Once you’ve decided to bring reformer Pilates home, the next question is which reformer. They’re not all built the same, and the right choice depends on your experience level, your space, and how you plan to use it. Here’s what actually matters.
Spring resistance options
The springs are what create resistance on a reformer, and being able to adjust them is the whole point of the machine. Look for a reformer with multiple resistance settings so you can scale the workout up as you get stronger, rather than a fixed-resistance version you’ll outgrow in a few months.
Adjustable footbar and carriage length
Everyone’s body is a different height and proportion. A reformer with an adjustable footbar and adjustable handle length means the machine fits you — not the other way around — which matters both for comfort and for getting the exercises right.
Accessories included
This is where reformers vary a lot. Some come completely bare — just the frame, carriage and springs. Others, like the Merrithew Stott SPX Essential package, include a Cardio-Tramp Rebounder, a Fitness Circle, a reformer box and a padded platform extender. More accessories mean more exercise variety without buying extras later, which matters if you want your workouts to keep evolving.
Space and footprint
A reformer is a genuine piece of equipment — measure your space before committing. Most home reformers fit in a spare room, a section of a living area, or even a garage, but it’s worth checking the footprint of the specific model against your available space rather than assuming.
Should you buy or hire?
Buying makes sense if you’re certain reformer Pilates is a long-term fit and you want to own the equipment outright. But if you’re still working out how often you’ll actually use it, hiring removes the risk. You get the genuine equipment and all the accessories without a large upfront cost, and you’re not stuck with something that doesn’t get used.
Prime Fitness offers two options: a standard reformer with adjustable resistance from $499/3 months, or the fully-equipped Merrithew Stott SPX package with all accessories from $399/month — both delivered free with a $1 deposit to get started.
Making the decision
If you’re new to reformer training, starting with a hire package that includes accessories gives you the most complete experience to learn on. You’ll quickly get a feel for what resistance level suits you and whether it’s a habit worth committing to long-term — without having made a big purchase to find out.