The Ultimate Sizing and Features Guide to Pilates Reformers

Whether you are a Pilates aficionado or a professional instructor, Pilates Connector offers equipment tailored to your requirements. Our range combines aesthetic appeal with top-notch functionality, featuring only the finest brands suitable for upscale home gyms and professional fitness facilities. Dive in to discover an overview of the brands we offer, along with detailed information on their sizing and features, to help you choose the perfect equipment for your Pilates practice.

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Here, you will find specifications organized by brand including Merrithew, Sportline, Peak Pilates, and Lagree reformers and cadillacs.

Peak Pilates Reformers Overview

Whether opting for a traditional wooden model or a modern metal creation, Peak Pilates designs each piece of equipment for beauty and function. Their commitment to craftsmanship is evident in their use of traditional woods, sustainable bamboo, and cutting-edge metals, ensuring that authentic Pilates movements maintain their efficacy through superior performance, versatility, and safety.

For your luxury home gym, the Casa model is both lightweight and budget-friendly, engineered for outstanding performance, embodying the quality and innovation synonymous with Peak Pilates.

Merrithew Reformers Overview

Merrithew has been a leader in the Pilates industry for over 30 years, with its reformers featured in studios, gyms, and upscale home environments globally. These robust pieces of equipment are designed for longevity, catering to a diverse range of client needs. Notable models like the SPX Max and V2 Max include a patented Retractable Rope System, providing efficient adjustments and employing high-precision springs crafted from premium materials.

Options for high-precision gear bars are available on select models, allowing modifications during purchase, providing six positions for optimal ergonomics and precision. The At Home SPX model delivers a studio-quality experience at home, arriving 90% pre-assembled and built with top-notch materials akin to professional-grade reformers. Its patented carriage system guarantees a smooth, quiet operation, complemented perfectly by a traditional rope system that functions efficiently for single users during regular workouts.

Sportline Reformers Overview

Manufactured in Turkey and marketed across Europe and the US, Sportline ensures that its products meet stringent European standards. Utilizing single-piece wood in their construction, their reformers incorporate 100% hornbeam or beech wood, ensuring durability and resistance to moisture. The high-quality vinyl-coated leather and chromium metal components are designed to resist stains and wear, and their meticulously crafted reformer beds boast silent operation.

Sportline's reformer model features superior fabric handles for excellent grip, offering three distinct spring resistance levels and three adjustable height/load settings for various neck angles, all while maintaining an elegantly sleek design. The Tower Reformer comes equipped with non-slip foot bars and an efficient zipper replacement mechanism, alongside chromium metal that resists rust and numerous tower enhancements. Additionally, the ladder barrel and split pedal chair are available, both crafted from single-piece wood.

AeroPilates Reformers Overview

Developed by Stamina Products in Springfield, Missouri, AeroPilates revolutionized home Pilates when it was first introduced, thanks to collaboration with Pilates expert Marjolein Brugman. Featuring numerous benefits, the brand is recognized for its patented no-impact exercises that broaden the spectrum of workouts available on standard reformers.

The popular reformer models include the patented Cardio Rebounder, a compact trampoline designed to mimic jogging or jumping activities with minimal impact. The affordability and versatility of these models make them an excellent option for families embarking on their Pilates journey.

Private Pilates Reformers Overview

Private Pilates, based in Turkey and founded by Erhan Gurbaca, leverages over 25 years of experience in both Pilates instruction and studio management. The brand has produced high-quality equipment since its inception, emphasizing a balanced approach to quality, usability, and cost. This dedication results in effective equipment that is accessible for enthusiasts eager to begin their Pilates experience.

Lagree Reformers Overview

Lagree Fitness has secured 74 patents for its Megaformer apparatus, representing the second evolution of their equipment. Typically utilized in a class setting, Megaformers are designed for extensive use, accommodating individuals across all fitness levels, ages, and body types. The innovative technology integrated into the Megaformer supports dynamic workouts, and each model provides unique platform, carriage, and handlebar designs, allowing for a customized experience tailored to user preferences.

Align Pilates Reformers Overview

Align Pilates, based in the UK, was established in the early 2000s and initially focused on mat-based products before broadening their offerings to include studio-quality reformers. This brand strikes a careful balance between affordability and quality, making it a favored choice for those interested in creating their own home studios.

Fitkon Reformers Overview

Fitkon, a Turkish Pilates brand, specializes in innovative, user-centric designs aimed at dedicated athletes. Developed by a collaborative team of athletes, designers, and engineers, Fitkon reformers are made to enhance athletic performance while bringing a distinctive style to your home or studio.

