Amy Wilkinson Reviews the Affordable AeroPilates Reformer 287

The AeroPilates Reformer 287 costs under $400, making it the most affordable option tested by Women’s Health.

Given its low cost and ready-to-use delivery right out of the box, Amy Wilkinson—Women’s Health entertainment editor and a dedicated Pilates fan—found the durability of this equipment quite unexpected.

She stresses it is best for beginners since it only features three resistance cords.

“I could see someone eventually progressing beyond the capabilities of this model, especially when it comes to exercises like footwork and running, which are classically done on four springs,” Wilkinson told Women’s Health.”

Unlike the best overall model, this reformer uses cords instead of springs.

Though attaching and detaching them can be more difficult, the resistance level matches the springs Wilkinson encounters on professional studio equipment.

The carriage glides smoothly, although Wilkinson noted the attached handles would fall and get in the way.

She recommends tossing them aside instead of hanging on the built-in shoulder blocks.

The foot bar is stable but can’t be adjusted for specific exercises.

Beyond its mechanical features, the equipment boasts a small footprint of 56 pounds, spanning 42 inches in its folded configuration and stretching to 85 inches when fully open.

Residing in a compact one-bedroom space in Brooklyn, Wilkinson experiences no trouble storing the unit away, despite noting that collapsing it can be cumbersome and the width increases when the foot bar remains attached.

AeroPilates says this product can fit people up to 6’4″, but Wilkinson, who is 5’11”, says even her height was pushing the machine’s limits.

“I imagine anyone much taller than I am would feel a bit crunched,” Wilkinson told Women’s Health.”

She also says it is narrow, and didn’t have additional breathing room.