Balanced Body Pilates Arc

Curated from 65 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 18, 2025

Balanced Body Pilates Arc

Brand: Balanced Body
Price: $189
Snoop Score:
8.2
Sentiment
8.4
Popularity
9.0
Technical
7.7

Snoop's Take

The Balanced Body Pilates Arc is a versatile fitness training tool designed to enhance your Pilates practice by targeting your core, back, and overall body strength. Its innovative asymmetrical design allows for multiple uses, including as a spine corrector and a powerful accessory for both reformer and floor workouts. Consumer feedback highlights the Pilates Arc's adaptability for various body types, with many users saying, "Balanced Body is the way to go. You’ll be disappointed if you buy something cheaper." The lightweight construction makes it easy to transport, and its unique design has been praised for enhancing workout effectiveness, with one user noting, "The Pilates arc is brilliant." While some users mention it being on the pricier side compared to alternatives, the overall sentiment is that it provides great value for its quality and versatility. Based on the feedback reviewed, the Balanced Body Pilates Arc is highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their Pilates experience. Its durable construction, innovative design, and positive user experiences make it a top choice in the Pilates equipment category.

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I just really like it and the challenge.

Positive Feedback

The twin mats are pretty bulky/heavy, so I find I don’t convert my reformer to a tower all that often.

Negative Feedback
Product
8.2
Balanced Body Pilates Arc
Core Strengthening
6 / 10
Flexibility & Stretching
10 / 10
Spine Correction & Posture
8 / 10
Studio & Home Integration
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Barrels

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Fits well for various body shapes and sizes
I just really like it and the challenge.
I genuinely love BASI equipment because it fits most of the body’s and can be adjusted for all needs!
Lightweight and easy to move around
I keep the mat board under the reformer when not in use. I have no problem setting it up...it takes 60 seconds, and I like the versatility.
Versatile for different exercises
Still deciding if I am going to get the tower - I have an uninstalled springboard and I would probably sell that if I ended up purchasing the tower.
Some of my most interesting workouts are using the reformer and tower simultaneously - so springs pulling from the reformer and the tower.
I love having a tower/reformer combo! Gives you all kinds of new ways to work your body.
Innovative design enhances workout effectiveness
There’s definitely a reason why BB has become the undeclared standard in most North American studios so maybe that would be best for the demographic you will be teaching?
The Pilates arc is brilliant.
Clients love the Balanced Body Baby Arc
my clients love the baby arc.
Versatile and affordable
Balanced body light arc is very versatile and affordable but it’s not the classic shape.
Balanced Body is a reliable choice for Pilates equipment
Balanced Body is the way to go. You’ll be disappointed if you buy something cheaper n
I almost bought the Merrithew/SPX at home kit from Costco ($2300 for reformer + accessories) but then based on the reviews, I figured I'd be disappointed.
Enhances basic practice
expensive but really enhances even the most basic of practice.
Versatile, lightweight and gently sloped design
It’s the most versatile, lightweight and the arc is more gently sloped vs some of the other spine correctors making it more usable for more bodies.
Solid and durable construction
I’ve used the BB Arc a few times in my local studio, and they seem pretty solid/durable.
Balanced Body reformers are top tier
Balanced Body reformers have always been top tier, so you're probably going to be fine, but without knowing which one you're getting it's hard to compare.
Built to last
I know it is built to last.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Mat conversion can be bulky
The twin mats are pretty bulky/heavy, so I find I don’t convert my reformer to a tower all that often.
More expensive than cheaper alternatives
The cheap foam ones are best - you can find them cheaper than the $160 Balanced Body ones if you surf Alibaba a bit.
Might need to budget for new springs with used reformers
You may want to budget for new springs if you are buying it sight unseen

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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8.4
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Balanced Body Pilates ArcBalanced Body Pilates Arc$189
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Balanced Body East Coast Step BarrelBalanced Body East Coast Step Barrel$625
8.1
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Balanced Body Clara Step Barrel LiteBalanced Body Clara Step Barrel Lite$145
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FAGUS H Pilates Ladder BarrelFAGUS H Pilates Ladder Barrel$399
6.8
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STOTT PILATES MERRITHEW Arc BarrelSTOTT PILATES MERRITHEW Arc Barrel$285
6.2
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Generic Pilates Ladder BarrelGeneric Pilates Ladder Barrel$559
5.7
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STOTT PILATES Manual - Complete Ladder BarrelSTOTT PILATES Manual - Complete Ladder Barrel$24
5.6
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KLUFO Pilates Ladder Barrels - Wooden Pilates EquipmentKLUFO Pilates Ladder Barrels - Wooden Pilates Equipment$892
5.4
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BailingDS Pilates Ladder Barrel for Body StretchBailingDS Pilates Ladder Barrel for Body Stretch$599
5.4
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STOTT PILATES Manual - Complete Arc BarrelSTOTT PILATES Manual - Complete Arc Barrel$24
5.0
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GDMSTIH Pilates Barrel - Spine CorrectorGDMSTIH Pilates Barrel - Spine Corrector$299
1.7
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GDMSTIH Pilates Barrel Black-trZhrn-HC40GDMSTIH Pilates Barrel Black-trZhrn-HC40$259
0.5
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on preferences between Balanced Body and Merrithew
Anyone has tried both and prefer one over the other?
I never feel as comfortable on any reformer as a Merrithew reformer.
I feel like a lot of studios don’t take into account how uncomfortable and inefficient some reformers are for bigger people.
Following !! I just completed stott training.
Discussion about needing both spine corrector and arc barrel
There are spine correctors that have an arc barrel that fits onto it — the spine corrector itself should be fine, but if you’re wanting both, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Discussion on differences between new and older models
The only difference I can see on this reformer vs. a new one is that the handles behind the shoulder rests are silver metal, not the black plastic that I normally see.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Exercises on ladder barrel can also be performed on other equipment
Many of the exercises performed on the ladder barrel can be performed on the reformer or chair.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Different ladder barrels may have varying fits
my thighs just bind on the upholstery really badly, my thighs are pretty much vertical to fit everything in.
Black Friday deals on Balanced Body products
Balanced body lite step barrels and sitting boxes are both 20% off on Amazon with the early Black Friday discount, as are their ultra fit magic and MOTR's.
Thiis is a really good quality, compact reformer
Thank you! I will refresh my mini magic circles if they do not tack on an enormous shipping fee.
Discussion on discount codes for Balanced Body equipment
it’s honestly beginning to feel incredibly spammy.
Advice to consider measurements and alternative sources
If cost-savings are the goal, I would find the measurements of a baby barrel that fits your needs... then go look on a site like alibaba.com or aliexpress.com to buy a knockoff made in China.
Recommendation to continue classes before investing in a reformer
I would recommend continuing with classes for a while to learn the fundamentals and how to use the reformer.
Discussion on the necessity of mat conversion for the tower
You’ll want the mat piece so you can use the tower.
Comments on demand and availability of reformers
They are in very high demand. Good thing you got one before the wait list was astronomical!
The gift that keeps on giving! A2 is a great choice.
Price range for spine correctors varies significantly
Recommendations for a Spine Corrector? I’ve been considering getting a spine corrector, and I’m seeing a real price range between $100 - $650.
Commentary on space requirements for equipment
I was kinda surprised by this.
I’m debating getting the Allegro 2 vs IQ, since it would either be used in the living room or bedroom and likely stored during non-use.

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