Abstract
- A tower expands your Reformer's capabilities to include vertical pull and spring exercises (push-through bar, roll-down bar, upper springs)—without having to buy a second piece of equipment.
- Three designs: Add-on Tower (retrofittable), Combo Unit (Reformer + Tower permanently combined), and Wall-Mounted Tower (permanently installed). They differ in space requirements, flexibility, and setup time.
- For most studios, an add-on tower attachment for a steel Reformer is the most cost-effective choice: You start with the Reformer and add the tower when your class schedule calls for it.
- Sample configuration: Hegren TALMA 62 (steel frame) + Convertible Tower TALMA 62CT as an add-on, or the TALMA 62CT+ combo system directly.
Reformers with Towers for the Gym: Top-Mounted Tower, Combo, or Wall-Mounted Tower?
A reformer with a tower is a reformer that’s expanded with a vertical frame featuring a push-through bar, a roll-down bar, and springs suspended from the top—this allows you to perform Cadillac-style pulling, pushing, and rotational exercises on a single station. For studios, the key question isn’t “Tower or no tower,” but rather which design to choose: a retrofittable add-on tower, a permanently integrated combo unit, or a wall-mounted tower.
The answer depends on three factors: available space, how often you switch between Reformer and Tower formats, and how you plan to expand your repertoire over the next few years. This guide compares the three layouts based on specific criteria, shows real-world configurations, and calculates when a Tower studio will pay for itself based on revenue per square meter.
What a tower can do—and why studios are looking for one
The classic Reformer operates horizontally: the carriage, footrest, and springs under the frame. A tower adds a vertical dimension. This opens up a range of exercises that otherwise only a Cadillac offers:
- Push-Through Bar: Push and pull exercises against resistance from above—great for strengthening the core, shoulder girdle, and spinal mobility.
- Roll-Down Bar & Springs at the Top: Guided extension/flexion, ideal for rehabilitation-oriented programs and personal training.
- Hanging Springs (Leg/Arm Springs): exercises that provide assistance or resistance while lying down or standing.
For your gym, this means: more variety in workouts per equipment space, more differentiated classes (from beginner to advanced), and a credible offering for personal training and rehabilitation partnerships—without having to purchase and set up an entirely different type of equipment.
A Comparison of the Three Designs
There are three ways to bring a tower into the studio. They all address the same training challenge, but with very different implications for space, flexibility, and investment.
1. Attachment Tower (Convertible / Retrofittable)
An add-on tower is mounted on an existing Reformer, transforming it into a tower system as needed. The big advantage: modularity. You start by purchasing the reformer, use it in group classes, and upgrade to the tower as soon as your class schedule calls for Cadillac formats or personal training. In the Hegren system, this role is fulfilled by the TALMA 62CT Convertible Tower, which transforms a TALMA 62 reformer into a full-fledged tower system.
2. Combo machine (Reformer + Tower permanently combined)
A combo unit combines a Reformer and a Tower into a single, integrated unit on a single platform. It’s designed from the ground up to serve both purposes, typically offering more stable interaction between the components and a visually cohesive design. Example: The TALMA 62CT+ Combo Reformer-Tower System combines the TALMA 62 Reformer and the Convertible Tower in a space-saving configuration. A combo unit is the right choice if you know that each station will need to serve both purposes on a permanent basis.
3. Wall Tower (permanently mounted)
The Wall Tower is anchored to the wall; the Reformer is positioned in front of it. Advantage: The Tower is extremely stable and doesn’t require its own floor space. Disadvantage: It’s fixed in place—the Reformer is then tied to that wall position, making flexible room layouts (such as rearranging classes or clearing space for mat or barre formats) more difficult. For small studios with a fixed schedule, it can still be the most space-efficient solution.
Design Matrix: Space, Flexibility, Conversion Time
| Criterion | Attachment Tower | Combination device | Wall Tower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional parking space | No (on the Reformer) | No (one unit) | No (on the wall) |
| Space Flexibility | High – Reformer remains optional | Center – Unit remains mobile | Low – mounted on the wall |
| Can it be retrofitted? | Yes – Add-on available for purchase later | Inclusive from the very beginning | For structural installation only |
| Ideal for | Growing Studios, Flexible Classes | Studios that make dual use of every space | Small, tightly scheduled studios |
Why the frame material plays a role in the decision regarding the towers
A tower subjects the frame to localized, sometimes high tensile loads—against the springs from above, during push-through movements, and during daily group use. A steel frame can withstand these alternating loads over the long term without joints loosening over time. Wooden and aluminum constructions are lighter but are more prone to failure under sustained alternating loads—for a gym where a machine runs 6–10 hours a day, this poses an operational risk. The Hegren TALMA 62 is therefore designed as a steel reformer (5-spring system, 245 cm, manufactured in Greece) on which an attachment tower sits securely. For more details, see our comparison of frame materials.
