Buying a Used Pilates Reformer: New or Used for the Studio?

A used Reformer often saves you several thousand euros at purchase—but over its lifetime, it can end up costing you more than a new machine. The deciding factor isn’t the purchase price, but the cost per training session: the frame material, spare parts supply, hygiene, and downtime all determine whether a bargain pays off or turns into a never-ending headache.

Why the purchasing decision process is different at the gym than at home

At home, a reformer might be used for about four hours a week. At a gym, that quickly adds up to 40 to 60 hours. This constant strain completely changes the equation: A machine that lasts ten years in home use will wear out after 18 months in commercial use if the frame, carriages, and spring mechanisms aren’t built to handle it.

The market is giving you a boost. According to the DSSV Key Figures for 2026, the German fitness and health industry has 12.36 million members and 9,647 facilities; the special-interest segment, which includes Pilates and Reformer studios, is growing particularly rapidly at a rate of +6.8%. Anyone investing today is planning for a piece of equipment that’s expected to generate daily revenue for years to come—not for a piece of furniture.

The Hidden Costs of a Used Reformer

The low price is obvious, but the follow-up costs are not. Many people overlook these items when buying used:

• Wear parts: Springs lose their tension over time, cables fray, and rollers develop flat spots. A set of springs and rollers can quickly cost a three-digit amount—per machine.
• Upholstery and Hygiene: Porous, cracked faux leather can no longer be cleaned deep into the pores. In a studio with a rotating clientele, this is a real hygiene risk—not just a cosmetic issue.
• No Warranty: If a component fails in a new device, the manufacturer's warranty applies. When purchasing from a private seller, you assume all risks yourself.
• Spare Parts Availability: For no-name or discontinued models, you often can't find compatible springs, baseboards, or casters anymore. A malfunction then renders the device permanently inoperable.
• Downtime = Lost Revenue: Every hour a Reformer is absent from a class results in lost class spots and, consequently, lost revenue.

New vs. Used: An Honest Comparison of Criteria

Without disparaging any competitor—the decision can be objectively based on specific criteria:

Criterion	New device (studio quality)	Used equipment
Purchase Price	Higher	Significantly lower
Remaining service life	Full, predictable	Unknown, often abbreviated
Warranty & Replacement Parts	Manufacturer's warranty, in stock	Usually no warranty
Hygiene Conditions	New, in perfect condition	Depending on the previous owner
Cost per training session	Low over the term	On the Rise for Repairs

Frame Material: The Unseen Factor Affecting Lifespan

The most important, yet invisible, difference lies in the frame. Wooden frames are aesthetically pleasing, but their joints can loosen under years of continuous stress. Aluminum is lightweight, but less dimensionally stable under high, repeated stress. A steel frame hardly warps at all, even with 60 class hours per week—which is exactly why commercially oriented studios rely on it.

One example from our product line is the Hegren TALMA 62: a studio reformer manufactured in Greece with a steel frame, a 5-spring system, and a length of 245 cm, designed for daily studio use (currently €4,400). Removable shoulder supports and a quick-adjustable cable and spring system save seconds per exercise during a class—over the course of a full day, this adds up to a noticeable increase in class capacity. For an overview of the models, take a look at the Hegren Pilates collection as well as all Pilates reformers.

When Buying Used Is Really Worth It

Used equipment isn't necessarily a bad choice—it just has to be right for the situation. A used Reformer can be a good option if:

• you're filling a single opening for personal training or a rehabilitation/physical therapy position with low demand;
• you need a temporary solution until the studio budget allows for new equipment;
• the device is from a brand-name manufacturer that offers readily available replacement parts, and you can inspect it thoroughly;
• the cost savings are large enough to cover the estimated repair costs.

Checklist for Inspecting a Used Reformer

• Frame: Check for cracks, rust, loose connections, and warping.
• Caster: Does it glide quietly and smoothly? Are there any flat spots on the wheels?
• Springs & Ropes: Tension, rust, frayed areas, intact carabiners.
• Upholstery: Tears, porous material, moisture damage—hygiene comes first.
• Manufacturer: Are springs, cables, and baseboards still available as replacement parts?

