Best Pilates reformer plank bars are a relatively small accessory that can significantly expand what you can do on a compatible reformer.
Instead of placing your hands directly on the footbar or standing platform, plank bars give you dedicated handles designed for weight-bearing upper-body work. They can provide different hand positions, change the angle of the body and give you more options for exercises involving planks, push-ups and other arm-supported movements.
They are not a universal accessory, however.
Compatibility matters. So does handle design, grip, bar height, installation and the type of reformer you own.
Balanced Body’s Allegro 2 Plank Bars, for example, are designed specifically for the Allegro 2 Reformer and provide eight positioning options by changing the orientation and placement of the bars. Balanced Body says the bars can provide neutral or internally rotated shoulder positions and can help users maintain a more neutral wrist position during supported exercises.
That makes plank bars worth evaluating as an actual equipment purchase rather than treating them as another generic Pilates accessory.
This guide explains what they do, who should buy them, what to look for and how to choose the right system for your reformer.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars at a Glance
| Buyer | Recommended approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Allegro 2 owner | Allegro 2 Plank Bars | Purpose-built compatibility |
| Rialto owner | Rialto Plank Bar | Designed specifically for Rialto |
| Home user | Compatible manufacturer-specific bars | Simple and reliable |
| Instructor | Multi-position plank bars | More programming options |
| Studio | Durable manufacturer-specific system | Better consistency and compatibility |
| Wrist-sensitive user | Neutral-grip configuration | Can reduce extreme wrist positioning |
| Advanced user | Multi-position bars | More exercise variations |
| Beginner | Use only with appropriate instruction | Technique matters more than the accessory |
The first rule is simple:
Do not buy plank bars based only on appearance. Buy them based on compatibility and intended use.
What Are Pilates Reformer Plank Bars?
Pilates reformer plank bars are accessory handles that attach to specific areas of a compatible reformer, typically around the standing platform.
They create a stable handhold for exercises where the user supports some or all of their upper-body weight through the arms.
This can include:
• Planks
• Push-up variations
• Long Stretch variations
• Up Stretch variations
• Down Stretch variations
• Core exercises
• Weight-bearing shoulder work
• Transition exercises
• Advanced upper-body sequences
The exact exercise repertoire depends on the reformer, accessory and instructor programming.
Balanced Body describes its Allegro 2 Plank Bars as providing new options for plank variations and exercises requiring arm support. The bars can be positioned high or low and wide or narrow, creating eight positioning options.
That positioning flexibility is one of the main reasons to buy plank bars.
They are not simply handles.
They change where and how the hands interact with the reformer.
Why Buy Pilates Reformer Plank Bars?
The main reason to buy Pilates reformer plank bars is exercise variety.
A conventional reformer already provides an enormous exercise repertoire. But accessories can change the way you interact with the machine.
Plank bars introduce a dedicated hand position that can alter:
• Wrist angle
• Shoulder position
• Body angle
• Hand width
• Exercise setup
• Stability demands
• Transition options
Balanced Body specifically identifies neutral or internally rotated shoulder positions and a more neutral wrist position among the benefits of its Allegro 2 Plank Bars.
That makes them particularly interesting for users who find traditional flat hand positions uncomfortable during certain exercises.
They can also make an existing reformer feel more versatile without requiring the purchase of an entirely different machine.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for Allegro 2
For Allegro 2 owners, the obvious starting point is the manufacturer-specific Allegro 2 Plank Bar system.
Balanced Body states that its Allegro 2 Plank Bars are designed for the Allegro 2 Reformer only. They use cushioned, contoured easy-grip handles and offer eight positioning options.
The Reformer Shop also carries the Allegro Reformer Plank Bars.
This is an important distinction when shopping.
If you own an Allegro 2, you should not assume that a plank bar designed for another reformer will fit simply because the machines look similar.
Balanced Body maintains dedicated support documentation for the Allegro 2 that includes an Allegro 2 Plank Bars guide alongside other accessory and maintenance documentation.
That is exactly the kind of manufacturer documentation you want when installing or using an equipment-specific accessory.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for Rialto
Rialto owners have their own manufacturer-specific option.
Balanced Body’s Rialto Reformer Plank Bar provides the same general concept as the Allegro 2 version, including eight positioning options created through high/low and wide/narrow configurations. Balanced Body states that the Rialto bar is for Rialto Reformers only.
