Pilates Studio Equipment Guide: What Equipment Does a Pilates Studio Need?
Opening or expanding a Pilates studio involves more than simply deciding how many reformers will fit in the room.
The right equipment mix depends on how you plan to teach Pilates. A studio focused on group reformer classes will have very different requirements from a studio offering private sessions, comprehensive apparatus Pilates or clinical exercise.
From reformers and Wunda Chairs to Cadillac tables, Ladder Barrels and Spine Correctors, this guide explains the main types of Pilates studio equipment and what to consider when planning your space.
If you're planning to open a Pilates studio, see our Studios page to request a quote.
What Equipment Does a Pilates Studio Need?
There isn't one standard equipment list that suits every Pilates studio.
A reformer-focused studio may primarily need:
- commercial Pilates reformers
- sitting boxes
- jumpboards
- small Pilates accessories
- appropriate storage
A studio offering a broader apparatus-based Pilates program may also include:
- Wunda Chairs
- Cadillac or trapeze equipment
- Ladder Barrels
- Spine Correctors
- Pilates springboards
Before choosing equipment, start with your class format, available space, instructor training, expected usage and budget.
Let's look at the major pieces of equipment individually.
1. Pilates Reformers
For most contemporary Pilates studios, the reformer is the central piece of equipment.
A reformer uses a spring-loaded sliding carriage together with a footbar, ropes and straps to provide a highly adaptable exercise platform.
If your business will primarily offer group reformer classes, reformers are likely to account for the largest proportion of your equipment investment.
What should a studio look for in a reformer?
Commercial equipment needs to suit repeated use by different clients and instructors.
Important considerations include:
Construction and stability
Look for a robust frame and carriage system appropriate for the intended environment.
Adjustability
Footbar positions, ropes, risers, headrests and other adjustable components can make it easier to configure equipment for different clients and exercises.
Carriage dimensions and height
Consider both the training experience and practical access to the equipment.
Spring system
Look at the complete spring configuration rather than simply comparing how many springs are included.
Included accessories
Check whether sitting boxes, jumpboards, straps and other accessories are included or need to be purchased separately.
Maintenance and replacement parts
Studio equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained, so consider access to appropriate replacement springs and other components.
Explore Studio Pilates Reformers →
2. Cadillac & Trapeze Equipment
Studios offering comprehensive apparatus Pilates may also incorporate a Cadillac, tower or trapeze system.
A traditional Pilates Cadillac consists of a stationary padded table surrounded by a raised frame with attachment points for springs, bars and straps.
A trapeze reformer, by comparison, combines a reformer's sliding carriage with either a partial tower or full surrounding trapeze structure.
This gives studios several possible configurations:
Dedicated Cadillac
A stationary table and full frame providing a separate apparatus alongside your reformers.
Half Trapeze or Tower Reformer
A reformer fitted with a tower at one end, combining reformer and tower functionality within one equipment footprint.
Full Trapeze Reformer
A reformer combined with a more complete surrounding and overhead trapeze frame.
Where floor space is limited, combining reformer and tower/trapeze functionality can be worth considering rather than dedicating separate areas to each apparatus.
Read: Pilates Cadillac & Trapeze Guide →
3. Wunda Chairs
The Wunda Chair, or Pilates Chair, is considerably smaller than a reformer but provides a very different exercise environment.
Its main feature is a spring-loaded pedal that can provide resistance or assistance depending on the exercise and spring configuration.
Modern chairs may also incorporate:
- split pedals
- adjustable handles
- removable handles
- multiple spring positions
One advantage for studios is the chair's relatively small footprint. This makes it possible to expand the range of apparatus available without using the floor space required for another reformer or Cadillac.
Wunda Chairs can be particularly relevant to studios offering private, semi-private or comprehensive apparatus sessions.
Read: What Is a Wunda Chair? →
4. Ladder Barrels
A Ladder Barrel combines a curved, padded barrel with a ladder-style frame.
