When choosing between Balanced Body, Elina Pilates, and HEGREN, it all comes down to your priorities: Balanced Body offers American precision with a lifetime warranty, Elina Pilates combines European quality with excellent value, and HEGREN offers Greek craftsmanship with unique patented innovations.
You're facing a big decision: which reformers will you buy for your studio? This choice will determine not only what your classes will look like, but also where a large portion of your budget will go. And let's be honest: no one wants to discover in two years that you've made a choice that doesn't suit their needs.
At The Pilates Store, we primarily work with three top brands: Balanced Body from America, Elina Pilates from Spain, and HEGREN from Greece. Each has its own strengths. In this comparison, I'll explain the real differences so you can make the right choice for your studio.
What do you get from each brand?
Balanced Body: Are you paying for the name or the quality?
Balanced Body has been around since 1976, and it shows. They hold 28 U.S. patents and handcraft everything in California. Over 150 people work on each piece, from woodworkers to upholsterers. Sounds impressive, but what does that mean for you?
The main advantage: their Studio Reformer comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame. Not five years, not ten years, but lifelong. This is unique in the market and speaks volumes about their confidence in quality. You do pay for it, though; Balanced Body is priced in the premium segment.
They use only FSC-certified hardwood and work with American suppliers. Their factory is solar-powered, with 1,000 solar panels on the roof. If sustainability is important to you, they're a good choice.
Another plus: Balanced Body has a vast educational network. More than 400 certified instructors worldwide and 30,000 trained instructors. If you're looking to get certified or train your instructors, this gives you access to a wealth of knowledge.
The downside? The price. And because they come from America, delivery times are longer, and service can be a bit more complex. You work through an importer instead of directly with the factory.
Elina Pilates: The Smart Middle Way
Elina Pilates has developed significantly in Europe in recent years. They hold over 20 patents, develop their equipment in collaboration with international Pilates experts, and use high-quality materials such as FSC-certified wood and recycled components.
Where Elina Pilates truly shines is its price-quality ratio. You get professional equipment at a price 30-40% lower than comparable Balanced Body models. With a 10-year warranty on commercial Reformer frames, you still have long-term protection.
Practical advantages for your studio: many models are stackable (like the Elite Reformer), they deliver quickly because they're manufactured in Europe, and you can choose from a variety of upholstery colors. Even custom colors are available if you want a specific corporate identity.
Their Domo Reformer is telescopic, convenient if you have limited space. The Master Instructor line has elevated versions for physical therapy. And the Twin Reformer with its double carriage offers unique exercise options not found with other brands.
With us, you work directly with the factory, which means shorter communication lines and easier warranty processing. Their installation videos are clear, and installation is simple.
HEGREN: the exclusive option
HEGREN has been around since 1985 and produces everything in Greece. Each component is handmade using traditional methods combined with modern technology. They hold several patents on innovations not found in other brands.
We are the exclusive distributor in the Netherlands and Belgium. This means you can only get these devices from us, an advantage if you want to stand out from competing studios in your region.
HEGREN's price point falls between Balanced Body and Elina Pilates. You pay more than Elina Pilates, but less than Balanced Body. So what are you paying for? Unique technical solutions, a strong balance between aesthetics and functionality, and exclusivity.
Their patented pulley systems and adjustment mechanisms operate faster and more intuitively than other brands. For instructors, this means less time wasted adjusting equipment between clients.
As an exclusive distributor, we can offer personalized service. You have a single point of contact for everything: advice, orders, questions, and warranty. That makes all the difference when you need help quickly.
The practical test: what do you notice in daily use?
How do they feel during lessons?
This is the crux of the matter. How do these devices work when you actually use them? I've gathered feedback from studio owners who have experience with all three brands.
Balanced Body feels solid and heavy. The carriage glides smoothly, and the springs provide consistent resistance. Customers often notice the difference; it has a premium feel. The upholstery is thick and comfortable, even after years of intensive use. The frame doesn't creak or move. You put it down, and it stays put.
Elina Pilates comes surprisingly close. The Elite and Master Instructor models feel professional and stable. The carriage glides just as smoothly as the Balanced Body. Their spring systems work well and are easy to switch between exercises. The padding is slightly thinner than the Balanced Body but holds up well to daily use. Some studio owners say they can't tell the difference between their Elina Pilates and Balanced Body reformers.
