Pilates Goes Mainstream: Technogym launches the Reform reformer

Technogym announced it’s launching a Pilates Reformer this Fall, creatively called Reform😉.  At first glance, it looks just like the popular Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformer, and knowing Balanced Body, they’ll seriously consider taking action to protect their global design patents.

Technogym, known for its luxury, digitally connected gym equipment, revealed their reformer will have app-guided classes.

This is a smart move for any equipment-maker because as Pilates booms, offering a reformer for Pilates-lovers alongside typical gym equipment is a sure source of extra revenue.

What still seems to be missing in mainstream Pilates is innovation beyond offering recorded Pilates classes via an app.

The Design

While sleek and beautiful, Technogym’s Reform looks eerily similar to Balanced Body’s Allegro 2 Reformer, which has been around for nearly 15 years and was originally designed in concert with the design firm IDEO.

Balanced Body has a history of strongly defending their design patent (D659205).  In 2024 it filed a complaint with the ITC against multiple Pilates manufacturers importing into the US.  They even have a page all about counterfeit Allegro 2’s on their website.

This low-profile, white design is popular all over, with similar models offered by Your Reformer, Personal Hour, and Faittd.  I’m no patent attorney, so I can’t say how close the designs need to appear to be considered an infringement.

Regardless, Technogym seems to be departing from their classic black and yellow branding to jump on the white reformer train.

What this means for Pilates

In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a super groundbreaking revelation.  We already know that Pilates is booming.  Technogym is, however, beating out their competitors Peloton, iFIT, and Interactive Strength with this announcement. But I’m sure those companies will be close behind. 

For what it’s worth, Technogym mostly outfits commercial gym settings (instead of selling to home consumers) so it will be interesting to see if they follow the traditional instructor-led class format or place their reformer on the gym floor with a screen like all their other equipment.

As Pilates continues to grow I hope that the essence of it can be preserved to the minimum required to keep it uniquely effective in the way that millions of people around the globe already love.