The 8 Best Pilates Reformers of 2020

Best Overall: Balanced Body IQ Reformer

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When push comes to shove and we’re choosing the best overall Pilates reformer, it has to be Balanced Body’s IQ Reformer. With five springs, a four-positioned foot bar, comfortable headrest, and adjustable ropes, it meets all the requirements of a good reformer. The built-in, non-skid standing platform makes it easy to perform standing Pilates exercises without slipping or sliding.

Thanks to its sleek design, the reformer easily shortens and can be stored under a bed or in a closet. Its "wheelbarrow" and "library" wheels make it easy to move and store without making a racket. The reformer comes in 35 colors and is an excellent choice for everyone, no matter your skill level. 

Best Budget: Stamina AeroPilates Reformer 651 System

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Not everyone is looking to pay thousands of dollars for their newest workout obsession, which is where AeroPilates comes in. At a price that is lower than other models, this Stamina AeroPilates Reformer 651 System comes with heavy-duty bungee cords to adjust resistance, an adjustable headrest, a padded foot bar, and padded hand and foot straps.

The reformer stands off the ground and supports up to 300 lbs. It’s perfect for the person who wants to grow in their Pilates experience with all the same basic mechanisms as studio machines. 

Best for Home Studios: Merrithew At Home SPX Reformer Bundle

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If you’ve been doing Pilates long enough to know that you’re going to do it for the rest of your life, or you're stuck at home and can't get to your favorite class, a complete home studio may be the right option for you. 

The At Home SPX Reformer Package comes with a studio-grade reformer—complete with three headrest positions, four foot bar positions, a wooden standing platform, shoulder rests, and double-loop hand and foot straps.

The package also includes handy accessories, including a reformer box, metal roll-up pole, and padded platform extender that give you even more options to get the most from your workout. It also comes with instructional DVDs featuring over 250 pilates exercises.

Best for Small Spaces: AeroPilates Premier Reformer

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Pilates reformers, though crucial pieces of equipment for those who wish to take their Pilates game up a notch, can be pretty bulky. Especially if you’re shopping for a reformer you’d like to use at home, finding one that doesn’t have to constantly take up your entire basement is helpful (and necessary).

The AeroPilates Premier Studio Reformer takes the guesswork out of your Pilates storage, with a foldable reformer that still has all the aspects you need to get an amazing Pilates workout—four resistance springs, a 24-inch padded foot bar, head and foot straps, and a headrest. 

It comes with a cardio rebounder that allows you to get your heart rate up without putting stress on your joints. When assembled and fully open, the rebounder measures 86.25x20x14 inches.

Best for Studio: balanced body Allegro 2 Reformer

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For studio owners or Pilates enthusiasts looking for a studio-grade reformer to use at home, the Allegro 2 Reformer from Balanced Body is your best bet.

With top-of-the-line mechanisms including a fully padded foot bar for extra comfort, five springs with up to 46 resistances, shoulder pads that can be adjusted and removed, a standing platform, and double-looped hand and foot bars, the reformer is perfect for every Pilates student.

Thanks to the adjustable foot bar that slides to nine locked positions, the reformer fits exercisers of all sizes, even children. Headrest comfort can be customized and adjusted to three positions, making it easy to use by the whole family.

Best advanced: STOTT PILATES Rehab V2 Max Plus Reformer

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Advanced Pilates students, while able to achieve an excellent workout with a simple reformer, can really push themselves with a reformer that has some added features.

For the advanced crowd, the V2 Max Plus Reformer from Stott is ideal. On the traditional, horizontal frame it has five springs, removable shoulder rests, soft hand and foot loops, a padded foot bar, and a standing platform.

Unlike most commercial reformers, the V2 Max Plus Reformer also comes with a vertical frame, adding two roll-down springs, two push through springs, two leg springs, two traveling pulleys, extension straps, and a safety chain. The two-frame combination provides even the most advanced Pilates enthusiast with enough movement options for a challenging workout.

Best Beginner: balanced body Studio Reformer

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If you’re looking to set yourself up for success in your Pilates journey, Balanced Body’s Studio Reformer has everything beginners need for easy, safe exercise.

Its foot bar adjusts to three different heights, depending on how tall you are, and the carriage is the longest in the industry, at 41 inches. This allows you to be comfortable as you learn how your body adapts to Pilates’ movements. 

Balanced Body’s Studio Reformer also comes with a sitting box to place on top of the carriage, increasing your range of motion if you decide to use it. Additionally, it has a non-slip standing platform and five springs that give you the option of 46 different resistances.