3 Types of Studio Reformers and Which One Maximizes Your Class Capacity
As a studio owner or Pilates instructor, one of the most strategic decisions you can make is choosing the right type of reformer from the various types of studio reformers available for your group classes. Not only does this choice influence your clients’ experience and results, but it also impacts your operational efficiency, studio layout, and profitability.
In this guide, we’ll explore the three most common types of studio Pilates reformers, assess their advantages and limitations, and help you determine which option is best suited to maximize your class capacity without compromising on quality or client comfort.
Why Reformer Selection Matters for Group Classes
While all Pilates reformers share a common function—offering resistance-based, guided movement—not all are created equal when it comes to space efficiency, portability, and scalability. Selecting the ideal reformer for your studio layout and business goals is essential if you want to:
- Serve more clients simultaneously
- Optimize square footage
- Minimize setup time between classes
- Ensure safety, stability, and instructor accessibility
The three main types of studio reformers used in studios today are:
- Standard Studio Reformers
- Tower Reformers (Reformer with Tower or Half Trapeze)
- Folding or Stackable Reformers
Let’s break down each one and evaluate its pros, cons, and ideal use case.
1. Standard Studio Reformers
Overview: Standard studio reformers are traditional, non-folding Pilates machines found in most professional studios. They are designed for daily use, excellent durability, and client versatility.
Key Features:
- Fixed frame design
- Full-size carriage with adjustable headrest and footbar
- High-quality springs for a broad range of resistance
- Compatible with accessories like jumpboards, sitting boxes, and platform extenders
Advantages:
- Stability: Their robust build ensures they stay in place during dynamic exercises.
- Comfort: Wide carriages and dense padding support a wide range of body types.
- Durability: Designed for constant use with minimal wear and tear.
- Customization: Easily upgradable with accessories for specialized programming.
Limitations:
- Takes up more floor space due to non-collapsible design
- Harder to rearrange or transport without wheels
Best For:
- Studios with a dedicated Pilates room
- High-end boutique or therapeutic environments
- Clients who need long-term comfort and advanced programming
Capacity Impact: Standard reformers require more floor space per unit. This means fewer machines fit into a limited space, which can reduce the number of clients you can accommodate per class.
2. Tower Reformers (Reformer with Tower or Half Trapeze)
Overview: Tower reformers combine a standard reformer base with an attached vertical tower, offering both horizontal and vertical resistance training. This hybrid machine allows for a broader repertoire of exercises and is popular in rehab and advanced studios.
Key Features:
- Integrated tower for vertical springs and push-through bars
- All features of a traditional reformer
- May include conversion mats for tower-only work
Advantages:
- Versatility: Enables mat, reformer, and tower work in a single unit
- Space efficiency for multi-discipline sessions (no need for separate tower stations)
- Enhanced programming: Ideal for rehab, postural work, and athletic conditioning
Limitations:
- Larger vertical profile limits stacking and movement
- Takes more vertical and horizontal space
- More expensive than standard reformers
Best For:
- Studios offering a mix of mat, tower, and reformer classes
- Rehab clinics or studios targeting advanced populations
Capacity Impact: Due to their tower attachment and required clearance space, these types of studio reformers often limit how many units you can safely fit in a group studio setting. This reduces your potential class size unless you have a large dedicated area.
3. Folding or Stackable Reformers
Overview: Folding and stackable reformers are designed for maximum portability and space-saving. These models are ideal for group class studios, mobile trainers, or multipurpose rooms.
Key Features:
- Foldable frames or vertically stackable design
- Built-in wheels for mobility
- Lightweight aluminum or hybrid construction
- Often includes standard features like jumpboard compatibility
Advantages:
- Maximizes space: Can be folded or stacked between classes
- Cost-effective: Often priced lower than traditional models
- Easy to move: Ideal for shared or multi-use spaces
- Quick setup: Some models like the Go Align F3 Folding Reformer can be set up in under a minute
Limitations:
- Less stability: May shift slightly during vigorous movements
- Lighter construction might reduce long-term durability in high-traffic settings
- May lack advanced adjustability features found in studio-grade models
Best For:
- High-volume group class studios
- Pop-up studios or home-based instructors
- Gyms with multipurpose group fitness rooms
Capacity Impact: Folding and stackable reformers allow you to store equipment vertically or move it aside, enabling you to fit more reformers per square foot. This makes them the top choice for maximizing class size without expanding your studio footprint.
Which Reformer Type Maximizes Class Capacity?
If your primary goal is to serve the most clients per class in a fixed space, folding or stackable reformers are the clear winner. Their compact storage design allows you to:
- Increase total reformers in a room
- Reconfigure studio layout between sessions
- Use one space for multiple types of classes
That said, the best reformer for your studio depends on your business model. Here’s a quick decision guide:
| Studio Type | Recommended Reformer Type |
|---|---|
| High-volume group classes | Folding or Stackable Reformers |
| Boutique studio with premium feel | Standard Studio Reformers |
| Rehab or multi-modality studio | Tower Reformers |
For example, if you run five 10-person group classes a day, replacing your standard reformers with stackable ones could allow you to expand to 12 or even 14 participants—boosting revenue without increasing rent.
Real-World Studio Setup Example
A 700-square-foot studio space with wall clearance and mirrors can generally accommodate:
- 6-8 standard reformers with comfortable spacing
- 4-6 tower reformers depending on tower height and placement
- 10-12 folding reformers if stored or stacked between sessions
This layout flexibility allows some studios to offer reformer Pilates in a multipurpose space that also hosts yoga, barre, or strength training. These different types of studio reformers can dramatically influence how effectively a space is used.
Final Thoughts: Choose for Capacity and Sustainability
When selecting reformers for a group class studio, consider both short-term gains and long-term sustainability. While folding and stackable reformers offer the highest capacity, investing in quality construction and supportive customer service ensures your machines will last for years.
At Go Align Pilates, we specialize in equipping studios with professional-grade, space-saving reformers built to grow with your business. Our F3 Folding Reformer was designed specifically for instructors who need to maximize class size without sacrificing performance.
Ready to scale your classes? Contact us for a personalized studio equipment consultation and discover how our reformers can help you do more with less space.
