In Pilates, few pieces of equipment have generated as much discussion and intrigue as the Allegro Reformer. Hailed by some as the ultimate tool for building strength, flexibility, and endurance, while simultaneously criticized by others for its price and space requirements, the Allegro Reformer has certainly left an indelible mark on the fitness industry. But is it truly worth the investment?
The Allegro Reformer, with its versatility, durability, and adjustable features, is a worthwhile investment for those dedicated to Pilates and with the space and budget to accommodate it. However, like any significant purchase, individual needs and circumstances should dictate its worth to you.
This article will delve into an objective assessment, weighing the Allegro Reformer’s pros and cons, to provide a comprehensive understanding that will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Allegro Reformer: A Brief Overview
The Allegro Reformer is a widely acclaimed piece of Pilates equipment recognized globally for its unrivaled features, impeccable engineering, and superb quality. With 30,000 units in operation worldwide, the Allegro Reformer has become a top choice for Pilates instructors and fitness clubs.
Its popularity stems from the equipment’s ease of use, adjustability, safety features, and robust construction. Moreover, despite being designed for commercial fitness use, it fits seamlessly into a home setting, making it perfect for individuals looking to advance their Pilates practice at home.
Want to see it in action? It’s the reformer I use personally and with clients, here’s a full workout you can follow along with using your own reformer.
The Allegro Reformer’s versatility is a major draw for many users. It incorporates all the features found in Studio Reformers but also offers the added benefit of stacking and storing vertically, making it a convenient choice for spaces of all sizes.
The Allegro Reformer’s standout feature is its 8-wheel suspension system, ensuring a smooth, quiet workout experience. Additionally, it comes equipped with an extra-wide, adjustable foot bar that can accommodate various body sizes and has a built-in standing platform with a non-skid finish for added safety.
Further enhancing its convenience, the Allegro Reformer has a SoftTouch rope system that’s easy to adjust and a TwistLock shoulder rest system for quick adjustment or removal. It also includes a 3-position headrest to ensure comfort and provide cervical support.
The product also offers customization options, with a 14″ frame height to mimic a Studio Reformer and an upholstery color choice to match your home or facility decor. Notably, the Allegro Reformer includes a free training video to ensure users can utilize the equipment to its maximum potential.
To provide a more detailed look, let’s examine the specifications of the Allegro Reformer:
Allegro Reformer – Standard Configuration Specifications:
| Allegro – Standard | Allegro with 14″ Legs | Allegro – Stretch | Allegro – Stretch with 14″ Legs | |
| Height | 6.75″ (17cm) | 14″ (36cm) | 7.25″ (18cm) | 14″ (36cm) |
| Length | 93″ (236cm) | 93″ (236cm) | 111″ (282cm) | 111″ (282cm) |
| Carriage Width | 22.5″ (57.1cm) | 22.5″ (57cm) | 24.5″ (62.2cm) | 24.5″ (57cm) |
| Carriage Length | 28.5″ (72.4cm) | N/A | 34.5″ (87.7cm) | N/A |
| Footbar Width | 36″ (91cm) | 36″ (91cm) | 36″ (91cm) | 36″ (91cm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (51kg) | 121 lbs (55kg) | 123 lbs (56kg) | 129 lbs (63kg) |
| Carriage Travel Length | N/A | 40.5″ / 103cm | N/A | 50″ / 127cm |
Through carefully evaluating these specifications and features, it’s clear that the Allegro Reformer is designed to cater to a wide range of user needs and preferences. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the benefits and potential drawbacks of the Allegro Reformer to provide a more comprehensive review.
The Benefits of the Allegro Reformer
The Allegro Reformer is much more than a piece of fitness equipment. It is a comprehensive system designed to build strength and flexibility and enhance overall fitness. Here are some of the key benefits that the Allegro Reformer provides:
1. Enhancing Strength and Flexibility
The Allegro Reformer’s design emphasizes a balance between strength and flexibility. Its adjustable features and unique resistance system encourage a full range of motion, promoting flexibility and muscle endurance. The five-spring resistance system allows up to 46 resistances, providing a challenging workout to users of varying fitness levels.
2. Improved Body Awareness and Posture
Practicing Pilates on the Allegro Reformer cultivates improved body awareness, aiding in the development of better posture and alignment. The equipment’s design supports this goal, with features such as a 3-position headrest for cervical support and an extra-wide footbar to accommodate various body sizes.
