I've loved reformer Pilates since my very first class over 15 years ago. Pilates has been the most effective way I've ever trained; it changed how my body looks, feels and moves. I believed in it so much that I created my own Pilates method, and that's what T — F Studio is built on.
I'm clearly not the only one who's hooked. According to ClassPass's 2025 Look Back Report, Pilates was the most-booked workout in the world for the third year in a row. Pilates bookings were up 66% year over year; reformer was up 71% and mat Pilates jumped 114%.
The research is catching up too. A recent Arizona State University study followed more than 55,000 adults for around a decade and found that people who did Pilates had a 36% lower risk of death. The researchers are clear that this is a link rather than proof, but out of the 21 wellness practices they looked at, Pilates came out on top.
With that, reformer classes are EXPENSIVE and add up fast, and not everyone lives near a studio...That’s a big part of why I brought reformer workouts into T — F Studio. If you have a reformer at home, at your gym or anywhere else you can access, you can follow my classes online in your own time! Giving you structure and routine with your machine.
If you're thinking about buying one, you'll find my top picks for every budget and space below, plus what I'd think about before spending anything.
My Quick Picks
1. Best budget reformer: Stamina AeroPilates 287, $359
2. Best mid-range: AeroPilates Precision Series 610, $1,289
3. Best for committed beginners: Balanced Body Allegro Nextgen, $3,710
4. Best traditional studio feel: Merrithew At Home SPX, $3,349
5. Best for small spaces: Faittd Folding Reformer, $1,259
6. Best no-machine alternative: Bala Pilates Method, $99
7. Most stylish: Your Reformer Original, $2,750
8. Most high-tech: NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer, $4,999
9. Best splurge: Merrithew V2 Max Plus, $8,199
What to think about before you buy
It's easy to get caught up comparing models. Start with what you actually need from the machine.
- Your budget: Entry-level reformers start at a few hundred dollars; professional machines run into the thousands. Pick a number you're comfortable with before you start comparing features, because there's always a fancier model.
- Your space: Most full-size reformers are around 8 to 9 feet long, and you need room to move around them safely. If you're in an apartment, or you want your living room back after a workout, look at folding or vertical-storage options.
- Springs vs. cords: Studio reformers use springs. Many budget machines use resistance cords, which feel different: the resistance is usually lighter and less consistent through the range of motion. Cords are still a great way to learn, but if you're used to studio classes, you'll notice it.
- How often you'll use it: If you'll be on it three or more times a week, a sturdier frame, a smooth carriage and easy access to replacement parts are worth paying for.
- The practical stuff: Check the height and weight limits, whether delivery includes assembly, and how much noise the carriage makes if you live with neighbors below you.
- Your experience: You don't need the most expensive machine to get started. A simple reformer and good instruction will take you further than features you'll never use.
With that in mind, here are some options to explore.
If budget is your priority
Stamina AeroPilates 287 Pilates Reformer
Around $359 · Cord resistance · Lightweight, sits lower to the ground
This is the true budget pick. If your main goal is getting a reformer at home without spending thousands, this is where I'd start. It uses resistance cords rather than springs, so it won't feel exactly like a studio machine, and I'd keep expectations realistic about materials and how long it will last. As a way to learn the movements and find out whether you love reformer before you invest more, it does the job.
Best for: trying reformer at home on a tight budget Skip if: you're used to studio machines and want that same feel
AeroPilates Precision Series 610
Around $1,289 · Cord resistance · Comes with a tower
The step up. The tower adds a lot of exercise options (more arm work, more variety for footwork and stretches) for a fairly reasonable price. The trade-off is the carriage, which may not glide as smoothly as it does on higher-end reformers.
Best for: anyone who wants more variety without jumping to a premium price Skip if: a smooth, studio-style carriage is your priority
If you're new to reformer Pilates
Balanced Body Allegro Nextgen
Around $3,710 · Spring resistance · Can be stored vertically
This is my pick if you're new but already know reformer is something you'll stick with. It's a professional-quality machine, the kind you'll find in plenty of studios, so you won't outgrow it. It adjusts to a wide range of heights, and storing it upright makes a real difference if you don't have a spare room.
