Setting up a Pilates Reformer at home is one of the best investments you can make for your physical well-being, but buying the machine is just the first step. The reformer, on its own, does not guarantee comfortable, safe, and effective sessions: it needs a small ecosystem of accessories that make the difference between training with frustration and training with fluidity.
In this article, we review, one by one, the accessories that are truly worth having if you practice reformer Pilates at home, why they are important, and in what order to prioritize them if your budget is limited.
Why the reformer needs additional accessories
Unlike a studio class, where the equipment is already prepared and maintained by professionals, at home, you are the one who manages the wear and tear of the carriage, the hygiene of the materials, and the protection of the floor. Accessories are not a whim: they solve specific safety, hygiene, and performance problems that arise with daily use.
1. Protective floor mat
This is the first accessory you should consider, even before your first session. A high-density mat under the machine serves three functions: it protects your hardwood or laminate flooring from scratches and marks, absorbs vibrations from the moving carriage, and prevents the reformer from shifting millimeter by millimeter during intense exercises like footwork or long stretch.
As a practical reference, look for a mat at least 15-20 cm longer and wider than the base of your machine, so that the protection also covers the ends of the carriage's travel.
2. Non-slip carriage towel
This is probably the most undervalued yet most used accessory in every session. The reformer carriage heats up with friction and, combined with sweat from an intense session, becomes a slippery surface in minutes. Without an appropriate towel, you will notice your hands and feet losing grip precisely in the exercises that require it most: side splits, plank, or supine arm series.
A towel specifically designed for reformers—with a non-slip base and absorbent fabric—fits the carriage without moving, maintains hygiene between sessions (important if several people use the same machine), and extends the life of the original upholstery, which degrades much faster with direct sweat.
3. Replacement straps and handles
Foot and hand straps are wear and tear items. With constant use, the material loses elasticity and can break in the middle of an exercise, which, besides being uncomfortable, can be a risk if it happens during a load-bearing series. Having a spare set at home prevents interruptions and allows you to continue your routine without depending on manufacturer shipping times.
4. Magic Circle (Pilates ring)
The resistance ring, or Magic Circle, is the most versatile complement for working the core, adductors, and arms with added resistance. Although not exclusive to the reformer, combining it with carriage exercises greatly expands the repertoire of movements without needing to buy more large equipment.
5. Pilates Box (Reformer Box)
If your reformer is compatible, the box allows you to perform core and back exercises that would otherwise require going to a studio: pulling straps, teaser on the box, or extended back series. It's not the first accessory you need, but it is one that greatly expands your routine once you've mastered the basic exercises on the carriage.
6. Light resistance bands
Useful for warming up before getting on the reformer and for working on shoulder and hip mobility without needing to reconfigure the machine's springs. They are inexpensive, take up little space, and are ideal for complementing short sessions during the week.
Where to start if you have a limited budget?
If you had to prioritize, the logical order is: first the protective mat (protects your floor and your investment in the machine), then the non-slip towel (daily use, hygiene, and safety in every session), and from there, add the Magic Circle, box, and bands as your routine evolves and what exercises you want to incorporate.
Take care of your reformer, take care of your practice
A well-equipped Pilates Reformer not only lasts longer: it also allows you to train with your concentration on technique, not on whether you're going to slip or if the carriage is going to scratch the floor. The right accessories are, in practice, part of the training itself.
If you already have your reformer at home and notice the carriage becoming slippery halfway through your session, start by solving that: our Non-Slip Pilates Reformer Towel is specifically designed to fit the carriage, absorb sweat, and give you a firm grip in every exercise, session after session. It is, without a doubt, the accessory with which you will notice the most difference from the very first workout.