3. Customizable Workout Experiences
The Allegro Reformer offers the flexibility to adjust and tailor your workouts. Its swivel pulleys allow variable angles of resistance, letting you modify the difficulty and focus of exercises. The SoftTouch rope system is easy to adjust, enabling you to quickly modify rope length. The TwistLock shoulder rests can quickly adjust or remove based on your comfort or specific exercise requirements.
4. Durable and Long-lasting
The Allegro Reformer is engineered and built for commercial use, making it durable for frequent, high-intensity use. From the anodized aluminum frame to the custom stability padding, every component is designed with longevity in mind. Additionally, the reformer uses signature springs from Balanced Body, the longest-lasting springs available, ensuring reliable performance over time.
5. Convenient and Space-saving
Despite its robust construction, the Allegro Reformer is designed with convenience and space efficiency in mind. It stacks or stores vertically, making it an excellent choice for home use or in fitness clubs where space is at a premium. Built-in wheels make it easy to move, and with the optional 14″ legs, it can be elevated to the height of a Studio Reformer.
6. Versatility and Wide Range of Exercises
With the Allegro Reformer, the exercise possibilities are virtually limitless. It enables a comprehensive range of Pilates exercises and can be adapted for beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts. It is also suitable for rehabilitative exercises, making it a versatile addition to any fitness regimen.
In summary, the Allegro Reformer provides many benefits that can contribute significantly to your fitness journey. However, as with any investment, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, which we will discuss in the following section.
The Drawbacks of the Allegro Reformer
While the Allegro Reformer has many advantages, it is essential to consider some of its drawbacks. Understanding these potential limitations can help you make a more informed decision about whether the Allegro Reformer is right for you.
1. High Cost of Investment
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Allegro Reformer is its cost. While offering numerous benefits, the equipment comes with a hefty price tag. The upfront cost might deter individuals, especially those new to Pilates or unsure about committing to long-term usage.
2. Space and Storage Requirements
Although the Allegro Reformer is designed for convenience and stacks vertically for storage, it still requires a decent amount of space. For individuals with limited room, accommodating the Allegro Reformer might be challenging. Additionally, while it’s easier to move than other equipment thanks to its built-in wheels, it still weighs over 100 lbs, so some may find it difficult to maneuver.
3. Maintenance and Replacement Parts
Although the Allegro Reformer is built for durability, like all fitness equipment, it may require maintenance and part replacements over time. The cost and availability of replacement parts and the expertise required for maintenance should be considered.
4. Learning Curve
The Allegro Reformer, with its multiple features and adjustable settings, may seem overwhelming to beginners. Proper use of the equipment requires some training. However, it is important to note that the Allegro Reformer has a free training video to familiarize users with its features and safe use.
5. Customization Costs
While the ability to customize the Allegro Reformer is a benefit, it’s important to note that customization comes with additional costs. For instance, choosing a non-standard upholstery color or adding the optional 14″ legs incurs additional charges.
Overall, while these drawbacks exist, they don’t necessarily undermine the benefits of the Allegro Reformer. It is vital to weigh these against the advantages to decide whether this investment is worthwhile for your needs and circumstances.
Allegro Reformer versus Other Pilates Equipment
When comparing the Allegro Reformer to other Pilates equipment, it’s important to consider the unique features and benefits each piece of equipment brings to your fitness regimen.
1. Allegro Reformer vs. Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates requires no equipment other than a mat and focuses on bodyweight exercises. While mat Pilates is highly effective and accessible, the Allegro Reformer offers added resistance and versatility, allowing for a broader range of exercises targeting different muscle groups more specifically.
If you want to get a sense of the difference, give my “No Reformer? No Problem!” workout a try. In the video by using a band and we can mimick many of the exercises done on the Reformer.
2. Allegro Reformer vs. Cadillac/Trapeze Table
The Cadillac, also known as a Trapeze Table, is another popular piece of Pilates equipment. While the Cadillac allows for various exercises, including those focusing on flexibility and rehabilitation, it takes up more space and is typically more expensive than the Allegro Reformer. Moreover, the Allegro Reformer’s ability to be stored vertically makes it a more compact and practical option for home use or smaller studios.
