Types of Pilates Reformer Machines

7 minute read

The recent surge of interest and popularity in group ‘reformer’ training (not to be confused with reformer Pilates) has given rise to several ‘entrepreneurial’ happenings.

One such happening has been the proliferation of several newer pieces of equipment and manufacturers entering the marketplace, creating their own branded designs of Pilates reformers. While some maintain the name reformer, others have placed their own creative twist on the name and spelling of this equipment – much like the vegan version of cheese being named cheezly, to differentiate.

Entering the reformer market for the first time are an established gym equipment manufacturer and a well-known supermarket chain. The latter reportedly sold out of its more affordable reformers on the first day, while social media speculation suggests that many have since appeared for resale on second-hand marketplaces such as eBay.

Now, reformers are expensive and a significant financial investment, but does it matter what reformer you use? The Pilates community believe it does. Experienced writer and consultant in the exercise and fitness industry, Debbie Lawrence, talks us through the different types of reformer machines.

A reformer Pilates machine in a studio

A dip into history: the lawsuit

In 2000, a landmark lawsuit concerning the Pilates trademark and the manufacture of Pilates equipment, including the reformer (originally named the Universal Reformer by Joseph Pilates), reached its conclusion. The case would have lasting implications for the Pilates industry and how the method could be taught and practised.

The legal ruling established that the manufacture of Pilates equipment could not be monopolised by a single entity, opening the door for other manufacturers to produce their own apparatus. Hannon (2019) and Howard Steel (2020) discuss several key milestones in the history of Pilates equipment and the landmark lawsuit:

1927- 1951: Joseph Pilates patents the Universal Reformer and other apparatus he designed.
Mid-late 1970s: Before her death in 1977, Clara Pilates, Joseph’s wife, reportedly gives the original equipment blueprints to Ron Fletcher, one of Joseph’s apprentices, enabling him to have apparatus manufactured in California.
Mid-late 1970s: Ken Endelman, who runs a furniture design business called Current Concepts, begins manufacturing Pilates equipment.
1999: Current Concepts changes its name to Balanced Body, Inc.

As the reformer market continues to expand, the arrival of new manufacturers has introduced further areas of debate, particularly around equipment design, proprietary features and the terminology used to describe the apparatus.

After reading an article in Health Club Management (2025), which explored the range of reformers available and invited manufacturers to discuss the features that differentiate their products, I spoke with two classically trained Pilates teachers about their reactions. Their feedback highlighted some of the tensions surrounding these developments.

One remarked, “So, the [brand] reformer I’ve had for 10 years doesn’t have these features! And please, it’s a carriage, stop calling it a bed.” Another questioned whether a particular manufacturer had fully researched the history of its equipment, commenting, “I hope company [X] have done their homework because that feature was trademarked by company [Y] years ago.”

These reactions raise interesting questions about how reformer design has evolved, how manufacturers distinguish their products and how historical knowledge influences the way experienced teachers view newer equipment.

Classical and contemporary designs: what’s the difference?

So, what are some of the features that differentiate classical and contemporary reformers? Classical reformers were created with specific design features that were based on the original design of Joseph Pilates, all of which impact the outcome of the movement – working from ‘centre’, which is an integral part of the Pilates system.

Contemporary changes to these designs, which in some instances impact movement outcomes, include the following:

Increased length and width of the carriage
The speed at which the carriage moves
Adjustable straps and footbar (not a feature of classical designs)
Increased number of springs with different spring tensions (classical models have a set number of springs with the same tension)
Materials and padding used (the joy of comfort)

Classical reformer	Contemporary reformer
Size and dimensions of the carriage/reformer – original 80”, 86”(for jump board), 89”	Usually much larger in size and wider up to 92” long
Drag of the wheels on the carriage	Usually very fast and carriage pulls back into stopper with little to no effort
Straps – Leather / position / length / angle to carriage (no adjustable pulleys)	Straps ropes – often longer – Adjustable pulleys which change angle of pull. Changes essence of exercises such as 100, etc.
Leather / aluminium / wood handles	Soft material feet / Hand straps
Foot bar – Smaller and lower in height/potentially closer to carriage	Foot bar – adjustable – higher than traditional footbar, often further away from carriage which alters start position and flexibility of position.
Padding. Often little padding / Vinyl.	Padding varies often dense foam
Foot strap, smaller and more compact. More security in short box exercises	Foot strap around frame, strap often lose and not supportive which allows participants to lift feet off carriage and inability to open up through the hips
Shoulder rests. Feet fit snugly into shoulder rests for heel connection Shoulder rests.	Often shorter and participant loses heel connection, changes essence of exercises.
Long / Short box height and width	Long / short box often much bigger and participants unable to perform exercises properly, losing the essence of the exercises.
Springs. 4 x same strength springs	5 Springs of different tensions. Often participants cannot perform exercises, so a lighter spring is used. The exercise has the ability to be ‘modified’ rather than omitted and picked up somewhere else in the system.

