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If you're looking for a pilates machine for home, these picks can strengthen and tone the body.

Around for nearly 100 years, Pilates is both an effective and low-impact workout that has grown in popularity in recent decades. Known for its ability to strengthen and tone the body, the exercise method works deep muscles and improves everything from muscle control to flexibility and circulation. You'll commonly see mat Pilates in most group fitness classes which is an excellent form of Pilates for beginners, but those looking to level up their Pilates game may want to kick things up a notch and consider using a Pilates reformer machine.

"While a Pilates reformer may at first seem daunting with its many straps, springs and sliding carriage, it can be an incredibly useful tool to help maximize your Pilates workout," says Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Rothman has an extensive background in Pilates instruction and says that reformer Pilates exercises, in particular, can create even more core stability and muscle control than those done on a mat.

"The key behind the effectiveness of a reformer is resistance, with springs attached to a moving platform (a.k.a. carriage) on wheels," Rothman emphasizes. "The springs allow for changes in resistance, and by pushing or pulling with arms or legs you can then initiate movement of the carriage along the frame to get a full-body strength-building workout."

Reformer Pilates classes can cost upwards of $30 a session at fitness clubs and boutique fitness studios, so if it's something you frequently incorporate into your exercise regimen, it may be worth investing in one for your home. Here are the best Pilates reformer machines of 2022, according to fitness professionals in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab.

You can read more about how we evaluate Pilates reformers — plus everything you need to know about getting the most out of your Pilates workout — at the end of this guide.

This popular reformer is easy to use and highly adjustable, accommodating a great variety of body types and heights with its four horizontal and vertical positions. The headrest can be positioned three ways, and the shoulder rests can move to up to four positions or be completely removed if preferred. You'll find five signature springs as well as spring collars.

Our experts like that the portable reformer can be moved on its transport wheels and stored vertically. Plus, you can add on compatible accessories like a tower, legs and mat conversion. Reviewers raved about the quality and durability too.

• Dimensions: ‎93" L x 36" W x 6.75" H • Frame: Aluminum • Weight: 110 lbs • Capacity: 350 lbs, ideal for those under 6'4" (the Allegro Stretch Reformer can accommodate taller individuals) • Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the frame

If you're looking to build lean muscle, this comprehensive reformer can do the job at a more affordable price than many others on the market. In addition to four levels of spring resistance from two lighter and two heavier steel springs, you have an adjustable padded foot bar and cardio rebounder included as well.

Reviewers said it was well built for the price and quite easy to assemble, making it a good pick for Pilates novices who may not want to splurge or commit to a more expensive machine. The machine is only 5 inches off the ground and does not come with legs or a stand.

• Dimensions: 90" L x 20" W x 25.25" H • Frame: Steel • Weight: 71 lbs • Capacity: 350 lbs, ideal for 4'10" up to 6'4" • Warranty: ‎5 years on frame; 90 days on parts

This fully-loaded reformer offers five springs (four with 100% and one with 50% tension), as well as spring covers to keep your workout quiet while using the machine. The bundle comes with a variety of accessories, and our experts point out that the reformer itself offers six carriage stopper positions, four foot bar positions and three headrest positions allowing for ideal customization during your Pilates session.

Machines like this that offer fully adjustable solutions can help improve form and optimize performance too — just note that it's designed best for individuals between about 5 feet and 6 feet tall. Reviewers described it as sturdy and high-quality and say that it only requires minimal assembly. If you're looking for a vertical frame, you won't be able to upgrade this model, but Merrithew offers other options with this feature.

• Dimensions: ‎10.86" L x 26.25" W x 95.31" H • Frame: Aluminum • Weight: 115 lbs • Capacity: 250 lbs, ideal for 60-74 inches • Warranty: Lifetime warranty for the aluminum rails, components of the frame and related welding, standard gearbar and footbar mechanisms, 90-day to two-year warranty on other parts.

If you're looking for a few more bells and whistles but don't want to go all out, the Stamina Pro XP is affordably priced and has a few upgraded features and a beautiful wooden trim to compliment any home gym.

