Pilates tips · · 2 min read
Foldable reformer: pros, cons and dimensions
Folded size, weight, dimensions in use, wood or aluminium: everything you need to compare before buying a foldable Pilates reformer.
A foldable reformer promises Pilates at home without giving up a whole room. It can deliver, provided you compare three figures carefully: the folded size, the weight and the size in use. Here is how.
How does a foldable reformer work?
A foldable reformer works on the same principle as a studio reformer: a carriage that glides along a frame, attached to springs that you push or pull against. The difference is that the frame folds in half (or stands upright, depending on the model) so you can get the room back after your session.
Our three foldable reformers in figures
| Model | Frame | Unfolded | Folded | Weight | Springs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Foldable | See product page | See product page | 105 × 55 × 24 cm | 32 kg | 5, adjustable armrests |
| Aluminium Foldable | Aluminium | 237 × 74 × 28 cm | 136 × 74 × 50 cm | 68 kg | Adjustable resistance |
| Wooden Foldable | Solid maple | 240 × 60 × 60 cm | 140 × 60 × 46 cm | See product page | Adjustable springs |
The Compact is the smallest to store (105 cm long) and weighs 32 kg. Once unfolded, the Aluminium and Wooden models are close in size to a studio reformer, at around 2.4 m long.
The benefits of a foldable reformer
- Frees up the room: the machine is put away after your session, so the room can still be used for other things.
- Ideal for flats: no need for a dedicated room.
- The same exercise principle: carriage, footbar, straps and springs.
The drawbacks to be aware of
- Weight: folded does not mean lightweight. The Aluminium model weighs 68 kg: check that it can be rolled or moved as described in the manual, and that you can handle it safely.
- Set-up time: unfolding, locking and adjusting the machine takes a few minutes each session.
- Space in use: the folded size tells you nothing about the space you need while exercising.
Wood or aluminium?
The material mainly affects appearance and weight. Aluminium is often chosen for a contemporary look and a choice of colours (our model comes in black, grey, orange or white). Wood has a warm, natural feel (our solid maple model comes in white or black). The frame material alone is not enough to judge how smoothly it glides or how well it is made: also compare the adjustments, dimensions and included accessories. Our guide to choosing a reformer covers these criteria in detail.
Foldable or studio: how do you decide?
If your reformer can stay set up permanently, a fixed studio reformer saves you moving it and gives you a stable frame. If the room needs to stay clear, a foldable reformer is the one for you. Compare all six models in our Pilates reformer comparison.