3. Allegro Reformer vs. Pilates Chair
The Pilates Chair is compact and can provide a vigorous workout, focusing on balance and strength. However, with its adaptable resistance system and a broader range of potential exercises, the Allegro Reformer offers a more comprehensive workout. The Reformer is also generally considered better suited for beginners and rehabilitation purposes.
4. Allegro Reformer vs. Pilates Tower
A Pilates Tower is often combined with a mat, offering additional resistance via springs and bars. Although it’s versatile and takes up less space, the Allegro Reformer still provides more comprehensive exercise options, adjustability, and a more fluid range of movement.
5. Allegro Reformer vs. Studio Reformer
Studio Reformers and the Allegro Reformer share many features and capabilities, but the main difference is the Allegro’s ability to store vertically or stack, saving valuable space. Studio Reformers are typically larger and heavier, making them less ideal for home use. The Allegro Reformer, with its optional 14″ legs, can be adjusted to match the height of a Studio Reformer, offering a similar experience with added convenience.
While other pieces of Pilates equipment offer unique benefits, the Allegro Reformer stands out for its versatility, adjustability, and compact storage capabilities, making it a strong contender for home and commercial use.
Things to Consider Before Investing in an Allegro Reformer
Investing in a fitness equipment like the Allegro Reformer is a significant decision. It requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it will meet your needs and offer value for the money spent. Here are a few things to consider before making this investment:
1. Your Fitness Goals: Define your fitness goals clearly. The Allegro Reformer is highly versatile and can be used for strength training, flexibility, rehabilitation, and overall fitness. The Allegro Reformer could be a good fit if your goals align with these benefits.
2. Space Availability: Consider the space you have available. Even though the Allegro Reformer is designed for easy storage, it still requires sufficient space for use and movement around the machine during workouts.
3. Cost: The Allegro Reformer is a significant investment. Make sure to factor in the upfront cost of the equipment, as well as any additional expenses for customization, maintenance, and potential replacement parts in the future.
4. Training and Comfort: Ensure you are comfortable using the equipment. If you’re new to Pilates or Reformers, you may need some training sessions to familiarize yourself with the machine and the exercises. While the Allegro Reformer comes with a free training video, you might initially consider working with a certified Pilates instructor.
5. Durability and Longevity: Consider the quality and durability of the equipment. The Allegro Reformer is built for commercial use, which ensures high-quality construction designed to last. But remember, even the best equipment requires regular maintenance.
6. Customization Options: The Allegro Reformer offers several customization options. Consider whether these options are important; remember that some come with additional costs.
7. Compare with Other Options: Before deciding, compare the Allegro Reformer with other Pilates equipment or Reformers. Evaluate the pros and cons of each based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Ultimately, investing in an Allegro Reformer should be based on carefully evaluating these factors and clearly understanding what the equipment can offer you.
Final Verdict: Is the Allegro Reformer Worth It?
The Allegro Reformer is a comprehensive and versatile piece of Pilates equipment that is well-regarded for its quality, durability, and adjustability. Its vast range of exercises and resistance options caters to diverse fitness goals – from strength and flexibility training to rehabilitation and overall fitness enhancement. Its ability to store vertically or stack is a distinctive feature that makes it an excellent choice for home use and fitness clubs, where space may be at a premium.
However, purchasing an Allegro Reformer should not be made lightly like any substantial investment. The machine’s high cost, size, maintenance requirements, and potential learning curve for beginners are important considerations. It requires a commitment not only financially but also in terms of the space and time needed for its effective use.
In conclusion, the Allegro Reformer can indeed be a worthy investment, provided it aligns with your fitness goals, budget, and available space. Its extensive benefits and features could offer the right user value for money. However, weighing these benefits against the drawbacks and comparing them with other options before deciding is crucial. Ultimately, the worth of the Allegro Reformer will be subjective, hinging on individual circumstances, preferences, and fitness needs.
Sources:
- https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B00PGAR05C
- https://www.amazon.com/Allegro-2-Reformer-with-legs/product-reviews/B008YNIYLC
- https://gearmashers.com/balanced-body-allegro-2-reformer-review/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6DG5fxxb24
- https://www.sport-thieme.com/Fitness_equipment/Pilates/Pilates_reformer/art=1492978
- https://www.balancedbody.com.au/allegro-reformer
