When I was thinking about a push present for myself, I knew I wanted something that felt both indulgent and practical—something I’d truly use. Pilates has always been a part of my routine, and the idea of having a studio-quality reformer at home felt like the perfect gift.
Initially, I had my heart set on The Studio Reformer from Your Reformer. I loved the overall look, especially the cream-colored upholstery—it was exactly the aesthetic I wanted. But after just purchasing a house and deciding to prioritize renovations, I couldn’t quite justify the $3,750 price tag. As much as I loved it, it just didn’t feel like the right financial decision at that moment.
So… I started digging.
How I Ended Up on Alibaba
Somehow (as these things always happen when you do a reverse image search on google lol), I landed on Alibaba.
If you’re not familiar, Alibaba is essentially a global wholesale marketplace where manufacturers sell products directly—often the same factories that produce items for well-known brands. It’s widely used by businesses for sourcing everything from furniture to fitness equipment, but individuals can purchase as well if they’re comfortable doing a bit of research.
After scrolling for a while, I came across Shandong Zhu’s Fitness Equipment Co., Ltd., and honestly—I was impressed. They had so many reformer options, from classic studio styles to fully customized builds!
This is the reformer I ultimately chose: Good Quality Studio Platform Classes Training Reformer
Customization & Cost Breakdown
One of the biggest selling points was customization. You can choose from hundreds of upholstery colors (the padded leather portion of the reformer is typically called PU leather upholstery or carriage upholstery), which made it easy to find something that fit my space! I knew I wanted a cream color upholstery and I’m not kidding when I say they had like 20 different cream colors lol. It was so hard to decide, but the company was extremely helpful and sent me videos so that I felt confident in my selection!
Another really cool option: you can customize the reformer with your company name or logo, which would be amazing if you’re a trainer or studio owner.
The reformer itself was $450!! Yes, you read that right… $450!!
Of course, shipping was going to be the big variable given the size and weight. Shipping came out to $306, bringing my total to $756—which is honestly a steal compared to studio reformers sold in the U.S. I literally couldn’t believe it!
Ordering Experience & Timeline
I clicked “Chat Now” and was connected with Wendy Qi, who was incredibly helpful from start to finish. She sent me videos of the upholstery colors I was deciding between, answered all of my questions, and walked me through the entire process.
Once everything was finalized, I placed my order on 11/28.
By 12/04, she had already sent me photos of the completed reformer—and it looked so good. It comes with everything:
- Pilates box
- Jumpboard
- All standard reformer components
- Pregnancy wedge (I requested this separately so I can comfortably use the reformer during future pregnancies, and that cost was included in my total mentioned earlier!)
She also sent a video so I could see it fully assembled before approving shipment.
After approval, they prepped it for delivery. Wendy confirmed it shipped on 12/18, with an estimated arrival to the U.S. by 1/17.
She was spot on! I tracked the shipment along the way, and it officially arrived at the New York port on January 17th, exactly as expected.
Delivery Experience
I received a text ahead of time saying I would need people available to assist with unloading the truck and that everything had to be unloaded within 15 minutes or there would be an extra charge. Fifteen minutes…lol. For a full studio reformer!
Naturally, that made me nervous and I was freaking out!!
The reformer arrives in a massive wooden crate that weighs about 250 pounds and is approximately 8 by 3 feet, so this is not a small package you casually move around.
However, when the local delivery company called to schedule my delivery date and time, I specifically asked if they would bring it into my garage. They thankfully said yes so unloading the crate was no longer a stressor!
The delivery driver managed to get the entire crate into the garage, which I was honestly very grateful for.
After it was delivered, I had my contractor’s team come by to remove it from the crate and carry it upstairs to my office. Given the size and weight, I definitely recommend having a few strong people available to help once it arrives and especially for uncrating and moving it into place.
So while it’s not a white-glove, full setup experience, the delivery itself ended up being much more straightforward than that initial 15-minute text made it seem.
My Honest Review After Using It
I genuinely cannot believe the quality of this reformer.
It feels incredibly comparable to the machines I used at Club Pilates. The carriage glides smoothly, the resistance feels solid, and the overall structure feels sturdy and well-built. For under $800 total, I’m honestly shocked!
Quality and Materials
This is the part that impressed me the most.
The frame is made of oak, which gives the reformer a sturdy, grounded feel. It doesn’t feel lightweight or hollow in any way. Once assembled, it feels substantial and professional.
