Reformer Accessories for Pilates Studios: Box, Jumpboard, Pole, and More

Which Reformer accessories are really worth the investment? For a studio, there are five key items: a sturdy box, a jump board, a roll-up pole, high-quality loops, and a finely graded set of springs. These accessories are exactly what determine how many different exercises and class formats you can offer on a single Reformer—and thus your revenue per square meter.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important reformer accessories one by one, explain their specific benefits for the studio, and show you what to look for in terms of quality and compatibility so your purchases don’t end up gathering dust in the corner.

Why Accessories Are Key to Versatility and Revenue

A Reformer is an investment for a gym that pays for itself through utilization. According to the DSSV Key Figures for 2026, the German fitness market comprises approximately 12.36 million members with an average monthly membership fee of about 80 euros—Pilates and Reformer classes are among the formats with the highest profit margins. The more varied classes you can offer on a single machine, the better the utilization rate per Reformer.

This is exactly where accessories come in. With the Box, Jumpboard, and Pole, you can expand a classic Reformer class to include cardio, rehab, athletic training, and beginner formats—without having to buy a second piece of equipment or take up more space. The effectiveness of Reformer training is well documented: A randomized controlled trial from 2024/2025 showed that Reformer Pilates improves pain, sleep quality, and mental well-being in people with chronic conditions and makes them more active (PMC12296691). Those who take full advantage of this range of possibilities with accessories get more out of every piece of equipment.

An Overview of the Most Important Reformer Accessories

Accessories	Function	Benefits for the Studio
Box (Seat/Long Box)	Expands positions while sitting, lying down, and kneeling	More exercises for building up strength, rehabilitation, and recovery
Jumpboard	Jumping while lying down to protect your joints	Cardio workouts, athletic training, high demand
Roll-up pole / rod	Mobility, Stability, Alignment	Beginner and Mobility Classes
Loops / Straps	Hand and Foot Straps for Pull Exercises	Wear Parts, Hygiene, Comfort
Spring Set (Graded)	controls resistance and core engagement	Covers everything from beginners to athletes
Shoulder Pads / Seat Cushions	Comfort and Safety in the Car	Smooth class transitions, less time spent changing classrooms

Jumpboard: Cardio and Jumping Power on the Reformer

The Jumpboard is the most popular upgrade—and for good reason. Instead of jumping against the strain on your joints, you push yourself up while lying down against a padded board at the foot of the machine. The springs cushion your landing, giving you an intense yet joint-friendly cardiovascular workout. For older members, rehabilitation clients, and anyone with sensitive knees, this is a real selling point.

You can directly control how challenging an exercise becomes by adjusting the springs. A study on spring resistance modification showed that the core muscles work at different intensities depending on the selected resistance (PMC11641042). For you, this means that with the same Jumpboard, you can do gentle beginner cardio as well as intense athletic training—simply by choosing the right springs. You can read more about this in our guide to Reformer springs and spring resistance.

Box, Pole, and Loops: Expanding Your Repertoire

The box is one of the most versatile accessories. Your clients can sit, kneel, or lie on it, enabling them to perform exercises that aren’t possible on the flat carriage—from back extensions and side plank variations to rehabilitation exercises for the shoulders and hips. The roll-up pole aids in mobilization, alignment, and breathing exercises, and is ideal for introducing beginners to the logic of the Reformer.

Loops and straps are the parts that need to be replaced most often. They are consumables and hygiene items: If you prioritize quality and ease of replacement, you’ll save time in the long run and ensure your studio maintains a professional appearance. Plan for them as a recurring expense in your budget from the very beginning.

In addition, there are special accessories such as platform extensions, seat wedges, or additional handles that allow you to tailor individual exercises even more specifically to certain target groups. These items aren’t a must-have when you’re starting out, but they’re useful additions once your class schedule and regular clientele have been established. See which class formats are most popular, and then invest strategically in the accessories that will make those classes even better.

Accessories and reformers must be compatible

The most common mistake when buying accessories: They don’t fit the equipment properly. A jumpboard that doesn’t snap into place flush, or a box that slides around on the cart, isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a safety hazard during class. So be sure to view accessories and the Reformer as a coordinated system.

