What is a Pilates reformer?
A reformer is a sliding carriage on rails, with springs, straps and a footbar. The client lies, sits or kneels on the carriage and moves it against spring resistance. It is the machine most people picture when they think of Pilates, and it is the core of most group class schedules.
Reformers are efficient to teach on: one instructor can coach several clients at once because each machine is self-contained and the movement vocabulary is standardized. That makes the reformer the natural foundation of a commercial studio.
What is a Cadillac (trapeze table)?
A Cadillac — also called a trapeze table — is a raised padded table with a canopy overhead, from which bars, straps and springs hang in every direction. It lets a client work the body from any angle, with the instructor adjusting springs and positions from all sides.
The Cadillac is the classic private-session machine. Assisted stretching, spinal work, springs in every plane and advanced repertoire are far easier to teach one-on-one or in tiny groups, because the instructor is hands-on and the machine is fully adjustable around the client.
Reformer vs Cadillac: the key differences
| Dimension | Reformer | Cadillac (Trapeze Table) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Group classes + private sessions | Private sessions + assisted work |
| Best for | Filling the schedule with reformer classes | Premium private pricing, rehab-style programming |
| Movement | Horizontal carriage on rails | Work from any angle under a canopy |
| Instructor role | Coaches several clients at once | Hands-on, mostly one client at a time |
| Space | ~60–90 kg, low profile | Needs canopy clearance and more ceiling height |
| Revenue role | Volume: many clients per hour | Value: higher price per session |
| Typical studio ratio | 4–8 to start | 1 per private room or per 6–10 reformers |
Which is better for group classes?
The reformer wins for groups, clearly. A 6-client reformer class is a standard professional format; a 6-client Cadillac class is rare and hard to staff well. If your business model is reformer classes — the most common model for new studios — reformers are the machines that pay the rent. If you are choosing between models, the two KCONE reformer platforms are compared side by side.
For a practical class-size calculation, see how to start a Pilates studio — it walks through reformer counts by class size and schedule.
Which is better for private sessions?
The Cadillac is a private-session powerhouse. Assisted stretching, spring work from every direction and advanced repertoire are easier to teach one-on-one with the instructor moving around the client. That is why private-session pricing is the Cadillac's main contribution to studio revenue.
That said, many instructors build the first half of a private session on the reformer and finish on the Cadillac. In a balanced studio the two machines complement each other rather than compete.
Which should a new studio buy first?
The buying order follows your format:
- Group reformer studio (most common): buy 4–8 reformers first, add one Cadillac once private sessions generate demand.
- Hybrid studio: 4–6 reformers for group classes plus one Cadillac in a private room from day one.
- Private-only studio (1–3 clients per session): start with one Cadillac and two to four reformers, and lean on the Cadillac for premium sessions.
Whichever you choose, the equipment mix matters more than any single machine — see the professional equipment buying guide for the full mix, layout and budget sequence.
How much space does each machine need?
- Reformer: roughly 60–90 kg, low profile, fits comfortably in a group room with 1.2–1.5 m spacing between machines.
- Cadillac: similar floor footprint to a reformer, but the canopy, bars and springs need clearance in every direction — and more ceiling height than a reformer. Check ceiling height before buying.
Budget considerations
There is no universal price for either machine, but the same cost drivers apply: frame material, spring quality, upholstery and whether you buy factory-direct or through a reseller. Buying from a manufacturer removes the reseller margin, which is why most new studios request factory-direct quotations.
Budget for more than the machines: export packaging, freight from the port, customs, installation and instructor training all belong in the real launch cost.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a reformer or a Cadillac first?
For most studios the reformer comes first: it is the group-class workhorse and the machine that fills the schedule. A Cadillac is a strong second purchase for private sessions and assisted work. A private-only studio with 1–3 clients per session can reverse the order.
Can a Cadillac replace a reformer?
Not really. The reformer is the foundation for group reformer classes and much of private programming, while the Cadillac excels at assisted stretching and advanced repertoire. Most commercial studios use both.
How many Cadillacs does a studio need?
Most studios run one Cadillac per private training room or per 6–10 reformers. Cadillacs serve private and small-group sessions rather than large classes, so one well-placed unit covers most studios in the first year.
How much space does a Cadillac need?
Roughly the floor area of a reformer plus clearance for the canopy, bars and springs to move in every direction, and more ceiling height than a reformer because the trapeze and straps hang from the canopy.
Planning your reformer + Cadillac mix?
Tell KCONE your studio format, target capacity and budget range for a recommended equipment list and factory-direct quotation.
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