HEGREN distinguishes itself through small details. Adjustments are a little faster, and the mechanisms click in place a little more securely. Instructors especially appreciate this during busy classes where they need to quickly switch between clients. The design is often sleeker and more modern, which can be beneficial for your studio's look.
Storage and space usage
If you teach multiple classes per day, space is precious. This is where you'll see major differences.
The Elina Pilates Elite Reformer is stackable. You can stack three or four reformers and store them in the space of a single unit. For small studios that want to accommodate 5-10 clients per class, this is often a deciding factor. Simply stack them between classes, and you'll have space for yoga or other classes.
Balanced Body also has stackable models, but not all their reformers are stackable by default. Their Studio Reformer, for example, is heavier and not designed to be stacked. You'll need more permanent space.
HEGREN models are built with portability in mind. They're heavy enough to be stable, but often have convenient handles and wheels for easy movement. Ideal if you want to flexibly organize your space.
Maintenance: What does it really cost?
Let's be honest about the post-purchase costs. All three brands require similar maintenance, but there are nuances.
Springs should be replaced every two years. This applies to all brands and costs approximately €80-€150 per reformer, depending on the model. Failure to do so often voids your warranty.
With heavy use , upholstery lasts 3-5 years before needing replacement. Balanced Body has the thickest upholstery and often lasts the longest. Elina Pilates is close behind. Replacement costs range from €200-€400 per reformer.
Parts are often more expensive at Balanced Body because they're made in America. Elina Pilates and HEGREN have shorter delivery times and often lower costs because everything is made in Europe. If something breaks, you'll notice the difference.
For professional use, it's realistic to budget around €150-250 per reformer per year for maintenance. Over 10 years, that adds up to €1,500-2,500 per unit on top of the purchase price.
The financial reality: what fits your budget?
Starter investment
Let's look at some concrete numbers. For a professional Reformer with Tower, you pay:
- Balanced Body : between €5,000-€8,000+ depending on the model
- Elina Pilates : between €3,500-€5,500 for comparable quality
- HEGREN : between €4,000-€6,500
If you start a studio with six reformers, you're talking about a difference of €9,000-€15,000 between Elina Pilates and Balanced Body. That's often the difference between getting started and not.
Quantity discount makes the difference
For larger quantities, we offer volume discounts. The more reformers you buy, the lower the price per unit. This can save you 10-20% when purchasing 5 or more units.
Practical example: A studio purchasing eight Elite Reformers from Elina Pilates can save €3,000-€5,000 with a volume discount compared to purchasing them individually. Balanced Body offers higher absolute amounts, but the percentage discount can be comparable.
Contact us for a personalized quote. We'll consider your specific situation and can often create a package that perfectly suits your budget and needs.
Return on investment
A good reformer will last 10-15 years with professional use, sometimes longer. Let's look at the ROI.
Suppose you have six reformers in your studio. You teach four classes a day with six clients each, five days a week. That's 120 clients per week, about 500 per month. At €25 per class, that's €12,500 in revenue per month, or €150,000 per year.
If you invest €30,000 in Elina Pilates reformers instead of €45,000 in Balanced Body, you'll have €15,000 left over for marketing, rent for an additional month, or other investments. That can make the difference between a good and a quick start.
On the other hand, if you're in a premium area where clients pay €35-40 per class and value brand recognition, Balanced Body can pay for itself through its premium image. Your target audience plays a significant role.
Best choice for different situations
For starting studios: Elina Pilates Elite Reformer
If you're just starting out, the Elina Pilates Elite Reformer with Tower is your best choice. You get two machines in one (reformer + tower), a stackable design for smart space management, and a 10-year warranty on the frame.
The price-quality ratio is excellent. You'll invest around €4,000-€4,500 per unit instead of the €6,000+ for Balanced Body. With volume discounts for orders of 5 or more, the price is even lower. This means you'll reach your break-even point faster and make a profit sooner.
Studio owners often tell us, "I was amazed by the quality. Clients don't notice any difference compared to expensive brands, and I saved thousands of euros that I could put into marketing."
For premium studios: Balanced Body Studio Reformer
Do you live in an affluent neighborhood where clients pay higher prices for premium services? Then the Balanced Body Studio Reformer is an investment that pays for itself.
The lifetime frame warranty is unique. You can tell customers they're training on the best equipment available – Balanced Body is a name people know and love. This justifies the higher lesson prices.
Important: This choice only works if your target audience recognizes the added value. In a competitive market with price-conscious customers, you won't notice the difference with Elina Pilates in your revenue.