From a criteria-based perspective, a reformer with a solid, torsion-resistant steel frame has the advantage here: It provides a stable, dimensionally stable base that ensures accessories fit precisely for years to come. The Hegren TALMA 62, for example, features a steel frame with five graduated springs, a carriage length of 245 cm, and is manufactured in Greece. The verifiable criteria—frame stability, ease of maintenance, and the availability of compatible accessories and replacement parts—are crucial to your choice, not the brand name alone. We’ll explore in more detail what each frame design means in the long run in our comparison of reformers and combos.

Buying Guide: Prioritizing Accessories Wisely

If your budget is limited, it’s worth following this order: first, a complete, graduated set of resistance bands and good loops (you’ll need these for every class); then a box; next, a jump board for cardio classes; and finally, a pole and specialty accessories. This way, you can expand your offerings step by step and invest first in what provides the greatest benefit.

At Kraftathlet, you’ll find the right Pilates and Reformer accessories, as well as complete Hegren Reformers and other studio Reformers. As an authorized dealer offering a manufacturer’s warranty, we’ll advise you on which accessories are best suited for your equipment—including carbon-neutral shipping and support with studio planning. Our guide to opening a Pilates studio shows you how to set up your entire studio from the ground up.

Hygiene and Care: Accessories Last Longer

Equipment in the studio is constantly in contact with skin and sweat. Cleaning and maintaining it regularly extends its lifespan and protects members’ health. Wipe down the box, pole, and jumpboard after every class with a gentle cleaner, and check loops, springs, and padding weekly for tears or wear and tear. A set maintenance schedule is just as much a part of running the studio as the class schedule itself.

Removable accessories, in particular, can be cleaned more thoroughly than built-in parts—a practical advantage in everyday use. Our guide to Reformer hygiene in the studio explains how to systematically organize cleaning and hygiene on the Reformer.

Conversion Times and Class Flow

One factor that is often underestimated is the time spent changing accessories between exercises or classes. Every minute the group spends waiting for springs to be adjusted or the box to be set up is lost training time. Accessories that can be changed quickly and without tools keep the class moving smoothly and give it a professional feel.

So plan your class schedule so that similar accessory setups follow one another. And when purchasing equipment, make sure it has quick-release fasteners and clearly marked springs to make switching them out easier. This will save you a noticeable amount of time over hundreds of hours a year and enhance the perceived quality of your classes.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Accessories

Incompatible accessories. Universal parts often only fit roughly. Always check the dimensions and mounting specifications against your specific Reformer model.

Save money on your feather set. A set with feathers that are too widely spaced limits how precisely you can adjust your drills—and, as a result, who you can teach.

Don't forget about wear-and-tear parts. Loops and padding wear out. If you don't keep spare parts on hand, you risk breakdowns right in the middle of a course.

It's too much all at once. Buy equipment that you can actually incorporate into your class schedule. Unused equipment ties up capital without adding any value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Reformer accessories do I need first?

A complete, finely graded set of resistance bands and good loops. That’ll cover every class. A box and jump board will follow as soon as you expand your class offerings.

Is a jumpboard really worth it?

Yes, if you want to offer cardio or athletic training classes. It provides low-impact jumping on the Reformer and is especially popular with clients in rehabilitation and older clients.

Do accessories fit on every Reformer?

No. Dimensions and mounting hardware vary by model. If possible, buy accessories that are compatible with your device, or ask for advice before making a purchase.

How often do I need to replace the loops and padding?

That depends on how heavily the studio is used. In studios with a high volume of bookings, loops are wear-and-tear items that need to be replaced regularly. Be sure to budget for replacements.

Can I offer more courses with accessories?

That's exactly the point. The box, jump board, and pole expand the range of exercises you can do on a single machine—ideal for maximizing the utilization of each Reformer.

Conclusion

Reformer accessories aren’t a luxury—they’re the key to turning a single piece of equipment into a versatile, well-utilized studio asset. Prioritize springs and loops, add a box and a jumpboard, and consistently focus on compatibility and quality. Then every piece will pay for itself through additional class formats.

Are you planning to purchase Reformer accessories or set up an entire studio? Talk to our team —we’ll give you honest, criteria-based advice.