A reformer in the garden – why it makes sense
A reformer is one of the most effective full-body training tools – and one of the most space-hungry. In a typical home there is no room for it. In a fitness studio you share it. In a rented retail unit you pay rent whether you have clients or not.
A GymBox with a reformer solves all three problems. The module sits in the garden, the reformer is always available, and there are no fixed monthly costs.
A private module can be an alternative to renting studio time – or a premium private studio for selected clients. A private reformer session in the UK runs at £60–£90. With 15 sessions a week, what you stop paying in studio rental alone covers the module in roughly 1.5–2.5 years (the numbers are below).
Reformer dimensions – what to know before ordering
A reformer takes far more space than a strength machine:
| Model | Length | Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Body Studio Reformer | 2.36 m | 0.69 m | Most popular studio model |
| Stott Pilates SPX Max | 2.49 m | 0.56 m | Compact |
| Merrithew V2 Max Plus | 2.44 m | 0.68 m | With tower: 2.44 × 0.68 m |
| Peak Pilates Fit | 2.40 m | 0.66 m | Good price-to-quality ratio |
Around every reformer you need: ➜ ~0.6 m of free space at the headend (rope clearance) ➜ ~0.5 m at the back (entry and exit) ➜ ~0.7 m on each side (movement comfort)
Minimum footprint for one reformer: ~3.7 m × 2.1 m
How many reformers fit in which module?
| Module | Reformers | Extra space |
|---|---|---|
| 8×3 m (24 m²) | 1 reformer comfortably | Mat / barrel / chair next to it |
| 9×3 m (27 m²) | 1 reformer + mat area | Mat work in parallel |
| 7×5 m (35 m²) | 2 reformers | Comfortable two-person work |
| Custom 8×4 m | 2 reformers + mat | Ideal PT studio |
| Custom 10×4 m | 3 reformers | Small group studio |
➜ For 2 reformers side by side, allow at least 3 m of width between them ➜ Alternative: reformers in line (still requires ~3 m of width for lateral work) ➜ A 45° herringbone layout maximises usable space in a 9×3 m module
Floor – wood or vinyl only
A reformer sits on rubber feet – it stays stable on wood or vinyl. On 15 mm training rubber the reformer rocks slightly – unacceptable for safe practice.
Recommendation for a reformer studio: ➜ Oak sports parquet – natural, warm, fully professional (best aesthetics for photos and video) ➜ SPC vinyl plank – cheaper alternative, wood look, easy maintenance
The floor colour should contrast with the reformer (usually grey-navy) – lighter wood or light vinyl gives the premium effect.
Pilates studio lighting
Lighting in a Pilates studio plays two roles: practical (visibility for the instructor) and aesthetic (a luxurious feel on social media content).
We design: ➜ Indirect LED strips along the ceiling – soft, shadow-free light with no glare on camera ➜ 3000 K colour temperature (warm white) – flattering on skin tone, gives photos a golden-hour feel ➜ Optional adjustable colour temperature 2700–5000 K – mood change at the press of a button ➜ Outdoor wall lights – ideal for evening sessions and garden shots
Two main client profiles
Pilates teacher / yoga instructor
You hold a certification, you have clients – what you lack is your own space.
➜ Studio rental: £20–£40/h. At 15 sessions a week that adds up to £1,200–£2,400/month, or £14,000–£29,000 a year ➜ GymBox 8×3 m with a reformer: £35,800–£38,400 +VAT one-off ➜ Payback in roughly 1.5–2.5 years – no rent, no dependence on studio owners
Private clients pay for privacy and availability – you can charge a premium over group-class rates.
Private Pilates enthusiast
You practise several times a week, you have a garden – a reformer inside a GymBox becomes your private recovery space.
➜ Studio session price: £40–£90 → 3 sessions a week = £6,000–£14,000 a year ➜ With consistent practice, payback in 2.5–6 years – pure savings after that
Add-on equipment (options)
| Equipment | What it is | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cadillac / Tower | Tower for reformer or freestanding | £2,100–£4,700 |
| Barrel (Spine Corrector) | Spine arch | £400–£1,000 |
| Chair (Wunda Chair) | Pilates chair, stability training | £1,100–£2,100 |
| Pilates mat | Thicker than a yoga mat (10–15 mm) | £100–£200 each |
| Bluetooth audio system | Music and Pilates audio apps | £600–£1,600 |
A full PT studio with a reformer, Cadillac and chair is a £3,900–£7,800 equipment investment on top of the module quote.
Indicative pricing
| Configuration | Module | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Private 1 reformer | 8×3 m | from £35,800 +VAT |
| Private 1 reformer + mat area | 9×3 m | from £38,400 +VAT |
| PT studio 2 reformers | custom 8×4 m | from £49,600 +VAT |
| Group studio 3 reformers | custom 10×4 m | from £65,400 +VAT |
Prices cover: the module, sports parquet or premium vinyl, dimmable lighting, climate control, acoustic insulation, the reformer (Balanced Body or equivalent — about £5,800 +VAT each) and on-site installation. Delivery is quoted separately by postcode within 1 business day (approx. £1,200–2,500 to mainland UK).
Prefer a specification fixed in advance? The ready Gym Box Yoga & Pilates Studio — 7×5 m with a reformer, wooden sports floor and full-wall mirrors — is £43,700 +VAT (£52,500 incl. VAT).
Want a reformer studio designed for you? Request a quote →
See also: GymBox for Yoga and Pilates → | GymBox Train & Recover → | Container Gyms – Full Range →