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Whether you live in a tiny apartment or consider yourself a beginner, Shape found an option for you.
Photo:Shape / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
The brand uses a proprietary precision carriage system a fancy way of saying its a smooth and quiet ride.
The machine is equipped with the brand’s signature Balanced Springs, which are made from nickel-plated carbon steel.
you’re free to also change the aesthetic by opting for one of nine upholstery colors.
PHOTO: balanced body
The footbar, wheels, and springbars are also adjustable, with three different frame heights available.
Its also foldable, making it a fitting choice for anyone living in a smaller space.
Andriello recommends Balanced Bodys Allegro 2 reformer, calling it “an incredibly durable machine.”
PHOTO: Amazon
Her only qualm with the Allegro 2 is that it’s a tad heavy.
Thats largely because it has a 24-inch swivel touchscreen to stream guided workouts and play your music.
It also lets you push a button to adjust your springs rather than manually adding and removing them.
Plus, its gorgeous.
I never struggled to keep up with the instructor like I often am in real-life classes!
This is a smaller, lighter alternative to the Megaformer used in Lagree studios that incorporates springs.
PHOTO: Frame
It even comes with a few accessories, like an upholstered long/short box and a weighted pole.
Heads up, youll need to plug it in if you want to take advantage of this AI tracking.
A reformer class involves a machine with a sliding platform, handlebars, straps, and resistance springs.
PHOTO: Lagree Shop
“It’s a more modern form of Pilates,” Brown notes.
you’ve got the option to!
A foam roller provides the gliding effect but is a more limited version of the reformer workout.
PHOTO: Amazon
Thats because, unlike a reformer machine, a foam roller doesnt have resistance springs.
Youll have to rely exclusively on your body weight as a form of resistance.
Its probably why manyTikTok users are using foam rollers to do Pilates at homewithout a reformer.
PHOTO: Amazon
Those are stretchy socks with non-slip rubber paneling on the sole.
“This ensures that you use the machine correctly and avoid injury,” she says.
Hirschberg puts it perfectly: “Every single body is different!
PHOTO: Gratz Pilates
If it excites and motivates you, then absolutely, reformer Pilates can be enough.”
“Ultimately, it is all about personal preference and what your body needs!”
Consider adding cardio if you want to amp up your weekly workout routine.
PHOTO: Amazon
“Results can vary since every body is different, says Hirschberg.
It boosts my happiness and energy levels.
The movements feel gentle enough for daily practice without straining my body.
PHOTO: Flexia
Additionally, it has helped me develop healthy habits and a positive relationship with myself.”
It depends on whatyoufeel your body needs and can handle.
Hirschberg recommends finding a routine that works for you and trying to build up classes.
“Try twice a week to start and up it as you feel comfortable,” she suggests.
She started taking reformer Pilates classes over a decade ago (before it was cool!)
to support recovery while dancing.
She now enjoys a few classes a week at her local studio.
Shape commerce writerMaddie Barberupdated this article in 2024, adding expert-approved recommendations and insight.
The Shape team used the following experts for this story:
