How to Choose a Reformer

Start by measuring the area where you plan to use your Reformer. Consider:

• Floor space (length and width)
• Clearance around the machine for safe movement
• Ceiling height (especially if storing vertically or adding a Tower)
• Whether the Reformer will stay set up or need to be stored between sessions

If you’re working with limited space, storage flexibility may be one of the most important factors in your decision.

• Metro IQ® Reformer was designed specifically for home use and compact living. It has a telescoping frame and can be stored upright or even rolled under a bed, making it ideal for apartments and multipurpose rooms.
• Allegro Nextgen Reformer™ can be stored vertically with a recommended wall strap and ceiling clearance of at least 8 feet.
• Bravo Reformer™ features built-in transport wheels, allowing it to be moved easily when needed.

If you have a dedicated workout room, you may prioritize full studio functionality and expandability instead of storage flexibility.

Is Pilates part of your daily routine, or something you’ll do a few times a week?

The Metro IQ® Reformer is an accessible, space-saving option for beginners, occasional users, or those working within a tighter budget or smaller footprint.

If Pilates is a central part of your routine, or you plan to practice frequently, a full-size Reformer may be a better long-term fit. Full-size Reformers offer:

• A larger frame and carriage
• Greater opportunity for expandability (such as adding a Tower)
• A studio-style setup that supports a wide range of capabilities

Balanced Body Reformers are designed to support all experience levels, but certain features may matter more depending on where you are in your practice.

Look for:

• Adjustable footbars for proper alignment
• Smooth, consistent spring resistance
• Easy rope and strap adjustments
• Comfortable padding and supportive shoulder rests

If you’re newer to Pilates, intuitive adjustments and stability may be top priorities. More experienced practitioners may focus more on precision, responsiveness, and expandability.

Pro-tip: Use our Reformer Comparison Tool to easily see the difference between the size and features of up to three Reformers at a glance.

Your practice will evolve and your Reformer should evolve with you.

Many Balanced Body home Reformers offer optional upgrades such as:

• Tower and Mat Conversion option for expanded vertical training
• Jumpboard for cardio exercises
• Sitting Box for additional abdominal strengthening and side stretching

Choosing a model with upgrade options allows you to expand your exercise possibilities over time without replacing your primary equipment.

Consider how your Reformers will function within your schedule, layout, and membership:

• Do you focus only on group Reformer classes or private lessons?
• Is your space used for multiple class formats (mat, barre, functional training)?
• Do you work with rehabilitation or clinical patients?

Studios focused on dynamic group programming may prioritize storage and flexibility, while rehabilitation and clinical environments often prioritize height, accessibility, and precise adjustability.

While all Balanced Body Reformers are built for professional use, different models are optimized for different studio environments.

For high-volume group classes and flexible studio layouts:
Allegro Nextgen and Allegro 2 are designed for commercial settings where Reformers are used throughout the day. Their ability to stack or store vertically makes them ideal for studios that transition between class formats.

For traditional Reformer-dedicated studios:
The Studio Reformer® and CenterLine® Reformer offer a more permanent, classic setup often preferred in boutique and classical Pilates environments where equipment remains in place.

For rehabilitation and physical therapy settings:
The Clinical Reformer® is designed with increased height options and accessibility in mind, making it easier for patients to get on and off the carriage. It is especially well-suited for physical therapists, rehab clinics, and facilities working with post-injury or mobility-limited populations.

Balanced Body also offers Reformer warranties designed to give you long-term confidence in your investment.

If your studio uses one room for multiple formats, storage flexibility can dramatically impact revenue and scheduling.

Allegro Nextgen and Allegro 2 can be stored vertically to free up floor space. Depending on configuration (including leg options), these models can also be stacked several units high between sessions.

This makes them particularly effective for:

• Group Reformer classes
• Studios that convert rooms to mat or barre classes
• Multi-use training facilities

In contrast, Studio Reformer and CenterLine Reformer models are typically selected for Reformer-only spaces where permanence and aesthetic continuity are priorities.

Pro-tip: Try our easy-to-use space planning tool to help get a sense for how much equipment your space can hold, and map an ideal layout for your Reformers.

Using the same Reformer model throughout your studio:

• Simplifies instructor training and cueing
• Creates a consistent client experience
• Streamlines maintenance and part replacement
• Makes expansion to additional locations easier

For teacher training programs or multi-location studios, standardization can significantly improve operational efficiency. But standardized doesn’t have to mean boring! With Balanced Body you can customize your Reformers with upholstery to match your brand or just the right wood for your space.

Professional equipment should support your Pilates programming for years to come.
Look for Reformers that:

• Offer Tower conversion compatibility
• Integrate with accessories like the Jumpboard
• Support teacher training curricula
• Maintain performance under sustained, daily use

Choosing the right Reformer is not just about today’s class schedule; it’s about supporting the future direction of your studio or clinic!

When it comes to functionality, we know there are more details to consider, and we’re here to help:
Reformer Comparison Tool
Studio Reformer® Footbars
Compare Sitting Boxes
Compare Jumpboards