If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best home Pilates machine for beginners is, then I’d recommend the Stamina AeroPilates Pro Reformer with FreeForm Cardio Rebounder as the best one.
If you’re looking to develop a long, lean body, a home pilates machine is a great option. It stretches your limbs while helping you build strength.
Plus, it works your joints and range of motion to help your body move smoother and function better.
In this review, you’ll learn about the types of Pilates machines that will help you reach your goal and comes with the best features.
Here are the top home Pilates Machine we’ll be reviewing:
- Stamina Aero Pilates Reformer 287
- Aero Pilates Premier Reformer
- Stamina AeroPilates Pro Reformer with FreeForm Cardio Rebounder
- Stamina AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379
- Pilates Power Gym ‘Cardio’ 3-Elevation Pilates Mini Reformer
What is a Pilates Machine?
The Pilates machine, also known as the Pilates reformer, is a workout device that uses a mechanism comprised of springs and levies that works with your bodyweight.
The carriage is the part where your body is stationed. It glides along the middle of the frame. It also comes with an adjustable foot bar at the end as well as straps with handles.
Workouts are typically pushing and pulling. You push from the foot bar or pull the straps to move the carriage.
It stretches the body and works the full range of motion of each joint and limb. It also offers a variety of workouts because you’re able to sit, kneel or stand on the carriage.
It is great for all levels of people who do Pilates. You can change the resistance beneath the foot bar to change the level of the workout.
A stronger resistance offers a more challenging exercise routine.
Benefits
The advantages of a home Pilates machine are the way it works the entire body and the workout can be done at home.
You can improve the function of your body and also relieve pain, stiffness and soreness.
You’ll have a better core and improved posture. The core muscles are the main body area that’s worked by the reformer.
With a stronger core comes better posture, as it’s strengthening the back, buttocks and abdominal muscles.
Better flexibility can be developed with the reformer. As you move your limbs and body in a full range of motion, you’re building flexibility.
Your body is stretching out and elongating the muscles of your limbs.
Your breathing will improve. Stretching has been shown to help with relaxation. The moves encourage the body to relax.
As you move, you focus on your breaths and as you improve, your lung capacity and breathing efficiency improve.
Using a home Pilates machine relieves aches and pains and calms sore muscles. Stretching increases the flow to your muscles which relieves muscle tightness and soreness.
With the tighter core and improved flexibility, you’re creating stronger joints that move securely and prevent future injuries.
Drawbacks
This isn’t a cardiovascular machine. Instead, it’s focused solely on stretching and toning the body. You’ll have a bit of effort but not enough to get the benefits of a good cardio workout.
It is considered beginner friendly, but it’s for people at a medium Pilates workout level. It’s more challenging than Pilates with just body weight and a mat.
For this reason, it’s best to take your time with simple exercises and build up to the more challenging ones.
What to Look For
When shopping for a home Pilates machine, look for a durable frame made from strong, durable material.
Frames come in metal or wood and each has its own benefits.
The metal is more stationary and the wood is heavier, which can make the metal more portable and storable.
The sliding carriage is the centerpiece of the machine. A good Pilates machine has a quiet gliding carriage.
It should also glide well without interruption or shakiness. This is for safety reasons as well as to ensure a quality workout.
The reformer should have the best quality springs. The springs should be made of nickel plating.
They are less prone to erosion and are more durable. There are instructions on the proper care and replacement of springs.
The straps should work with a risers and ropes or casters and straps system. This should be adjustable to allow for desired resistance.
The best is the risers and ropes because they allow for more range of motion and can easily be adjusted.
It should come with accessories or be adaptable and accepting of the addition of accessories. For instance, a rebounder can be added to the foot bar area.
The rest of the target features deals with the versatility and adjustability of the equipment. The ropes should come with interchangeable loops or handles.
The gear bar should offer a number of hooks for the tension levels you desire.
Before You Begin
Before starting any workout regimen, consult your doctor. If you begin without their say so, you might injure yourself or face other risks due to your health.
