Buying a Pilates reformer for home or studio: what to look out for?
Written by Erik Martens, co-founder of Fitnessdepot
For home use, it is best to choose a foldable reformer with a sturdy frame, enough springs, and a height that makes it easy to step on and off; for a studio, you also consider how often it is used daily and how complete its standard equipment is. At Fitnessdepot, we sell foldable reformers from Wood Reformer, featuring a solid wood frame, starting at € 1,949 for The Oak up to € 3,449 for The Walnut Studio.
Below you can read what to look out for, what the difference is between the standard and Studio versions, and what we observe when we install reformers in people's homes.
What is a pilates reformer?
A pilates reformer is a device with a sliding carriage on rails, which provides more or less resistance using springs. At one end there is a footbar, and at the other end loops or straps for hands and feet. You push or pull the carriage away against the resistance of the springs while lying, sitting, kneeling, or standing. In this way, you train your core, posture, strength, and mobility through controlled movements.
Home or in a studio: different requirements
For home use
At home, it comes down to three things: does it fit in your space, can you store it away, and does it feel stable. A reformer is a long piece of equipment. If it cannot remain in a dedicated room, a foldable model makes the difference between working out daily and having a piece of equipment that gets in the way. All Wood Reformers are foldable: after your session, you stand it upright or fold it away.
For a studio or practice
In a studio, at a physiotherapist's practice, or in a personal training studio, other factors come into play: how many classes per day, how many different users, how quickly you change the resistance, and whether all accessories are included as standard. The Studio versions of Wood Reformer are designed for this: according to the product specifications, they are 40 cm high, featuring 6 springs and 3 spring bars, and all accessories are included in the price. With the Maple Studio, a Professional Tower and an Extended Reformer Platform are also available as options according to the product specifications; feel free to ask us about the possibilities.
If you are planning a studio with multiple equipment pieces, also discuss your usage rhythm with us. The number of classes per day helps determine which version suits best.
Wood, steel, or aluminum?
Reformers come with frames made of wood, aluminum, or steel. A solid wood frame is heavy and stable and fits into a living room or bedroom without looking like fitness equipment. That is precisely why many customers choose Wood Reformer: the equipment is meant to be seen. With us, you choose between oak (The Oak), walnut (The Walnut) and, in the Studio series, maple as well (The Maple Studio).
Springs and resistance
The springs determine your resistance. More springs mean more combinations, and thus finer increments between light and heavy. This is important for rehabilitation, for beginners who want to start small, and for advanced users who want to go heavier. The Studio versions feature 6 springs. According to the product specifications, all parts are replaceable, allowing you to order new springs yourself when they are worn out, for example.
Height and step-up
A higher reformer is easier to get on and off. You notice this with older athletes, people with knee or back issues, and in a studio where an instructor works around the equipment. The Studio versions are 40 cm high. If you are in doubt about the height of the standard version, come and experience it yourself in the showroom.
Space and floor: what we see during installations
- Measure the length plus clearance. You need space not only for the equipment, but also for your arms and legs beside and behind the carriage, and to walk around it safely.
- Check where you are going to place it. If you fold up the reformer or put it upright, you need a clear wall or corner. Think about this beforehand, not just on the day of delivery.
- Protect your floor. On parquet or a poured floor, it is best to place a mat or a few rubber tiles under the equipment so that the feet do not leave marks.
- Light and atmosphere. Pilates is practiced calmly and with concentration. A spot with daylight and some tranquility at home makes you use it more often.
Prices: how much does a pilates reformer cost?
At Fitnessdepot, a foldable Wood Reformer costs starting from € 1,949. The standard versions range between € 1,949 and € 2,399, and the studio editions between € 2,749 and € 3,449. The price difference lies in the type of wood and the equipment: with the studio range, everything is included as standard.
| Model | Price | Wood type | Suitable for | What you know from the product datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oak | € 1.949 | Oak | Home, entry-level | Foldable, solid oak frame |
| The Walnut | € 2.399 | Walnut | Home, darker interior | Foldable, solid walnut frame |
| The Oak Studio | € 2.749 | Oak | Home and studio | 40 cm high, 6 springs, 3 spring bars, accessories included |
| The Maple Studio | € 3.149 | Maple | Studio, light interiors | 40 cm high, 6 springs, 3 spring bars, tower and platform optional |
| The Walnut Studio | € 3.449 | Walnut | Studio, premium look | 40 cm high, 6 springs, 3 spring bars, accessories included |
Regarding warranty, the product specifications for The Oak and the Studio models state: 5 years on the wooden frame and 2 years on other parts. Always ask about the conditions for your specific model upon purchase.
Which reformer should you choose?
- Starting pilates at home: The Oak is the logical entry point.
- Wanting to train at home at a studio level: choose a Studio version, for example The Oak Studio, for the 6 springs, the height of 40 cm, and the full equipment.
- Setting up a studio or practice: look at the Studio range and discuss the number of machines and usage frequency with us. For businesses, renting or leasing is available.
Practical tip: You only truly feel the difference between two reformers once you lie on them. Plan a visit and test in Ranst how the carriage glides and how the spring tension feels, and bring the measurements of your space with you.
Read also: more about the brand on our Wood Reformer page, everything in the pilates collection, and our guide setting up a home gym with € 2,000, € 5,000, or € 10,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pilates reformer suitable for beginners?
Yes. The springs allow you to set the resistance very light, and according to the product specifications, the Wood Reformers are suitable for every level, from beginner to professional. A few lessons with an instructor will help you learn the exercises correctly.
What is the difference between a Wood Reformer and a Wood Reformer Studio?
According to the product specifications, the Studio versions are 40 cm high, feature 6 springs and 3 spring bars, and all accessories are included in the price. They cost between € 2,749 and € 3,449 with us, compared to € 1,949 to € 2,399 for the standard versions.
How much does a home pilates reformer cost?
A foldable Wood Reformer at Fitnessdepot starts at €1,949 (The Oak). The Walnut costs €2,399 and the Studio versions start at €2,749.
Can you fold a pilates reformer?
All Wood Reformers in our range are foldable. After your session, you can stand it upright or fold it away, allowing the space to be used for something else.
Can I lease a reformer for my studio?
Businesses with a VAT or company number can opt for renting or leasing at Fitnessdepot, with terms between 24 and 60 months. Request a tailored proposal for your studio.
Ready to choose? View all pilates reformers or plan a visit to the showroom.
