If you've attended your fair share of in-person Pilates classes, you've likely worked out on the Allegro 2. This reformer is the one I see most frequently in Pilates studios, and according to Brooks, it stands as the best in the business.
The Allegro 2 is known for its durability and sturdiness within a modern silhouette, setting itself apart from the bulkier, wooden iterations of past generations. Its sleek appearance adds a contemporary touch to the traditional Pilates reformer without compromising on stability or function.
The carriage of the Allegro 2 is not only spacious but also remarkably comfortable, making it particularly suitable for individuals of larger stature. The headrest can be adjusted to cater to three different sizes, facilitating a more comfortable, secure feel while performing exercises on your back.
While the standard low frame offers a comfortable nine-inch height, an optional leg kit, available for $350, raises the carriage to 15 inches above the floor. We found the leg kit makes the machine overall more comfortable to use, and is especially great for individuals with limited mobility who may struggle getting down to or up from the machine at its lower height.
The machine weighs 139-pounds, so the addition of a wheel kit ($80) is also a good idea, but not necessary if your machine will stay in one place.
In my experience testing this machine, the main feature that distinguishes it from other premium reformers is its easy-glide footbar design, which is a significant upgrade in terms of exercise versatility and user experience. Unlike conventional reformers with four to six vertical footbar adjustments, the Allegro 2 offers a footbar that not only adjusts vertically in four positions, including a fully flat setting, but also glides horizontally along the entire frame into nine additional positions. This range of adjustability opens up a ton of possibilities for contemporary Pilates workouts and modifications to fit each users' preferences. It's worth noting that two footbar options are available: steel or carbon fiber. In our firsthand experience, the steel footbar is more conducive to stability and long-term durability than the carbon fiber option, which is less firm and slightly more flexible.
My primary issue with this machine arose when I attempted to set it up at home. The Allegro 2 is undeniably hefty, and the setup process is quite involved. Initially, I attempted it solo, only to realize that it's a task best tackled with at least two people. The machine arrives in multiple boxes, and from unboxing to complete assembly, the process consumed at least two hours with two individuals. The most time-consuming and challenging aspect of setup revolved around attaching the footbar (which must be done with at least two people), but given the value it adds to the machine, the effort was unquestionably worthwhile.
Considering the premium price tag, including setup assistance with the purchase of this machine when buying directly from the retailer would be ideal. Nevertheless, the Allegro 2 remains the crème de la crème in terms of construction, functionality, and overall value.
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