Top 3 Must-haves When Purchasing a Reformer
Have you been going to a studio for some time now and thinking about taking the plunge? Purchasing a Reformer for your home can be one of the best investments you can make. For many of my clients going to the local studio was getting expensive and sometimes their favourite class would be booked making it hard to get in at the desired time.
So the question kept coming up. What reformer should I buy?
“I’m so confused, what is the difference between the wood frames and the metal frames.” I get this all the time…. THEY ALL ARE THE SAME. The look may be different but they perform the same tasks.
The WOOD frames are the original Joseph Pilates Reformers. They generally come with leather straps and wood handles. A very classic design allows for easy flow in the workout. Minimizing having to stop to adjust equipment.
The METAL frames are great for the Athlete. Usually, they have more length adjustments allowing for taller individuals.
I absolutely have found a love for every brand because they all provide benefits in different ways. For the average person looking to make this investment, you need to look for these 3 things.
Height
The inches off the floor is a must, it needs to be high enough to maintain ease of getting on and off the apparatus. With all the back pain and knee pain, people are experiencing these days. You will never get on if it is too difficult to get back up.
My first home Reformer was the Stott Spx home package pictured below. I paid $2600.00 and loved the equipment not to mention it came with everything. (A great price for my first studio) However, some of my clients felt uncomfortable with it being so low to the ground. I ended up selling this piece for almost what I paid for it. They hold their value better than a car! Anyway, I purchased another brand that was higher and we all were much happier.
Stott is a great option and they do make a taller reformer. This reformer is perfect if you are on a budget and getting up off the floor is not a problem for you. Balance Body actually sells the legs that convert the Reformers to a taller height. So that is also an option.
Springs
When purchasing a Reformer, make sure you have the option to pick your springs or at least be able to. Your springs will be tight at first and you will want to be able to adjust to your ability. I recommend a quarter spring, (usually yellow) a half tension spring, (usually blue) and 2 to 3 full tension springs. (Red)
This may seem like no big deal to you but every day is different in the inner-strength world and being able to adjust the tension by a hair can make the world of difference especially if you are recovering from a minor injury or just had a baby.
Another thought, more children are doing Pilates now and the harder tensions are not good for growing spines.
Smooth Rails
This may sound crazy, but some Reformers trap dirt in the rails more quickly than others. Making for a more annoying day of having to constantly clean the wheels and rails. You want the most smooth ride as you glide through your workout. Not to mention it breaks down the wheels quickly.
I recommend just about anything from Balanced Body or Gratz. Stott is a great Reformer as well however, I have run into issues with height and lint getting trapped in the rails. My two Favorite home reformers are the Allegro R 2 and the Allegro Reformer.
Hope this helps when making your decision. If you want to compare my recommendations side by side check out my products page on this site.
In Strength,
Stephanie
***DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for some of the products that I recommend on my blog. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a small commission. You will NOT pay more when buying a product through my link. When you do order through my link, it helps me to continue to keep this blog up and running. My sincerest thanks in advance for your support!
