Should You Buy a Used or New Pilates Reformer? The Studio Decision Guide

Is a used Pilates Reformer a good investment for your studio? In short: rarely. What you save on the purchase price, you’ll often end up paying back in professional, continuous use due to downtime, a lack of warranty, and wear and tear that’s hard to quantify. The key factor isn’t the purchase price, but rather the lifespan and the cost per training hour. This guide uses specific criteria to show you when buying used is a reasonable option and when a new premium Reformer is the smarter economic choice.

The market sets the agenda: According to the DSSV Key Figures for 2025, the German fitness and health industry has 9,647 facilities (+5.7%) and 12.36 million members—an all-time high. Standing and Reformer Pilates are among the fastest-growing formats, especially among the 60+ demographic. Anyone equipping a studio now is making an investment decision that will last for years.

Why the Purchase Price Is the Wrong Metric

A Reformer used at home might be used for about three hours a week. At a gym, however, it’s easily 8 to 12 hours a day, six or seven days a week. This strain affects every component: the carriage rollers, bearings, cables, straps, and, above all, the springs. A used machine comes with this history—but you don’t know just how much wear and tear it has undergone.

Therefore, calculate costs per training hour rather than based on the purchase price. A Reformer that is used 8 hours a day for 10 years spreads its cost over more than 25,000 operating hours. A cheap piece of equipment that jams, rusts, or needs to be replaced after 18 months ends up being the most expensive—and this also applies to used equipment. We explore this logic in more depth in our Financing and TCO Guide.

Used vs. New: A Comparison of the Eight Purchase Criteria

Never compare just the price; instead, consider each of the following factors. The table summarizes what really matters in a studio setting:

Criterion	Used	New (Premium)
Purchase Price	Lower	Higher, but predictable
Wear (rollers, bearings, springs)	Unknown, often undocumented	Like new, full service life
Warranty	Usually none	Manufacturer's Warranty
History of Hygiene	Unclear; upholstery is often worn	New, expandable with matching covers
Replacement Parts & Service	Depends on the model; some are no longer available	Available from the manufacturer or retailer
Financing	Private purchase, usually a one-time payment	Installment payments / 0% Klarna available
Delivery & Assembly	Organize it yourself	Delivery & Setup Available for Booking
Visual Appeal & Brand Image in the Studio	Signs of wear are visible	Consistent, high-quality image

The Three Biggest Risks When Buying a Used Car

1. Hidden Wear and Tear

Springs wear out, rollers develop flat spots, and bearings run rough. You won’t notice much of this during a quick inspection—it only becomes apparent during daily class use. While wear-and-tear parts like springs can be replaced, that assumes suitable parts are still available for the model. You’ll find compatible springs and suspensions in our Pilates Springs & Suspensions collection.

2. Hygiene and Upholstery

Upholstery and covers absorb sweat over the years. For used equipment, the cleaning and maintenance history is rarely documented, and worn-out upholstery cannot always be sanitized properly. In gyms with high member traffic, this is a real concern—clean, well-maintained equipment is part of the brand promise.

3. No Warranty, No Service

If a used Reformer breaks down, you’re solely responsible for the repair costs and downtime. Every hour of downtime means lost revenue. A new machine with a manufacturer’s warranty and access to replacement parts shifts this risk from the studio to the manufacturer.

Why Buying New Is Often the More Economical Choice

A well-designed premium reformer is built for continuous use. The choice of materials is not just a minor detail, but the key to its service life: A steel frame has a fatigue strength limit and can withstand countless load cycles, while less robust designs give way more quickly under continuous load. We explore this comparison of materials in more depth in our guide to frame materials: steel, wood, or aluminum.

The Hegren TALMA 62 serves as a reference: steel frame, 5-spring system, 245 cm lying surface, manufactured in Greece—designed for daily studio use. It now starts at €4,400 and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, a predictable supply of replacement parts, and optional financing. This recommendation is deliberately criteria-based: The goal is not to disparage any brand, but rather to highlight the features a reformer should have for professional use.

Hegren Model (new)	Suitability	Price starting at
TALMA 62 (steel, 5 springs, 245 cm)	Studio-grade for continuous operation	4.400 €
TALMA 62 Black Elegance	Premium Look for Boutique Studios	4.403 €
TALMA 62CT+ Combo (Reformer + Tower)	A wider range of exercises in the same space	4.280 €

You can find a complete overview in the Hegren Pilates and Pilates Reformers collections.

