Pilates reformers are renowned for their ability to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness. But when you’re ready to take your practice a step further, you might wonder how a reformer with tower compares to a standard reformer and whether the added features are worth the investment.
If you’re exploring your options for a versatile home or studio setup, understanding the difference between these two machines can help you make the right choice.
What Is a Standard Pilates Reformer?
A standard reformer provides a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, and a footbar for resistance-based movement. It’s excellent for full-body, low-impact conditioning and core work. Many users begin with this setup because it is straightforward, reliable, and effective across a wide range of Pilates exercises.
Standard reformers are featured in our Pilates reformers collection for home and studio use, offering foundational strength and control.
What Is a Reformer with Tower?
A reformer with tower builds on the standard reformer framework by adding a vertical tower system. The tower includes additional attachment points for springs, pulleys, and bars that allow for pushing, pulling, and suspension-style movements. This configuration expands the exercise possibilities and supports greater training variety.
If you’re considering expanded movement options, explore our reformers with tower collection here: Pilates reformers with tower
Reformer vs Reformer with Tower — Key Differences
| Feature | Standard Reformer | Reformer with Tower |
| Core Pilates Movement | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vertical Resistance Options | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Push / Pull Movements | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Expanded Exercise Variety | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full |
| Appropriate For | Beginners, All Levels | Intermediate, Advanced |
1. Movement Variety
Standard reformers focus on horizontal carriage-based movement. Reformer with tower adds vertical elements, letting you perform exercises that involve pulling overhead or pressing away from the tower.
2. Training Progression
If your goal is to continually escalate challenge and complexity in your workouts, a reformer with tower provides more pathways for progression.
3. Home vs Studio Use
While both machines can be used in a home environment, a tower-equipped reformer is ideal for people who want studio-level versatility without investing in multiple pieces of equipment.
Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose a standard reformer if you want a solid, versatile, and beginner-friendly machine.
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Choose a reformer with tower if you want more exercise variety, functional training options, and progressive modalities.
If you’re ready to explore robust training options with expanded resistance and vertical movements, the reformers with tower collection has solutions built for evolving Pilates practices.
Explore Reformer with Tower Options
If you’re ready to take your Pilates journey to the next level with more movement variety and training potential, a reformer with tower may be the right choice.
Browse our curated collection of Pilates reformers with tower systems designed for advanced home use and studio settings.
See the full reformer with tower lineup here → /collections/reformers-with-tower

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Is a Reformer with Tower Worth It for Home Use
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