Pilates Reformer vs Cadillac – Which Is Right for Your Studio?

Choosing between a Pilates reformer and a Cadillac depends on how your studio operates day to day. Reformers support group classes and consistent session flow, while Cadillacs are better suited to rehabilitation and private instruction.

Reformers suit group-based Pilates studios, while Cadillacs excel in rehab and private sessions — the right choice depends on studio operations.

When studio owners ask me whether they should invest in a Pilates reformer or a Cadillac, they’re rarely asking about exercises.

What they’re really trying to work out is which piece of equipment fits their studio model — their timetable, their instructors, their clients, and the way sessions actually run on a busy week.

Both machines are valuable. But they serve very different roles inside a studio, and misunderstanding that difference is one of the fastest ways to waste floor space and capital.

Pilates reformer and Cadillac setup for commercial studio use

Why This Decision Is More About Operations Than Equipment

In a commercial Pilates studio, equipment decisions aren’t just about movement quality. They directly shape how the business runs day to day.

How many clients can train per hour? Equipment that supports group flow allows you to scale sessions without slowing class pace.
How smoothly classes transition, as faster setup and consistent layouts reduce downtime between sessions.
How much physical demand instructors carry, since equipment that allows verbal and visual cueing prevents unnecessary fatigue over long teaching days.
How predictable your schedule remains week to week, because reliable, repeatable equipment reduces disruptions caused by setup issues or maintenance.

This is the same reason studio owners evaluate Pilates equipment using the same lens they apply to commercial gym machine packages , where utilisation and durability matter more than versatility.

What a Pilates Reformer Is Actually Built For

A Pilates reformer is designed for continuous movement and repeatable class formats.

In most studios, reformers form the backbone of group programming because they allow instructors to cue multiple clients simultaneously without stopping class flow. Resistance remains consistent, setups are quick, and sessions can be standardised across time slots.

This is why reformers work so well in studios running memberships, class packs, or timetable-based programming. They behave much like other high-use studio equipment that needs to perform the same way, every session, for every client.

What a Cadillac Is Designed to Do (and Not Do)

A Cadillac — sometimes called a trapeze table — is fundamentally different.

It’s built for precision, support, and controlled movement, not throughput. Cadillacs shine in rehabilitation settings, clinical Pilates, and private sessions where instructors can work closely with one client at a time.

The vertical frame, bars, and spring attachments allow assisted movement, decompression, and corrective work that’s difficult to replicate on reformers. But that precision comes with trade-offs: more setup time, more instructor involvement, and slower session pacing.

Because of this, Cadillacs are rarely the centrepiece of group-based studios.

Pilates Reformer vs Cadillac: How Studios Actually Use Them

On paper, both machines look versatile. In practice, their usage is very different.

Reformers are typically used in group classes, semi-private sessions, and structured flows where consistency across machines matters. Studios often apply the same thinking when standardising other adjustable equipment, such as commercial benches , to ensure sessions feel predictable across the room.

Cadillacs, by contrast, are usually booked for private sessions, rehabilitation work, or specialised programming where setup time and individual attention are built into the session model.

Space Efficiency and Floor Planning

Space is often the deciding factor.

Reformers maximise usable floor space

Reformers allow studios to train more clients while maintaining clear walkways and instructor sightlines. Multiple units can be arranged cleanly, making it easier to scale class sizes without compromising safety or flow.

Cadillacs anchor the room

Cadillacs require more clearance and tend to dictate the layout around them. In smaller studios, this can significantly reduce overall session capacity, even if the equipment itself is valuable.

Instructor Workload and Longevity

Reformers reduce physical teaching demand. Reformers allow instructors to cue verbally and visually across multiple clients, reducing the physical strain that accumulates over long teaching days.

Cadillacs increase instructor involvement. Cadillacs demand hands-on assistance, closer supervision, and more setup. Over time, heavy reliance on this style of teaching can increase instructor fatigue if not managed carefully.

