I\u2019ve been practicing pilates in various forms for years. I love that the slow, controlled movements challenge my balance and help strengthen the smaller muscles that tend to go overlooked. When I\u2019m training for a marathon, it\u2019s even more important to help avoid muscle imbalances. But living in a city, Pilates is not cheap. Each class can easily exceed $40, and reserving a spot can be as competitive as a dinner reservation at the newest hotspot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why having a home reformer is appealing. Yes, it\u2019s an upfront investment, but I can work out whenever I want and don\u2019t have to rearrange my schedule around a fitness studio or commit to a membership. I also don\u2019t have a commute, which is key on those brutally cold winter mornings<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been testing the Balanced Body Metro IQ Pilates Reformer<\/a> at home for several months. If you\u2019re considering adding a reformer to your home gym setup, here\u2019s what you need to know about the Metro IQ.\u00a0<\/p>\n Studio reformers aren\u2019t exactly apartment-sized. And while Balanced Body makes larger options if you have the space, the Metro IQ is the brand\u2019s solution for home and apartment use. It has many of the same features as larger, pricier models, but takes up a fraction of the space<\/a>, thanks to a smart design choice. When you\u2019re done working out, the Metro IQ folds in half and can be rolled under a bed or into a closet for out-of-the-way storage.\u00a0<\/p>\n At first, I was concerned that the 85-pound machine would be a bear to fold and move, but the frame telescopes in on itself quickly, and I can easily manage it on my own. The smooth-rolling wheels help the machine glide across hardwood and even thick wall-to-wall carpet. Note that you\u2019ll have to select either library wheels, for upright storage, or wheelbarrow wheels, for under-the-bed storage.\u00a0<\/p>\n The machine has a lightly padded carriage that\u2019s gentle on your knees and glides smoothly. It\u2019s upholstered in black vinyl that\u2019s easy to wipe clean and doesn\u2019t hold on to odors. I appreciate that the footbar and headrest can be adjusted for various exercises and to better accommodate different body sizes. This is important if multiple people will use the machine.\u00a0<\/p>\n Like all Pilates reformers, the Metro IQ<\/a> relies on interchangeable colored springs to adjust resistance. The five springs offer 46 resistance options so you can precisely dial in the best weight for each exercise, and slowly advance.\u00a0<\/p>\n During my first few uses, I had a bit of a learning curve getting the hang of the machine (especially because I was used to being cued and corrected by an instructor); however, the brand\u2019s subscription video library<\/a> helped me learn the ropes (no pun intended).\u00a0<\/p>\n The subscription costs $20 per month, paid monthly or $200 per year, paid annually, but it\u2019s the best way to get the most out of your machine. I discovered new ways to target various muscle groups, and the videos helped me get more creative with my workouts, even when I didn\u2019t follow a class.\u00a0<\/p>\n The machine is low to the ground (lower than the studio machines I\u2019ve used), which makes it feel sturdy and secure, but can limit your range of motion in some exercises, especially if you\u2019re tall or have long legs. That said, the carriage and pulley systems always move smoothly. The springs are easy to adjust, and the hand and foot grips are comfortable and don\u2019t slip off. I consistently get a great workout on this machine and already feel the difference in my strength, balance and posture.\u00a0<\/p>\n