9 Best Pilates Reformer Machines to Upgrade Your Home Workouts in 2021

Which is the Best Pilates Reformer ?

Pilates is a workout that helps to stabilize and strengthen your body and mind. Pilates can help you lose weight as well.

You don’t need any special equipment to start doing Pilates. In fact, you can start this amazing workout on a regular gym mat or use a Pilates reformer machine. During a Pilates workout, you will usually do specific movements in certain order.

These exercises may look simple, but they require real concentration. Each of these movements has to be done in a very specific way, with the focus on technique.

You can do Pilates at home or take a class with a trainer. A rewarding Pilates workout usually lasts for an hour. However, there is no time limit, and you can set your own timer depending on how fast you can do movements.

What is Pilates Reformer?

What is a reformer and why is everyone talking about it? This is the question that a lot of people are asking these days due to a spike in the popularity of reformer machines.

A Pilates reformer is an exercise machine that facilitates Pilates workout. This machine makes use of springs and pulleys to provide resistance needed for these exercises. A Pilates reformer machine will help you to improve your balance, enhance muscle core strength and endurance as your muscles perform specific movements to overcome resistance generated by the machine.

Pilates has been around for quite some time now. This workout offers amazing benefits for both body and mind. Using a Pilates reformer, individuals perform a series of controlled movements that help them build strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Pilates reformer machines have been in use for long. These widely-used machines can be used by men and women who want to increase core strength. These machines may look somewhat odd, but they offer exceptional benefits.

The best thing about these machines is that you can find them at a price that you can afford. Even the cheap lower-end machines allow you to do some Pilates exercises.

One of the most important features of a reformer is a rebounder that allows you to work on cardiovascular fitness in addition to Pilates workout. It’s similar to using a treadmill as you can maintain specific heart rate during the workout.

Pilates don’t put stress on your joints as you lay down on the ground for these exercises.

How Often Should You Do Pilates?

Many people are not sure how often do to Pilates. When they take their first few classes and wake up with a sore body, they are not sure whether to take a break to let their body fully recover before you take the next class or to continue with the scheduled Pilates workout classes.

It’s a question that has confused many.

If you have never done Pilates before and you have planned to join a class, that's a great step forward. Taking one class a week might not help, but you are on track. Aim for 3-4 classes a week to start noticing changes in your body and mind.

According to Joseph Pilates, the guy who invented this workout technique, one should do Pilates at least 10 minutes a day and for four times a week to start feeling noticeable changes.

Since Pilates is strength training and your muscles break down and build strength, it will make your body sour at times. In this case, keep your muscles and body moving. You don't want to ruin all the effort that you have already put in. Try something different. Change your Pilates equipment. If that's not possible, just take a walk and stretch your muscles.

Never take a long break because your body won’t be able to build up endurance that way. Just make sure that you are not exercising too much due to exercise addition.

What Does Pilates Do For You?

Never take a long break because your body won’t be able to build up endurance that way. Just make sure that you are not exercising too much due to exercise addition. Pilates can do wonderful things for you from improving muscle flexibility and strength to improving balance and muscle control. Some studies suggest that Pilates can also improve your mental state, especially when you concentrate during the workout.

Read some major benefits of Pilates below.

Increased Muscular Endurance

One of the most visible benefits of reformed Pilates is improved muscle endurance. Your muscles grow bigger in size and they show improved strength as your tissues connected to muscles become stronger. When you do Pilates regularly and build muscular endurance, you go through the day without showing signs of fatigue. Your muscles feel light and yet strong.

Improved Core Strength

When you do Pilates using a Pilates reformer, you need to use proper technique and try to achieve the best possible position recommended by your instructor.

When you focus on your position, you work on the core. Your muscles contract as they try to keep your balance. As a result, you will benefit more from all strength exercises that you do.

With increased core strength, you will be able to generate more power and risk of injury will lower.

Better Posture With A Taller Appearance

Pilates will not only help you with muscular endurance and improved core strength, but these simple exercises will also help you improve posture, especially when you use a Pilates reformer for the workout.