When a Used Reformer Actually Makes Sense

It would be irresponsible to argue against buying used items across the board. Buying used can be a reasonable option if:

• If you're looking for a secondary or backup device with low usage,
• there is complete maintenance and cleaning documentation,
• the model is still being supplied with replacement parts and springs,
• Have the equipment inspected by a professional before purchasing it (wheels, bearings, springs, frame, upholstery).

However, for the day-to-day operations of a busy studio, new equipment almost always takes precedence—due to warranty, hygiene, and predictable lifespan.

Checklist: How to Properly Inspect a Used Reformer

If you decide to buy a used device, inspect it thoroughly—ideally with the help of an expert. Go through these points on-site:

• Frame: Check for cracks, deformation, rust, and weakened welds. The frame is the component that is the most difficult to repair.
• Slides & Rollers: Does the slide run quietly and smoothly, or does it jerk and squeak? Flat spots on the rollers are a warning sign.
• Springs: Test for fatigue, corrosion, and uniform resistance. Can they be replaced, and are compatible springs available?
• Ropes, straps, and belts: Check for fraying, tears, and proper tension.
• Footrests & Shoulder Rests: Are they secure? Wobbly supports pose a safety risk during classes.
• Upholstery & Covers: Assess condition, hygiene, and cleanability.
• Documentation: Ask for the maintenance and cleaning history, age, frequency of use, and—if applicable—remaining warranty coverage.

If there is a shortcoming in even one of these areas, it’s worth asking whether the price advantage truly outweighs the risk and the resulting costs.

Resale Value and Depreciation

For studios, a Reformer is a piece of equipment—with two often-overlooked advantages when purchasing a new one. First, a durable, brand-name machine retains its value better: A well-maintained, premium Reformer with a documented history can be resold later more easily and at a better price than a no-name machine. Second, the purchase can generally be depreciated over several years, which smooths out the investment for tax purposes. Have your tax advisor review the specific treatment—depending on your circumstances, it could be the deciding factor between buying used or new.

When you factor in the warranty, financing, and expected lifespan, this further tips the overall cost in favor of a new machine. Anyone who is committed to investing in quality should view the reformer as a long-term asset, not merely as an expense.

Common Mistakes When Making a Purchase Decision

• Don't just look at the price: The lowest purchase price is rarely the lowest total cost over the product's useful life.
• Ignoring wear parts: If you don't inspect springs, rollers, and bearings, you're taking on a residual risk.
• Underestimating hygiene: Worn-out upholstery is a problem for a facility's image.
• Don't neglect spare parts supply: Without the right parts, any repair becomes a problem.
• Don't forget delivery and setup: Transporting and assembling a Studio Reformer is no small task.

Buying Guide

As an authorized Hegren dealer offering a manufacturer’s warranty, we provide honest advice—including when a used machine is sufficient for your needs. For new equipment, 0% financing through Klarna is available, and delivery and setup can be added to your order. If you’re planning a full-scale studio, our Pillar Guide , “Opening a Pilates Studio: Concept, Costs, Equipment,” can help you with your overall budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a used Pilates Reformer a good investment for a studio?

For a heavily used gym, usually not: Hidden wear and tear, no warranty, and an unclear hygiene history increase the risk. For a second machine with documented maintenance, buying used may be acceptable.

How much does a new studio reformer cost?

Depending on their features, professional studio Reformers start in the mid-four-digit range. The Hegren TALMA 62, for example, starts at €4,400—including a manufacturer’s warranty and spare parts supply.

What should I look for when buying a used car?

Inspect the frame, carriage rollers, bearings, cables, straps, springs, and padding. Ask to see the maintenance and cleaning records, and confirm whether replacement parts are still available for this model.

How long does a high-quality reformer last in a studio setting?

A steel-frame reformer designed for continuous operation can last for many years with proper maintenance. Wear parts such as springs and rollers are replaced over time—a process that can be planned as long as a supply of replacement parts is available.

Can I finance a new Reformer?

Yes. For new devices, we offer installment plans or 0% financing through Klarna, so the investment is spread out over the device’s useful life—a benefit that buying used devices from private sellers generally doesn’t offer.

Conclusion

The decision between used and new is not a question of price, but of risk. In professional, continuous operation, warranty, hygiene, spare parts availability, and predictable service life clearly favor a new premium device. Used equipment remains an option for secondary devices with a documented history. Would you like to calculate your needs? Contact our team —we’ll provide criteria-based advice with no obligation.

Sources: DSSV Key Figures for the German Fitness Industry 2025; Pilates Reformer Market Data (Research Nester, Pilates & Yoga Studios Market).