So it’s best to talk to them to determine if this is the best workout for you.
You might want to try out a class or two to get the hang of it. While it is beginner friendly, it does take time to learn.
This way, you won’t hurt yourself and you’ll work on a level that’s best for your body, ability and goals.
If you can’t get into a class, check out some Pilates workout videos online. You can learn how the machine works as well as one that is compatible with your level.
Not everyone can make it into a studio so videos are the next best thing to teach you how to reach your fitness goals.
Beware of lower-priced reformers. While it seems like a good idea, you might not get the best features or a durable Pilates machine.
Instead, check out the features and do research before making your purchase.
Reviews of The Best Home Pilates Machines
Stamina Aero Pilates Reformer 287
The Stamina Aero Pilates Reformer 287 comes with three bungees in the spring bar. It’s very simple and easy to use for beginners. It’s easy to execute most pilates moves.
The reformer was created with comfort in mind, it appears.
The foot bar is covered with foam so it doesn’t make such an impact on your foot when you push on it or if you need to hold it.
The straps come with a foam covered handle that’s easy and comfortable to grip. The shoulder pads and headrest are also padded with foam.
I’m not sure about standing on it. If I stood on it, I wouldn’t feel safe because it’s light and narrow.
That isn’t too bad because I can easily store it when I need to. It does have a metal frame, which offers some security and durability.
The straps are made of rope and can be adjusted for height and resistance. The headrest can also be adjusted in three positions.
The foot bar can be adjusted for height, but that’s it.
It doesn’t incline forward or backward. It doesn’t have a range of motion and only adjusts vertically with a
If you want to advance in pilates moves or resistance, that won’t happen with this machine. The three bungees can’t be adjusted for a more challenging workout.
So, once you’ve grown out of it, you can maybe pass it along.
Another great beginner friendly feature is the information included.
It comes with two DVDs which introduces pilates and demonstrates the various exercises that can be performed on the machine.
There is also a wall chart which gives visual guidance for exercises.
It works great for most pilates workouts. The carriage glides really well and comfortably. It would be better if it came with more options.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a two workout DVDs
- Includes a full-color workout chart for visual guidance
- Beginner friendly, easy to use design
- Easy to adjust the foot bar
- Foot bar has foam padding
- The shoulder pads are foam covered
- Has a metal frame
- Folding capability makes it easy to store
- Includes built-in wheels for easy transport
- Very easy to assemble
- The strap handles have foam for a comfortable grip
Cons
- Small frame
- Spring bar has bungees instead of nickel springs
- Spring bar can’t be adjusted
- There aren’t many adjustment levels with the bungee cords
- Might not last longer than a year
- The bungee cords are kind of loose
- Pilates workout won’t be challenging because of three bungee cords
- The frame and carriage are narrow
- Foot bar is not adjustable
- Can’t add accessories
- Weighs 56 pounds
- Unsure of the highest weight is can support
- Not very sturdy
Aero Pilates Premier Reformer
At first glance, the AeroPilates Premier Reformer appears to meet some of the requirements of a great working machine.
Then, when you see the equipment and use it, you realize it has its limitations. Of course, it gets the job done when you want a good pilates workout.
First, the metal frame is big and sturdy. It sits 10 inches from the ground. The entire frame is wide and so is the carriage.
It feels like it’s pretty supportive of my body and might accommodate larger weights, though it’s not specified.
The pulley system is comprised of risers and ropes. The ropes come with fuzzy hand straps, which okay for comfort.
The straps are easy to adjust.
The risers can adjust to four different heights for when you want different ranges of motion or a different resistance level.
The foot bar is wide and is padded. It can be adjusted for height but not for a good range of motion. It can also be changed out for a rebounder.
I didn’t like the bungees. They loosen with time.
Plus it only includes four of them. So, there’s a chance of them not lasting very long or providing the proper resistance needed with advanced exercises.
