Hear Me Out: Pilates Bars Are an Even More Affordable Alternative to At-Home Reformer Machines—Here Are the Only Ones We’d Recommend

It’s no secret that Reformer Pilates classes are soaring in popularity recently — and it’s no wonder, as the benefits of Pilates are elevated even further by the increased strength training element. But there’s one hitch - they’re unavoidably spenny. Enter: the best Pilates bars to shop online.

Beyond the first three to five class packages (which can be set at quite attractive prices), Reformer Pilates classes can set you back a pretty penny if you’d like to take up the popular practice long-term. That’s where the best Pilates bars come in.

We’ve already curated an edit of the best at-home Reformer machines to shop if you’d like the full Reformer Pilates experience in the comfort of your own home, but these can still be quite an investment, plus they aren’t the most ideal option for small living spaces.

Similarly, Pilates sliders, resistance bands and ankle weights and wrist weights are great for boosting the effects of your Pilates workouts, but they lack the structure and sturdy base of a traditional Reformer machine. So I’m here to argue that you can find a super affordable (and arguably, more convenient and effective) alternative to all of these in Pilates bars.

So what makes Pilates bars so great? Well, aside from being affordable, they’re portable, take up minimal space and provide all the benefits of weighted workouts without the actual weight (hello travel-friendly workout kit). Beyond this, they also provide extra support through the bar and sturdy straps - meaning they’re both convenient and highly effective. Bonus.

We’ve also rounded up the best Pilates clothes, along with the best Pilates tops, Pilates socks and unitards to kit yourself out for your practice. I know, I know, we’re too kind. Keep scrolling to find out more about Pilates bars from experts in the practice, and to shop the best models for yourself.

 Pilates bars: Quick shopping links 

• SMUG Active Pilates Bar - was £19.99, now £14.39 at Amazon (save 28%)
• ALongSong Pilates Equipment - £34.99 at Amazon
• HK Online Pilates bar - £11.49 at Amazon

What is a Pilates bar?

According to Lottie Anderson, founder of Pilates studio Bondi Rise, “The Pilates bar is a fantastic accessory that replicates Reformer-based movements without the need for a Reformer itself. It features a bar with two straps, mimicking the straps found on a Reformer, offering a versatile and convenient alternative.” So essentially: a genuinely effective (and much more affordable) Reformer alternative, brilliant stuff.

Stanislava Isaeva, Pilates Teacher at MoreYoga, expands on the mechanics of Pilates bars, stating “the Pilates bar is a piece of compact, portable equipment typically used for at-home training. It features a stiff bar [like a pole] and resistance bands, and everything can be adjusted to work with your body weight to add intensity to your exercises. It is fantastic for building strength, stability and mobility and can assist with everything from ab work to squats and upper body. Like all Pilates equipment, it is designed to challenge flexibility and strength using controlled, targeted movements.”

What’s the difference between a Pilates bar and a Reformer machine?

Anderson highlights the differences in the two products: “A Pilates bar is a compact and portable piece of equipment versus a Reformer. A Reformer is much bigger and heavier, it has a moving carriage as well as various springs, providing adjustable resistance for a wider range of exercises. Whilst both are used in Pilates workouts, the reformer offers more versatility and more options for exercise due to the design of it which is why you see more and more Reformer classes popping up!”. Saying this, if you’re taking price into account, the Pilates bar would be the clear winner.

According to Isaeva, both pieces of equipment have their strong points, but have surprisingly similar effects: “the Reformer is a sophisticated machine for a full body workout. It’s big, expensive and super functional, and includes springs and a sliding pad base to facilitate movement. The resistance element offered means it shares some similarities with the Pilates bar [and accompanying bands], and some exercises can be mimicked across both. The bar you could potentially incorporate into a Mat Pilates class, too. Both will help you build strength around the core muscle groups.”

What we looked for in the best Pilates bars

• Price - was it affordable?
• Quality - would it stand the test of time?
• Design - is it compact, easy to assemble, sturdy and comfortable to use?
• Extras - did it come as part of a kit or was it a standalone bar?

Best Pilates bars to buy:

1. Best Pilates bar all round

This Pilates bar was the unexpected bestseller from our at-home Reformer machines roundup, plus it’s Isaeva’s top Pilates bar pick, so comes expert approved - and it’s easy to see why. Sitting comfortably under £20, it’s super affordable, of course, but it also has a surprisingly sleek design. It has sturdy-yet-stretchy rubber bands, a padded bar for extra comfort and grip and comes in a handy carry bag so you can take it to the gym easily. With a 4-star average rating from 307 reviews, customers love the fact that it’s lightweight, easy to store and incredible value for money.

