Guides and support
How to choose your Pilates reformer
Your space, your practice, your goals. Pointers for choosing equipment that suits you.
Start with your everyday life.
The right Pilates reformer is the one that fits into your home and your practice. Before comparing models, define the space you have available, your storage needs and the exercises you want to work on.
01
At home
Want to free up the room between sessions? Compare foldable reformers by their weight and folded dimensions.
02
In a dedicated space
If the equipment stays set up, focus on the working area, the adjustments and the configuration your sessions require.
Wooden or aluminium reformer: what should you compare?
The frame material tells you something about the look, but it is not enough to compare two reformers on. Carriage travel, footbar adjustments, resistance, dimensions and accessories vary from model to model. An aluminium frame does not on its own guarantee a lighter machine; a wooden frame does not on its own determine how smoothly the carriage glides.
For a multi-purpose room, browse our foldable Pilates reformers. If your machine can stay set up, compare our studio reformers. If you are choosing a model for professional use, also check what the manufacturer intends it for.
Which format suits your space?
| Format | Consider it for | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Foldable reformer | A multi-purpose room | Folded dimensions, weight, how it is handled |
| Studio reformer | A dedicated practice space | Dimensions, adjustments, use intended by the manufacturer |
| Tower or Cadillac | A set-up with additional attachment points | Ceiling height, clearances, supervision of the practice |
| Accessories | Complementing mat work or a compatible machine | Dimensions, resistance and exact compatibility |
Five points to compare.
- Space: measure the room, the doors and the passageways. Allow for the clearances given in the manual.
- Configuration: check the carriage, the footbar, the supports and the adjustments specific to the model.
- Resistance: compare the springs and their combinations; colour codes are not universal.
- Contents: distinguish the accessories included from the options sold separately.
- Installation: read the instructions for assembly, moving and maintenance.
How much space do you need for a reformer at home?
There are three measurements to consider: the footprint of the machine when open, its folded size and the practice area. That last one must leave room for movement, access to the carriage and room to walk around. Check the dimensions of the room, but also the width of doors, the stairs and where you will store the accessories.
As a guide, our Foldable Wooden Reformer in solid maple measures 240 × 60 × 60 cm unfolded and 140 × 60 × 46 cm folded. These measurements refer to the machine alone: they are not a recommendation for the clearance around it. Refer to the manual for installation and handling.
What budget should you plan for your set-up?
Compare the cost of the complete configuration rather than a single price. Check which accessories are included, the personalisation options, the delivery terms and the assembly requirements. A box, a jump board or straps visible in a photo are not a contractual list of what will be delivered.
To equip several stations, prepare a quote for your Pilates studio with the models, quantities and any access constraints. Our guide to preparing a studio project will help you organise your request. For a replacement part, browse our reformer accessories and have their exact compatibility confirmed.
Before your first session
Follow the assembly and operating instructions for your model. To get started on the reformer, have a qualified instructor show you to learn the adjustments and the movements suited to your practice. See also our installation and care tips.
Torn between two models?
Send us their names, the dimensions of your space and your storage needs. We can help you compare their specifications.
Further reading: Pilates reformer prices by model, the checklist before you buy and reformer or mat Pilates.