The Reformer Shop carries the Rialto Reformer Plank Bar.
Again, compatibility is the key issue.
A manufacturer making similar accessories for several reformers does not mean those accessories are interchangeable.
Are Pilates Reformer Plank Bars Worth It?
For the right user, yes.
But they are not essential equipment for every reformer owner.
If you mainly perform traditional reformer exercises and rarely perform weight-bearing upper-body work, plank bars may sit unused.
If you regularly practice:
• Planks
• Long Stretch
• Push-ups
• Up Stretch
• Down Stretch
• Advanced core sequences
• Upper-body weight-bearing exercises
then the accessory can make more sense.
The value comes from expanding your exercise options rather than simply adding another piece of equipment.
That distinction matters.
A reformer owner who buys every accessory available can easily spend hundreds or thousands of dollars without substantially improving their actual workouts.
A reformer owner who buys one accessory that meaningfully expands their programming can get considerably more value from the purchase.
How Pilates Reformer Plank Bars Change Hand Position
Hand position is one of the biggest reasons these accessories exist.
When you place your palms flat on a surface, your wrist is generally extended.
A dedicated handle allows you to grip something rather than placing the palm flat against the surface.
Depending on the bar design and orientation, this can create a more neutral wrist position.
Balanced Body specifically identifies wrist protection through a more neutral position as one of its Allegro 2 Plank Bar benefits.
That does not mean plank bars automatically eliminate wrist discomfort.
Technique, load, joint mobility, exercise selection and individual anatomy still matter.
The accessory changes the hand interface. It does not turn a demanding exercise into an automatically safe one.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for Wrist Comfort
If wrist position is one of your main reasons for considering plank bars, pay close attention to handle orientation.
A cylindrical handle allows the hand to wrap around the bar rather than remain flat.
This can reduce the amount of wrist extension required in some exercises.
However, “better for the wrists” should not be interpreted as “safe for every wrist.”
If an exercise causes pain, changing the equipment alone is not a substitute for modifying the exercise or seeking appropriate professional guidance.
For healthy users, the advantage is primarily that plank bars provide another hand position.
That is useful because different exercises and different bodies can benefit from different setups.
High vs Low Plank Bar Positions
One of the useful features of manufacturer-specific plank bars is the ability to change the height and orientation of the handles.
Balanced Body’s Allegro 2 and Rialto plank bars offer high and low positions, as well as wide and narrow configurations.
Changing the position changes the geometry of the exercise.
A higher hand position can alter the body angle and therefore the amount of load experienced through the upper body.
A lower position can create a different challenge.
Wider and narrower positions also change the relationship between the hands and shoulders.
This gives instructors more ways to modify an exercise without completely changing the equipment.
Wide vs Narrow Plank Bar Positions
Width changes exercise mechanics.
A wider hand position can feel different through the shoulders and chest compared with a narrower position.
A narrow configuration can also require greater control depending on the exercise.
There is no universal “best” width.
The value of a multi-position plank bar is that you have options.
Balanced Body’s eight-position system is built around precisely this principle, combining high and low positions with wide and narrow orientations.
That makes multi-position bars particularly interesting for instructors.
Instead of teaching every client with the same hand position, the equipment provides additional ways to modify the setup.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for Instructors
Instructors should evaluate plank bars differently from casual home users.
The question is not simply:
“Do I like these handles?”
Instead, ask:
“How many exercises will these bars add to my programming?”
“Can I use them with different clients?”
“How quickly can I change positions?”
“Are the handles comfortable?”
“Can I demonstrate and teach with them efficiently?”
“Does the manufacturer provide installation and safety documentation?”
Those questions matter because a studio accessory has to work within an entire teaching system.
Merrithew’s reformer guidance similarly emphasizes considering how the equipment will be used, who will use it, available space and budget when choosing reformer equipment and accessories.
That same logic applies to plank bars.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for Studios
A studio should prioritize compatibility and durability over novelty.
If your studio owns ten reformers from the same manufacturer, a standardized accessory system is usually easier to manage than several different aftermarket solutions.
Standardization simplifies:
• Staff training
• Equipment setup
• Maintenance
• Replacement ordering
• Exercise programming
• Client familiarity
A studio also needs to think about safety.
Balanced Body provides dedicated safety and usage documentation for its equipment, including reformer usage safety guidance and product-specific instructions.
