Is using a Pilates reformer strength-training?

Pilates can be an excellent way to build strength , whether you’re using a reformer or performing exercises on a mat. And since reformers make it easy to customize your experience, you can make your strength-training workouts as strenuous—or as beginner-friendly—as you want them to be. “The dynamic resistance options offered by the equipment give individuals a wide range of advanced options or modifications,” Kamille McCollum , Chief Operating Officer of Bodybar Pilates , says. Simply adjust the resistance on your reformer’s springs any time you want to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.

Is the Pilates reformer good for weight loss?

Using a Pilates reformer can help you build strength and work up a sweat—both of which may help you lose weight . And if you’d like to integrate more cardio into your Pilates routine, you easily can. “There are different modalities of Reformer Pilates,” McCollum says. “Some incorporate cardio bursts and HIIT to the class format for clients looking for weight loss and toning.” If this dynamic approach sounds like something you’d be interested in, be sure to look out for online Pilates workouts and in-person Pilates classes that offer it.

How often should I use a Pilates reformer?

You can use your Pilates reformer as often as you do Pilates. So if you do Pilates every day, you can integrate a Pilates reformer into your daily routine. If you’re newer to Pilates, you might want to take things a bit slower. As always, be sure to talk to your primary care provider before starting a new exercise routine—they can help you make sure your bases are covered, and they can also support you as you work to build a new habit.

How often should I use a Pilates reformer?

Yes, you may be able to use a Pilates reformer while pregnant—but be sure to talk to your primary care provider before doing so (especially if you’ve never used one before!). And depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, there may be some modifications you want to consider as you exercise. “We suggest—after the first trimester or at 16 weeks—that women use a wedge to support the upper body when lying down,” Bonney says. “We can also switch some of the exercises to be side-lying instead of lying flat.” She notes that these modifications can make exercises safer and more comfortable for pregnant women. But again, be sure to speak with your primary care provider before working out while pregnant—especially if you’re starting a new routine.

How much does a professional pilates reformer cost?

You can expect to pay between $250-$3,000 for a quality pilates reformer. Cheaper options may not have additional features, like rebounders, jump boards, and more. If you're looking for a reformer with all the bells and whistles, you'll have to opt for a more expensive option. The cheapest device on our list is often available at $250, while our top pick, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012TP4PE?linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=4163616%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525257Cn774b22e5ee1b4581973ef97f72c3953213%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525257CB0012TP4PE&tag=verywellfit-onsite-backup-20" data-component="amazon" data-source="affiliate" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="sponsored nofollow">Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer , was $1,500 when we published this list.

The 8 Best Pilates Reformers of 2023

A Pilates reformer is designed to provide you with an intense full-body workout focused on small and slow movements. Delivering all of the benefits of Pilates, these machines are crafted to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.

Reviewed & Approved

Using a four-cord resistance system, Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer delivers different levels of resistance. We also like Weider's Ultimate Body Works as a budget option and it has a four-cord system to challenge you at your next workout.

When looking for a Pilates reformer, Rachel Troesch, NASM-CPT, NASM-certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor at Lifetime, recommends looking for high-quality craftsmanship, a comfortable carriage, and footbar padding.

We researched dozens of Pilates reformers and evaluated them for material, comfortability, adjustability, and price. Each of the Pilates reformers chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer at Amazon

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Best Advanced:

Sportline Superior Cadillac Reformer at Amazon

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Best Bundle:

Merrithew At Home SPX Reformer Bundle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Studio-Grade:

Peak Pilates Casa Reformer at Amazon

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Best for Small Spaces:

Pilates Power Gym Pro' 3-Elevation Reformer Exercise System at Amazon

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Best Beginner:

AeroPilates Premier Reformer at Amazon

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Best With Tower:

AeroPilates Precision Series Reformer 610 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Foldable:

Beverly Hills Fitness Supreme Toning Tower at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

4.8

Pros

Adjustable
Wide range of resistance levels
Built-in transport wheels

Cons

Large

We chose the AeroPilates Pro Reformer as our top choice because it's a versatile reformer you can use for a variety of exercises— it's also comfortable to use. It has a padded back platform, adjustable headrest, and high-density foam shoulder rests to support you as you tackle all your favorite Pilates exercises.

At one end of the reformer, you’ll find a padded foot bar that you can adjust to three different positions. You can also remove the foot bar entirely, and replace it with a low-impact rebounder. At the other end of the reformer, you’ll find two strap-equipped pulleys you can grip with your hands or wrap around your ankles. These pulleys hook up to a four-cord resistance system, which you can easily adjust to increase (or reduce) the intensity of your workouts.