Revenue per Square Meter: When the Tower Pays Off
The business logic behind the Tower is revenue per spot. A Tower doesn’t take up any additional square meters, but it expands what you can offer and bill for in the same space: high-end formats, personal training, and rehab sessions are typically priced higher than traditional group Reformer classes. According to the DSSV’s 2026 key figures, the German fitness and health industry has 12.36 million members, and special-interest studios (which include Pilates) generate the highest monthly fees in the market, averaging around €80—so there is a clear willingness to pay for high-quality, supervised programs.
| Configuration (Hegren Example) | Structure | Suggested Price | Goes well with |
|---|---|---|---|
| TALMA 62CT Convertible Tower (Add-on) | Essay on TALMA 62 | starting at €2,207 | Reformer already in place; retrofit the tower |
| TALMA 62CT+ Combo Reformer Tower | Reformer + Tower as a single unit | starting at €4,280 | New site, permanently used for dual purposes |
| TALMA 62CR Cadillac Reformer | Reformer + Full Cadillac Frame | starting at €5,704 | Rehabilitation, Personal Training, Advanced |
| TALMA TRC Cadillac Trapeze | Full-featured Cadillac Trapeze System | starting at €7,192 | Therapeutic Setting, Performance |
Calculation Example: If you offer just two additional supervised sessions per week at a higher rate at a tower location, the additional revenue over the course of a year quickly adds up to a four-digit amount—an add-on tower often pays for itself within a few months. The exact calculation depends on your prices and your utilization rate; you can find the structure behind it in our guide to financing and total costs.
The modular approach: first the Reformer, then the Tower
For many studios, the smartest approach is a step-by-step one: First, you equip your space with sturdy steel reformers and build up your group class business. Once that’s up and running, you retrofit individual stations with a tower attachment, allowing you to offer higher-priced services such as personal training, rehabilitation partnerships, and advanced classes. This way, you spread out the investment, test the demand for tower-based formats, and avoid tying up capital in equipment whose utilization rate you don’t yet know.
A modular system is essential: Only if your Reformer is designed to accommodate the add-on tower—such as the TALMA 62 for the TALMA 62CT—can the upgrade be done smoothly and without compromising stability. Therefore, make sure when you first purchase it that it’s upgradeable; this is the difference between a machine that grows with your studio and a dead end that forces you to buy a completely new one.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Tower Case
Follow these steps in this order:
- Space & layout first. Do you want to be able to flexibly rearrange classes and use the space for mat or barre classes from time to time? Then go with an add-on tower on a freestanding Reformer. Is the room set to a fixed schedule? Choose the Combo or Wall Tower.
- Determine your usage profile. Do you use every space permanently for tower configurations? Combo. Just a few spaces, with plans to expand? Add-on towers.
- Build on steel. Regardless of the design, the reformer underneath should have a steel frame so that the tower tensile loads can be safely supported during continuous operation.
- Check for expandability. If the system is modular, you can later scale up from the add-on tower to the full-featured Cadillac (TALMA 62CR / TRC) without having to replace the reformer.
You'll find the right selection in the Hegren Pilates, Pilates Reformer, and Cadillac & Trapeze collections. As an authorized Hegren dealer offering a manufacturer's warranty, we can advise you on the specific configuration for your floor plan.
Common Mistakes in Tower Decisions
- Don't mount the wall tower too early. If you choose wall mounting, you'll lose flexibility in the room. This only makes sense if the course plan is truly set in stone.
- Buy the combo, even though you only need one Tower. For individual seats, the retrofittable add-on Tower is more affordable and flexible.
- Don't mount the tower on a frame that's too flimsy. Tensile and dynamic loads belong on steel, not on a wood/aluminum frame that's already at its limit.
- Don't limit your repertoire. A Tower is only worth the investment if your team actually teaches and sells the additional formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special reformer for a tower?
For an add-on tower, you need a reformer designed for that purpose, with a compatible mount and a sufficiently sturdy frame. With the Hegren system, the TALMA 62 is designed to be used with the TALMA 62CT Convertible Tower—so you can upgrade your equipment as needed instead of buying a new machine.
Is a combo machine better than a Reformer plus an attachment tower?
It's not a one-size-fits-all solution. A combo is designed to be dual-purpose from the start and is a single, integrated unit—ideal if you want a machine that can do both on a permanent basis. A Reformer with an attachable tower is more flexible and more affordable to start with, because you can add the tower later, when you need it.
How much space does a Reformer with a tower take up?
Basically, the same space as the Reformer itself, since the Tower is set up vertically. Also, make sure to allow for freedom of movement above and behind it for push-through and roll-down exercises. You can find the exact space requirements in our Studio Floor Plan Guide.
Can a Tower replace a Cadillac?
A tower covers many Cadillac exercises, but a full Cadillac trapeze offers more suspension points and trapeze options. For rehabilitation and performance settings, a system like the TALMA 62CR or TRC is the more comprehensive choice; for group and personal training formats, the tower is usually sufficient.
Is a tower worth it for a small studio?
Yes—especially there, because it allows for more revenue streams in the same space without requiring you to sacrifice space for a second unit. A retrofittable add-on tower is the lowest-risk way to get started.
Conclusion
When deciding on a tower, consider floor space, flexibility, and your growth plan—not just the price. For most studios, an add-on tower that can be retrofitted to a steel reformer is the most cost-effective and flexible choice; if you plan to use every space for dual purposes on a permanent basis, a combo unit is a better option. Want to know which configuration fits your floor plan and class schedule? Talk to our studio team —we’ll work with you to plan the right tower solution.