It’s comfortable and beginner friendly. The design of the pillow and shoulder pads are great for comfort and support.
It comes with a DVD and a wall cart, which comes in handy for those just starting out.
If you’re interested in saving space, this isn’t great for that. It’s big so when it sits on the floor, it takes up a lot of room.
It’s pretty heavy, so moving it from spot to spot is difficult. It’s best if it has its own stationary area for ease of use.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- It has a metal frame
- Good sized frame with dimensions of 86.25L x 20W x 14H
- It stands 10 inches from the ground
- The foot bar is wide
- The foot bar has foam padding
- The platform and carriage are wide
- Uses ropes and risers which gives a good angle for pilates exercises
- Risers can be adjusted to four different heights
- Ropes are easily adjustable
- Includes a rebounder that can be easily installed
- The headrest is designed like a supportive pillow
- The hand straps are furry for comfort
- Comes with a workout DVD with beginner-friendly information
- Comes with a wall chart
Cons
- Uses resistance cords
- Only comes with four cords
- Difficult to assemble
- Parts appear to be low quality
- Might not last that long
- Has a strong smell that’s hard to get rid of
- Can’t get quality leg workout because of a stopping point
- Doesn’t fold
- Heavy to lift
- Difficult to move and store
- Not friendly for small spaces because it takes up a lot of room
Stamina AeroPilates Pro Reformer with FreeForm Cardio Rebounder
The AeroPilates Pro Reformer with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder is impressive and looks great. It’s pretty big but not too big. It has a sturdy, reliable steel frame that’s trimmed in wood.
It’s the most attractive one on the list of items I’m reviewing. Yet it does have drawbacks.
The best thing about this home pilates machine is the springs. That says a lot about the durability and lifetime of use.
Plus, they are color-coded and can be adjusted for higher resistance. Unfortunately, there are only four of them.
The pulley system is comprised of risers and ropes and can easily be adjusted. The pulley is made from plastic which might be a problem if it breaks.
It can be replaced but will take a bit of effort to fix. The straps are covered with fuzzy material.
Unfortunately, this machine doesn’t include a resting place for the straps when they are not in use.
The foot bar is adjustable vertically. You can’t move the footrest forward or backward. It includes a comfortable foam padding.
It can be replaced with a rebounder. They are both narrow, which can be a problem.
The headrest is padded. It can be adjusted in three positions. The shoulder rest is padded as well but the design isn’t as comfortable.
If you’re looking for storability quality, it’s not the best. It has wheels which can help you move it from spot to spot, although it’s pretty heavy.
It isn’t foldable, so it might be best if it remains in a designated area.
It is a beginner friendly device. You can achieve most pilates move. It comes with instructional DVD with a comprehensive introduction to pilates and the reformer.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Has a wide steel frame
- The shoulder pads are foam covered
- Trim is wooden and aesthetically appealing
- Includes a large rebounder
- The foot bar is adjustable
- The foot bar has foam padding
- Headrest is padded
- The headrest can be adjusted into three positions
- Straps are furry for comfort
- Has four heavy duty steel springs for resistance
- Springs are adjustable and vary in resistance levels
- The foot bar is removable and adjustable with three positions
- The foot bar is tall
- The carriage is wide and flared
- Includes wheels for easy transport
- Springs are color to indicate resistance
Cons
- Has aluminum rails which are questionable for durability
- Pulleys are plastic
- Large and can’t be stored easily
- Heavy and difficult to move even with wheels
- Bands don’t provide much tension
- Doesn’t include posts to place straps when not in use
- Only has four springs
- Not great for longer legs because the stop can’t be adjusted
Stamina AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379
The best feature of the AeroPilates Reformer Plus 379 is that it’s easy to store and it doesn’t take up much room. It doesn’t have the best design but you can achieve a variety of Pilates exercises.
It sits flat on the floor, which might be hard to use for someone with bad knees or backaches.
