You might have seen Pilates boards doing the rounds on social media, being hailed as an affordable Reformer alternative that you can use from the comfort of your own home. Compact, budget-friendly, and versatile, the best Pilates boards are worth having on your radar if you've been looking for fresh at-home workouts.
"If a full Reformer is out of budget or you don’t have the space (and let’s be honest - who does?), a Pilates board might be a decent compromise," says Sam Deville, Pilates instructor and founder of the dynamic online platform Sam Deville Pilates. "It brings in some of the sliding and resistance-based movement of a Reformer, so you can work on control, coordination, and endurance from home."
Pilates is going nowhere anytime soon. According to Google, over the past 12 months, there have been between 100,000 to 1M monthly searches for the term 'Pilates'. And the great thing is: Pilates workouts at home can be just as effective as classes if you have the right equipment on hand. But, of course, not everyone has the space or budget for an at-home Reformer machine. If you already have a pair of the best ankle weights, one of the best Pilates bars, and some of the best resistance bands in your kit, but you're ready to take the next step, a Pilates board could be just the thing.
Just know: this is definitely still an emerging trend in the Pilates world, so there aren't vast amounts on the market just yet. But that said, most Pilates boards available have pretty similar functionality, with some small design differences. I've done some research and rounded up the best models currently on offer, and broken down exactly what makes them worth the investment.
Best Pilates boards: Quick shopping links
- Best adjustable Pilates board: £26.99 at Amazon (save 10%)
- Top rated Pilates board: £85.99 at Amazon
- Most stylish Pilates board: £62.87 at Amazon (save 10%)
- Best minimalist Pilates board: £46.71 at Amazon (save 15%)
- Most high-tech Pilates board: £69.99 at Amazon (save 29%)
Can a Pilates board replace a Reformer?
"It’s not a complete Reformer replacement," says Deville. "You won’t get the same smooth glide or sturdiness, and certain exercises, like my personal favourite mid-back abs series (supine, hands in straps), just aren’t possible. That said, there are still plenty of exercises you can do, so for the price, a Pilates board is probably a good investment.
"One important thing to note - just like having a full Reformer at home, using a Pilates board without an instructor means you’ll need to be extra mindful of your form. It would definitely be worth looking into a solid online course or expert-led workouts to ensure you’re getting the most out of it safely and effectively."
Pros and cons of a Pilates board
Deville notes that there are pros and cons to using a Pilates board, much like a lot of at-home equipment. These are the main plusses she highlights:
- More affordable and compact: Great if you’re short on space or budget
- Adds instability for core engagement: Your stabilising muscles will have to work harder
- Low-impact and joint-friendly: Like all Pilates, it builds strength without impact.
However, there are a few cons to be aware of before you invest too. Deville notes that Pilates boards can be:
- Not as smooth or sturdy as a Reformer: You’ll notice the difference in feel and flow
- Limited exercise options: Without a moving carriage, some key Reformer moves are off the table
- Won’t fully replace a Reformer: Good for a home option, but not quite the real deal.
"My view is that if you’re looking to add a bit of Reformer-style movement to your home workouts, a Pilates board could be a useful tool. But if you’re expecting the full Reformer experience, you might be left wanting more," says Deville.
So whilst a Pilates board won't fully replace a Reformer, it's a worthwhile investment if you want something compact you can use from home in between classes or to keep you active on a budget.
Best Pilates boards to shop now
1. Top rated Pilates board
This multi-functional board is designed to work the whole body, much like a Reformer. It's sleek and compact so easy to pack away, and it has elasticated straps as well as sliding pads for Reformer-style moves. It comes highly rated by customers, who praise how easy it is to use and the great workout it provides.
"Great machine, can do varied exercises on it and it's very compact when it's time to pack away," shares one.
2. Most stylish Pilates board
This is another Pilates board with similar functionality but a slightly more sleek design. Customers note how easy it is to set up and pack away if you live in a small space.