Unlike a reformer or Wunda Chair, it doesn't use springs.
Instead, the barrel shape and ladder provide different positioning and support options for exercises involving strength, mobility, flexibility and controlled movement.
Ladder Barrels are commonly associated with comprehensive Pilates studios rather than group reformer-only spaces.
They do require dedicated floor space, so consider how frequently the equipment will be used when planning a smaller studio.
5. Spine Correctors
A Spine Corrector is another piece of traditional Pilates apparatus built around a curved surface.
It is substantially smaller than a Ladder Barrel and doesn't use springs or a moving carriage.
Its compact size can make it a practical way to add another type of apparatus without permanently occupying a large area of the studio.
Spine Correctors may also be easier to store when not in use, depending on the design and your available storage.
Explore Pilates Spine Correctors →
6. Pilates Springboards
A Pilates springboard provides multiple attachment points for springs on a wall-mounted structure.
Its major advantage in a studio is efficient use of space.
Because the apparatus is mounted vertically, it can provide access to spring-based exercises without requiring the floor footprint of another reformer or Cadillac.
This can make springboards particularly worth considering where wall space is available but floor space is limited.
Installation requirements should be considered carefully. Springboards need to be installed securely and appropriately for the particular product and wall structure, following the manufacturer's requirements.
Shop wall-mounted springboards
7. Reformer Accessories
The reformers themselves aren't the only consideration when planning a studio.
Depending on the equipment and your programming, you may also need accessories such as:
Sitting Boxes
Sitting boxes expand the range of positions and exercises available on a reformer.
Before ordering additional boxes, check whether they're already included with your reformers.
Jumpboards
A jumpboard attaches to a compatible reformer to provide a larger platform at the footbar end of the machine.
Again, check whether these are included or sold separately.
Straps and Loops
Check what type of hand and foot loops are supplied with your reformers and whether you require additional or replacement sets.
Small Pilates Equipment
Your programming may also incorporate smaller items such as:
- Pilates rings
- Pilates balls
- resistance bands
- mats
- foam rollers
These items require relatively little space individually, but storage becomes important when you're purchasing them for an entire studio.
Group Reformer Studio vs Comprehensive Pilates Studio
One of the most important decisions is what kind of Pilates studio you're actually creating.
Group Reformer Studio
If your business model centres on group reformer classes, the priority is likely to be a consistent fleet of commercial reformers.
Your equipment budget may be better directed toward quality reformers, appropriate accessories and studio infrastructure rather than purchasing every type of traditional apparatus.
A typical equipment mix could centre on:
Reformers + boxes + jumpboards + small accessories
Consistency between reformers can also simplify class programming and equipment adjustments.
Comprehensive Apparatus Studio
If you intend to offer private or semi-private sessions using a broader Pilates repertoire, your equipment mix may be more varied.
For example:
Reformers + Cadillac/trapeze equipment + Wunda Chairs + Ladder Barrel + Spine Correctors
The exact combination should reflect the training and programming offered by your studio.
Clinical or Professional Environment
Physiotherapy, allied-health and other professional environments may have different requirements again.
Equipment should be selected according to its intended use, practitioner training, available space and the needs of the professional environment.
Always check the manufacturer's specifications and intended-use guidance for individual equipment.
How Many Pilates Reformers Does a Studio Need?
There isn't a universal ideal number.
Your reformer quantity should be determined by your:
- room dimensions
- desired class size
- instructor-to-client model
- budget
- class timetable
- business model
- safe equipment spacing
A larger number of reformers isn't necessarily more profitable if it creates an overcrowded training environment.
Conversely, purchasing too few may limit class capacity and revenue.
This makes floor planning before ordering particularly important.
Planning Your Pilates Studio Layout
Before purchasing equipment, map out your room dimensions and the footprint of each machine.
Don't simply calculate how many reformers physically fit side by side.
Allow for:
Movement around equipment
Clients and instructors need to move safely between machines.
Exercise clearance
Arms and legs can extend well beyond the reformer frame during exercises.
