Buying a used Pilates reformer: an 8-step inspection checklist

A used Pilates reformer can cost less than a new one. But you're inheriting someone else's springs, ropes and wear, and usually no warranty.

This guide covers what to inspect before you pay, what you'll likely need to replace, and when buying new makes more sense.

Bottom line: A used spring reformer from a major brand can be a good buy if the frame, rails and carriage are sound and you budget for new springs. Walk away if the seller won't let you test it, can't tell you the model, kept it in a garage or outdoors, or insists you pay only by wire transfer, gift card, payment app or crypto (a red flag the FTC warns about). Buy new if you want a warranty; see our best home Pilates reformers for current picks.

Questions to ask before buying a used reformer

• What brand and model is it, and do you have the receipt?
• When were the springs (or cords) last replaced?
• Was it used at home or in a studio, and for how long?
• Where has it been stored?
• Have the ropes, straps or upholstery been replaced?
• Can I roll the carriage and test the springs before paying?
• Do you accept credit card?

Used machines tend to turn up on local marketplaces, from studios upgrading or closing, and as dealer demo units.

Before you look: three facts about used reformers

Warranties are for the original buyer

Plan on having no manufacturer warranty when you buy used. Balanced Body's warranty "extends only to the original Buyer." Merrithew's applies only "while it remains in the possession of the original purchaser and proof of purchase is demonstrated." Peak Pilates warrants "to the original purchaser," from the invoice date of a purchase "from an authorized Peak Pilates dealer only." Stamina's AeroPilates 287 manual says its warranties "are not transferable."

Ask for the original receipt anyway. It documents the model, age and where the machine was bought.

Frames are built to last; wear parts aren't

Balanced Body warrants the Allegro 2 frame for 10 years, and Merrithew gives its At Home SPX frame and rails a lifetime limited warranty, both for the original buyer. Springs and upholstery get far shorter coverage (see below and step 7). That's why a sound frame matters more than worn parts on a used machine.

Springs are a wear item

Merrithew says to "Replace all Reformer springs" every two years and spring clips every year. Peak Pilates also recommends replacing each spring every two years. Balanced Body recommends replacing its Signature Springs "after approximately 3,000 hours of use."

Ex-studio machines rack up hours fast

Balanced Body gives a formula for studio use: hours per day × days open per week × 52. Its example (6 × 6 × 52) comes to 1,872 hours a year. By our arithmetic, a machine on that kind of schedule would reach 3,000 hours in under two years, so an ex-studio reformer may need new springs right away.

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Balanced Body's warranty on its Signature Springs points the same way: 2 years or 3,000 hours, whichever comes first, in settings with four or fewer reformers, and 1 year with five or more.

The 8-step used Pilates reformer inspection

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1. Identify the exact model and age

On the AeroPilates 287, the model and serial numbers are on a serial decal under the platform, and Stamina asks for both when you call about parts, according to its manual. Other AeroPilates models may differ. Photograph the decal before you pay.

Used listings often say "STOTT" or "Stott Pilates" rather than Merrithew. Merrithew describes itself as "the company behind the globally recognized STOTT PILATES method and the creator of the premium equipment used to teach it," so a listing under that name is likely a Merrithew machine (our inference).

Merrithew includes a sticker with its replacement springs, meant for the underside of the carriage. On a Merrithew machine, look there for a spring-replacement date. We couldn't confirm that every Merrithew reformer has one.

2. Check the springs or cords

Peak Pilates says any spring that "exhibits early signs of fatigue (for example, separation in coils, even if slight) should be replaced immediately." Ask the seller when the springs were last changed. If they don't know, plan to replace them.

On cord machines, Stamina's AeroPilates 287 manual says to re-tie the knot on tension cords that are "stretched and loose" and to replace cords that are "frayed or worn." It also notes the cords "contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions." Not sure which kind you're looking at? See reformer springs vs. cords.

Merrithew warns that using equipment with "broken or worn parts could result in serious bodily injury." Stamina's manual says worn or damaged components "must be replaced immediately" or the machine "should be removed from service until repair is made."