If you have stepped into a Pilates studio or are a dedicated visitor, you are likely familiar with various Pilates apparatuses. It might appear that Mat exercises take a backseat to equipment, yet it is quite the opposite. These Mat workouts form the foundational techniques developed by Joseph Pilates, establishing the cornerstone of his entire method. Nonetheless, the apparatus and corresponding workouts hold equal significance; after all, this equipment provides essential support to prepare the body for Mat exercises. Think of them as indispensable tools within your Pilates arsenal.

A Brief History of Equipment

The conceptualization of Pilates apparatus began during Joseph Pilates' time at an internment camp at the onset of WWI. There, he began developing the Pilates method, experimenting with it on others interned with him. To assist bedridden German soldiers with rehabilitation, he ingeniously attached springs to hospital beds, allowing them to perform exercises aimed at their recovery.

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Joseph emigrated to the United States in 1923, where he applied for his first patent for the Universal Reformer, influenced by his earlier inventions. True to his innovative spirit, he subsequently invented other equipment, including the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, and the Guillotine, all at his New York City studio.

Other than the Barrels, Joe designed most apparatus to function based on spring resistance, effectively offering simultaneous support and challenge to users as they execute various exercises.

Familiarize Yourself with Pilates Equipment

Fast forward to today, we are fortunate to have access to several reputable Pilates equipment manufacturers. While some brands strive to remain loyal to Joseph Pilates' original designs, others bring a modern twist to them. These advancements may involve new materials, increasing adjustability, and enhanced versatility through technological innovations. Both approaches boast their advantages, and your choice should hinge on what best meets your needs.

Essential Equipment for Pilates

Though you may primarily recognize Pilates equipment like Reformers, Cadillacs, and Wunda Chairs that are staples in many studios, additional apparatuses exist, each with specific roles and purposes. These pieces work in harmony, collectively contributing to a well-rounded Pilates system.

Curious to learn more about these apparatuses? Read on for a brief overview of Pilates equipment.

Glossary of Pilates Equipment

Uncertain about the difference between a High Chair and a Baby Chair? You won't be for long!

Reformer

The Reformer, the first piece of apparatus invented by Joe, consists of an elevated bed-like frame made from wood or metal, housing a gliding padded platform named a carriage, moving along rails via a pulley system. One end of the carriage connects to springs that provide adjustable resistance, customizable for any fitness level.

The Reformer includes a footbar, shoulder blocks, and a movable headrest, along with accessories like a Sitting Box that elevates the carriage. Renowned for its adaptability, the Reformer supports a diverse range of exercises from various positions: lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing.

Cadillac

...also known as the Trapeze Table.

Wunda Chair

Aptly named after the car brand, the Pilates Cadillac is regarded as the pinnacle of apparatus. It resembles a four-post metal canopy bed with a cushioned mat. The push-through bar at one end can accommodate springs, while arm and leg springs and a roll-down bar can attach at the opposite end. The slider bar at the canopy's top allows for a trapeze bar, enabling advanced acrobatic movements or supported stretching for those requiring extra care.

Don't be deceived by the name; this chair doesn’t offer a leisurely seating experience! The Wunda Chair is among the most challenging pieces of Pilates equipment, featuring a cushioned seat with limited support and a spring-loaded pedal.

Tower

...also referred to as the Wall Unit. By combining elements from the Reformer, Cadillac, and mat, the Tower has surged in popularity for group classes.

The Barrels

This collection of Pilates equipment comprises the Ladder Barrel, the largest connected to a ladder, the Spine Corrector, and the Small (or Baby) Barrel. They are designed to support the spine against gravity, enhancing breath capacity, flexibility, and posture. (A fun fact: legend has it their inspiration came from beer kegs!)

High Chair

Think of the High Chair as Wunda’s taller sibling, providing more support thanks to a higher back and handles that may or may not be removable.

Baby Chair

...also known as the Arm Chair. Like the High Chair, the Baby Chair features back support but has springs positioned at shoulder height instead of a pedal. This chair is ideal for beginners, as it fosters proper engagement of the powerhouse.

Guillotine

Although less prevalent in modern studios, the Guillotine apparatus – a vertical frame mounted to the ceiling or freestanding over a mat – was a mainstay in Joe’s studio in earlier times. Its vertical design proves especially effective for enhancing stability, flexibility, and spinal/pelvic articulation.

Ped-O-Pull

This often-neglected apparatus shifts work to a vertical plane, challenging the body against gravity while standing. The Ped-o-Pull is a T-shaped pole with spring-loading attached to a small, square base.

Now that you understand the essentials of Pilates equipment, take the leap and give each one a try. You might just discover a new method of movement that resonates with you. At Pilates Anytime, explore classes by apparatus, level, duration, and more. No matter your interest or skill level, there’s a class tailored just for you.

The company is the world’s best classical pilates reformer supplier. We are your one-stop destination for all your Pilates needs. Our team of specialists is dedicated to assisting you in selecting the perfect product.