Instructor access
Consider whether instructors need to move around each client during sessions.
Doors and walkways
Keep appropriate access routes clear.
Other apparatus
Cadillacs, Wunda Chairs and Ladder Barrels need usable space around them, not just enough room for their physical footprint.
Storage
Plan where boxes, jumpboards and smaller equipment will live when they aren't being used.
For trapeze equipment, also check ceiling height as well as floor dimensions.
Should All Your Studio Reformers Be the Same?
For a group reformer studio, there are significant practical advantages to having a consistent reformer fleet.
Matching equipment can make it easier for instructors to give setup instructions because clients are using the same spring systems, footbars and adjustment mechanisms.
It also creates a more visually cohesive studio.
However, studios offering private or comprehensive apparatus Pilates may deliberately use several different equipment configurations.
The right approach depends on your class model rather than a rule that every studio must use identical machines.
What Should You Budget for Besides the Equipment?
When planning a studio fit-out, don't allocate your entire budget to the advertised equipment prices.
Depending on your setup, you may also need to account for:
- freight and delivery
- assembly or installation
- additional accessories
- equipment storage
- flooring
- mirrors
- ongoing maintenance
- replacement springs and other wear components
If you're purchasing multiple large pieces of equipment, it's worth obtaining a complete quote rather than calculating your fit-out from individual online product prices alone.
Maintaining Pilates Studio Equipment
Commercial Pilates equipment should be inspected and maintained regularly.
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance requirements for each piece of apparatus, including guidance relating to springs, ropes, straps, wheels, upholstery, fasteners and other components.
Studios should have a process for identifying worn or damaged equipment and removing it from use when necessary until it has been appropriately repaired or replaced.
Keep manufacturer instructions and maintenance information available rather than relying on a single generic maintenance schedule for equipment from different brands.
Read our Pilates Reformer Maintenance Guide →
Pilates Studio Equipment FAQs
What is the most important equipment for a Pilates studio?
For a studio primarily offering reformer classes, reformers will usually be the core equipment. A comprehensive apparatus studio may also require Cadillac or trapeze equipment, Wunda Chairs, Ladder Barrels and other Pilates apparatus.
Does every Pilates studio need a Cadillac?
No. The appropriate equipment depends on the studio's programming, instructor training, available space and business model. A group reformer studio may not require a dedicated Cadillac at all.
How many reformers should I buy for a new Pilates studio?
There's no universal number. Determine your class capacity, room dimensions, safe equipment spacing and budget before deciding how many reformers to purchase.
Are Wunda Chairs worth having in a Pilates studio?
They can be particularly useful for studios offering private, semi-private or comprehensive apparatus Pilates. Their relatively small footprint is also advantageous where space is limited.
What Pilates equipment is best for a small studio?
Rather than simply choosing the smallest equipment, prioritise equipment that supports your actual programming. Wunda Chairs, Spine Correctors and wall-mounted springboards can provide additional apparatus options without requiring the floor space of multiple large machines.
Do Pilates studios need commercial reformers?
Choose reformers that the manufacturer specifies as appropriate for your intended environment and expected use. A reformer designed primarily around occasional home use may have different construction or intended-use guidance from equipment designed for professional studio settings.
Building Your Pilates Studio
There's no single perfect equipment list for every Pilates studio.
A group reformer studio may be best served by investing primarily in a consistent fleet of reformers and accessories.
A comprehensive Pilates studio may benefit from a combination of reformers, Cadillac or trapeze equipment, Wunda Chairs, Ladder Barrels, Spine Correctors and springboards.
The key is to design the equipment mix around your programming, instructors, space and business model rather than trying to fit every type of Pilates apparatus into the room.
Planning a New Studio or Expanding an Existing One?
Pilates Supply Co. supplies commercial Pilates equipment to studios and professional environments across Australia.
Explore our Studio Reformers and Pilates Equipment, or tell us about your space, equipment requirements and quantities to request multi-unit commercial pricing.