For hybrid concepts: consider the Master Instructor
Do you combine Pilates with yoga, barre, or physiotherapy? Then the Elina Pilates Master Instructor is a great option. This model has additional features like a mini tower and is available in a raised version for therapeutic applications.
You can use the same space for multiple disciplines. The elevated version (Master Instructor Physio) makes it easier for clients to step onto and is ideal for rehabilitation. One investment, multiple uses.
Warranty: What does it really mean?
Lifetime warranty sounds good, but...
Balanced Body's lifetime warranty on their Studio Reformer frame sounds fantastic. And it's a real strength. But read the terms and conditions carefully:
- It only applies to the original owner
- You must replace springs every 2 years (proof required)
- Improper use or inadequate maintenance will void the warranty.
- Transportation costs for repairs are at your expense
- It only applies to the frame, not to all parts.
In practice, this means that if you sell your studio in five years, the new owner will no longer have a lifetime warranty. And if you forget to replace the springs on time even once, your warranty may be void.
Elina Pilates: clear and realistic
Elina Pilates offers a 10-year warranty on wooden and aluminum frames of commercial models, 5 years on Lignum and Nubium frames, 3 years on the Domo, and 2 years on other components. This is clear and realistic.
In 10 years of professional use, you've probably replaced parts or even bought new reformers because you're expanding or upgrading. The 10-year warranty covers the period when you really need it.
Warranty processing is fast because we work directly with the European factory. No waiting months for parts from America.
HEGREN: solid but check the details
HEGREN offers excellent warranty terms that match their quality level. As an exclusive distributor, we can tell you exactly what's covered and how the process works. This varies by model, so always ask specifically about the model you're considering.
The advantage: European production means faster warranty processing than with American imports. Parts are often delivered within 1-2 weeks instead of 4-8 weeks.
Honest answers to practical questions
"Can I switch to another brand later?"
Yes, but it's not ideal. If you start with Elina Pilates and later add Balanced Body equipment, you'll have different systems. Springs and components aren't interchangeable. Your instructors will need to learn how to work with two different systems.
It's better to choose one brand and stick with it. If you expand later, just buy the same brand. This keeps your parts inventory simple, and your instructors don't have to switch between systems.
"What if I want better Reformers but don't have the budget?"
Consider starting with fewer, higher-quality Reformers instead of more, lower-quality ones. Four good Reformers that will last you 4-5 years are better than six budget Reformers that will need replacing after two years.
You can also phase it in: start with four Elina Pilates Elite Reformers. As your studio grows and you have the budget, expand with four more. This way, you spread the investment over time.
Leasing is also an option for larger investments. Some suppliers work with financing partners. Ask about this when you request a quote.
"My competitor has Balanced Body, should I also?"
Not necessarily. If your competitor already serves the premium segment with Balanced Body and high prices, you could target the affordable segment with Elina Pilates and lower prices. Or you could choose HEGREN to differentiate yourself with unique equipment that no one else has.
It's all about making sure your choice aligns with your positioning and target audience. Don't blindly copy your competitors: find your own niche.
"Can I see and test before I buy?"
Absolute!
We have a showroom in Uddel (near Apeldoorn) with six different Reformers, including from Elina Pilates and HEGREN.
What professionals say about the brands
Studio owners from the Netherlands and Belgium share their experiences:
About Balanced Body: "We invested in Balanced Body Studio Reformers three years ago. Are they expensive? Yes. Are we happy with our choice? Yes. After three years of intensive use, they still look like new, and customers appreciate the quality. The lifetime warranty gives peace of mind."
About Elina Pilates: "As a start-up studio, we didn't have the budget for Balanced Body. We opted for Elina Pilates Elite Reformers and are extremely satisfied. Our clients see no difference compared to more expensive brands. We used the savings to invest in marketing, which has helped us grow rapidly."
About HEGREN: "We wanted to differentiate ourselves from the three other Pilates studios in our city, all of which offer Balanced Body. HEGREN was perfect—a unique look, excellent quality, and no one else has it. Clients regularly request it, and it fits our premium yet distinctive position."
Practical step-by-step plan for your decision
Step 1: Determine your budget
Be realistic about your investment potential. Don't just consider the purchase price, but also:
- Shipping costs (can be €100-150 per Reformer)
- Any installation costs
- Budget for initial maintenance (springs, minor repairs)
- Reserve for unexpected costs
Step 2: Analyze your target audience
Who are your clients? In an affluent neighborhood with clients paying €35+ per class, Balanced Body can be a great investment. In an average neighborhood with budget-conscious clients, Elina Pilates is a smarter option. Want to distinguish yourself with exclusivity? Then HEGREN is a good option.
