Why We Choose Only Specific American Pilates Reformer Brands — and Why It Matters

At American Pilates Reformer Outlet, our mission is not simply to resell Pilates reformers—it is to restore, certify, and stand behind them. That responsibility starts with a critical decision: which brands we accept and refurbish.

We intentionally work with a short list of American Pilates reformer brands that meet strict engineering, serviceability, and long-term support standards. Today, those brands are:

Balanced Body

PersonalHour

Merrithew

This choice is not about popularity alone—it is about what happens years after a reformer is built.

The Core Question We Ask Before Accepting Any Brand

Before we bring a reformer into our refurbishment program, we ask:

Can this reformer be properly maintained, safely serviced, and supported long after resale?

If the answer is no, we don’t touch it—no matter how attractive the price may be.

Why These Three American Brands Stand Out

Balanced Body: Proven Parts & Local Serviceability

Balanced Body has long set the standard for professional Pilates equipment in the U.S. From an engineering standpoint, what matters most to us is parts accessibility and consistency.

Springs are easy to source and replace

Wheels, ropes, and pulleys are standardized

Manuals and service guidance are clear and available

Local service knowledge is widely established

For example, replacing Balanced Body springs is something we do regularly as part of our refurbishment process. That predictability allows us to restore performance with confidence—and ensures future owners are never “stuck” with an unserviceable machine.

PersonalHour: Full-System Engineering Support (Down to the Screws)

What makes PersonalHour uniquely strong from a refurbishment and long-term maintenance perspective is the depth of their engineering support.

PersonalHour can provide:

Individual hardware components (yes—even specific screws)

Ropes, springs, wheels, and pulleys

Upholstery components

Structural parts, including frames when required

This level of access means a PersonalHour reformer is never disposable. It can be maintained, repaired, and supported far beyond its first ownership cycle.

Additionally, the engineering documentation published by PersonalHour, including detailed manuals and their engineering-focused book, gives us rare clarity into:

Structural intent

Load tolerances

Maintenance best practices

This makes refurbishing PersonalHour reformers not only possible—but exceptionally precise.

Merrithew: Strong Documentation & Global Technical Resources

Merrithew (formerly STOTT PILATES) earns its place through excellent educational and technical resources.

What supports our work most:

Detailed manuals and setup guides

Clear component diagrams

Strong video libraries for maintenance and adjustment

Well-documented reformer systems used worldwide

These resources allow our engineering team to service Merrithew reformers accurately, even years after original production, while maintaining alignment with manufacturer standards.

Documentation & Knowledge Matter More Than Appearance

One of the most overlooked aspects of Pilates equipment longevity is knowledge access.

With these three brands, we consistently find:

Official manuals

Engineering diagrams

Training and maintenance videos

Community and professional knowledge bases

That ecosystem matters. A well-built reformer without documentation is still a risk. A well-built reformer with support and knowledge becomes a long-term asset.

Why This Matters to You as a Buyer

By limiting our refurbishment program to these brands, we ensure that every reformer we sell is:

Structurally sound

Fully serviceable

Supported by accessible parts

Backed by real documentation

Eligible for warranty and long-term care

This protects not only your investment—but your safety and experience.

Looking Ahead: Open, But Selective

We are open to expanding to additional American brands in the future. However, any new brand must meet the same criteria:

Reliable spare parts availability

Clear manuals and documentation

Proven engineering standards

Manufacturer or ecosystem support

Until then, we stand firmly behind Balanced Body, PersonalHour, and Merrithew—because quality doesn’t end at the factory. It continues through service, support, and responsible ownership.

At American Pilates Reformer Outlet, we don’t just resell reformers.
We choose the ones worth preserving