‘I’ve Owned the Allegro 2 Pilates Trainer for a Year, and This Is My Honest Review’

Here is what I found.

Allegro 2 at a glance.

To find out about Allegro 2.

Originally designed for commercial use, the frame and components of the Allegro 2 (in particular, the thicker AF springs) make it a solid choice for safe and long-term home use. While some special home transformers may wear out over time and require frequent maintenance or repairs to the springs and motor, this machine is built to handle the wear and tear of high volume use. and requires less maintenance, says Haley Sung, pilates instructor at East River Pilates, NYC. “The Allegro 2 is a revolutionary that you’ll often find in professional pilates centers,” says Sung. Unlike the OG, rugged wooden convertibles, this one has a sleek, low-profile design that doesn’t interfere with your living space. warning: it is not small or light, so make sure you have the real estate before you do (The machine itself is 8 meters long and 3 meters wide, but you will need to install hand on the other 1 to 2 feet. permission on all sides to do the exercise safely.)

Fixing this thing was no joke—I knew I was in for a challenge when I saw the many large, heavy boxes it arrived in. It took my friend and I about two hours to fully assemble it (with the added foot kite, jumpboard, and footbar). The instructions were clear enough, but we had to contend with some difficult parts, and coordinating the football well required teamwork and steady hands. The good news is that it comes with all the tools needed for setup, and they aren’t many. If you can do without the discipline of a built-in class and are looking for an inexpensive, small, and easy-to-install option, AeroPilates makes few choices that may be more suitable than the Allegro 2. (FYI: The final setup was cramped and awkward in my tiny Brooklyn apartment. Photos included throughout this article were taken at Sarah Brooks Pilates studio, NYC, on one machine.)

Talene performs a lunge sequence on the Allegro 2 pilates reformer machine.

I’ve been doing in-studio pilates several times a month for over five years, but the first time I jumped on this exerciser at home, I felt a little lost without an instructor to guide me. . Using a traditional treadmill at home can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to having an instructor call the shots on spring resistance, foot positions, movements, and more. I found myself second-guessing my setup and wondering if I was getting the most out of each exercise (or sometimes, if the move I was doing was a real workout not at all). Thank goodness for YouTube—I also followed videos from Balanced Body and East River Pilates to begin with, which guided me through everything from basic setup to advanced moves. more. Eventually, I found myself connecting with other creators on TikTok and Instagram for inspiration and change. There’s a lot of pilates reformer content out there, so once you get the hang of it, you can explore the full potential of this machine with an à la carte digital guide.

Compared to Reform RX and Frame Fitness reformers, which have displays for streaming groups, Allegro 2 is aimed more at advanced users. Although the Frame Fitness model is the same price as the Allegro 2 and is very useful for beginners in streaming classes, I found the machine to be too small and uncomfortable, limiting the variety of exercises and the use of time it is long. The Reform RX, on the other hand, matches the Allegro 2 in size and stability, meaning it offers the same solid feel and range of motion, but includes integrated features and guides for more than double the price. .

The easy sliding footrest is my favorite.

The first time I used the Allegro 2, I was impressed with how its extra leg flexibility allowed me to change my regular pilates routine. It’s not just standing positions — this one slides up, too, giving you nine positions to play with compared to many competitors. This adds incredible flexibility in terms of movement options that most competitors can’t beat.

Talene performs a pilates sequence with her hands on the Allegro 2 footboard.

From the boards to the core functionality, the ability to open this feature makes a huge difference in the user experience. It took me a minute to figure out how to set it up (okay, like at least five minutes), but the machine looks good when you know what you’re doing – easy lifting and sliding – there’s little. of the learning curve. Now that I have the issue, I can’t imagine going back to a reformer without this feature.

Who should invest in Allegro 2?

Before trying the Allegro 2 at home, I was well aware of the high-quality in-studio experience it provides. And if you’re used to in-studio pilates classes, chances are you’ve used this machine at some point, too. But can it give the same impression when I work alone, away from the guidance of a professional? After using it for a few weeks on your own, I’ve found that if you have the space, the pilates skills, and the budget, it’s the best home remodeling investment you can make. No other converter surpasses the size and stability of the Allegro 2, so it offers more versatility and longevity, in this price range.

The biggest possible drawback of the Allegro 2 is that it is not a “smart” machine. Unlike digital, home-specific fitness programs like Frame Fitness and Reform RX, this one doesn’t come with live classes, pre-programmed workouts, or feedback. In other words, you are on your own for instruction and guidance. However, compared to the cost of studio programs, there is this translator I can provide long-term savings in the classrooms of in-studio reformers. If you already host virtual or in-person pilates instruction at home, or are an advanced user who is comfortable following online videos or creating your own workouts, the Allegro 2 can be a valuable addition to your workout setup. at home.

Talene sits on the Allegro 2 pilates reformer machine after a workout.

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Talene Appleton is a fitness editor at Women’s Healthwhere he covers all things health, nutrition and wellness. He studied nutrition and exercise science at George Washington University and is a NASM certified trainer and nutrition consultant. Passionate about the intersection between exercise, food, and community, she strives to promote stories of inclusive health to the underserved. When she’s not writing, she can be found hosting dinner parties and exploring the health and fitness experience of New York and Los Angeles. Before his role in Women’s Healthwas an exercise and business organizer at Men’s Health and contributed to General Surgery Information, Food Centerand The Nessie.