How Much Space Do You Need For A Pilates Reformer?

The late 2000s brought about the transformation of a form of exercise that holds its roots in the early 20th century, but has since proven to be a fitness trend that every fitness influencer is hopping on. That universal trend is pilates; an all-in-one workout routine that targets all major and minor muscle groups of your body and assists greatly in both strengthening and conditioning. While enthusiasts often mention going to a pilates studio, it’s not uncommon for people to invest in a pilates reformer for home use. 

Before delving further, we need to distinguish between two essential terms: pilates and pilates reformer.

Pilates VS Pilates Reformer

Pilates is a form of exercise introduced by a German inventor named Joseph Pilates that focuses on slow, controlled movements while establishing a mind-body connection. Pilates reformer incorporates the same concept but with a technologically advanced machine made of a moving carriage, standing platform ropes, strings, and pulleys. While traditional pilates is done on a mat, reformer pilates involves the machine to isolate and target certain muscle groups.

These reformer machines can both be bought for home use and can be used at pilates studios. It’s worth noting that instead of constantly having to book classes and spend hundreds of dollars every month for expensive gym memberships, it’s a lot more efficient to deposit a one-time investment into buying a reformer machine and reaping its benefits for years to come. However, there is one key challenge that people run into when making their purchase: accommodating the dimensions of a reformer in their living space. 

The Space Needed For A Pilates Reformer

The space needed to store a pilates reformer varies according to the type of machine you order. Every brand has their own signature style with various sizes but the typical dimensions are 6-7 ft long and 2-3 ft wide. This can range from anywhere from 12ft² to 21ft². We’d recommend keeping an extra 1-2 ft on each side for some leeway so that you can move around easily during your workout. This results in a requirement from 32ft² up to 45ft². It’s always better to have additional space rather than limited space that makes you feel even more constricted when you’re exerting yourself physically.

Our new The Queen (2024) reformer is 7.9 ft long and 1.9 ft wide whereas The Transformer is about 8 ft long and 1.7 ft wide. Some reformer machines, such as the ones mentioned above, have an option to fold them after use. If you have limited space, you can always use your reformer machine and fold it when you’re done. 

Additional Considerations

While spatial arrangements are important to consider, there are several other facets you need to keep in mind, such as the cost of the machine. Reformer machines are quite expensive so it’s crucial for you to understand the impact it can have on your finances. You’ll also need to work on the maintenance and upkeep of your reformer machine, which would not be an issue if you were to head on over to a reformer pilates studio for a session. We encourage you to carefully consider these aspects and then dive into your purchase.

How The Core Collab Can Help

While you’re pondering over the dimensions of your future pilates reformer, our team here at The Core Collab is preparing ourselves to assist you in every way possible. We offer a range of compact and custom-made reformer machines that can fit in any space at your home, making your workouts easily accessible and infinitely more convenient. If you’re ready to take the next step in your fitness journey and bring your pilates studio to your home, head on over to our website and explore our reformer packages today!

FAQs

  • What is the measurement of a reformer?

The average reformer machine is 6-7 ft long and 2-3 ft wide, resulting in a total area of 12ft² to 21ft². However, the size varies according to the company and whether or not it is a foldable machine.

  • How much space is required for pilates?

Considering the dimensions stated above, it’s recommended to leave at least 1-2 ft of space on either side, both length and width included, for ease of movement.