It seems to be designed for comfort because it has a lot of cushioning. The headrest and shoulder columns are very comfortable. The carriage also contains durable, sturdy cushion.
The pulley system is made up of ropes and risers, which can be adjusted for resistance levels. It comes with comfortable padded straps.
The straps rest on the columns when not being used, which can cause some discomfort.
It has a padded foot bar along with an interchangeable rebounder. The rebounder has a large surface. It includes a textured stand bar.
It uses four bungee cords for the resistance gear bar. They are color-coded and can be changed to enhance resistance levels. The cords might become looser over time.
It includes four workout DVDs. It also includes a colorful wall chart that displays each possible exercise. Customers are able to go online and download a complimentary eating plan.
Pros
- Resistance cords are color coded in red, yellow and black
- Resistance cords are adjustable
- The frame is foldable for easy storage
- Includes wheels for easy transport
- Includes four workout DVDs and a wall chart
- Customers have access to downloadable meal plan
- The platform is padded and purple
- Uses risers and ropes
- Padded foot bar
- Includes a rebounder
- Metal Frame
- Shoulder rests contains foam
- Hand and foot straps are padded with foam
- Easy to assemble
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Resistance cords instead of springs
- Very low to the ground and almost lies flat against it
- The headrest isn’t adjustable
- Foot bar can’t be adjusted
- Doesn’t move very smoothly
- Have to use shoulder pads for hand straps
Pilates Power Gym ‘Cardio’ 3-Elevation Pilates Mini Reformer
Pilates Power Gym ‘Cardio’ 3-Elevation Pilates Mini Reformer is very compact and it looks awesome because of it’s black and silver steel design.
It appears sturdy and durable enough to stand on. It accommodates heights up to 6 foot 3 inches.
It’s perfect if you’re looking to save space or store it. The compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.
It’s already assembled and ready to use when it arrives. It includes wheels so you can move it anywhere effortlessly.
The pulley system is connected to the shoulder rests. The straps can be changed from a regular foam covered straps to the comfortable ankle and wrist cuffs.
It includes a foot bar that can be replaced easily with a rebounder. The foot bar and rebounder can adjust forward and backward.
My least favorite part about this machine is the small foot bar and rebounder. Some pilates moves require your legs to be in different positions.
A small rebounder makes this difficult. Also, it doesn’t adjust vertically. It will still accommodate a taller person.
It has a 3-level incline with over 48 possible resistance levels. However, I dislike the bungee system for the gear bar.
Springs are preferable. With the cords, they are likely to loosen over time and I wonder about the durability and longevity of this device.
It comes with five DVDs with information about pilates and around seven workouts. The workouts are led by celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor.
Pros
- Has 48 resistance levels
- Has a 3-level incline
- Five DVDs with instructions lead by a celebrity Pilates instructor
- Resistance cords are adjustable
- The frame is made of steel
- Has built-in wheels for easy transport
- The foot bar has foam padding
- Includes a rebounder
- The rebounder can be adjusted forward or backward
- Includes foam hand straps
- Hand straps can be replaced with a cuff for ankle or wrist
- Doesn’t require assembly
- Accommodates height up to 6 foot 3 inches
- It’s compact
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Has bungee cords instead of springs
- The rebounder is small
- The foot bar is also small
- The rebounder can’t adjust vertically
Final Thoughts
The best home pilates machine is the Stamina AeroPilates Pro Reformer with FreeForm Cardio Rebounder.
It comes with all the things desired in a reformer. It does have room for improvement, but it stands out the most.
Of all the reformers listed here, it is the only one with durable springs.
This goes a long way for resistance that will not fade over time. They won’t stretch out and they won’t break easily.
The pulleys being plastic was a drawback but that can be remedied by replacing them. Overall, the ropes and risers on this machine work perfectly.
The carriage glides smoothly. The foot bar sits perfectly and it’s adjustable.
These are good enough features for an at home reformer, especially for beginners. It’s a durable machine and it’s easy to use to meet fitness and wellness goals.
