Test a Reformer Before Buying
A reformer is a serious purchase, and the safest way to make it is to try one first. Test one in person at our Sydney showroom, or start with a rental and commit only once you're sure it suits you.
Why trying a reformer first makes sense
A reformer is something you feel before you can judge it. Spec sheets can't tell you how smoothly the carriage glides, how the spring tension responds under your weight, or whether the footprint suits your room. Spending serious money on equipment you haven't used is a hard call, and you don't have to make it blind.
At our Sydney showroom, you get on the machine and move through your usual exercises. The Pilates Direct team asks about your space, your experience and whether it's for a home or studio, then helps you compare options with those answers in mind.
Start with how you'll actually use it, then pick the reformer that fits your space and your budget. Trying a few in person makes that choice a lot easier.
Pilates Direct Team, Pilates Reformer & Equipment Specialists
What you test for also depends on where it will live. A home machine needs to suit your room and routine. A studio reformer faces repeated use by many clients. Our commercial vs home reformer guide explains the differences.
Proper form and qualified instruction matter on any reformer, so if you're new to Pilates, learn with a qualified instructor. If you're returning from an injury, check with your physiotherapist or doctor first.
Ways to try a reformer before you commit
There are three practical ways to get hands-on with a reformer before paying in full. Each suits a different situation, and none of them require you to guess.
- Hire a reformer. We offer rental reformers year round, so you can use one in your own space first. It suits home users who want to see how it fits their routine, and studios managing cash flow while they build a client base.
- Buy demo or used stock. A previously handled machine is a lower-commitment way in. We list a metal foldable demo reformer and a wooden foldable demo model, plus our wider second-hand collection.
- Spread the cost. Deposit-only payment plans mean you don't pay everything upfront. They're available on the PP-06 Metal Foldable Reformer and the MP-01 Reformer Package.
- Visit our Sydney showroom. You can test a reformer in person before deciding. Whichever option you choose, use proper form and get qualified instruction, and check with your physiotherapist or doctor first if you're returning from an injury.
What to check when you have a reformer in front of you
Test five things when you have a reformer in front of you: how the carriage moves, the spring settings, the foot bar and headrest adjustments, the fold-away mechanism, and how the footprint fits your space.
Push and pull the carriage through its full range. It should glide smoothly and quietly, without catching. Then try each spring setting to see whether the tension feels right and the changes are easy to make.
Adjust the foot bar and headrest, and check they suit your height. If you're after a foldable pilates reformer, fold and unfold it a few times, then measure the stored and open size against your home or studio space.
Read the warranty terms and our buyers' guide before you commit. Proper form and qualified instruction matter on any machine.
Common questions before you buy
Can I hire a reformer before I decide to buy?
Yes. Our rental reformers let you live with one before committing, which suits home users and studios still building a client base.
Is there a cheaper way in than buying new?
Our second-hand and demo range is a lower-commitment route. Check what is currently listed, as stock changes.
Can I spread the cost instead?
Yes. Deposit-only payment plans are available on selected reformers, as listed above, so you don't need to pay in full upfront.
What about warranty?
Read our warranty terms and conditions before you buy, so you know exactly what is covered. If you'd like to talk it through, book a showroom visit or contact the team.