Though Joseph Pilates developed his eponymous fitness method during World War I, it has taken about a century for the acclaimed exercise to skyrocket into the fitness stratosphere. The practice is undeniably more popular than ever, with countless studios cropping up across the country. Mat offerings are a reliable go-to, though many are mystified by the reformer Pilates machines that look cool enough to stop you in your tracks as you scroll your FYP. However, when it comes down to it, Pilates is so much more than a trend—it’s a genuinely beneficial form of low-impact exercise that can support strength and mobility goals for individuals of all ages and abilities.
I’ve been practicing Pilates off and on for the past eight years. As a longtime runner, I’ve found that Pilates has supported my flexibility and recovery; what’s more, it has even helped counteract the poor posture I’ve developed from sitting behind a computer on a daily basis. Practicing Pilates has helped me gain balance, deep core strength, and confidence in my body’s abilities.
That said, while I manage to get to class once or twice a week, the cost and time commitment has kept me from making it an even more regular part of my exercise routine. So when I had the opportunity to test out Your Reformer’s at-home reformer, I jumped at the chance.
Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Pilates Reformers
Balanced Body Allegro 2 pilates reformer
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The gorgeous reformer was delivered to my home with white-glove service and set up in the fitness area of my sunporch. At first glance, the reformer itself is stunning. It’s made with a maple wood frame and faux-leather upholstery that feels soft to the touch and comfortable against bare skin (it’s grippy, but not uncomfortably sticky). My reformer also came with a few accessories (a jump board, box, exercise ring, Pilates ball, etc.), which are add-ons available to enhance your practice.
Once it was placed, there was no significant setup. I began using it that very day, cueing up a class on the Your Reformer app on my iPad (you get three months of the subscription for free, then it’s $15 per month) and moving to my heart’s delight. The library of classes is extensive, grouped by fitness goals, specific areas of the body, and more. I also appreciated that it offered a number of express classes, for days I couldn’t dedicate a full hour to my practice.
Quickly, I understood the appeal of investing in an at-home reformer. While the piece of equipment can be pricey (at full price, the original model costs $2,750), the cost breaks down to about $230 a month, which is pretty on par with many Pilates studio memberships. So, essentially, the investment starts to pay for itself in just a year. It’s also worth noting that Your Reformer gives you the option to rent a reformer for $39 per week rather than purchase one outright.
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