You'll find four heavy-duty resistance bungee cords, as well as a larger cardio rebounder for a great strength and cardio workout. The headrest has three positioning options as does the padded foot bar. Reviewers say that the machine is well-constructed, sturdy and effective. Although the reformer doesn't fold, you'll be able to transport it on its wheels and store it vertically.

• Dimensions: 98"L x 23.5"W x 36"H • Frame: Steel and aluminum • Weight: 133 lbs • Capacity: 300 lbs, ideal for 4'10" up to 6'4" • Warranty: ‎3 years for frame; 90 days for parts

This unique and effective rowing machine from LIT (which stands for Low Impact Training) doubles as a Pilates reformer and more, offering an efficient piece of exercise equipment for any home gym. You'll have to purchase the higher-end Performance Kit option which includes the LIT ankle cuffs that are needed for LIT Pilates classes. But you can complement your Pilates sessions with cardio and strength training all on this innovative machine.

A winner in our 2022 Fitness Awards, testers and experts alike loved the versatility and multi-functionality of the machine. One expert said that it felt durable and looked great in a home gym too. If you're looking for Pilates classes and additional guidance, you can take advantage of LIT's on-demand classes. Each LIT machine purchase comes with a three-month complimentary trial, but then you'll have to pay $25 per month to continue.

• Dimensions: 7' L x 75' D x 1.6' H • Frame: Steel & aluminum • Weight: 89 lbs, 75 lbs without water • Capacity: 450 lbs, accommodates up to 6’9” • Warranty: Lifetime guarantee on the frame, five-year guarantee on all other parts

Developed by Joseph Pilates, the exercise method combines core stabilization, strength, flexibility, balance and proper alignment with concepts like mindfulness, breathing techniques and fluidity of movement. The workout was initially designed to help injured athletes and dancers return to exercise in a safe manner and also maintain fitness moving forward. Using a combination of simple repetitive exercises, Pilates recruits tremendous core strength and other muscular activity. The method can be performed on a mat or exercises can be done on a reformer using a variety of accessories.

A Pilates reformer is a large piece of equipment that resembles a padded table with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. They can be made from different materials, including steel, aluminum and more. Rothman explains the components of a Pilates reformer machine which include:

But you may be wondering, is buying a Pilates reformer worth it? The answer ultimately depends on how often you plan to utilize the machine and if any other members of your household will be able to take advantage of it. Reformer Pilates classes can cost upwards of $30 a session, and if you frequent them that can add up quickly. If you're not sure about whether you should make the investment, consider a lower-priced but still high-quality model like our Best Value pick.

Fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute researched Pilates reformers that are durably made and provide an effective workout. Our top picks include budget-friendly items as well as higher-end options with more features. When purchasing a Pilates reformer, you'll want to consider the following:

✔️ Cost: Reformers are a large investment, so it's important to thoroughly research the one you plan to purchase and consider whether or not the cost is within your budget. More expensive models tend to be a bit higher quality and include more special features and related accessories.

✔️ Dimensions: Pay close attention to the height, length and width of the reformer, and ensure that you'll have additional room beyond this as you'll want to be able to walk around the machine and perform movements that require stretching out your arms or legs past the edges of the machine. You can also position the machine on a diagonal if you need to make additional space. Another thing to note is the height and weight limits of the machine to make sure you will feel comfortable and supported during the workout.

✔️ Warranty: Since a Pilates reformer is a big investment, you'll want to get the most use out of your machine as possible. Look for products with lifetime or competitive warranties, especially for the frame of the machine.

Rachel Rothman is a certified Pilates mat instructor and has always been an avid athlete, continuing to play soccer, tennis and lacrosse well into adulthood. She has experience testing a multitude of fitness equipment, including benchmarked tests of treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, smart fitness mirrors, Pilates reformers and smartwatches.

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. From vigorously testing exercise equipment to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She values Pilates as a low-impact form of exercise that targets muscle imbalances and core engagement.