"Despite its lightweight design, the board is very sturdy and feels secure, even during more dynamic movements. One feature I absolutely love is how quiet it is to use. I can work out early in the morning without worrying about waking up my family, which is a massive bonus.
"It’s so refreshing to have a piece of equipment that doesn’t creak or make noise during use. The versatility is another highlight – I’ve used it for Pilates, strength training, and even stretching exercises. The knee pads are a thoughtful addition, making floor exercises much more comfortable," shares one reviewer.
3. Best minimalist Pilates board
If you're not a huge fan of bright colours, this Pilates board is a sleek alternative. It's also foldable, so this model is especially good for space-saving. It folds down the middle, meaning it can fit in the smallest of spaces, like under a bed or sofa. The moving pads and resistance bands mimic a Reformer, so it can be used for plenty of Pilates exercises.
Customers note that it is durable and easy to assemble, with one sharing: "this exercise board is very sturdy and has everything required for a great workout." However, a few have noted that it doesn't come with any workout instructions, so you'll need to rely on your own expertise.
4. Most high-tech Pilates board
If you're after a slightly more advanced Pilates board, this is the one to go for. Not only is the design high-tech, but it has a few more workout options than others. It's foldable both for storage and workout options, and it has a built-in Pilates bar too.
"The variety of exercises you can do is impressive," shares one customer. "One thing I really appreciate is the size. It's compact enough to store easily, even in my limited space. Folding it up is a breeze, and I can just slide it under my couch when I'm not using it.
"It's a great way to get a challenging workout at home without breaking the bank or sacrificing space. It's definitely worth the investment if you're serious about Pilates and want a convenient and effective way to do it."
5. Best adjustable Pilates board
This Pilates board has a unique design that splits vertically down the middle for increased functionality. It's designed primarily to work your core, so be mindful that this isn't as suited to those who want a true Reformer-esque full-body workout. It has a similar design to the other boards with its movable pads and foldable design.
It comes with resistance bands and adjustable handles so you can customise your workout, and customers note that the plastic it's made from feels good quality. It also comes with an instruction sheet with different workout suggestions, as well as a QR code which links to videos with further exercise inspiration.
6. Best small Pilates board
Not only does this Pilates board fold (which makes storing it super easy and manageable), but it's also super compact. So much so, once you've opened this board up, it will measure in at just 54cm long and weighs 4.54 kg.
Dimensions aside, at its heart, this Pilates board is designed to work your core. So it has all the usual movable pads you might expect, along with a standing resistance bar and resistance band pulls where you can adjust the resistance.
One user said: "This foldable Pilates board has been a great addition to my home workout setup. It folds down to about the size of a laptop, which makes it super easy to store—mine slides right under the bed. Even when fully opened, it only takes up about half the space of a yoga mat, which is ideal for smaller apartments.
"The surface is non-slip, so I don’t have to worry about sliding during planks or other floor exercises. It also comes with resistance bands, which are useful for a variety of full-body workouts. I’ve been using it for core, legs, and arm training with no issues."
7. Best multi-purpose Pilates board
Integrating the features of an ab roller wheel, resistance bands, push-up handles and a balance board — it would probably be easier to list the things that this Pilates board can't do. And after you've finished using it, you can fold down this design so it's easy to store and transport if need be.
Crafted with non-slip surfaces and padding, this Pilates board doesn't just look good, it will be a comfortable ride too.
Is the TikTok Pilates board worth it?
You might be familiar with a Pilates board thanks to TikTok, where this piece of workout equipment has gone viral. As expressed by Deville, what you gain from a Pilates board depends on the type of exercise you're trying to do. It isn't a complete replacement for a Reformer machine, but it does a decent job at a dynamic home workout that doesn't take up too much space or break the bank. If you're after something that you can use from the comfort of your own home that will function in a similar way to a Reformer, a Pilates board will do just that for an affordable price tag.
This article was first published in March 2025 and has since been updated.
