Where to Buy Pilates Equipment

A Source List for Pilates Studio Equipment

By Marguerite Ogle, About.com Guide

Updated October 26, 2011

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Pilates equipment, especially the large Pilates studio equipment such as the reformer, chair, cadillac or barrel, is a significant investment. While you may be familiar with a certain brand, it is always a good idea to comparison shop. Below, you will find a reference list for most of the companies that manufacture and sell quality Pilates equipment.

I have included notes about each company and links to relevant information. All companies listed sell studio equipment accessories like springs, boxes and handles. Those that also sell light equipment like circles, balls, and mats are marked with an *. Please note that this list is in random order and this writer is trusting reputation rather than personal experience on some brands.

Gratz Pilates

The Designer Cadillac, Gratz Pilates

Gratz Pilates has the distinction of being the original manufacturer of Pilates equipment. The founder of Gratz worked directly with Joseph Pilates, and later designs were developed with the Pilates Elder Romana Kryzanowska.

Gratz Pilates classic reformer was an About.com 2011 Readers' Choice Award finalist for best Pilates reformer.

Manufacturer's Site

Peak Pilates*

The Fit Reformer, Peak Pilates

Peak Pilates is one of the companies that has led the way in manufacturing Pilates equipment that is more portable for home, and commercial use such as in gyms. They also manufacture traditional style Pilates equipment.

More about Peak Pilates:
MVe Pilates Chair Review
The MVe Pilates DVDs Review
PilatesStick review

Peak Pilates Teacher Training Program Show and Tell
Peak Pilates Sale to Spin Fitness

Manufacturer's Site

Tirado Pilates Apparatus

The New-Standard Reformer, Tirado Apparatus

In 2006, Tirado Pilates Apparatus designs were reviewed and approved by Romana Kryzanowska as "adhering to the traditional and original standards."

Tirado Pilates Apparatus is endorsed by Peter Fiasca, author of Discovering Pure Classical Pilates.

Manufacturer's Site

Balanced Body*

The Tower of Power, Balanced Body

While maintaining a line of traditional Pilates studio equipment, Balanced Body is a significant innovator -- adding new kinds of equipment to their line as well as producing portable large equipment for home and gym use.

The Studio reformer from Balanced Body won the 2011 About.com Readers' Choice Awards for best reformer.

Balanced Body is also the manufacturer of the Avalon chair designed by Rael Isacowitz, and the CenterLine Pilates equipment developed in collaboration with the founders of The Pilates Center of Boulder. The Centerline reformer is featured in our Beginner Pilates Reformer Exercises Reference.

Also see:
Tower on the Go Review

Manufacturer's Site