Best for: beginners who want to buy once and grow into it Skip if: you're still deciding whether reformer is for you; start with a budget option or the mat
If you want the traditional Pilates experience
Merrithew At Home SPX
Around $3,349 · Spring resistance · Substantial frame
For someone who already knows they love reformer and wants something much closer to a studio machine. You get traditional springs, a solid frame and plenty of room to progress. It's a great long-term home setup if you have the space.
Best for: regular reformer users who want a real studio feel at home Skip if: you need to put it away after every workout
If you have limited space
Faittd Folding Pilates Reformer
Around $1,259 · Spring resistance · Folds for storage
A full-size reformer that folds away when you're done, which is a big plus if you don't have a dedicated workout room. The maple wood frame, stainless steel components and eight polyurethane wheels give it a more substantial build, with a smooth, quiet carriage designed for regular home workouts.
Best for: apartments and shared spaces Skip if: you have room for a permanent setup and prefer a heavier, studio-style reformer.
Shop the Faittd Folding Reformer
If you have super limited space
Bala Pilates Method
Around $99 · Resistance straps · No machine needed
Technically not a reformer, but I think it deserves a spot here. If you just don't have room for a machine, the resistance straps give you some of that reformer-style work in a fraction of the space.
This is also exactly why I created my Reformer on the Mat plan, which brings reformer-inspired moves to your mat with a few simple pieces of equipment. Take a look here.
If you want something more stylish
Your Reformer Original
Around $2,750 · 5 traditional springs · Maple wood frame with customizable upholstery
For anyone who wants their reformer to look more like a piece of furniture than gym equipment. The maple frame, plush upholstery and choice of colors give it a more elevated look, while the five-spring system and adjustable footbar deliver a traditional reformer experience.
Best for: Anyone whose reformer will be on display Skip if: you need to fold your reformer away after each workout or prioritize function over aesthetics.
If you want something high-tech
NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer
Around $4,999 · Built-in spring resistance · 24-inch touchscreen with iFIT workouts
If you like having an instructor to follow along with, this reformer brings the workout right to your screen. The 24-inch touchscreen gives you access to guided Pilates sessions, while built-in resistance controls let you adjust the resistance with the push of a button. Just keep in mind that a paid iFIT Pro membership is required for full access to the workouts and connected features.
Best for: Anyone who wants guided workouts built into their reformer Skip if: you prefer a traditional reformer without a screen or ongoing subscription costs.
If you’re ready to invest
Merrithew V2 Max Plus
Around $8,199 · Traditional spring resistance · Studio-grade reformer with a tower for more exercise options
This is the ultimate home setup and the one I have at home. It's a professional-level reformer with far more adjustability and versatility than anything else on this list. It makes sense if you already know you'll be on it constantly and want as close to a studio experience as you can get at home.
Best for: dedicated reformer lovers who want one machine for life Skip if: you're still building the habit
Around $8,199 · Traditional spring resistance · Studio-grade reformer with a tower for more exercise options
This is the ultimate home setup and the one I have at home. It's a professional-level reformer with far more adjustability and versatility than anything else on this list. It makes sense if you already know you'll be on it constantly and want as close to a studio experience as you can get at home.
Best for: dedicated reformer lovers who want one machine for life Skip if: you're still building the habit
Make the Most of Your New Reformer
Whichever machine you choose, a plan makes it so much easier to build a routine and actually use it. That's why I created the 21-Day Reformer Sculpt plan. Each week you'll do three reformer workouts and two mat sessions, getting stronger and challenging your body a little more as you go.
By the end, you’ll know your way around the reformer and feel stronger through your whole body.
Bring Reformer to Your Mat
If a reformer isn't in the cards right now, you can still get that reformer-inspired burn at home. My Reformer on the Mat plan uses familiar reformer-style moves and a few simple pieces of equipment to sculpt, tone, and strengthen your whole body, all from your mat.