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Reformer Pilates is the low impact workout with an A-list fan base including Jennifer Aniston, Margot Robbie and Harry Styles.
Unlike some wellness crazes, this trendy workout – which has been around for over 100 years – delivers legitimate benefits. “Reformer Pilates enhances core strength, flexibility, muscle tone and overall body awareness,” explains Nuno Campos, head of fitness at Repose Space. “It also promotes better posture, balance and coordination and is renowned for its ability to alleviate back pain.”
Studies show it can have a positive effect on cognitive function and may even help improve body composition.
The only downside? Classes can be seriously pricey, ranging from £15 all the way up to an eye-watering £50 a pop in boutique studios. It’s no wonder, then, that at-home reformer beds are becoming increasingly popular.
To find out if they’re worth investing in, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts slipped on their grippy socks and put one of the most popular models on the market to the test. Read on for our nexace Pilates Refomer Machine review.
The nexace Pilates Reformer Machine at a glance
Key specifications
| Dimensions (cm) | 212 x 72 x 50 |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions (cm) | 110 x 56 x 37 |
| Max weight | 135kg |
The nexace machine consists of a metal structure with a faux leather padded carriage that can be wiped clean. It comes with five x 5kg resistance cords, an adjustable footbar, a padded headrest, hand and foot loops, adjustable pulley rods and an optional carriage stopper. In the box, you’ll also find an Allen key to help with set-up, an instruction manual and a workout guide featuring all the key Pilates moves.
The machine weighs just under 35kg, supports up to 135kg, and can be folded away for easy storage. The brand offers a one-year guarantee on the frame and a 90-day guarantee on the parts.
Discover more about the benefits of Reformer Pilates and why our wellness editor is a convert.
How we tested
Our in-house fitness pros put the nexace Reformer Machine to the test in our state-of-the gym. We checked how easy it was to assemble and how easy the instructions were to follow.
Next, we put the machine through a range of classic Reformer Pilates exercises, assessing how stable it felt during use and whether the carriage moved smoothly. We checked how comfortable it was during our workouts, whether the adjustable features worked well and how loud the machine was. We also considered how easy it was to fold away, store and move around.
The Good Housekeeping Institute review
Score: 70/100
Pros
- Foldable design
- Good value for money
- Smooth and comfortable to use
Cons
- Instructions could have been clearer
- Not for those on the tall side
Set-up and instructions
Assembling the machine is relatively straightforward, with everything you need to get going in the box. At around 34kg, it’s not super heavy, but you may want to rope someone in to help you get set up.
The manual does include diagrams, but the instructions are rather vague. Thankfully, there are YouTube tutorials available to support you through the process. Following these videos, it took less than half an hour in total to get started.
We also had an issue with one of the parts initially (one of the mental arms was slightly bent) but the customer service team was quick to respond and sent out a replacement straight away.
Hot tip: think carefully about where to want to put your Reformer machine (home gym, living room or garage, perhaps?) and make sure there’s enough space around you to execute the movements.
Design
The nexace Refomer isn’t a premium, studio-quality model – and it’s not the prettiest piece of kit – but it is a reliable, fuss-free design that lets you work out comfortably from home.
If you're worried about it taking over your entire living room, panic not. The design is foldable, so you can store it under the sofa or behind a door when it's not in use. Its footprint is also smaller than many models on the market, making it a good pick if you’re tight on space.
It’s worth noting, though, that the machine is on the shorter side and may not suit those who are tall. I’m only 5”3 and there wasn’t heaps of room for me to stretch out.
Performance
In terms of performance, the nexace Reformer provides a solid session, allowing you to do all the moves you would in a studio class. It doesn’t come with an accompanying app, and the workout guide is pretty basic, but there are plenty of free Reformer Pilates videos you can follow on YouTube.
The padding on the carriage is just the right balance between squidgy and firm, and is comfortable during leg circles, glute kickbacks and the pike. The bed moves smoothly for the most part and the rubber springs were easy to change mid-activity. The footbar is also easy to adjust.
Final verdict: Is the nexace Reformer Pilates Machine worth it?
As a self-confessed Pilates princess, it’s a resounding yes. At £499, the nexace Reformer doesn’t come cheap, but it should pay for itself in the long run if, like me, you regularly attend classes.
We would have liked clearer instructions for a more seamless set-up, but once up and running, the machine was simple to use and gave us an effective workout. The fact that it folds away is the cherry on the cake.
Complete beginners should attend a few in-person classes before buying one for home use. But once you know how to use the Reformer safely and understand the basics, you should be good to go.
Whether you simply haven’t got time to commit to a 60-minute class at your local gym on a weekly basis or you’re trying to save some precious pennies, this simple bit of kit will help you reap the benefits of Reformer Pilates at home.
The nexace Reformer Pilates Machine is available to buy on Amazon.
At-home Reformer Pilates essentials to shop now
Reformer Pilates FAQs
Who is Reformer Pilates suitable for?
According to Campos, Reformer Pilates is an inclusive practice that caters to a variety of fitness levels, ages and abilities. “Exercises can be customised on the reformer bed to suit each individual’s capabilities, whether they’re beginners or advanced practitioners,” he explains.
“This form of exercise is especially beneficial for those seeks to enhance strength and increase flexibility in a gentle but effective manner.”
Who should avoid Reformer Pilates?
Campos says that Reformer Pilates is generally safe for most people. “If you have a medical condition or injury, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider or qualified Pilates instructor before you start practising,” he advises.
How often do you need to do Reformer Pilates to see results?
"I’d recommend aiming for between two and three sessions a week to see noticeable improvements in strength, flexibility and overall fitness,” suggests Campos. “Consistency is key so it’s about finding a routine that works for you and you can stick to.”
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
