How to Choose the Best Pilates Reformer for your Studio

So you want to open a Pilates studio or start offering reformer Pilates classes? Investing in commercial Pilates reformer beds is one of the most important decisions that you can make. The right equipment not only improves your customers’ experience but also determines how long you can run classes, how easy it is to set them up and your overall studio efficiency.

With more and more people taking to reformer Pilates, now is the right time to slide in. We’ve helped lots of gyms, boutiques and hotels set up their reformer Pilates studio with our FOLD Pilates reformer beds, so we know a thing or two about choosing the right kit. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your business. 

Key takeaways: 

• Folding Pilates reformers can be durable and studio-quality
• Extended warranties reduce downtime for your business
• FCA-approved finance options allow you to open your business without scary upfront costs 

What should I consider when choosing a commercial Pilates reformer?

Durability and build quality

Commercial Pilates reformer beds are built for lots of use. Because of the volume of clients that a studio can get through in a day, the beds need to be durable and suitable for daily wear and tear. Invest in quality. Look for:

• A solid frame (either wood or steel)
• High-quality upholstery
• Reinforced stitching and joints

Ease of storage and studio space

Smart storage can be a game-changer when it comes to studio reformer Pilates. Beds that can be folded, stacked and stored efficiently allow you to build a multi-purpose studio. And if you make a good investment then you don’t have to compromise quality. Keep your options open to maximise your revenue potential.

Warranty and support

Buying a set of commercial Pilates reformers is a significant investment so you’ll want to cover yourself in the event of any issues. Extended warranties protect your business and give you easy access to spare parts and sometimes even responsive in-person support to reduce downtime and protect your business from costly delays.

Customisation, design and aesthetics

To build a business you can be proud of, aesthetics are important. Your reformer beds should reflect your brand and studio’s personality. You don’t have to stick with a single colourway. Look for Pilates reformer beds with upholstery options and customisable colour schemes.

Financing and accessibility 

The cost of opening a reformer Pilates studio can seem daunting so consider finance options that make it easier to manage upfront costs. This allows you to grow your business without added pressure. Look for FCA-approved finance packages which can give you even more flexibility.

Why is FOLD a good choice?

FOLD has a solid reputation across Europe and the UK for being a leading at home folding Pilates reformer brand. Combined with quality you can trust and the right support when you need it, FOLD is a trusted choice for commercial Pilates reformers. 

Enhanced warranty and service

At FOLD, we offer a 3 year warranty - one of the most comprehensive out there - offering you support even after your business is established. We also provide all our customers with premium service call-outs for in-person fixes and we stock all spare parts in the UK for fast delivery.

Easi-FOLD™ Patented Design

With our Easi-FOLD™patent-pending design, unfolding and storing your Pilates reformer beds is easier than ever. (Even when they weigh 72kg.) Our latest design features L-shaped legs for enhanced stability and assisted springs which manage the load. It gives you full control of your reformer bed without the heavy-lifting but it doesn’t compromise on studio-quality or durability. It means that even if you’re a large studio, setup and pack down is easy and can take less than 10 minutes. 

Studio-ready features

Straight out of the box, you’re ready to teach. Once your FOLD Pilates reformer is put together, you’re ready to go. Its signature design is ready for commercial use and includes:

• A headrest pouch to neatly store ropes
• Double-stitched upholstery for both durability and a premium feel
• Options for custom upholstery finishes to match your studio design

In-person showroom

Opening your reformer Pilates studio is a big decision so it can help to know the ins and outs of the kit that you'll be using. That's why we opened the FOLD Showroom to give you the chance to try out our beds for yourself, speak to our team and see the quality of our design first-hand. 

Finance

If you’re looking to manage your upfront costs, we offer FCA-approved 0% finance across all of our products. This, alongside our in-person support means we’re trusted by 100+ studio partners across the UK and Europe.

Community support

Unlike other reformer Pilates brands, we offer access to an online community when you join the FOLD. We’re got a community of over 40,000 on our social channels and host regular community events (hosted together with existing FOLD Studio Partners) for networking and support - including through the FOLD app. 

Our dedicated team also has over 40 years’ experience setting up studios and running fitness experiences so we’re in the right position to help you out with kickstarting your brand. 

Delivery and lead times 

We understand just how important timing is when you’re opening your businesses or upgrading it to offer something new. It’s why we offer studio delivery within just 8 weeks from your order date - one of the fastest times in the industry. We’ll also help you with 2-person delivery options so your beds get put right where you want them.

Sustainability 

At FOLD, we go the extra rep to build kindness into our product. For every Pilates reformer bed that we sell, we plant five trees through our dedicated partnership and we’ve already planted over 8,000 trees in Kenya. 

FAQs 

What should I look for in a commercial Pilates reformer bed?

The most important things to consider when choosing your commercial Pilates reformer bed are durability, studio-quality design, easy of storage, warranty and support, customisation options and financing. 

What’s so special about folding Pilates reformers?

Folding Pilates reformer beds offer studios the ability to create multi-purpose studios which make use of existing space. They give brands additional revenue streams without the startup cost and beds like the FOLD Original Reformer don’t compromise quality or durability despite its space-saving qualities. 

What finance options does FOLD offer?

FOLD offers FCA-approved finance on all its Pilates reformers. 

What warranty should I look for?

An extended warranty is the best option for your business to reduce downtime and keep your business running. While many companies currently offer 1 - 2 year warranties, we'll soon be offering extensive warranty options up to 3 years for a small additional cost.