Capacity and Revenue per Square Meter

A Reformer isn’t a cost center in the studio—it’s a revenue generator—as long as it’s running. Every machine that’s out of service due to a malfunction costs you lost class revenue. That’s why reliability is just as important as price. A durable new machine that runs for years without breaking down earns you more than a cheap Reformer that needs repairs every few months.

Then there’s the issue of space. Studio space is expensive, and revenue per square meter determines profitability. Reformers that can be quickly reconfigured and use clear, standardized spring and cable settings allow for more streamlined class schedules and larger groups in the same amount of space. If you lose only a few seconds per exercise during a class to reconfiguration, you gain back several minutes of training time over the course of a full day—and with multiple machines and classes, that adds up to a noticeable increase in capacity. This is precisely where the difference lies between a machine that “somehow works” and one that was designed for professional gym operations.

Safety and Course Flow

In group classes, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s an integral part of the workout experience. Removable shoulder supports, smooth-running cable systems, and a spring mechanism that can be adjusted quickly and precisely prevent user errors and keep the class flowing smoothly. When buying a used Reformer, you need to check whether these safety-critical parts are still functioning properly—worn-out springs or frayed cables aren’t just a matter of wear and tear, but a safety concern. When choosing a model, it’s also important to compare options based on criteria such as the frame, mechanics, and availability of replacement parts, rather than focusing solely on the purchase price or brand name.

Buying Guide & Cost Analysis

Don’t think in terms of purchase price; think in terms of cost per year of use. A new machine for €4,400 that runs daily for ten years will cost you about €440 per year—plus the peace of mind that comes with a warranty and spare parts. A used Reformer for €1,500 that needs two sets of springs, new rollers, and padding after three years—and breaks down in between—may end up costing more per year. As an authorized Hegren dealer with a manufacturer’s warranty, we’ll advise you based on your usage, space, and planned class size—so your investment matches the capacity you want to offer.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Reformer

• Don't just look at the purchase price: The cheapest reformer is rarely the most cost-effective over the long term.
• Ignore the spare parts issue: A device for which spare parts are not available is worthless the moment it breaks down.
• Underestimating capacity: If you plan for too little, you'll have to buy twice as much as demand grows.
• Hygiene Concerns: Porous upholstery undermines trust among discerning customers.
• Buying Without a Test: A used Reformer should be thoroughly inspected before purchase—not just based on photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a used Reformer worth it for a gym?

This is rarely the case for heavily utilized group classes, but it is certainly possible for individual personal training or rehabilitation stations with low usage. The key factors are remaining service life, availability of replacement parts, and a thorough condition check.

How long does a studio reformer last?

A high-quality new machine with a steel frame is designed to withstand many years of daily use. How long a used machine will last depends on the frame material, its history of use, and the condition of its wear parts.

How can I tell if a Reformer is worn out?

Look for jerky-moving carriages, rust, or frayed ropes; weakened spring tension; loose frame connections; and cracked upholstery. Each of these issues indicates potential future costs.

Why is the frame so important?

The frame bears the entire, constantly recurring load. Steel retains its shape, while wooden joints can loosen and aluminum is more likely to give way under continuous load. A sturdy frame is the foundation for safety and durability.

Can I finance a Reformer?

Yes. Financing makes sense, especially for studio operations, because the equipment generates revenue from day one. Talk to us about the right options—we’ll work out the details together.

Conclusion

Choosing between new and used equipment isn’t a gut decision—it’s a calculation: cost per training hour, remaining lifespan, warranty, and hygiene. For high-volume gyms, a durable new machine with a steel frame is almost always the more economical choice; for single stations or temporary solutions, a thoroughly inspected used machine may be a good fit. Not sure what’s right for your space and usage levels? Contact us —we’ll give you honest, criteria-based advice.

Sources: DSSV e. V. / Deloitte, Key Figures for the German Fitness Industry 2026 (dssv.de); Basics of Pilates & Reformer (Wikipedia).