong decision of getting the wrong product. So let’s dive deeper into this topic so you will have more information and a deeper understanding before buying your first Pilates Reformer.
What is a Pilates Reformer
It is a Pilates equipment that has a carriage that can move horizontally, which is attached to one end of the frame by springs. You can move this carriage by pushing a foot bar that is mounted on the front end or by pulling the straps that are looped around in a pulley system back end of the machine.
What are the must-have Basic Features of a Pilates Reformer?
- Adjustable foot bar
Aside from the carriage(bed) of the Pilates Reformer, the foot bar is one of the highest contact points of the Reformer machine. This means that this will have high wear and tear as there will be a lot of pressure loaded onto it.
Make sure that the foot bar is made out of strong, durable materials that can withstand the force during your exercise session, and at the same time, it should come with comfortable padding to protect your feet and hands when exercising.
It is a good practice to ask the seller if the padding is replaceable and if it is available for purchase as you may need to replace the pads. But don’t fret about it; it will take years for a good brand to wear out even with commercial usage.
- Springs for the resistance
A Reformer should come with 4 or 5 springs that are attached to the carriage. Make sure it has a secondary anchor point to adjust the tension of the springs. My recommendation is to get the one that comes with 5 springs as you will have more options and make sure that the spring options should come with three different tensions.
- Adjustable headrest
A headrest that is adjustable with comfortable padding should be just a basic feature, but some companies might be overselling this as an add-on to make the buyer think that it’s an added value.
- Straps with 2 option loops
Another basic feature that I would insist on is the straps should come with 2 loop options which are the long and the short loops. Though some models that come with leather straps will not be practical with this feature, it just adds more convenience to your practice when it is always there.
What are the additional must-have items for the Pilates Reformer?
- Sitting Box
The sitting box is an essential add-on item for the machine. You will not be able to do a lot of exercises without the box, and it is not easy to find a local shop to build you the box that will fit nicely to your Reformer machine.
Though some models come with the sitting box, this should not be the deciding factor of your purchase as you can always buy it separately, and it may come out cheaper. So make sure that you compare the pricing with the sitting box added on.
- Ankle straps for short box exercises
The ankle straps are the straps attached at the front end of the Reformer to anchor your leg when doing short box exercises. Some models come with this, but you may have to specify for other models, so make sure to check on the seller if the ankle straps come with it.
Is the roll-up pole necessary for Pilates Reformer?
The Roll-up pole for the Reformer is not necessary. It can be easily replaced with a normal dowel that you can buy from a local lumber shop, which you can lightly sand and coat with some varnish. It can be ridiculously priced just for a 1-inch wooden dowel if you buy it from the seller.
Is a Reformer platform extender necessary?
The extender is needed if the front end of a wooden Reformer is just as thick as the panel used on the frame. The surface is too small and unsafe to stand on while doing exercise. Other Reformer models come with a thicker in-built front end that will serve as a platform extender; this won’t be necessary.
Do you need the Tower extension for your Pilates Reformer?
It is good to have, especially if you are buying it for your home gym, as it will save you space. But if you are using it in the studio, it will only make sense if you run a Pilates group class that uses the tower extension. Having a separate trapeze table or Pilates Cadillac will still give you more options.
Does the height of the Pilates Reformer matter?
Reformer height is important in clinical Pilates practices as you will be dealing with clients that will struggle to bend down on a lower bed due to stiffness, back pain, or knee problem. Some Pilates Reformer exercises may be better if the bed is higher, but these exercises can be easily modified to be done on a lower base Reformers.
How much space do you need for your Pilates Reformer?
You need 6 feet by 10 feet space to fit a Reformer and do exercise around it. A room with a ceiling height of 8 feet or more should be good enough unless you are very tall and your bed of choice is higher. Make sure that there is no ceiling fan over the area where you plan to place your Reformer.
Here is a very helpful space calculator by Balancebody that will help you with your plan.
Things you need to consider in buying a Pilates Reformer Machine
Ok, we are almost there; we just need to consider a few more things before you click the purchase now button.
- Space and storage for the Reformer
Make sure you take into account the space where you will place or store the Reformer. If you are planning to open your own Pilates studio, then storage may not be a big factor as your Reformer will always be on display. If it is for your home gym, you might want to consider another storage space if in case you aren’t using the Reformer or you will need that space for an event. A reformer that can be stored upright like the Allegro Reformers will be one of the best options for this.
- Pilates exercise knowledge
If you are opening a Pilates studio, this should not be a factor. I will assume that you have enough knowledge about Pilates and how to use the Pilates Reformer. But if you are a pure Pilates practitioner, you just have to make sure that you have enough knowledge to use the Reformer safely. At the same time, you had practiced enough movements to do it on your own, as you might get discouraged along the way when you ran out of ideas on how to use the machine.
One good option is to hire a Pilates teacher to come to your place to guide you with the exercises every now and then.
- Price and Quality
Quality always comes with a price, but some products are impractically overpriced compared to others.
But usually, in this case, the higher-priced models just come in with that fine look and features that will be simply hard to resist.
As for my studio, the Allegro Reformer that I used for 8 years has not failed except for the small rubber foot that somehow breaks on its own. But they are easily replaceable and inexpensive. It is worth the price for its value.
I would stay away from very cheap ones as I am not sure about the quality of the materials and the build of the equipment.
- Does it come with upholstery options?
Aside from some models that may just look appealing to some people, you might want to consider the models that come with upholstery options. I always thought that black was the only color until I realized that there are plenty of options.
It will be a good way to create your branding in your studio, or it will just look nice in your home gym when it also matches your color scheme.
- Shipping costs
Don’t forget the shipping cost as sometimes this will not be available on the seller’s website. You may have to contact them to ask for a quote. It is important to consider this as this can be very expensive, depending on your geographic location. And you may have to check with the customs department regarding the tax for importing goods.
Is a Foldable Reformer good?
My opinion on this one is a solid No, even though I have not used one. The main reason is that the Reformer can only be that small, no matter how foldable it is. The compromise on the quality and stability might be too much in exchange for its portability.
How long can a Pilates Reformer last?
A good quality Pilates Reformer can last for at least 10 years with very low maintenance. Make sure that you wipe it after every use and there is no moisture accumulating on the metallic parts of the machine. Sharp objects like a zipper on your pants may scratch the upholstery, so make sure you wear proper exercise attire when using it.