I'll be the first to admit it: I judged the Flo Pilates Pocket Reformer hard when I first saw it.
It showed up in one of those aesthetically perfect Instagram ads, all soft lighting and pastel tones. It looked cute. Maybe too cute. I’d been wanting to try Pilates for a while, but the idea of walking into a studio and not knowing what I was doing was… less than appealing. So when I saw the Flo Reformer on sale, it felt like the perfect low-pressure way to test the waters from home.
Still, I assumed it was another one of those “style over substance” tools that might be good for a few workouts, but probably not much else.
I mentally filed it under: “Beginner gear that feels like working out with a marshmallow.”
The Day I Tried It (And Immediately Regretted My Attitude)
So here’s where it gets funny.
I brought the Flo board into my studio space just to give it a try before committing to using it regularly. It’s compact, folds up easily, and doesn’t scream “gym equipment,” which I appreciated since I was tight on space. Before doing anything structured, I figured I’d run through a few movements to see how it felt.
Cue me 12 minutes later: legs shaking, core lit up, fully sweating, and deeply humbled.
I wasn’t just impressed — I was genuinely shocked. This tiny, lightweight board gave me more resistance and challenge than half the big machines I’ve tried in gyms. And the movement actually feels like what you'd get from a legit Pilates reformer. Not to mention, it comes with a push-up attachment and a little knee cushion that made a big difference on my tile floors.
Also? It folds flat, slides under a bed or couch, and doesn’t look like an eyesore in my space. A win for small apartments and aesthetics.
From Test Run to Weekly Staple
After that initial session, I didn’t pack it up. I told myself I’d use it once more before putting it away… and then I just kept using it.
The Flo Pilates app (which, btw, you get lifetime access to) has a bunch of guided workouts, so I started with beginner flows and gradually worked up to intermediate and strength-building sessions. Now it’s something I do three to four times a week — sometimes for a full 30-minute sweat, sometimes just a quick core burn between edits or meetings.
What I love most is how versatile it is. One day I’m working on glutes and arms, the next I’m stretching and doing low-impact core work. It actually makes me want to move more, which — for someone who stares at a screen all day — is kind of miraculous.
This Thing Is a Steal (Like… Seriously)
I think the part that still shocks me is the price.
I’ve looked into traditional reformers before (don’t ask me why, I clearly love research) and those things easily run $2,000+. Studio classes? Add up fast. Even some of the newer home Pilates machines are close to $800–$1000.
Meanwhile, the Flo Pocket Reformer is priced right now at just $149.95, and it comes with everything you need to get started. That includes the lightweight, foldable reformer base, adjustable resistance bands, a push-up attachment, and a cushioned knee mat for extra comfort. You also get lifetime access to the Flo Pilates app, a pair of grip socks, a $25 gift card, and priority shipping–all for free with your first order.
To top it all off, Flo offers free U.S. shipping and a 99-day money-back guarantee, making it feel like a seriously low-risk, high-reward investment. For the price, I honestly expected a glorified sliding board. What I got was something that kicks my butt regularly and folds up when I need my space back.
Final Thoughts
I laughed at this thing when I first saw it. Thought it was another “Instagram-only” fitness toy.
But now? The Flo Pilates Pocket Reformer is one of the only pieces of equipment I use consistently. It’s affordable, effective, and makes movement feel easy to start — which, if you ask me, is kind of everything.
Would I recommend it? 100%. Just don’t wait for a sale to try it.
