What to Look for in Your At-Home Reformer Pilates Bed
Buying a Pilates reformer bed for your home is an exciting step but when there’s so many products, what one do you choose? With a sea of lookalikes and white-label imports, it can also be confusing.
Seeing as your Pilates reformer is a high-ticket item which should be with you for years, it’s worth doing your research before you checkout.
Here’s what to look out for when choosing your at-home reformer Pilates bed.
Explore the Original FÔLD Reformer
Key takeaways:
- Check independent review sites for genuine ratings
- Look for brands who know their suppliers and who are involved in the design process
- Check for warranties, spare parts and support
Brand-supplier relationship
It matters because: you want a high-quality product from a team who care
Many Pilates reformers are manufactured overseas and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth checking how hands-on the brand actually is.
At FÔLD, our beds are made in China through a long-standing partnership with a trusted supplier. Our team regularly visits the production line to oversee quality and product development first-hand. We also work with award-winning UK design agency IDC, who carry out mystery shops and quality checks to ensure every FÔLD bed meets our standards before it reaches your home.
Design ownership and innovation
It matters because: you want a product that has been built with your experience in mind
Many brands simply add their logo to a generic Pilates reformer bed but if design matters to you, check whether the brand actually owns and develops its equipment.
At FÔLD, we’ve designed the Original FÔLD Reformer from the ground up, featuring our patent-pending Easi-FÔLD system - a smooth, spring-assisted mechanism that makes folding and storing effortless. It’s our design, built for modern living and created with you in mind.
Discover the difference with the FÔLD Reformer
Reviews and reputation
It matters because: you want a genuine product
We all want a product that’s tried-and-tested but a wall of perfect 5-star reviews can sometimes be a red flag. Take time to read reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot, not just on a brand’s own site. Look for genuine feedback, photos of the product in real homes and how the company responds when things don’t go perfectly.
Beyond reviews, consider whether the brand has media coverage, partnerships, and community content that show real people using their reformers. Consistency and visibility are good indicators of credibility.
Warranty and aftercare
It matters because: you want to know you’re supported when things go wrong
A reformer is an investment, and like any premium piece of equipment, it needs reliable support behind it. Always ask what warranty is offered and whether the company has real infrastructure in place to help if something goes wrong.
FÔLD offers two warranties to cover your bed - including one of the longest in the industry - and holds spare parts here in the UK, so you won’t be waiting weeks for replacements. We also have a network of regional engineers to provide quick, in-person resolutions when needed.
Delivery options
It matters because: reformers can be heavy so it’s nice to know you’ll have a hand if you need it
Many brands ship their products in wooden crates with kerbside delivery only, meaning you’ll be responsible for unpacking and moving the bed inside yourself.
At FÔLD, we make it effortless. Every order includes a two-person delivery to the room of your choice, so you don’t have to lift a thing. We also offer a Plus Service, where the delivery team will remove and recycle all packaging for you, so you can simply unfold, set up and get moving.
Try before you buy
It matters because: you need it to be *just* right
Whenever you buy something expensive online, you want to make sure that it’s absolutely perfect. A good brand will give you ways to experience the product before committing.
The FÔLD London showroom is open for private bookings, giving you the chance to try the FÔLD Reformer in person. For those outside London, we host pop-ups and regional events throughout the year, so you can feel the difference for yourself.
Coaching
It matters because: you’ll need at-home workouts
The best at-home Pilates reformer beds support you with expert guidance and variety.
With the FÔLD app, you get hundreds of workouts designed for every level, from beginner to advanced. Our instructors bring warmth and encouragement, helping you build confidence and strength in your own space, at your own pace. Plus, our app features its own community, connecting you with members of the FÔLD from wherever you are.
When it comes to choosing your at-home reformer Pilates bed, look at the people behind the price tag. Transparency, design credibility and aftercare are what separate the genuine innovators from the rest. At FÔLD, we believe your reformer should fit around your life - beautifully, reliably and sparking joy. Welcome to the FÔLD.
FAQs
How do I know if a reformer bed is worth the investment?
Check where it’s made, by who and how invested the brand is in the design and innovation. Look for genuine reviews from independent sites and give the bed a try before you buy.
What’s the difference between a studio-grade reformer bed and a lower-cost home model?
A studio-grade reformer like FÔLD’s means that you get in-built community and support all the way from the checkout to your weekly classes. Studio-grade reformer beds are likely to last longer and be more durable for even the sweatiest of workouts.
What should I check regarding warranty, parts availability and maintenance?
Yes. It’s good to know what’s covered under your warranty and where you can go if things go wrong. FÔLD stocks spare parts in the UK and also has one of the longest warranties in the industry.
Will a home reformer bed help me get the same benefits as studio reformer classes?
Yes. And better yet, a Pilates reformer that comes with an app, like ours, means that you’ll have Pilates workouts at your fingertips from day one.
Is a reformer bed suitable for beginners or only for experienced Pilates users?
A reformer bed is great for beginners because reformer Pilates exercises can be adapted to suit different abilities. Try the beginner classes on our FÔLD app.