When you do Pilates, your focus is on maintaining stability. As a result, your body works on improving alignment and lengthens your joints. You will look taller and there will be no muscle imbalance.

Better Posture With A Taller Appearance

Pilates will not only help you with muscular endurance and improved core strength, but these simple exercises will also help you improve posture, especially when you use a Pilates reformer for the workout.

When you do Pilates, your focus is on maintaining stability. As a result, your body works on improving alignment and lengthens your joints. You will look taller and there will be no muscle imbalance.

Improved Muscle Flexibility

One of the visible benefits of Pilates is improved muscle flexibility. Your muscles can perform a wide range of motion as you perform various movements during these exercises.

As a result of flexible Pilates workout, your muscles with improved flexibility are less stressed after a day’s work.

Deeper And Less Frequent Breathing For Improved Relaxation

When you do Pilates regularly, you learn to emphasize on your breath. As a result, you start breathing deeper and less frequently. Your body relaxes more from such deep breathing.

Your lungs benefit the most from deep breathing as their capacity to hold air improves dramatically. As a result, your body receives a higher amount of oxygen and therefore the energy level increase, making your workout more effective.

Lose Weight

You can reduce your body fat by doing Pilates, especially on a pilate reformer. Your body burns more calories than usual, and at the same time, it develops an ability to burn calories actively to generate more energy for your body to perform optimally.

When you start burning more calories, your body will start burning fat, and you will lose weight.

Now that you know the benefits of Pilates, it's time to move to the next big question – whether to do Pilates on a reformer machine or a mat?

Should You Do Pilates On A Reformer Or A Mat?

Pilates workout has gained popularity since it helps to improve core muscle strength and flexibility. But despite its popularity, many people are still confused whether to use gym mats for Pilates or strap yourself to a reformer machine.

Before you are in a position to make a choice, it’s important that you learn about the different between the two.

Pilates Reformer Vs. Gym Mat For The Pilates Workout

The best Pilate machines are designed to give you the best Pilates workout. It helps you work on different parts of your body such as hips, lower back, abdomen and so on. However, it is possible to achieve similar benefits by doing Pilates on a mat.

When you do Pilates on a mat, your body creates the resistance. In the case of a reformer, the resistance for workout comes from different machine parts such as pulleys and springs. You can also rely on external resistance for Pilates by simply using Pilates benches.

You might be inclined to use a gym mat in the beginning when you need to learn basic techniques and understand positioning. You will quickly learn to control your muscles on the mat than on reformer.

On the contrary, workout on reformer is fun and challenging. As a result, you might develop strength and core endurance quicker than the time it takes on a mat. You will never feel bored as you can do over 200 exercises on a professional reformer. Look at STOTT reformers if you want to see what the best machines can do for you.

But if you want to really challenge your body with Pilates, then an advanced mat class would help. Since you derive resistance from your body during these mat workouts and there is no support as is in the case of doing Pilates on a reformer, your muscles will build higher levels of endurance in a shorter span of time.

Pilate Reformer Reviews – Pilates Equipment For Home

It's time to read pilate machine reviews so that you can choose the best Pilates reformer. Below are top rated Pilates machines. Each of these machines provides excellent support for Pilates so whatever you like from this list, it will prove to be a smart choice.

If you are just starting our Pilates and want to choose an entry level reformer machine, then you don’t have to look further. Stamina AeroPilates Performer 286 without Rebounder is the ideal machine for beginners. It doesn't cost a lot and still, allows you to perform your Pilates workout with maximum efficiency.

Since this balanced body reformer is a low-cost machine, don’t think it will become your long-term replacement for a studio-quality reformer.

The AeroPilates Performer is a basic reformer. You can easily improve your muscle flexibility and endurance by doing different Pilates exercises on this machine. Read features from AeroPilates reformer reviews below.