2. Best Pilates bar with all the bells and whistles

If you’re after a Pilates bar with multiple straps and strings of different strengths for a super tailored workout, this kit is the best option for you. The rubber resistance bands are colour-coded to reflect their different strengths, so it’s really easy to adjust your workout to make you carry more weight. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 468 reviews, so comes in super highly rated too! Reviewers love the compact, easy-to-store design, accompanying workout guide and find it to be excellent quality for the price.

3. Most affordable Pilates bar

This Pilates bar is under £12. Yes, you heard that right. If you’re after a no-frills design for quick workouts, this bar consists of a single bar (which breaks into two for easy storage) and two resistance bands. Reviewers love how easy this is to use and the fact that it’s one of the most affordable (yet highly-rated) models out there. It comes in a few different colours and is produced by a small UK-based business.

4. Best compact Pilates bar for travelling

This Pilates bar breaks into three sections, making it super compact and easy to travel with, but don’t think for a moment that this has an effect on the quality and effectiveness of this product. Reviewers insist it’s super sturdy and appreciate the handy carry bag which makes it easy to store and take with you on the go. This design is also pretty versatile - you can use two bars or three, depending on how long you want the bar (perfect for working out different parts of your body, or if you’re planning on sharing this with someone taller or shorter than you).

5. Highly rated Pilates bar

This Pilates bar is similar to the 2nd option in this list, in that it has a few different resistance bands, which you can stack up for tailored weight training. These bands are slightly more aesthetically pleasing - coming in graduating shades of pink or grey - if you want more of a chic finish, and the straps have both solid bars and flexible loops, so you can alternate between arm and leg workouts with ease. Oh, and the set is currently on sale, making it somewhat of a bargain.

6. Best next day day delivery Pilates bar

This mid-range price point Pilates bar set has plenty of good reviews on Amazon, and promises to be good value for money, too, as it includes six different bands with varying resistance levels. If you're worried about painful hands mid-movement, this design comes with a thick rubber grip and non-slip pads on the foot straps, too.

7. Best Pilates bar for beginners

If you're new to Pilates bars, this is a great option for you. It's multi-functional, meaning you can use it for Pilates, stretching, or strength training, plus it has soft 2-in-1 handles and widened ankle straps, meaning you won't be put off mid-session because of any uncomfortable digging in. It's portable, too, and at just £16, a steal if ever there was one!

8. Most affordable Pilates bar set

This is by far the most affordable Pilates bar we have come across, so it's great if you're on a tight budget. But better yet you don't just get the bar for this price, you also get handles and a foot strap to help you with your exercises. Reviewers note that it's well packaged and of good quality, but it's a cheap and cheerful option to start you out.

9. Most stylish Pilates bar set

Is it slightly shallow to be concerned with the appearance of your fitness equipment? Maybe. But we have no shame in saying that we like our workout gear to look good as well as function brilliantly—and this set is just that. Customers not only praise how easy is it to carry around, but also the high quality compared to other Pilates bar sets on the market. The gorgeous pink hue is just an added bonus.

10. Most intuitive Pilates bar

Setting up exercise equipment at home isn't for the weak. It can be a nightmare to find adequate space, and also to put everything together properly by yourself. Thankfully, this Pilates bar couldn't be easier to operate. It comes in three easy-to-store pieces and it slots together in an instant. But that doesn't mean you won't get a good burn—it offers six levels of adjustable resistance and it also comes with a door anchor so you can push yourself as much as you'd like to.

11. Most versatile Pilates bar

We have spoken to countless Pilates experts over the years at MCUK, finding out the kit they use on a daily basis and recommend to their clients. For at-home equipment like Pilates bars, one retailer always comes out on top with the professionals: Amazon. And this kit demonstrates why—with 20-220lbs resistance bands on offer, it is suitable for all levels thanks to its adjustable design. Customers praise the high quality and how easy it is to use, so it's a very worthwhile investment for those looking to practise regularly and up the resistance from home.

12. Most heavy duty Pilates bar

Ready to up the ante? Then this sturdy steel contraption, with its 4mm thick foam padding, which can withstand up to 226kg, is well worth a look in. You'll also be able to customise this Pilates bar to two different lengths, and as long as you have got your own resistance bands to attach to it, you can lunge, bench press, squat, curl, row and crunch to your heart's content.

13. Best full-body training Pilates bar

This Pilates bar comes with six resistance bands, two handles, one door anchor, a mini mat and a handy bag to stash it away in. It also comes with a training guide that will tell you how to complete 40 different exercises. Customers praise how well-made this piece of kit is and its versatility, noting that the combination of the sturdy bar, adjustable resistance bands, and ab roller makes it perfect for full-body training. "Whether you're toning muscles, improving flexibility, or building strength, this set delivers excellent results," one customer writes.