Step 3: Calculate your space
Measure your studio accurately. How much space do you have per reformer? Can they be stacked between classes, or are they permanently installed? This will help determine whether stackable models are necessary.
Allow for a minimum of 2 meters by 3 meters per Reformer during use. For multiple Reformers next to each other, allow at least 1 to 1.5 meters of space between arms and legs.
Step 4: Request quotes
Contact us and request quotes for different scenarios:
- Your ideal scenario (best choice without budget limit)
- Your realistic scenario (within your budget)
- A growth scenario (start small, expand later)
We can calculate the total investment for each scenario, including volume discounts, transport and extras.
Step 5: Calculate the ROI
How many classes per week can you teach? How many clients per class? What's your lesson price? Calculate how many months it will take to recoup your investment. This will help you decide if a more expensive option is feasible.
Step 6: Decide and order
Once you've decided, we can help you with ordering, delivery, and any questions you may have about installation. We remain available for post-purchase support.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Choosing solely on price. The cheapest option isn't always the smartest. A €2,500 reformer that needs replacing after 3 years will ultimately cost more than a €4,000 reformer that lasts 10 years.
Mistake 2: Buying too many reformers. Startup studios often buy too many units "just to be safe." Start with what you realistically need for the first six months. You can always expand as you grow.
Error 3: Not reading the warranty properly . Always check the terms and conditions. "10-year warranty" can mean: 10 years on the frame, 2 years on the upholstery, 1 year on the springs. Know what's covered.
Mistake 4: Forgetting transport in your budget. Specialized transport for reformers can cost €200-500 each. For six reformers, that's an additional €1,200-€3,000. Factor this in beforehand.
Mistake 5: Not considering expansion. If you expand later with more reformers, it's easy to buy the same brand again. So choose a brand you'll be happy with in the long run.
Final advice: what should I choose?
If I were to start a studio with a normal budget (not a premium area), I'd choose Elina Pilates Elite Reformers . They offer excellent value for money, are stackable, which saves space, and with a 10-year warranty, you're protected for a long time. I'd invest the savings compared to Balanced Body in effective marketing to attract customers.
If I had a bigger budget and wanted a premium look from day one, then Balanced Body Studio Reformers would be the way to go. The lifetime warranty and brand name are worth it.
Did I want to distinguish myself with unique equipment that no one else had? Then HEGREN , because exclusivity in marketing can be a powerful selling point.
But that's my situation. Your studio is different. So: contact us, tell us about your plans, and we'll help you make the right choice for your specific situation. With volume discounts, honest advice, and transparent pricing.
Next steps
Ready to order? Or do you have any questions? We're here to help:
- Call or email for a personal consultation
- Request a quote for your specific situation
- Tell us about your studio, budget and plans
- Get volume discounts for larger quantities
You're investing in equipment you'll enjoy for years to come. Take your time to make the right choice – we're happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Reformer brand is best for a starting Pilates studio on a budget?
Elina Pilates offers the best value for money for beginners. Their Elite Reformer costs €4,000-€4,500 versus €6,000+ for the Balanced Body, with comparable quality and a 10-year warranty. With six reformers, you save €9,000-€12,000, which you can then invest in marketing.
How many Reformers do I need to start a Pilates studio?
Start with 4-6 Reformers for a basic studio. This allows you to teach classes of 4-6 people, which is ideal for group size and personalized attention. You can expand to 8-10 Reformers as you grow.
What is the total cost of setting up a Pilates studio with Reformers?
Expect to pay €16,000-€27,000 for 6 Reformers (Elina Pilates) up to €36,000-€48,000 (Balanced Body), including transportation. Add €1,500-€3,000 for accessories and €1,500+ for maintenance in the first year. Total: €19,000-€52,000 depending on your brand.
Can I use stackable reformers in a professional studio?
Yes, stackable models like the Elina Pilates Elite Reformer are perfectly suitable for professional use. They are just as stable and durable as non-stackable models, but save space between classes. Ideal for studios that offer multiple disciplines.
How long do professional Pilates Reformers last with heavy use?
With proper maintenance, Balanced Body, Elina Pilates, and HEGREN Reformers last 10-15 years in professional use. Replace springs every 2 years and upholstery after 3-5 years. Frames often last 20+ years with proper care.
