Legacy Pilates Reformer, with dimensions designed by Joseph Pilates, is the most iconic and versatile piece of equipment in the system, named for its purpose of “reforming” (reshaping) the body. This apparatus, traditionally located at the center of a Pilates studio, is the foundation of the Pilates method.


The Reformer is essentially composed of an aluminum or wooden frame, on which a flat platform (carriage) moves back and forth with the help of wheels and springs.

Carriage: This is the moving part on which movements are performed while lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing.

Spring System: Each classic reformer has four springs with equal resistance. These springs are used in three levels to resist or support the movement of the carriage, making the exercise easier or more difficult for the person performing it.

Adjustable Straps: Used to secure the hands and feet, these straps extend the arms and legs, strengthening and lengthening the muscles.


Legacy Pilates Apparatus honors the noble tradition, rich heritage, and deep history of each piece by adhering to the original dimensions and specifications designed by Joseph Pilates himself.

All Legacy Pilates Apparatus pieces are meticulously handcrafted in Turkey using carefully selected materials and employing the highest quality manufacturing techniques. Each piece undergoes the most intensive control processes to guarantee the quality, excellent craftsmanship, and timeless durability offered.

A Pilates reformer is a spring-resisted apparatus with a sliding carriage, used for the majority of the classical Pilates repertoire. Legacy builds reformers in three classical lengths, 80", 86" and 89", in solid maple, walnut, oak, teak, aluminium and our black series finish, each made to the original dimensions Joseph Pilates specified and certified to ISO 20957 and CE standards.

Sometimes called a Pilates machine or reformer machine by those coming to the method for the first time, the apparatus takes its real name from its purpose: reforming, or reshaping, the body. It sits at the centre of the studio because it carries more of the repertoire than any other piece, and because the work established on it underpins everything else in the system.

How a reformer works

The apparatus is built around a frame in solid hardwood or aluminium, on which a padded carriage travels along rails on precision wheels.

Carriage

The moving platform. Exercises are performed lying, seated, kneeling, or standing on it, and the smoothness of its travel determines how precisely the work can be controlled.

Spring system

Each classical reformer carries four springs of equal resistance, arranged across three levels of placement. Springs either resist the carriage or support it, which is what allows the same exercise to be made harder or easier for the practitioner.

Adjustable straps

Ropes and straps secure the hands and feet, extending the arms and legs to lengthen and strengthen through the full range of each movement.

Footbar and standing platform

The footbar anchors the footwork series that opens most sessions. A standing platform can be added for standing work.

Choosing your reformer size

The three classical lengths suit different bodies and different studio spaces. Height of the practitioner matters more than anything else in this decision.

Every Legacy reformer comes with a 65 cm stainless steel pole as standard, with 4 cm standard or 3 cm firm foam options for the carriage.

Studios fitting out a full space should allow clear working room on all four sides of the apparatus, since rope work, standing exercises and instructor access all extend beyond the frame itself.

Materials and finishes

Frame material affects weight, stability, appearance and how the apparatus ages.

Solid hardwood

Maple, walnut, oak and teak. The traditional choice, and the one most classical studios prefer. Hardwood gives the frame mass and rigidity, which is what keeps the carriage running true through years of daily use.

Aluminium

Lighter than hardwood and highly stable, well suited to studios that reconfigure their floor regularly or need to move apparatus between rooms.

Black series

Built on a solid maple frame, finished with water-based black paint, filler and clear varnish for a durable surface with a contemporary appearance and classical construction underneath.

Browse the full range across the reformer collection or see how the reformer sits alongside the rest of the classical apparatus range.

Studio, home and clinical use

For studios

The 86" reformer in solid hardwood is the standard commercial specification. Built for multiple clients daily, with replacement springs, straps and wheels available to original specification so a single apparatus stays in service for decades.

For home practice

The 80" reformer suits smaller rooms while remaining a full classical apparatus rather than a reduced-size substitute. Practitioners training seriously at home get the same carriage, the same four-spring system and the same construction used in professional studios.

For physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Legacy reformers are certified to ISO 20957 and CE standards and are suitable for clinical settings. Spring resistance adjusts in defined increments and most work is performed without weight-bearing through the joint, which is why the apparatus is widely used in rehabilitation.

Extending the reformer

The reformer can be configured beyond its standard form.

A reformer with tower combination adds a vertical frame with push-through bar and springs, bringing much of the Cadillac repertoire into the reformer footprint. Combination units measure 224 cm at 86" and 232 cm at 89", with a height of 183 cm or 198 cm depending on configuration.

A Cadillac reformer conversion integrates a full trapeze table with the reformer, giving a studio two apparatus in one footprint.

For studios building out the complete classical system, the reformer pairs with the chair family, the barrels and spine correctors, and the mat range.

Why classical dimensions matter

The classical repertoire was designed around specific measurements. Carriage height, footbar position, rail length and spring tension were all set by Joseph Pilates, and the exercises assume them. Alter those dimensions and the choreography no longer produces the effect it was built to produce.

Legacy holds to the original specifications on every apparatus we make. Each reformer is handcrafted in Turkey from selected materials, using traditional construction methods, and passes intensive quality control before it leaves the workshop. That combination of authentic dimensions and genuine craftsmanship is what allows a Legacy reformer to deliver the method as it was intended, and to keep doing so for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Pilates reformer?
Reformer prices vary by size, frame material and configuration. Legacy reformers are available in 80", 86" and 89" lengths across hardwood, aluminium and black series finishes, with current pricing shown on each product page. Studio packages are available for full fit-outs.

What size Pilates reformer do I need?
The 80" (203 cm) suits home studios, compact spaces and shorter practitioners. The 86" (218 cm) is the studio standard and fits most adult heights. The 89" (226 cm) suits taller practitioners and the full advanced repertoire.

What are the different types of Pilates reformer?
Classical reformers differ mainly by length (80", 86", or 89") and by frame material (solid hardwood or aluminium). Beyond the standard apparatus, reformers can be configured as a reformer with tower combination or as a full Cadillac reformer conversion.

How many springs does a Pilates reformer have?
A classical reformer carries four springs of equal resistance, placed across three levels. The springs resist or assist the carriage, which is how the same exercise is made more or less demanding.

Can a Pilates reformer be used for physiotherapy?
Yes. Legacy reformers are certified to ISO 20957 and CE standards and are suitable for clinical use. Adjustable spring resistance and largely non-weight-bearing positions make the apparatus well suited to rehabilitation under professional guidance.

What is the best Pilates reformer for home use?
For home practice, the 80" reformer offers the smallest footprint while remaining a full classical apparatus, with the same carriage, spring system and construction used in commercial studios.