Stott Reformers are My Favorite

When it comes to reformers, there are a few professional brands to choose from and I’d say Stott/Merrithew and Balanced Body are the two biggest brands. I’ve used both brands and have my preferences. Here’s my two cents on these Pilates reformers based on my own experiences.

When I begin my Pilates career, I had Balanced Body reformers. For starters this is the reformer I had trained on and also they tend to be quite a bit cheaper. The equipment lasted well and had minimal issues aside from some worn vinyl over time. At the time I was content with this brand of reformer. In my opinion, it’s been modernized to be more comfortable if you will than Joseph Pilates traditional reformers.

Upon moving to Arizona, I had the opportunity to buy Stott Reformers. In the back of my mind, I thought I might get a Balanced Body reformer to have at my house because I thought I’d miss it. The Stott equipment is quite a bit pricier and it shows in the durability and craftsmanship. It also feels different and in my opinion is more authentic in design. The spring colors are basically the same as the Balanced Body but I noticed right away a red Stott was heavier than a red Balanced Body spring. The angle of the foot bar is more upright and more inline with the classical reformers. It is also more true to a a ‘sit to stand’ movement - Joseph Pilates intent I believe with the footwork. For some at first this angle can feel tighter versus the relaxed angle of other brands. There are also more foot bar adjustments on the Stott reformer so accommodations can be mede for knee limitations and such.

Another primary difference is the straps. Stott comes with one single loop versus a double loop on the Balanced Body. I had always found the double loops to be cumbersome and because of the longer loop the feet in straps ends up being a tad lighter. Doing side arm work or pulling straps, I prefer not having the excess loop hitting me or the carriage.

After several month of working on the Stott reformers, I began to notice I was stronger in ways I had not been before. I truly believe I was getting a better workout and better results on the Stott reformers. I have had other instructors tell me they have experienced this as well. I believe the design, spring tension, and layout of this reformer creates challenges that I’m now benefiting from.

I had the opportunity to go to a Pilates Summit for four days a year ago and all of the equipment was Balanced Body. It was fun to be back on Balanced Body, but I noticed immediately everything felt so light to me. While I watched some students struggling with one red spring - I was looking to add tension! If you know me and my teaching style - I am not one to encourage loading up all the springs! Just by doing the standard with Stott, I believe I have become stronger.

Now after a few years of working on Stott Reformers, I am pleased with the gains I have made in strength, mobility, and success in movements that had eluded me before. I’m a true Stott convert! I did not realize when I made the change what a big difference it would make in my own workout and results. I guess there is a reason Stott costs more and has the reputation of being premium. I now have a Stott Reformer at my house and wouldn’t have it any other way! I believe the Stott Reformers took my workout to the next level!