The past few years have witnessed an explosive rise in the popularity of Pilates and at-home workouts, with its capacity to deliver a full-body workout that’s low-impact yet highly effective. Pilates offers a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and coordination, and it’s no wonder that more people are investing in home-friendly Pilates equipment. Among these, reformer Pilates machines stand out as versatile, studio-quality options for achieving a comprehensive workout in the comfort of your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about reformer Pilates machines, including foldable options for space-conscious users and essential accessories for a complete home gym setup. Editor Carly Glendinning brings firsthand insights to the table by testing the innovative, space-saving FOLD reformer bed.
From the sleek FOLD bed to the powerhouse Lagree Megaformer, every detail here is rooted in personal experience and expert testing, ensuring you get trusted advice to upgrade your current setup or start a brand-new routine
The Best Reformer Pilates Machine and At-Home Fitness Accessories for 2025
Into the Fold: Space-Saving Foldable Reformer Bed for Home Workouts
Carly Glendinning tries FOLD, a brand new at-home foldable reformer bed
Reformer Pilates has massively blown up in the past year, with London studios popping up faster than you can say “upside down elephant”. Some are so exclusive, you have to get up at the crack of dawn to book a space, and it’s not uncommon for a single class to set you back £30. Taking place on a bed-like machine, we’re all crazy for the full-body workout – which promises strength, flexibility, coordination, and a honed physique.
Getting out for classes isn’t easy though when you’re a toddler mum, so I’ve been practising Pilates every day at home instead. I’ve seen great results on the mat, but recently I’ve been feeling ready to take my workouts to the next level. Enter the newly launched ‘FOLD’ reformer bed. Beautifully crafted from premium Canadian maple wood and upholstered in sleek beige or black leather, this seriously stylish piece of equipment offers a studio-quality workout in the comfort of your own home. The compact design is a huge part of the appeal, and as the name implies, it’s easy to fold and stow away.
My FOLD bed arrived pre-assembled and all I had to do was attach the head and shoulder rests, loop bars, and the padded double loop straps. Also included was a box, jumpboard and a starter bundle with a Pilates mat, Pilates circle, Pilates ball, 1kg dumbbells, plus three months complimentary access to the FOLD app. The app features workouts for every level – from beginner to advanced. It’s super easy to use, the expert instructors make the workouts fun. There’s also the added benefit of being able to chat to other members of the FOLD founding community. I’ve been hooked from the get-go, and I’ve used my bed so much that I’ve actually hardly needed to ‘FOLD’ it away at all.
Original FOLD Reformer bed £1,899.99; access to the FOLD app £9.99pm after initial three months.
Buy Yours Here
Essential Home Gym Exercise Equipment
ONYX
The Onyx ‘The Works Set’ seriously ups your workout game. As stylish as it is supportive, I went for a springy 8mm yoga mat in powdery blue with a matching ball, weights, blocks, and resistance bands.
Price: £234.93
Shop Now
WIT TRAINING
Specialist training brand WIT has launched its debut apparel line. The four piece capsule collection includes this classic fit crop training tank, which is so comfy you’ll be wearing it on-repeat.
Price: £34
Shop Now
R.A.D®
As versatile as they are stylish, the R.A.D ® ONE trainer is cushioned for plyometrics, stabilised for lifting, durable enough for rope-climbs, light-weight enough for gymnastics – all whilst being comfortable enough to wear as a daily trainer.
Price: £130
Shop Now
Why Choose Reformer Pilates for Home Workouts?
Reformer Pilates offers a myriad of benefits that make it an exceptional choice for home workouts. Combining the best of strength training and flexibility, this form of exercise engages your entire body while being gentle on the joints. Here’s why it’s a standout option:
Studio-Quality Workouts at Home
A reformer Pilates machine brings the gym to your living room, offering the same level of resistance, precision, and adaptability you’d find in a professional studio. The adjustable springs and straps cater to all fitness levels, allowing beginners and advanced practitioners alike to tailor their workouts
Space-Saving Solutions
With innovations like the foldable reformer bed, home workouts no longer require a dedicated gym room. These compact designs fold neatly away, making them ideal for urban apartments and smaller spaces without compromising functionality.
Full-Body Engagement
Reformer Pilates uniquely targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously. By integrating controlled movements with resistance, it strengthens your core, tones your muscles, and improves flexibility—all while promoting better posture and alignment.
Low Impact, High Reward
Perfect for those recovering from injuries or looking to avoid high-impact exercises, reformer Pilates minimizes strain on joints while delivering powerful results. This makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Mental and Physical Wellness
Beyond the physical benefits, reformer Pilates emphasizes mindful movement. The focus on breathing and concentration during exercises fosters a meditative quality, reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
Cost and Time Efficiency
With reformer Pilates machines at home, you save on studio fees and commuting time. Plus, the convenience of exercising whenever you want ensures your fitness routine integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Investing in a reformer Pilates machine is more than just adding a piece of equipment to your home; it’s a commitment to holistic wellness. Whether you opt for a compact foldable reformer bed or a full-fledged Pilates setup, this approach would deliver transformative results both physically and mentally.
Like this? Check out our guide to top tips for insomnia, anxiety and fitness.
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