Features

Verdict

AeroPilates Performer 286 is an excellent choice for anyone who doesn’t want to break his bank but still wants to do Pilates at home for endurance and flexibility. This machine comes with a three-year warranty. The parts warranty is limited to a 90-day period from the date of purchase.

Unlike AeroPilates Performer 286, STOTT Pilates At Home SPX Reformer Bundle is a high-end Pilates reformer. This machine is for those who want to up the intensity and want a machine that can allow them to perform a wide variety of Pilates exercises.

STOTT is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to reformers. These machines have already helped reformers become worldwide famous. So, buying a machine from this company definitely means you are getting something exceptional, even though you may have to pay higher than what you pay for other similar machines in the market.

When you buy STOTT Reformer, you can expect to perform over 250 exercises. The machine comes with a bonus bundle pack that consists of exercise DVDs. These DVDs will help you to perform the high-intensity workout on your machine at home.

Features

Verdict

STOTT Pilates At Home SPX Reformer Bundle is an excellent choice for anyone who can afford to buy this machine. It’s an efficient studio-quality Pilates equipment. Although you will be using this machine at home, it will allow you to work out like a professional.

Stamina AeroPilates 266 Pilates Reformer with Stand is another wonderful machine for Pilates that doesn’t cost a fortune. It allows you to perform a variety of Pilates routines.

This machine is somewhere between an entry-level and a professional reformer. You can do moderate exercises at home using this machine.

The machine focuses on improving traditional Pilates benefits through the addition of cardio exercises. As a result, you can perform a better workout on this machine compared to other cheap reformers in the market.

It’s a smart machine, which means you can easily fit it into a small area. The machine comes with rolls that allow you to move the machine with ease. You can fold the machine for easy storage.

Features

Verdict

If you are starting Pilates or you are ready for the advanced workout with increased intensity, Then AeroPilates Reformer 266 is a great choice. It provides professional features at the cost of a beginner machine.

Balanced Body Pilates IQ Reformer lacks some features as compared to STOTT or other high-end reformers. For example, you only get a machine without any accessories. You don’t get a foot strap or an extender. But for missing these accessories, the company charges a few hundred dollars less compared to other professional at home Pilates machines.

Features

Verdict

If you are looking for a high-end machine but you don’t want to spend a lot of money as in the case of STOTT Pilates reformer, then Balanced Body Pilates IQ Reformer. It allows you to perform a variety of exercises at home.

Stamina AeroPilates Reformer with Rebounder is a high-quality machine for Pilates. At its price, it manages to offer some of the best features that you could find in any top Pilates reformer machine.

This machine comes with a 3-year frame warranty. It has heavy steel frame construction and comes with elevated reformer frame.

Features

Verdict

Stamina AeroPilates Reformer is an excellent machine for Pilates. It doesn’t cost a fortune and still, allows you to perform up to 50 different Pilates exercises.

The only problem with this machine is that the machine has relatively smaller dimensions. Because of that, taller people won’t be able to benefit from this machine.

Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Pilates Reformer with Rebounder is a heavy-duty reformer that fits perfectly into a home gym area. It comes at an affordable price but offers excellent durability and range of exercises.

This Pilates machine is extremely stable and durable due to the heavy steel frame and wood construction. The long aluminum rails and an elevated reformer makes it easy to do various Pilates exercises on this machine.

Explore the most prominent of this machine below.

Features

Verdict

The AeroPilates Pro XP556 Pilates Reformer is a high-performance high-intensity Pilates machine that makes it easy to do Pilates at home. With this machine, you can easily do 100 different Pilates exercises. You can learn these exercises from the instructional DVDs that come with the machine.

Final Thoughts About Best Pilates Reformer For 2021

When planning to buy a Pilates reformer machine to do Pilates at home, it’s important to read Pilates reformer reviews so that you know which machine suits your budget and exercise needs. If you choose an expensive machine, you will be able to do a wider range of exercises with moderate to high intensity. On the other hand, a cheaper reformer will limit the number of Pilates exercises you can do at home.