Space & setup
Moving a Pilates reformer
The short answer
Release all spring tension before moving a reformer, lift from the frame rails rather than the carriage or footbar, and keep it flat or on its end rather than on its side. Two people are needed for hardwood machines; most aluminum reformers can be tilted onto transport wheels by one.
Unload the springs first
Springs under tension put continuous load on the frame and the anchor points. Moving a machine with springs attached to the carriage risks both a sudden release and stress on hardware in directions it was not designed for.
Detach every spring at the carriage end and let them hang at the anchor, or remove them entirely for a long move.
Lift from the right places
The frame rails are the structure. The footbar, shoulder rests and carriage are not — they are attached to the structure and will bend or loosen if used as handles.
On a two-person lift, both people take a rail. On a one-person tilt, lift from the head-end rail and let the transport wheels take the weight.
- Detach all springs at the carriage end
- Lock or immobilize the carriage if the machine has a lock
- Lift only from the frame rails
- Move flat or upright — never on its side
- Protect rail ends; they are the first thing to hit a doorframe
Stairs, doorways and vehicles
Measure the narrowest point of the route before you start. An 8 ft frame needs a landing long enough to turn in, and this is where most moves go wrong.
In a vehicle, lay the machine flat and strap it over the rails, not the carriage. Blankets between the frame and anything hard — the rails mark easily and a scored rail affects the glide permanently.
Frequently asked questions
- Can one person move a reformer?
- An aluminum machine with transport wheels, usually yes. A hardwood machine at 120 lb-plus needs two people, particularly on stairs.
- Can a reformer be transported on its side?
- Avoid it. Side loading twists the frame in a direction it is not braced for. Flat or upright on its end are both fine.
- Do I need to disassemble a reformer to move it?
- Rarely. Removing the springs and any tower is usually enough. Full disassembly risks losing alignment when it is put back together.