Price at time of publication: $1,585

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 97 x 23.5 x 36 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Special Features: Pulleys, straps, rebounder, foot bar}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Studio-grade
Loaded with features
Dynamic

Cons

Very large
Very expensive

If you want to take your at-home Pilates practice to the next level, the Sportline Superior Cadillac Reformer may be worth the investment. The studio-grade reformer boasts a built-in sitting box and jump board. And it also comes equipped with a Cadillac you can use to customize every workout you tackle. The reformer comes with a roll-down bar, a push-through bar, a vertical sliding bar, a horizontal sliding bar, and a swing. And it also ships with more classic accessories, like a pair of ropes, a pair of hand grips, a strap, and 10 springs.

This array of accessories might sound overwhelming. But because you can mix and match them to tackle a range of dynamic exercises, they’ll help you get the most out of your reformer.

Price at time of publication: $6,999

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 92 x 26 x 84 inches | Weight Capacity: Not disclosed | Special Features: Straps, springs, Cadillac, roll-down bar, push-through bar, vertical and horizontal sliding bars, swing, jump board}

4.7

Pros

Comfortable
Adjustable
Relatively compact

Cons

Expensive

The Merrithew SPX Reformer Bundle will give you one classic reformer—plus all the accessories you need to start enjoying it. At one end of the reformer, you’ll find a foot bar that you can adjust to four different positions. And at the other, you’ll find two straps, which you can easily connect to the handgrips or roll-up pole the bundle ships with.

The reformer’s padded back platform can be adjusted to six different stopping positions, and if you want to make it a little longer, you can take advantage of the padded platform extender included in your bundle. Also nice? The bundle comes with a reformer box you can use to modify your workouts. This can be a particularly great way to alleviate pressure on tight hips.

Price at time of publication: $2,372

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 96 x 26 x 10 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Special Features: Straps, foot bar, roll-up pole, reformer box}

Courtesy of Fitness Outlet

Pros

Adjustable
Studio-grade
Relatively compact

Cons

Expensive

The Peak Pilates Casa Reformer is a studio-grade reformer designed with at-home use in mind. The compact reformer is lightweight but sturdy. And since it’s studio height, it should feel pretty familiar for group class frequenters. At one end of the reformer, you’ll find a hand bar you can adjust to four different positions. And at the other, you’ll find two strap-equipped pulleys you can easily customize using the reformer’s one-touch adjusters.

Unsurprisingly, the reformer is also padded for comfort. And you can easily adjust the three-position headrest to get a fit that feels just right.

Price at time of publication: $2,295

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 97 x 25 x 16 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Special Features: Pulleys, straps, hand bar}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Small space-friendly
(Relatively) budget-friendly
Built-in transport wheels

Cons

Not a very traditional option

The Pilates Power Gym Pro Mini Reformer offers a space-efficient way to get a solid Pilates reformer workout. At one end of the reformer, you’ll find a sturdy foot bar connected to a small rebounder. This two-in-one functionality makes it easy to get a dynamic workout—without taking up any extra space. And at the other end of the reformer, you’ll find pulleys you can use to tackle a range of exercises.

In addition to being small, the reformer is also incredibly easy to store. Its adjustable incline settings make it easy to flatten, and its built-in transport wheels make it easy to move from room to room.

Price at time of publication: $599

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 55.75 x 17.75 x 12.75 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Special Features: Pulleys, foot bar, rebounder}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Comfortable
Adjustable
Relatively compact

Cons

Heavy

The AeroPilates Premier Reformer is a versatile, comfortable reformer that boasts all the features you need to get started with Pilates. At one end of the reformer, you’ll find a rebounder that you can use for low-impact stretching and strength-training.

At the other end, you’ll find two pulleys attached to plush straps you can grip with your hands or wrap around your ankles to tackle different exercises. These pulleys are connected to an easy-to-adjust cable system, so you can customize your workouts based on your needs.

The entire reformer rests on an adjustable stand you can use to elevate your reformer as much as you want to. Just note that it's pretty heavy, weighing in at 98 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $839

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 86.25 x 20 x 14 inches| Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Special Features: Pulley, straps, rebounder}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Adjustable
Dynamic
Loaded with features

Cons

Expensive

The AeroPilates Precision Cadillac Reformer is a feature-loaded reformer that makes it easy to get a great workout. At one end of the reformer, you’ll find a rebounder you can use for stretching and strength-training. And at the other end, you’ll find a tower that comes equipped with a push-through bar, a roll-down bar, a set of springs, and a pair of straps you can use for arm and leg exercises.

The tower’s height is adjustable, so you can easily adjust the reformer to meet your needs. And since the reformer’s platform is padded, it promises to be pretty comfortable, too.

Price at time of publication: $1,500

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 85.75 x 23.75 x 20.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Special Features: Straps, springs, rebounder, tower, push-through bar, roll-down bar}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Small space-friendly

Cons

Not a very traditional option

The Supreme Toning Tower offers a clever (if unconventional) way to get a Pilates reformer workout in a small space—and on a budget. The reformer is made up of two parts: a padded mat and a vertical tower. And the tower comes equipped with a few useful features, like a stable bar, a push-through bar, and two handle-equipped pulleys. This combination of features makes it easy to tackle a range of different exercises.