Studios that think long-term about instructor retention often limit how frequently high-touch equipment appears on the timetable.

Programming Flexibility and Class Design

Studio Focus	How Equipment Typically Fits
Group classes, membership models, and predictable timetables	Studios built around group classes and recurring memberships almost always lean toward reformers as their primary Pilates equipment, because reformers support consistent programming, smooth class flow, and efficient session turnover.
Rehabilitation, clinical Pilates, and one-on-one coaching	Studios with a stronger rehabilitation or clinical focus often benefit from adding a Cadillac as a secondary tool rather than a replacement, using it strategically for precision work while keeping reformers as the core equipment.

This layered approach reflects how studios integrate specialised equipment alongside their main offerings, a pattern that shows up across many studio equipment insights and programming strategies.

Cost, Utilisation, and Long-Term Value

Cadillacs typically carry a higher upfront cost and a lower utilisation rate.

That doesn’t make them a poor investment — it means their value depends entirely on how often they’re booked. If a Cadillac sits idle for large portions of the week, it becomes an expensive use of space.

Reformers, on the other hand, tend to generate more revenue per square metre simply because they support more sessions per day.

Studios that ignore utilisation often encounter the same issues seen with underused equipment in other areas of the gym.

Maintenance and Ownership Considerations

Maintenance realities differ between the two.

Reformers used in group classes benefit from predictable wear patterns and easier scheduling for upkeep. Cadillacs, with more attachment points and moving parts, often require more frequent inspection and maintenance.

Studios that manage equipment proactively usually integrate storage and organisation strategies to reduce downtime and extend lifespan.

My Coaching Perspective

From a coaching standpoint, reformers keep classes moving and instructors focused on teaching. Cadillacs shine when precision, support, and corrective work are the priority.

Neither is better in isolation. The mistake is choosing one without understanding how it fits into actual studio operations, instructor workload, and revenue structure.

Where Most Studios Start — and Why

Most studios start with reformers as their core Pilates equipment.

Cadillacs are usually added later, once there’s a defined rehabilitation offering or consistent demand for private sessions that justify the space and cost.

This staged approach allows studios to grow without locking themselves into under-utilised equipment early.

reformer with half trapeze attachment

Where to Start If You’re Still Unsure

If you’re deciding between a Pilates reformer and a Cadillac, start by:

1. Review your class sizes

Start by looking at how many clients you train per session, because equipment that works well for one-on-one teaching may struggle to scale efficiently in larger group classes.

2. Assess your session formats

Consider whether your timetable is built around group classes, semi-private sessions, or private instruction, as this directly affects whether reformers or Cadillacs will be used consistently.

3. Measure your available floor space

Evaluate how much usable space you actually have once walkways, instructor movement, and safety clearances are factored in, since larger equipment can quickly limit layout flexibility.

4. Factor in instructor workload

Think about your instructors’ weekly teaching load, as equipment that requires constant hands-on assistance can increase fatigue and affect long-term retention.

Final Takeaway

The Pilates reformer vs Cadillac decision isn’t about which machine is better.
It’s about which one supports how your studio actually runs.

Reformers drive scalability, class flow, and group efficiency.
Cadillacs deliver precision, rehabilitation support, and clinical depth.

Choose based on utilisation, not novelty.

Once you’ve worked through these points, you can explore AlphaGo Fitness to see how Pilates equipment fits within a professional studio environment, or contact us if you’d like guidance aligning equipment choices with your studio’s goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do studios need both a reformer and a Cadillac?

Not always. Many studios start with reformers and add a Cadillac later if demand supports it.

Can Cadillacs be used in group classes?

They can, but they’re usually better suited to private or semi-private sessions.

Which is better for new studios?

Reformers are generally the more practical starting point.

Is a Cadillac worth the space it takes up?

Only if it’s booked consistently for targeted sessions.