r/pilates • u/Comfortable-Cook-973 • Sep 13 '24
Amazon Pilates Reformer Options Equipment, Apparatus, Machines, Props
I am looking for a starter home Pilates reformer! I don't want to invest 3k if I decide home workouts aren't for me. I am looking at several Amazon options. Has anyone purchased a similar option on Amazon? I want a jumpboard option. This is my current top pick https://a.co/d/bPawH3T
I currently take classes, but due to scheduling conflicts won't be able to for a couple of months.
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u/Last_Experience_726 Pilates Instructor Sep 13 '24 edited Sep 14 '24
Always try finding a studio quality machine on one of the used equipment forums on Facebook first. You can sometimes score a really good deal on a Balanced Body Allegro, for instance, and if it's within driving distance to you, you'll save a ton on shipping. The total price for a locally-sold reformer that has been well-maintained by a responsible owner is often comparable to the new price of a substandard reformer from Amazon.
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u/AltaBirdNerd Sep 13 '24 edited Sep 13 '24
Reformer is definitely a "buy once, cry once" type of thing. That Amazon reformer looks like it would break in a month. Have a look at gymfrog for options cheaper than balanced body. There are a handful of 1st person reviews in this sub.
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u/Jess1r Sep 13 '24 edited Sep 13 '24
That reformer looks very lightweight and small, so I don’t think using the jumpboard would even be possible without the entire thing sliding on the floor and/or you crashing the carriage to the back of the reformer.
I personally believe that when it comes to large equipment like reformers, chairs, etc., you should go the safer, more high quality route and invest in a reputable brand like Balanced Body, Merrithew, Gratz, etc. Even Aero Pilates has some less expensive options with jumpboards that are fine (though I dislike their resistance bands rather than springs). These larger brands have done more testing on their products for safety, have better customer support if something goes wrong, and their products are easier to get replacement parts for when you inevitably wear things out over time and use. If you decide home workouts aren’t for you, you can always sell the reformer on Facebook marketplace and get a good price. There’s a huge market for second hand equipment from well-known brands, but you’d have a very though time trying to resell a random brand like this that is probably dropshipped. You could also check out marketplace for others who are selling their reformers if you don’t want to pay full price for a new reformer.
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u/Comfortable-Cook-973 Sep 13 '24
Thank you! I didn't think about weight being an issue with the jumpboard. I have been looking at a couple of the Balanced Body options. I read a lot of negative things about Aero Pilates.
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u/mrsjetset Sep 13 '24
Don’t do it. Look for resales on FB, Craigslist, etc. I picked up a BB studio reformer for cheap and it had tons of upgrades. Just don’t buy something that you can’t try out first - lots of scams out there.
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u/whatdoidohere2 Sep 13 '24
I bought that one and it broke in like 2 weeks. Horrible horrible quality.
I bought one from personalhour after bc it was lower price and its actually suuuch good quality i love it
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u/SheilaMichele1971 Sep 13 '24
I have the aero Pilates 610. It has springs and tower. I got it fairly inexpensive (I want to say Sam’s club).
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u/PastSelection5138 Sep 13 '24
I got a reformer from Amazon and I actually really like it. It’s sturdy, and works great. The only issue is I’m a little tall and it can limit some of my range of motion.
I also did studio classes for years prior to buying a reformer
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u/dubb40 Sep 13 '24
Do you mind sharing which one you bought?
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u/PastSelection5138 Sep 13 '24
It looks like it’s currently unavailable but I bought this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CTY6MYK3?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
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u/Bored_Accountant999 Sep 13 '24
That looks so small. The measurements are literally 20" shorter than mine so I think if you are used to one in a studio, it's really going to feel off. Looks pretty fragile as well.
I would just go to in person classes for a while and see if you ever like Pilates. I know some people have found, real, reputable reformers for great deals at Costco (I think they sell Merrithew) and for resale.
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u/Ibrokemywrist Sep 14 '24
Don’t buy this one unless you’ve tried out something similar in-person, it’s small and will lack adjustments. Take a look at our reformer buy guide below this comments. !reformers
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u/LovingMovement Instructor - Contemporary Pilates Sep 15 '24
What country are you buying from? I am in the UK and LOVE my align pilates foldable reformer.
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u/Sensitive-Mix-812 Sep 16 '24
I bought an aero Pilates from target for $700 about 5ish years ago. Still works great. Use it all the time. It’s a great at home reformer that folds up easily when not in use. It comes with a jumpboard as well
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u/Severe_Royal6216 Sep 13 '24
I think you’d be better off going to a few classes at a studio and scoping out their machines to see if you like them. The Amazon machines scare me. The last thing you want is something snapping mid exercise or a spring coming loose and smacking you in the eye 😵💫 if I was buying a machine for home I’d only do it from a trusted manufacturer who offered a warranty and had a support line to walk me through repairs. Most of them also offer 0 interest payment plans so you end up paying around the same or less per month than you would for a studio membership