How much space one reformer needs
A studio reformer is long and narrow: ours measures 237 × 62 cm in use (see the full dimensions). The machine itself takes about 1.5 m², but clients also need room to step on and off, the instructor needs to walk around, and springs and ropes need clearance.
Our planner uses this spacing, which you can adjust to your own teaching style:
- 0.8 m between two machines side by side;
- 1 m between two rows, head to foot;
- 0.5 m between a machine and a wall.
With that spacing, a single reformer alone in a room needs at least about 3.4 × 1.6 m. In a full room, the space per machine settles between about 5 and 7 m².
How many reformers fit: room by room
| Room (inside walls) | Floor area | Reformers that fit | Floor per reformer | Wall to store them folded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 4 m | 20 m² | 3 | 6.7 m² | 1.3 m |
| 6 × 4 m | 24 m² | 4 | 6.0 m² | 1.8 m |
| 6 × 5 m | 30 m² | 4 | 7.5 m² | 1.8 m |
| 7 × 5 m | 35 m² | 6 | 5.8 m² | 2.7 m |
| 8 × 5.5 m | 44 m² | 6 | 7.3 m² | 2.7 m |
| 9 × 6 m | 54 m² | 8 | 6.8 m² | 3.6 m |
| 10 × 6 m | 60 m² | 8 | 7.5 m² | 3.6 m |
| 10 × 8 m | 80 m² | 12 | 6.7 m² | 5.5 m |
| 12 × 8 m | 96 m² | 16 | 6.0 m² | 7.4 m |
| 14 × 9 m | 126 m² | 24 | 5.2 m² | 11.1 m |
Calculated with the engine of our 3D planner, for rectangular rooms, with the spacing above. Pillars, doors, a reception desk or a mirror wall reduce these numbers, which is why the planner lets you draw an L-shaped room and move each machine.
Three layouts that work
1. Rows facing the instructor
The most common group layout: machines side by side in one or two rows, all facing the same way, with the instructor at the front. Easy to cue, easy to see everyone.
2. Staggered rows
Second-row machines sit in the gaps of the first row, so every client sees the instructor. It needs a little more depth but suits rooms that are wider than they are deep.
3. Around the walls
Machines along the long walls, foot to the centre, leaving the middle free. It works in narrow rooms and for small private or duet sessions.
Try each one on your own floor plan in the 3D planner: drag a machine to move it, tap it to turn it.
Where the machines go when they are folded
A folded Stillrail reformer stands upright on 65 × 36.6 cm. Lined up against one wall with 10 cm between them, 6 machines take 2.7 m of wall, 8 take 3.6 m and 12 take 5.5 m. That is what lets a reformer studio also run mat, barre or yoga classes in the same room. More in our folding reformer guide and our studio design ideas.
Room checklist before you sign a lease
- Measure inside the walls, and note pillars, radiators, doors and windows that open inwards.
- Access for delivery: machines arrive crated, about 110 kg each. Ground floor or a goods lift makes delivery day much easier.
- Doors: folded, our machine is 65 cm wide, narrower than most standard UK internal doors.
- Flooring: a hard, level floor suits castors; protect soft flooring under the frame.
- Planning use: in England, studios usually fall under use class E; check with the local council before you sign, as other rules apply in Scotland and Wales.
- Storage for mats, props and folded machines if you plan mixed classes.
The rest of the opening checklist is in our guide to opening a reformer Pilates studio in the UK. For prices and lead time, see our studio reformer page.
Questions studio owners ask
How many reformers can I fit in my studio?
Allow roughly 5 to 7 m² per reformer, spacing included: 6 machines in 8 × 5.5 m, 8 in 10 × 6 m, 12 in 10 × 8 m. Use the free 3D planner on stillrail.co.uk for your exact room.
What is the minimum room size for one reformer?
With 0.5 m left to each wall, a single 237 × 62 cm reformer needs at least about 3.4 × 1.6 m. In a group room, plan 5 to 7 m² per machine.
How much space do you need between reformers?
Our planner leaves 0.8 m between machines side by side, 1 m between rows and 0.5 m from walls. Adjust to your instructors' preference.
Can I run mat or barre classes in a reformer room?
Yes, if the reformers fold. Ours stand upright on 0.24 m² each, so six machines take about 2.7 m of wall and the rest of the floor is free.