3. Inspect ropes and straps

Peak Pilates says minor fraying "is completely normal," but ropes "with excess fraying, tearing or other problems should be replaced immediately." It recommends leather conditioner on straps "to prevent them from drying out and cracking," so look for dry or cracked leather. Merrithew's schedule includes monthly checks of rope and strap wear.

4. Roll the carriage

Merrithew's weekly check is to sit on the carriage and test the rollers, "listening for any thumping or grinding – the ride should be quiet and whisper-smooth." Peak Pilates says to inspect wheel axles every two to three months, clear debris between the wheel and housing, and tighten the axle if the wheel moves.

5. Test the footbar, pins and hardware

Merrithew's checklist covers whether the footbar, nuts, bolts, screws and pulley bars are secure, and whether the feet are attached. Monthly, it also checks that pop-up pins reset and that spring bolts and spring clips are fastened, and checks star knobs for wear. Work through the same list on a used machine.

6. Look at the frame and rails

Ask where the machine was stored. Merrithew's warranty is voided if equipment is "stored or used outdoors, or in environments without adequate climate/humidity controls." That doesn't matter for warranty on a used machine, but it tells you what the manufacturer considers hard on the equipment. We'd treat a garage-stored or outdoor-stored unit as a red flag.

The AeroPilates 287 manual also says to clean the rollers and rails. In our view, you should run a hand along both rails and look for rust, dents or cracks where the carriage rolls. If the rails aren't smooth, the carriage won't be either (see step 4).

7. Check the upholstery

Peak Pilates says to replace vinyl pads if they begin separating. Upholstery warranties are short even on new machines: 90 days at Balanced Body and Merrithew, and 60–90 days at Peak Pilates. In our reading, that means makers treat vinyl as a wear item.

8. Confirm it fits you

NBC Select's advice applies to used machines too: make sure "the bed is long enough to accommodate your height, the maximum weight capacity is suitable for your body and the machine has enough springs." Look up the manufacturer's spec sheet for the exact model you photographed in step 1. For example, Stamina lists a 300 lb max user weight for the AeroPilates 287, and its manual says the 287 is "for home use only." If you're tall, see best Pilates reformers for tall people.

What each brand recommends

Budget for restoring it

Assume you'll replace the springs or cords first, then any worn ropes, straps and clips. Order parts for your exact model from the original manufacturer. We couldn't confirm whether springs from one brand fit another, and Stamina's manual says "Only Stamina Products supplied components should be used to maintain/repair" the 287.

Parts guides exist for the major studio brands. Balanced Body publishes Allegro 2 replacement guides for the rope release spring, rolling wheel kit, guide wheel kit and carriage bumper. Merrithew publishes spring, rope, roller and upholstered-carriage replacement guides.

Stamina's 287 manual says owners outside warranty can buy new tension cords at aeropilates.com. Have the model and serial number ready, and confirm the right cord with Stamina customer care if you're unsure.

We couldn't confirm whether Balanced Body, Merrithew or Peak Pilates sell certified pre-owned units, or whether they'll service a machine for a second owner. Ask the manufacturer or a local dealer whether they sell demo or refurbished units.

Setting a fair offer

Look up the current new price of the exact model (from step 1). Then subtract what you'd spend on new springs or cords, plus any worn ropes, straps or upholstery, priced from the manufacturer's parts store. Also factor in that you get no warranty. If the asking price is close to new once you add those costs, buy new.

Paying, moving and recall checks

Pay with a card if you can. For online purchases, the FTC says "Paying by credit card best protects you and your money in case of a scam, or if something else goes wrong." It also warns against online sellers that insist you can only pay with gift cards, by wire transfer, with a payment app or with cryptocurrency. Private sellers often can't take cards, so a marketplace's protected checkout, if one is offered, is the closest equivalent.

Plan the move. Balanced Body says its reformers "can weigh in excess of 121 pounds (55 kg) so take precautions in moving or lifting to avoid injury." Today's buying guide, which draws on MNT Studios owner and founder Elaine Hayes, says most reformers are around 7 to 8 feet long and roughly 2 to 2½ feet wide. Bring a helper and a tape measure, and measure your vehicle and doorways before pickup.

The AeroPilates 287 folds and has wheels; Stamina says to keep at least one tension cord attached when moving it "to prevent the platform from sliding."

