Pilates Reformer buyers’ guide: How to choose the right Pilates Reformer for your fitness needs and space
Found in boutique Pilates studios, fitness facilities, golf clubs, hotels and home gyms, and used by elite and recreational athletes, pre- and post-natal women, celebrities and rehab clients, the Pilates Reformer is one of the most versatile and effective exercise apparatuses on the market.
The Pilates Reformer is a highly sought-after piece of equipment because it facilitates safe, versatile and low-impact workouts for the whole body using spring resistance. It’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness abilities looking to increase their strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, muscle tone, range of motion, functional movement— and that’s just the beginning!
While most Pilates Reformers come with the same base features, there are a lot of upgrades to consider. Ultimately, no two Reformers are alike.
1. What is a Pilates Reformer?
A Pilates Reformer is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment that uses spring resistance, a moving carriage platform, ropes and pulleys to provide resistive and assistive exercises for the whole body in all planes of motion.
The Reformer springs maintain tension through the full joint range and on the concentric and eccentric phases of the movement, challenging the user’s strength, stability, mobility, flexibility and balance.
The Pilates exercise method and the first iteration of the Reformer were both invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. It was his belief that “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” His fitness program, called Contrology, aimed to restore and maintain flexibility of the spine through six principles: breathing, centring, concentration, control, flow and precision.
Merrithew’s contemporary Pilates method, the STOTT PILATES® Movement System, has evolved over the last three decades, incorporating the latest exercise science and rehabilitation research and fitness training protocols. The STOTT PILATES Principles look at how different parts of the body, as well as optimal breathing patterns and mind-body awareness, function alone and in unison to affect posture, alignment, transfer of forces, muscular recruitment and activity.
2. Pilates Reformer benefits: Why is a Reformer so effective?
The Pilates Reformer offers many benefits to users, including an effective, low-impact, full-body workout using spring resistance. Any Reformer workout can be progressed, regressed or modified depending on the user’s needs, fitness level, ability and goals.
The Reformer’s spring system facilitates hundreds of exercise options that can be done by a wide range of users, including rehab patients, athletes, pregnant women, people with disabilities and mobility limitations. The spring resistance can be altered depending on the user’s individual requirements, adding challenge or providing support.
On a Reformer, the user can remain in a comfortable position, including supine, prone, side-lying, standing, kneeling and sitting, while working out.
If the Vertical Frame (sometimes called a Tower) is added to the traditional Reformer, the angle of resistance can be adjusted to target individual muscles and muscle groups. These options increase the functional programming options for rehab patients, everyday users and athletes.
4. Four questions to ask yourself before buying a Reformer
A. How will you be using the Reformer?
Will you be using the Reformer for group classes, private one-on-ones, home use, health care or rehabilitation? Knowing your client base (or your own needs) will help you choose the best Pilates Reformer, whether that’s a professional Reformer with more accessories and programming options for a diverse clientele, or a more streamlined and competitively priced Reformer for personal home use.
B. Who will be using the Reformer?
Professional athletes, seniors, rehab patients or just you? Depending on the answer, this may change the Reformer model you buy. For example, seniors and rehab patients may need an elevated Reformer carriage, so they don’t have to bend down to get on the equipment. Athletes may need a longer carriage bed if they’re taller or bigger than the average person. Home users likely want something versatile but compact for their home gym space.
C. What type of space do you have?
Reformers can be used in many different settings and come with special features to accommodate different size spaces. For example, if you have a multi-use gym or fitness facility, you may want to consider a Reformer with a stand or one that can be stacked and easily moved, whereas this feature wouldn’t matter as much for a studio owner or fitness professional with a designated space for the Reformer.
D. What’s your budget?
Reformers range in price from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 plus. It all depends on their functionality, features, warranty, add-ons and accessories. When buying a Reformer, look for sturdy and durable components, high-quality craftsmanship and manufacturing, and a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind. You want to ensure that you’re investing in a versatile piece of Pilates equipment that will last a lifetime.
Why invest in a Merrithew Reformer?
Versatility:
Merrithew Reformers come in a variety of models for home users, fitness professionals, studio owners and health care professionals.
Our Reformers are designed to accommodate diverse client needs with at least three gearbar positions, three headrest positions, four footbar positions and six carriage stopper positions.
Merrithew Reformers are highly adjustable and customizable, providing users with hundreds of exercise and programming options.
Quality:
Merrithew’s Professional line of Reformers are manufactured in Canada using the highest quality materials. Our Reformers are built to withstand continuous, high-intensity studio use and come with a comprehensive warranty.
Merrithew’s equipment is known as ‘The Professional’s Choice’ for its high manufacturing standards and fine craftsmanship. This durability helps Merrithew Reformers retain their value for years after purchase.
Performance:
Merrithew Reformers are versatile, durable and designed for safety and effectiveness. Due to their quality, durability, reliability and longevity, they’re used in professional settings around the world, including professional sports centers, health care clinics/hospitals, fitness facilities, spas, hotels, and more.
Innovation:
This image shows some of the features that set Merrithew Reformers apart from other brands, including the retractable rope system, Neoprene spring sleeves, and fixed/floating roller system
Some of the key features of Merrithew Reformers include: the Patented Retractable Rope System, High-Traction Reformer Feet, Wooden Standing Platform, Detachable Shoulder Rests, Neoprene Spring Sleeves and Comfort Footbar.
Three main patented features set Merrithew Reformers apart from others on the market:
The retractable rope system enables quick and easy rope length adjustments between exercises and clients for an uninterrupted workout.
The fixed/floating roller system allows the Reformer carriage to glide quietly and efficiently along the length of the rails, providing the smoothest carriage ride.
The travelling pulley system on the Vertical Frame provides multiple angles of resistance to facilitate a greater range of motion, creating a multi-dimensional workout. By sliding the quick-set pulleys up and down on the Vertical Frame, you can completely change the targeted muscle groups and allow clients to isolate specific areas for a very precise workout.
Certain features and accessories, such as the High-Precision Gearbar, high-traction Reformer feet, Cardio-Tramp Rebounder and Vinyasa Triangle, are all exclusive and unique to Merrithew Reformers.
Warranty:
Merrithew offers one of the best warranties in the industry, with a limited lifetime warranty on a number of components.
Warranty on all new Merrithew Reformer models:
Limited lifetime warranty on aluminium rails, components of the frame and related welding, and footbar mechanisms (excluding the Comfort Footbar)
90-day limited warranty on fabric and upholstery
1-year limited warranty on wear and tear items, including: Ropes, rollers, straps, spring clips, plastic pulley bar receptacle sleeves, Comfort Footbar covering, plastic Reformer feet, spring O-rings, moulded spring holder and spring covers
2-year limited warranty on all other Reformer components
If you feel now is the time to upgrade to your own reformer, for home use, studio use or a larger commercial facility, you can shop our full range here.