The upholstery is also much nicer than I expected. The manufacturer claims it’s made from wear-resistant, anti-aging, breathable microfiber leather, and it genuinely feels high quality. It’s incredibly soft, smooth, and comfortable — not stiff or plasticky at all.
The overall dimensions are approximately:
- 26.5 inches wide
- 89.5 inches long
This is a true studio-length reformer, not a compact home version — which I personally love because it feels authentic and not downsized.
the setup
One thing to know: there are no instructions included.
At first, that was a little confusing. But after taking some time to look at the components and reference product photos, I figured it out. I included detailed photos in this post so if you order the same model, you can see exactly how everything is set up.
Once assembled, it’s very straightforward.
the jumpboard
I used the jumpboard for the first time yesterday and it was SO fun. Make sure your footbar is fully upright and in the correct position before tightening the jumpboard into place.
If the footbar isn’t up properly, the jumpboard will wobble and feel unstable. Once secured correctly, it feels great! I included a photo in this post for reference so you can see how it should look.
the Pregnancy Wedge
I also ordered a pregnancy wedge so I can continue using the reformer comfortably when we decide to have more kids down the line! It was included with my order, and I love having it already on hand for the future.
One thing to note: when I received the wedge, the color was slightly off from the reformer’s upholstery. In the photos Wendy originally sent me, the colors looked identical. But once it arrived in person, there was a subtle difference.
I reached out to Wendy about it, and she explained that the pregnancy wedge is made from a slightly different material, which can result in a small variation in tone.
It’s not dramatic, but it is noticeable — and you can see the difference in my photos. I just wanted to mention it so you’re aware in case you’re expecting a perfect match!
The Only Two Things I Don’t Love
There are only two small things I’d change:
- The handles are slightly longer than what I’m used to.
They work perfectly fine, but I prefer shorter straps, so I’ll eventually swap those out. - The handle pegs are plastic.
They feel a little cheap compared to the rest of the machine. I wouldn’t feel super comfortable gripping those during certain ab exercises. That said, they’re accessory holders — not structural components — so it’s not a deal breaker.
And that’s honestly it.
Considering studio reformers in the U.S. typically cost $3,000+, I’m extremely happy with what I received!!
The App I’m Using for Classes
I’ve been using the Your Reformer App for workouts and I love it so far!!
I signed up for the monthly plan ($12.99) because I didn’t want to commit to a full year if I didn’t love it. So far, the classes have been amazing and I am actually sore lol.
I usually stack two videos:
- One full-body session
- Then one focused on arms or glutes
It genuinely feels like I’m back in a studio!!
To stream classes, I bought an Apolosign 32-inch portable smart TV off my favorite…Facebook Marketplace lmao (another steal!!), and it’s been perfect because I can move it to either side of the reformer depending on the workout.
That review deserves its own post down the line!
Spring Resistance Differences
One thing to be aware of: the spring colors don’t align with what I’m used to at Club Pilates or on the Your Reformer App.
On this reformer:
- Yellow = lightest
- Blue = medium
- Red = heaviest
If you’re new to Pilates, just keep that in mind. Since I’ve taken classes before, I already know what resistance I need for certain movements, so it hasn’t been an issue for me!
Would I Recommend It?
1000% yes. Absolutely. Without hesitation.
This reformer was my push present, and it honestly feels like one of the best gifts I could’ve gotten (thank you, habibi)!
After having Luca, working out the way I used to just wasn’t realistic. Getting out of the house for a Pilates class with a newborn? Nearly impossible lol. Between feeding schedules, naps, and just the mental load of leaving the house, it wasn’t happening.
Having this reformer at home has completely changed that!
I can squeeze in a 30-minute workout during a nap. I can stack two classes if I have more time. I don’t have to coordinate childcare, drive anywhere, or rush back home.
It genuinely gives me the studio Pilates experience at home — without the studio price, without the commute, and without the stress.
And for under $800 total? That still blows my mind!
Is it perfect? No. I’ll probably swap the straps. The accessory pegs aren’t my favorite. But those are minor things compared to the overall quality and functionality.
If you’ve been wanting a studio reformer but feel stuck because of the price tag, this is such a smart alternative. Especially if you’re in a season of life where convenience matters more than ever.
For me, this wasn’t just fitness equipment. It was a way to feel like myself again. And that alone makes it worth it!! Until next time guys!!