Check for recalls. The CPSC oversees consumer-product recalls, and both CPSC.gov and Recalls.gov have searchable databases. Search the brand and model before you buy.

When buying new makes more sense

If the springs, ropes and upholstery all need replacing, or you want a warranty and included workouts, a new machine may be the better buy. A used machine may not come with the instructional content or trial subscriptions some new ones include. AeroPilates video codes are tied to the serial number, and we couldn't confirm whether they still work for a second owner.

• AeroPilates 287: cords, folds, 300 lb max user weight, and a 3-year frame warranty for the original buyer, per Stamina. Under $500.
• Balanced Body Metro IQ: a spring reformer with a 2-year warranty for non-commercial use, per Balanced Body. $1,000+.

Check the AeroPilates 287 (cords, Under $500) Check the Metro IQ (springs, $1,000+)

Shopping a used Allegro 2 or SPX? Our Allegro 2 review and Merrithew SPX review cover what the new versions include. Or browse all home reformers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a used Pilates reformer?

It can be, if you inspect it and replace worn parts. Manufacturers treat springs, ropes and straps as wear items. Merrithew says to replace all reformer springs every two years and to check ropes and straps monthly. Peak Pilates says to replace any spring showing even slight separation in its coils. Stamina's AeroPilates manual says worn parts must be replaced, or the machine taken out of service until repaired.

Does the warranty transfer when you buy a used reformer?

Usually not. Balanced Body's warranty "extends only to the original Buyer." Merrithew's applies only while the machine stays with the original purchaser. Peak Pilates and Stamina (AeroPilates) also limit coverage to the original purchaser.

How often should reformer springs be replaced?

Merrithew and Peak Pilates recommend every two years. Balanced Body recommends replacing its Signature Springs after about 3,000 hours of use. Ask the seller when the springs were last changed. If they don't know, plan to replace them.

Should I buy a reformer from a studio that's closing?

Studio machines can be well-built, but they get heavy use. Balanced Body's example studio schedule works out to 1,872 hours a year, so springs may be near the end of their life. Balanced Body's Signature Springs warranty is also shorter in settings with five or more reformers. Inspect carefully and budget for new springs.

Is a used Pilates reformer worth it?

It can be if the frame, rails and carriage are in good shape. Frames get long warranties when new (10 years on Balanced Body's Allegro 2, lifetime limited on Merrithew's At Home SPX), while springs, ropes and straps are replaceable wear parts. Expect no manufacturer warranty, since Balanced Body, Merrithew, Peak Pilates and Stamina limit coverage to the original buyer. Budget for new springs or cords, especially on an ex-studio machine.

How much should I pay for a used Pilates reformer?

We don't quote used prices because we couldn't verify them. Start from the current new price of the same model, subtract the cost of the replacement parts it needs, and remember a used machine usually has no manufacturer warranty.

What's the safest way to pay for a used reformer?

For online purchases, the FTC says paying by credit card best protects you. It also warns against sellers who insist you can only pay with gift cards, wire transfers, a payment app or cryptocurrency. Private sellers often can't take cards, so a marketplace's protected checkout, if offered, is the closest equivalent (our general advice, not the FTC's).

Sources

• Merrithew: Inspection & Maintenance Schedule for Large Equipment (PDF)
• Merrithew: Reformer Spring Replacement (PDF)
• Merrithew: Warranty
• Merrithew: About us
• Balanced Body: Warranty
• Balanced Body (The CORE): Allegro 2 Reformer Maintenance Tips
• Balanced Body: EU storage and transport of Balanced Body equipment (PDF)
• Balanced Body: Allegro 2 support
• Peak Pilates: Equipment Maintenance
• Peak Pilates: Warranty
• Stamina Products: AeroPilates Reformer 287 Owner's Manual (PDF)
• Stamina Products: AeroPilates Reformer 287
• FTC Consumer Advice: Online Shopping
• U.S. CPSC: Recalls
• Recalls.gov
• NBC Select: Best at-home Pilates reformers (Maria Cassano)
• Today: Best Pilates reformers (Rebecca Brown)
• Healthline: Reformer Pilates (Traci Pedersen; medically reviewed by Courtney L. Gilbert, PT, DPT)