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So you can bring your studio practice home.

Dedicated Pilates fiends know that this form of exercise brings all kinds of body benefits. Pilates helps you increase your mobility, overall strength, core, and balance, says Sam Belle, Studio SWEAT onDemand Pilates trainer. Specifically, “pilates moves the spine in all four planes of motion, and focuses on rebalancing the inevitable imbalances we all have due to our daily activities and postures,” she explains.

That said—have you tried a Pilates reformer yet?

Sure, you can achieve all the feel-good benefits of pilates—improved core strength and flexibility, reduced back pain, improved posture, and the like—without equipment or in-person classes. However, there are some perks to doing reformer-based workouts, explicitly.

Like what, you ask? “The machine works your entire body,” explains Carrie Minter, certified Pilates instructor and founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus in Los Angeles. “The springs and cables on it change the tension, so you get much more of a workout than you would on just a mat,” she says.

Working out with a reformer is one of the best ways to create what trainers call a progressive overload: To get stronger, you need to challenge your body by increasing (and sometimes decreasing) tension on your muscles, forcing them to adapt, Belle says. “Heavier tension makes some exercises on the machine more challenging, while a lighter spring can make other exercises significantly more difficult by providing less support,” Belle explains.

However, she notes that heavier is not always harder. “With this machine, we can work the bigger superficial muscles by increasing the tension, and strengthen smaller stabilizers with less support,” says Belle.

Got all that down? Now, some details before you hit ‘add to cart’ on one of the below best pilates reformers.

Here are four things to consider when shopping for a Pilates machine:

This reformer has been on the market for over 20 years, proving it’s truly a mainstay in the reformer game. The Allegro features a secure-locking footbar for stable use, as well as 4 horizontal and 4 vertical positions so you can customize your setting to fit your size and abilities. Bonus: the brand highlights that it is fast and easy to set up.

Reviewer rave: “In my opinion, Balanced Body makes the best Reformers on the market. I use their clinical and studio reformers at work and purchased this Allegro for my home. I love it and love the way it makes my body feel. Excellent quality.” —Clinton S., amazon.com

This is a popular Pilates machine set from a trusted brand that offers all the benefits of a studio machine (including in reformer box, a major perk!). Overall, it’s sleek, simple to use, and effective, which is all you need in a reformer.

Reviewer rave: “This reformer was extremely easy to put together. As a taller woman finding the right reformer has been problematic and I love the Merrithew. I have been beyond satisfied with this purchase and would highly recommend this reformer for anyone looking for a mid-market machine." —Rebecca Rosen, amazon.com

This sleek, wood-framed machine might blend into your mid-century modern aesthetic than other machines. It’s an excellent choice for taller people, too, given the length of its carriage.

Reviewer rave: “This is the best investment that I’ve made in a while! There is definitely sticker shock when you hit the purchase button....but if you do the math, it makes sense! It is exactly the same reformer as at my local pilates studio, so it’s easy to move forward with my practice." —Lori Weatherly, amazon.com

While spring-less, this easy-to-assemble machine offers four-cord resistance with multiple intensities. It also comes with a strong rebounder for cardio.

Reviewer rave: “For the price, this thing is fabulous. I'm able to do every exercise I can think of from the Pilates reformer repertoire. Having a reformer in my own home (that can fold up and be moved out of the way) is priceless.” —Hanna, amazon.com

Ready to take your Pilates practice up a notch? Then this next-level Pilates machine is worth considering because it can be used as both a Cadillac and a reformer. Plus, it's stackable making it easier to store when it's not in use.

Reviewer rave: “Awesome reformer. As close to the studio one as you can get. I love using it and it helps with my RA a ton.” —Lofono, amazon.com

This reformer receives excellent reviews from seasoned pros and beginners, alike. We recommend it for newbies because it’s a strong machine that can take you into advanced territory but isn’t on the higher end in terms of price point.

Reviewer rave: “Oh, how I wish I had started doing Pilates decades ago! But, finally took the leap and bought this table. Highly recommend for those wanting to broaden the exercise regimen and discover new ways to better health and fitness.” —TALaff, amazon.com

This top-rated, popular reformer easily folds up and can be slid under beds or into closets, and has specialized wheels for easy movement and storage.

Reviewer rave: “That’s amazing, thank you so much. It’s times like this when I’m really glad I made the choice to buy my studio equipment from you.” —Jane, align-pilates.com

While not properly a reformer, this chair might be a good option for those who constantly have to carve out space for exercise wherever they can find it, as it’s far easier to move than a traditional machine (and it folds up, too!). It’s also a great option for those who do traditional studio reformer practice and want to keep their practice going between classes but don’t have a lot of space at home.

Reviewer rave: “I can do much the same exercises on this as I do in the pilates studio - decently made, good value. Makes adding a home program easy." —Fran, amazon.com

If you want the full shebang, you can’t beat this beauty, so you can practice Pilates at home the way celebs like Kate Hudson and Lady Gaga do.

Reviewer rave: “I work out on it every evening before going to bed. It is so relaxing, so challenging and so effective! ” —Annette, pilatesreformersdirect.com

This is a super solid Pilates machine for under $500, which is a fraction of what you'll play for most reformers. Yet, it'll still stand up to every Pilates exercise like a pro, plus it comes with it's own rebounder for low-impact cardio.

Reviewer Rave: "I could not be happier with this purchase! Great quality, good instructional DVD. Even my daughter who is a Certified Pilates instructor is very impressed with my reformer, and she is accustomed to working out on her reformer that cost thousands of dollars!!!! " —Aimee Wright, amazon.com