Pilates Reformer vs. Pilates Reformer with Tower: Which One is Right for You?

If you're considering investing in a Pilates Reformer, you've come across two main options: the classic Pilates Reformer and the Pilates Reformer with Tower. But what’s the difference? And more importantly, which one is right for you? As someone who has been deep in the world of Pilates equipment for years, I’ve helped countless people navigate this exact choice. So, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense!

What’s a Pilates Reformer?

A Pilates Reformer is a versatile piece of equipment designed to take your practice to the next level. It consists of a moving carriage, adjustable springs for resistance, a foot bar, and straps. This setup allows for a variety of strength, flexibility, and core-focused exercises—all while keeping movements smooth and controlled.

The Reformer is an incredible tool for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Whether you’re working on alignment, rehabilitation, or deepening your core engagement, it provides a challenging yet low-impact workout.

 

What’s a Pilates Reformer with Tower?

Now, take everything great about a standard Reformer and add a vertical tower attachment at the back. This brings in a whole new layer of functionality. The tower includes additional springs, bars, and straps, which allow for even more full-body and vertical movements.

With the tower, you can incorporate exercises that emphasize spinal decompression, upper-body strength, and deep flexibility training. It turns your Reformer into a half Cadillac, which is one of the most well-rounded Pilates machines out there.

Feature	Pilates Reformer	Pilates Reformer with Tower
Exercise Variety	Excellent for core, strength, and flexibility	Adds vertical movements, upper-body strength
Rehabilitation Use	Great for injury recovery	Even better for rehab & spinal decompression
Space Requirement	Compact, fits in smaller areas	Requires more vertical space
Workout Intensity	Challenging but controlled	More variety for advanced users
Price	Generally more affordable	Costs more due to additional components

 

If you want a solid full-body workout and don’t need the extra features, a standard Pilates Reformer is perfect. But if you’re looking for more versatility, rehab-focused training, or advanced movements, then a Pilates Reformer with Tower is worth the investment.

 

Who Should Get a Pilates Reformer with Tower?

Still unsure? Here’s who might benefit the most from a Reformer with Tower:

• People recovering from injuries – The tower’s vertical exercises provide great options for safe rehabilitation.
• Advanced Pilates practitioners – If you want to challenge yourself with Cadillac-style movements, the tower is a game-changer.
• Pilates instructors – The tower allows for greater exercise variety, making it a great choice for professionals.
• For those who love deep stretching & flexibility training – The tower offers additional ways to stretch the spine, hamstrings, and shoulders.

On the other hand, if you’re starting or prefer a simpler setup, a traditional Reformer is still a fantastic choice!

 

Final Thoughts & My Recommendation

Both options are great, but at the end of the day, it comes down to what YOU need. If you want a versatile, studio-quality workout that goes beyond the basics, I’d say go for the Pilates Reformer with Tower. If you’re looking for something compact and effective without extra bells and whistles, the classic Pilates Reformer will serve you well.

At Gymfrog, we specialize in high-quality Pilates Reformers and Towers designed for both home users and professionals. Whether you want a space-saving model or a full-featured Reformer, we’ve got something that fits your needs. Check out our collection and take your Pilates practice to the next level!