With the cost of living being what it is today, it’s hard to enjoy simple luxuries like your favourite exercise without doing Olympic-level mental gymnastics to figure out if your bi-weekly excursion to a Pilates studio is actually affordable anymore.
We’re certainly not judging you or your financial decisions, but if you’re looking for an alternative that could be cheaper in the long run, then we’re more than happy to help.
After all, investing in a Pilates reformer machine that you can use at home literally whenever you want surely can’t hurt. Plus, there are many reformer options that are more affordable or equitable to the yearly cost of attending a Pilates studio just two or three times a week anyway. However, we’re not ashamed to admit we’ve eyed up a luxury model or two, with the mindset that it’s an investment in our physical health for at least the next decade.
On the same page and ready to start sizing up a Pilates machine of your own? Keep scrolling to discover the best Pilates machines for home use…
The best Pilates machine for home 2024
01
Fortis Pilates Reformer Machine
from $269 at Kogan
Best for: The no-frills fitness fanatic
This affordable option has everything you need to perform a full-body Pilates workout: a variety of resistance springs, adjustable ropes and double-loop hand grips. Plus, it can be folded into a compact size that’s easy to store away, sight unseen until your next workout.
Key features:
- 5 springs
- Durable steel frame and raised platform
- Foldable design
- Adjustable sliding ropes with double-loop hand grips
- Supports up to 125kg
Available at:
- $269 from Kogan
- $269 from Dick Smith
Best for: Variation in your workouts
If you love using accessories like a jump board or a long box in your reformer workouts, then this customisable Pilates machine set is the one to shop. You can purchase the machine only or add on accessories as you wish to create the perfect piece of exercise equipment for you.
Key features:
- Add on accessories as you like (PR1 Pilates Jump Board, PR1 Pilates Sitting Box and PR1 Pilates Reformer Stand)
- 5 adjustable springs
- 3 position adjustable foot bar
- Adjustable head rest
- Folds for easy storage
Available at:
- $1,699 from Rebel Sport (machine only)
- $2,148.97 from Rebel Sport (machine and accessories)
03
AeroPilates Pro XP 557
from $5,007.31 at Amazon Australia
Best for: A long-term luxury investment
Want the kind of Pilates machine that’ll transport you to the studio without having to sign up for a class waiting list? Meet the AeroPilates Pro. This luxury piece of equipment boasts an oak wood trim, built-in patented Cardio Rebounder jump board, four resistance springs with spring covers, dual loop hand and foot straps, and an adjustable head rest.
Key features:
- 4 resistance springs with spring covers
- Dual loop hand and foot straps
- Adjustable head rest
- Patented Cardio Rebounder jump board
- Oak wood trim
Available at:
- $5,007.31 from Amazon Australia
04
Megacore Compact & Foldable Pilates Reformer Machine
from $1,521.52 at Kogan
Best for: A fear of heights
Not entirely comfortable working out on an elevated reformer? This compact and foldable frame rests comfortably on the ground so you can push yourself physically without living in fear of falling.
Key features:
- 5 resistance springs
- 3 adjustable positions for foot bar
- Adjustable head rest
- Easy to fold for convenient storage
- Accessories (Sold Separately): Sitting Box, Jump Board, Stand
Available at:
- $1,521.52 from Kogan
- $1,521.52 from Dick Smith
- $1,601.60 from Catch
05
JMQ Fitness Multi-purpose Foldable Steel Frame Pilates Table
from $499.99 at Kogan
Best for: Easy storage
This slim-framed model can be folded and stashed with ease, but it’s also made to last with an anti-oxidation steel frame that can hold up to 130kg, high-density and resilient foam, and easy-to-clean stretch-resistant fabric.
Key features:
- Stretch-resistant fabric is easy to clean
- Steel frame holds up to 130kg
- High-density and high-resilience foam
- Slim, foldable frame for compact storage
Available at:
- $499.99 from Kogan
- $499.99 from Catch
- $499.99 from Dick Smith
06
FITIS Portable-Reformer Alternative with Adjustable Incline
from $429.40 at Amazon Australia
Best for: Travelling
If you don’t have enough space in your home to accommodate a foldable reformer bed or want to take your workout on the road, then this portable reformer alternative should be on your wish list. It utilises a set of Pilates accessories and an incline board to imitate the movements of a traditional Pilates machine.
Key features:
- Comes with an incline board, 5 resistance bands, hand grips, ankle straps, door anchor, carry bag
- Comes with a 45 minute step by step workout video
- Latex workout bands of 4.5kg, 9kg, 13kg, 18kg, and 20kg resistance levels
- Incline board made from high end, lightweight, durable and waterproof birch wood (load bearing capacity of 99kg).
Available at:
- $429.40 from Amazon Australia
Are Pilates machines worth it?
If you frequent a Pilates studio and are looking for an equitable or more affordable alternative, then investing in a Pilates machine is definitely worth it. There are some luxury machines which are technically more expensive than what you might typically spend on a yearly pass for in-studio Pilates classes, but the equipment will last for years and it’s unlikely that you will need to replace the machine.
Is it effective to do Pilates at home?
Pilates done at home is just as effective as doing Pilates in-studio, however safety is a bigger issue. If you are inexperienced with a Pilates reformer and don’t have a professional at hand to direct you, you might be more likely to injure yourself, so be sure to constantly check your form and seek professional advice if you’re concerned.
Is 20 minutes of Pilates a day enough?
It definitely can be. If you are completing a variety of exercises while using your Pilates machine, it’s very easy to build an effective workout routine. Investing in a reformer that’s equipped with a range of accessories can be a great way to diversify your workout too.
Looking to save money on a Pilates machine? Check out our coupon codes for Amazon Australia, Rebel Sport and more.
Related article:
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- Workout Crop Tops Taking Us From Yoga To The Weight Room
Main image credit: @joja
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