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- Overview
- How we picked the best Pilates reformers
- The best Pilates reformers in 2024
- The parts of a Pilates reformer
- How does a Pilates reformer work?
- How to shop for Pilates reformers
- Meet our experts
- Why trust NBC Select?
If you’re looking to add some strength-training exercises to your workout routine this year, Pilates — specifically reformer Pilates — is a great option to explore. The full-body exercise, which was created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, comes with plenty of benefits, including improved flexibility, mobility, and balance, according to our experts. While Pilates is often performed on a mat, a reformer machine may offer even more benefits, including improved support and alignment, according to our experts.
Pilates reformers look like slim bed frames and have a spring-tension platform that slides back and forth. “The idea is to use your body weight and muscles to push and pull the platform along the frame,” says Josh York, certified personal trainer and the founder and CEO of Gymguyz. “Having an at-home machine can help prevent injury, correct muscle imbalances and greatly improve your posture.” That said, not all reformers are created equal, and since they can be a hefty investment, it’s important to do your research before purchasing a machine.
To learn more about Pilates reformers, we spoke to a personal trainer, a Pilates instructor and the vice president of training for a worldwide Pilates franchise. Below, you’ll find their reformer recommendations as well as the terms and criteria to keep in mind while shopping for one for your home.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best Pilates reformers | The best products Pilates reformers in 2024 | How does a Pilates reformer work? | How to shop for Pilates reformers
•Best overall
Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformer
To find the best Pilates reformers on the market, we interviewed a personal trainer and two Pilates instructors. They recommend using the following criteria to inform your purchase:
•Materials: While most Pilates reformers have the same parts (which we define in further detail below), the materials that make up those parts may vary. Our experts recommend choosing models that have wood or metal frames and cushioned materials on the platform and footbar for safety, comfort and functionality.
•Size: The ideal Pilates reformer for you will suit both your height and your home. Some brands make extra-long machines for tall users or compact, folding machines for small spaces, according to our experts.
•Adjustability: The more adjustable your machine, the more you can customize it to suit your body and skill level, according to our experts. Below, we explain which adjustable features are worth prioritizing.
We chose the best at-home reformers using guidance from a certified personal trainer and two Pilates instructors. Most brands or specific machines are direct recommendations from our experts, but we’ve also included a few lower-cost options that have earned at least 4.4 stars from over 200 reviewers.
Before shopping, it helps to familiarize yourself with the various parts of a reformer. According to our experts, these are the most important terms to know:
•Frame: The frame is the structural base of the reformer. It should be durable and long enough to accommodate the length of your body, but compact enough to suit your space, says York.
•Carriage/platform: The carriage (also known as the platform) is the part of the reformer that glides back and forth on the frame. It should be lightly cushioned for comfort and roomy enough that you can sit or lie back on it, according to our experts.
•Springs: The springs attach to the carriage to create resistance while it slides, and on most machines, you can attach and detach springs to customize the support and difficulty level, says Melas.
•Straps: Also referred to as pulleys, the straps consist of stretchy resistance ropes with handles on the ends. These allow you to work out your arms and shoulders, according to our experts.
•Footbar: The footbar sits at the bottom of the machine. It often has a grippy but cushioned texture for secure, comfortable positioning of the feet, says Melas.
“Reformers work using resistance,” says Melas. “The springs are attached to a moving carriage to create tension. It is through either pulling or pushing movements done by both hands and legs that the user is able to move and work areas of their body.” When used regularly, a Pilates reformer can help you gain strength, build muscle and improve postu...
Durability
“Look for a reformer made of high-quality materials to ensure safety and durability during your home workouts,” says Strateman. The frame should be made from strong materials such as steel, aluminum or timber, while the carriage should glide smoothly and be lightly cushioned for comfort, but still structured enough for stability, according to our experts. Finally, high-end brands sometimes offer lifetime warranties that protect your machine and its accessories.
Size
It’s important to find the right size reformer for your body and workout space, says York. If you’re especially tall, some brands make extra-long Pilates reformers with larger carriages and frames. For those who have limited space for working out, “foldable or compact options are excellent for smaller living areas,” says Strateman. For each machine above, we listed both the dimensions and the weight.
Adjustability
Strateman recommends choosing a reformer with adjustable parts, so you can customize the machine to fit your body’s needs and use it for various exercises and resistance levels. Adjustable frames let you customize the reformer’s height, whereas having multiple springs lets you adjust the tension as needed. Moveable footbars are also helpful since they let you find your ideal position.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
•Josh York is a certified personal trainer and the founder and CEO of Gymguyz.
•Bianca Melas is an accredited Pilates instructor and certified clinical naturopath.
•Tianna Strateman is a certified Pilates instructor and the vice president of training and experience at Club Pilates.
Maria Cassano is an e-commerce writer, editor and consultant who has been writing about and reviewing products for almost a decade. You can find her fitness and wellness content in publications such as Bustle, The Daily Beast, CNN, Elite Daily, Mic and Allure. For this article, Cassano interviewed three professionals in the fitness sphere.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
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