Best Pilates Reformer Accessories
Reformer accessories extend what a standard machine can do, protect the carriage and footbar from wear, and adapt the reformer for different bodies and exercise needs. Box sets, jump boards, replacement loops and handles, and spring bags are the most-purchased add-ons whether you own a Balanced Body Allegro, a STOTT, or a home reformer. We focused on universal compatibility where possible and flagged brand-specific fitment requirements so you buy the right piece the first time.
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The short answer
The Balanced Body Short Box is the most valuable single reformer accessory upgrade for home-studio owners, unlocking dozens of exercises not possible on the flat carriage and fitting the widest range of Balanced Body reformers. For owners of other brands, replacement hand and foot loops from STOTT Pilates and padded jump boards are the most practical first upgrades to buy.
Top Pick
Balanced Body Short Box for Reformer
The most essential reformer accessory, a short box that sits on the carriage to create an elevated, flat surface for seated and supine exercises not possible on the bare carriage. Built for Balanced Body reformers including the Allegro and Studio Reformer lines.
Best for Balanced Body reformer owners who want to expand their exercise library beyond what the flat carriage supports.
2 STOTT Pilates Flex-Band Loop Handles
Replacement hand and foot loops for STOTT and Merrithew reformers, with padded handles and stainless-steel snap clips. The loops that come standard with most home reformers are low-quality; these are the upgrade most home owners make early.
Best for STOTT and Merrithew reformer owners whose original loops have worn out or who want padded comfort from day one.
3 Merrithew Reformer Head and Neck Pillow
A slim padded pillow that sits on the reformer headrest to support the cervical spine during supine exercises. Especially useful for practitioners with neck sensitivity and for prenatal clients who need additional head elevation.
Best for Practitioners with neck sensitivity or tension, prenatal clients, and studios that want a branded professional headrest prop.
4 Pilates Designs Reformer Spring Storage Bag
A padded fabric bag designed to store reformer springs safely when not on the machine. Springs left loose can kink, rust, or cause injury when grabbed blindly; a dedicated storage bag organises them by resistance colour and protects the hooks from damage.
Best for Home reformer owners who change springs regularly and want a safe, organised storage solution that prevents rust and kinking.
5 AeroPilates Jump Board for Stamina Reformers
A padded jump board designed for AeroPilates and Stamina home reformers that replaces the footbar for cardio jumping sequences. Converts a mat-focused home reformer into a low-impact cardio machine for interval training and power work.
Best for AeroPilates and Stamina home reformer owners who want to add cardio intervals to their Pilates routine.
The method
How we chose
We evaluated each option on fit, build quality, daily usability, and value. Our top pick, Balanced Body Short Box for Reformer, earned the spot because the most essential reformer accessory upgrade: more exercises unlocked than any other single add-on. The comparison above highlights exactly who each pick is best for.
FAQ
Best Pilates Reformer Accessories: FAQ
What reformer accessories do I actually need?+
The most essential accessory for a home reformer is a short box, which enables seated and supine exercises that the flat carriage cannot support. After that, the next priorities are replacement hand and foot loops (the stock loops that come with most reformers are low quality) and a padded jump board if you want to add cardio intervals to your routine. A spring bag for safe spring storage rounds out the basics.
Are reformer accessories brand-specific?+
Many are. Spring loops, handles, and boxes from Balanced Body are designed for Balanced Body machines and may not fit the carriage width or rope attachment points on a STOTT, Peak, or Merrithew reformer. Always check the compatibility notes before ordering a box or jump board. Flat accessories like floor mats, grip pads, and spring storage bags are generally universal.
What is a reformer jump board used for?+
A jump board is a padded vertical board that attaches to the footbar end of the reformer, replacing the footbar for jumping exercises done in a supine position. It allows low-impact cardio work, including plyometric jumping patterns, while lying on the carriage with spring resistance. It adds a significant cardio and power-training dimension to mat and reformer Pilates and is especially popular in group reformer classes.
How do I know which spring resistance to use on my reformer?+
Spring resistance on a reformer is cumulative: most machines have four or five springs in red, blue, and yellow color codes representing light, medium, and heavy resistance. Beginner footwork typically uses all springs for full support, while arm and abdominal work uses one or two lighter springs. Your reformer's manual or the specific exercise program you follow will specify the spring combination. Replace any spring that shows visible rust, kinking, or deformation immediately.