A honest review of the AreoPilates Reformer?

What you should know about the AreoPilates Reformer!

Have you been practicing Pilates for a while and decided it’s time to purchase a home reformer? You may have run across the AreoPilates reformer and saw that it is reasonably priced and thought to pull the trigger on making the purchase.

I have been teaching Pilates in studios and personal homes for 11 years and have physically used almost all the machines on the market.

I had the privilege of training a woman for 3 years on the AreoPilates Pro X 556 machine in her home. I can personally give you the low down on whether this machine is any good or not.

Let me just say, it worked fine, she loved how her body felt and did get a good workout. However, we could have seen better results and faster if we had the upgraded model. The AreoPilates Pro XP557. The only reason I say this is due to the cable system. I feel the cables do not provide this same resistance as the springs in both directions.

Is the AreoPilates Reformer a good choice?

This reformer is a great option if you are looking for a minimal investment reformer.  The price point on this machine ranges from $499.00 to $1,500.00

If you are comparing a studio reformer to this machine, you are looking for a substantial difference in cost. However, there is a good reason for that! Quality of materials.  The studio reformers were made to Joseph Pilates’s original design allowing for the continued flow of movement. Many of the budget-friendly machines do not have ease of transition and do not use the same quality materials as the original design.

You get what you pay for! I will break down the differences later, but for now, when it comes to cost this machine is a good option.

If you are looking for a good workout and want a home machine and don’t need to stick to the traditional Pilates routine, then the AreoPilates machine will do just that!

It’s really about your preference. 

Are you used to the studio and LOVE the feel of the springs? If so you may miss the gentleness of the resistance in both directions if you choose the X 556 machine. This model is built on the cable system and sadly, there is a big difference in the workout! Not a deal-breaker but something to take note of if you go the cheapest route.  Stamina has created a “higher-end” reformer, the AreoPilates Pro XP557 that is more suitable for the Pilates practitioner. This machine comes equipped with springs and is priced closer to $1400.00. 

If you are classically trained, this machine will not allow you to complete the transitions you are used to, creating a disruption inflow. This actually is a big deal, because that is an important part of the workout itself and will not fulfill your needs. For example, you can not adjust the foot bar by foot and we found the hand/feet straps would sometimes get tangled. (They are ropes instead of leather straps.) Also, note the straps are hung by the shoulder rests. If you are using the reformer, you will have to put the straps on the floor. 

For someone on a strict budget, the AreoPilates reformer checks off many boxes.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros.

1. They come with a jumping trampoline. This is often extra for the Studio reformer.

2. If you choose the PRO X 556, there are 4 cables that you can adjust the resistance. If you decide on the PRO XP557 it is equipped with 4 springs that adjust at different levels.

3. You still have all the basic functions as a studio reformer, so you can do the beloved leg circles.

4. Can do all the exercises you are familiar with.

5. Have a steal frame!

6. You have the ability to upgrade both models.

Keep in mind, AreoPilates Reformers are in the budget category of reformers. If you ever dreamed about owning a reformer and being able to work out at home on your off days at the studio, this could be your new best friend.

I remember purchasing my first reformer and was really sad that what I choose was not close enough to what I had experienced at the studio. You can see my review of those reformers here.

My 1st reformer was too close to the ground. This is an important piece if you are tall, have knee issues, suffer from vertigo, or simply have a hard time getting off the floor. I do not advise purchasing the cheaper model if any of these apply to you.

Now let’s look at the cons.

PRO XP 557

1. Harder to clean the frame.

2. Heavy

In every effort to give you the best information, I created the main difference chart below.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the 2 Stamina Reformers talked about in this post. I put it in an infographic below to make it easier for you to decide what fits your specific needs.

Happy Shopping!

Stephanie