(Courtesy of Alison Salmond at Osteopilates)

Advocates for classical Pilates, Lewitt and McPherson (2024) indicate that the apparatus used also reflects the ‘naming’ dilemma. They suggest ‘If the apparatus is not based on original Pilates design, then the term Pilates-Based exercise should be used, not Pilates’.

The essence and experience of Pilates

One final thing for consideration is that the reformer design can make a big difference to the Pilates experience – both for the instructor and the client. Classical reformers were created with specific design features aimed to reflect the integrity of the system and working from ‘centre’.

Some of the changes to these designs by contemporary and indeed newer manufacturers impact not only the slide and speed at which the carriage moves, but also the angle of pull on the straps, which affects the nature and essence of the exercise. This includes, but is not limited to where the user ‘feels the exercise’ – a significant part of their experience. There are instances with newer equipment where the apparatus does in fact cause participants to feel exercises more in their limbs, rather than through centre.

Indeed, I know of several teachers who have started with contemporary designs and later invested in classical equipment to maximise their personal practice as well as improve and maximise that of their clients’ also.

For those interested in learning a little more about the differences between classical and contemporary reformers and the client experience, Alison Salmond Osteopilates shared two highly informed and informative recordings via social media (links in references).

Conclusion

There are many different styles of reformers, some designed for home use, and some designed specifically for client work. There are also pseudo reformers becoming increasingly more popular and widely available. Many instructors are unable to distinguish between the two, so what hope do clients have? Reformers that are designed for working with clients, whether classical or contemporary design, are expensive and represent a considerable investment!

Since the design can make a significant difference to the participant’s experience, the best advice is to try out a few reformers first, ideally under the guidance of a few experienced teachers, before making a large investment. Simply buying them online without first trying them is definitely not advised.

At the same time, don’t just go for cheap; there is often a reason why some things are cheap. Whether we are talking about reformers, reformer training courses, or handbags, cheap is cheap. The good thing is that reformers, certainly the classical designs, but also some of the more contemporary designs, hold their value, so these can always be sold onwards at a later date. That said, if you buy well first time, the likelihood is, you won’t want to sell it on!

References

Alison Salmond Osteopilates (2025). ‘Differences between classical and
contemporary reformers’ Accessed on 01/07/2025; available from:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1058929736212384
Alison Salmond Osteopilates (2025). A Layperson’s experience’. Accessed on 01/07/2025; available from: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1103229371703712
Hannon, B (2019) The Lawsuit that freed Pilates. Accessed on 25/06/2025; available from: https://pilateslessons.org/the-lawsuit-that-freed-pilates/amp/
Health Club Management (2025) Insight. Boom time for Pilates. Accessed on 01/07/2025; available from: https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Insight-Boomtime-for-pilates/37087
Howard Steel, J. (2020) Caged Lion. Joseph Pilates and His Legacy. USA: Last Leaf Publications.
Lewitt, M. S and McPherson, L.A (2024) Pilates’ in 2024: Useful Clinical Tool or Commercial Catchphrase? Accessed on 23/06/2025; available from: https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/pilates-in-2024-useful-clinical-tool-or-commercial-catchphrase
Pilates, J. and Miller, W. J. (1945) Return to life through Contrology. USA: J.J. Augustin. Republished in 1998, USA: Presentation Dynamics.
Pilates, J. (1934) Your Health. USA: Joseph H Pilates. Republished in 1998-2008, USA: Presentation Dynamics.

Author

Debbie Lawrence. MA.

Expert Writer and Consultant

Debbie is a highly experienced writer and consultant in the exercise and fitness industry with over 40 years’ experience. She holds a master’s degree in education and is the author of 13 books published by Bloomsbury Publishing. Additionally, Debbie has also ghost-written numerous training resources and educational products, including many of those used here at HFE. Debbie's goal is to be a continual 'seeker of knowledge’, always reflective and always learning, striving to inspire others to remain curious and open to learning and developing more. Debbie still finds time to teach classes to the public, working primarily with adults who have long-term health conditions.

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