Since the mat and tower are connected by a couple of hinges, you can easily fold the reformer in half between workouts.

Price at time of publication: $288

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 48 x 26 x 40 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Special Features: Pulleys, push-through bar, tower}

What to Look for in a Pilates Reformer

Type

“There are a variety of Pilates reformers on the market because they’re so versatile, so you want to make sure you buy one that meets your fitness goals,” says Erika Driscoll, certified classical Pilates instructor through Power Pilates in New York City.

Reformers can be categorized by experience—Cadillac reformers, studio reformers, and home reformers are a few examples. “If you’re a beginner, always prioritize safety when choosing your reformer,” says Driscoll. “Even if you aren’t advanced, it’s smart to invest in a top-of-the-line reformer with multiple accessories so that you don’t have to make an upgrade if you advance in your practice,” she added.

Dimensions

Due to the nature of Pilates workouts, reformers can take up a lot of space, which is why you want to double-check the dimensions to make sure one can comfortably fit in your home. The average reformer varies in size but it’s typically about 80 to 100 inches long and 20 to 30 inches wide.

If you’re working with a smaller room, you can choose a foldable Pilates reformer that can stand up straight when not in use.

Weight Capacity

Some Pilates reformers are stronger than others, so it’s smart to check a reformer’s weight capacity (or “maximum training load”) before buying. You also want to make sure to factor in any weights you plan to use while on the machine.

“If possible, it’s a good idea to find a Pilates reformer with color-coded springs which will make it easier to understand the workload and weight resistance,” says Driscoll.

Adjustability

“Choose a reformer that allows you to appropriately adjust the spring bar, footbar, and headrest at multiple levels because this will allow for a greater range of motion,” explains Driscoll. In addition to workout experience, an adjustable reformer is helpful if people of multiple sizes and weights will be working out on the same reformer.

Special Features

Pilates reformers can come with accessories to make your workouts more challenging and dynamic. “I feel more comfortable on reformers with a side-split platform which definitely increases stability during my workout,” says Driscoll. She also recommends adding a jump board to your Pilates workout—a padded board added in front of a regular footboard that can be used to increase the difficulty of aerobic exercises.

If you’ve never used a reformer before, look for more classic features—like straps and a foot bar. If you’re more experienced, you may be interested in a more complex, featured-packed reformer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using a Pilates reformer strength-training?

Pilates can be an excellent way to build strength, whether you’re using a reformer or performing exercises on a mat. And since reformers make it easy to customize your experience, you can make your strength-training workouts as strenuous—or as beginner-friendly—as you want them to be.
“The dynamic resistance options offered by the equipment give individuals a wide range of advanced options or modifications,” Kamille McCollum, Chief Operating Officer of Bodybar Pilates, says. Simply adjust the resistance on your reformer’s springs any time you want to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.
Is the Pilates reformer good for weight loss?

Using a Pilates reformer can help you build strength and work up a sweat—both of which may help you lose weight. And if you’d like to integrate more cardio into your Pilates routine, you easily can. “There are different modalities of Reformer Pilates,” McCollum says. “Some incorporate cardio bursts and HIIT to the class format for clients looking for weight loss and toning.”
If this dynamic approach sounds like something you’d be interested in, be sure to look out for online Pilates workouts and in-person Pilates classes that offer it.
How often should I use a Pilates reformer?

You can use your Pilates reformer as often as you do Pilates. So if you do Pilates every day, you can integrate a Pilates reformer into your daily routine. If you’re newer to Pilates, you might want to take things a bit slower. As always, be sure to talk to your primary care provider before starting a new exercise routine—they can help you make sure your bases are covered, and they can also support you as you work to build a new habit.
How often should I use a Pilates reformer?

Yes, you may be able to use a Pilates reformer while pregnant—but be sure to talk to your primary care provider before doing so (especially if you’ve never used one before!). And depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, there may be some modifications you want to consider as you exercise.
“We suggest—after the first trimester or at 16 weeks—that women use a wedge to support the upper body when lying down,” Bonney says. “We can also switch some of the exercises to be side-lying instead of lying flat.” She notes that these modifications can make exercises safer and more comfortable for pregnant women. But again, be sure to speak with your primary care provider before working out while pregnant—especially if you’re starting a new routine.
How much does a professional pilates reformer cost?

You can expect to pay between $250-$3,000 for a quality pilates reformer. Cheaper options may not have additional features, like rebounders, jump boards, and more. If you're looking for a reformer with all the bells and whistles, you'll have to opt for a more expensive option. The cheapest device on our list is often available at $250, while our top pick, the Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer, was $1,500 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.