If you’re installing plank bars in a commercial environment, manufacturer documentation should be part of your setup process.
Are Plank Bars Good for Beginners?
They can be, but the accessory does not automatically make an exercise beginner-friendly.
Plank bars can change the hand position and provide additional exercise options.
That is useful.
But some of the exercises associated with plank bars are still demanding.
A beginner should learn the underlying movement first and then use the accessory as appropriate.
Instructors can use the bar position to modify exercises rather than automatically pushing beginners toward more difficult variations.
The equipment should support progression.
It should not become an excuse to skip it.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for Advanced Users
Advanced users are likely to get more value from a multi-position system because they have a larger exercise repertoire to exploit.
Once you have experience with basic reformer weight-bearing movements, changing:
• Hand width
• Handle height
• Shoulder position
• Body angle
• Spring resistance
can create substantially different exercise experiences.
This is where plank bars become more than a novelty.
They become another programming tool.
For advanced users, the best Pilates reformer plank bars are therefore generally those that provide multiple stable positions rather than a single fixed handle.
Do Plank Bars Replace the Footbar?
No.
They serve a different purpose.
The footbar remains one of the primary contact points on a reformer and is used extensively for footwork, hand-supported exercises and other movements.
Plank bars provide another interface for the hands.
Balanced Body describes the Allegro 2 as having an Infinity Footbar that can be positioned vertically and horizontally to provide exercise variety, while its plank bars add additional options for plank variations and arm-supported exercises.
Think of the plank bar as an accessory that complements the reformer rather than replacing a core component.
Plank Bars vs Using the Footbar
So why not simply use the footbar?
Sometimes you should.
The footbar is already there.
But a dedicated handle changes the grip.
With a traditional footbar, your hands may be flat or wrapped around the bar depending on the exercise.
A plank bar gives you a purpose-built grip and potentially a different height and width.
This can change the exercise significantly.
The point is not that one is universally superior.
The point is that they give you different options.
What to Look for When Buying Pilates Reformer Plank Bars
There are seven things worth checking.
1. Compatibility
This comes first.
Confirm the exact reformer model.
Do not rely on photographs.
Do not assume similar-looking equipment uses identical receivers.
Do not assume an accessory made by the same company automatically fits every model.
Manufacturer compatibility information should be your starting point.
2. Handle Shape
Look for handles that are comfortable to grip.
Balanced Body uses cushioned, contoured easy-grip handles on its Allegro 2 and Rialto plank bars.
That type of design is useful because the user may place substantial weight through the hands.
3. Positioning Options
More positions generally mean more programming possibilities.
Look for high/low and wide/narrow configurations if versatility is important.
4. Attachment Security
The bars need to sit securely in their intended receivers.
Do not modify mounting points or improvise a connection simply to make an incompatible accessory work.
5. Comfort
The handle should not create unnecessary pressure points.
You will notice poor handle design quickly during loaded exercises.
6. Documentation
A good manufacturer should provide instructions for installation, use and maintenance.
Balanced Body provides specific Allegro 2 support documentation that includes plank-bar instructions.
7. Replacement Support
Consider what happens if a component is damaged.
A manufacturer with established replacement parts and support is preferable to an anonymous accessory with no clear source for future components.
Manufacturer-Specific vs Universal Plank Bars
The idea of a universal plank bar sounds attractive.
One accessory that fits several reformers sounds simpler.
In practice, compatibility is more complicated.
The receiver geometry, mounting points, platform construction and intended load all matter.
Manufacturer-specific equipment has an obvious advantage: it is designed around the machine it is intended to fit.
That does not mean every aftermarket accessory is poor.
It means the burden is on the buyer to verify compatibility.
If a product description says “fits most reformers,” that is not enough information for an expensive piece of equipment.
You want to know exactly which model is supported.
Can You Put Allegro 2 Plank Bars on Another Reformer?
Do not assume so.
Balanced Body explicitly states that its Allegro 2 Plank Bars are for Allegro 2 Reformers only.
The same principle applies in reverse.
The Rialto plank bar is identified by Balanced Body as being for Rialto Reformers only.
This is one of the clearest examples of why model-specific compatibility matters.
If you own a different reformer, look for the manufacturer’s approved accessory rather than trying to make another system fit.
Do Plank Bars Protect the Wrists?
They can allow a more neutral wrist position during certain exercises.
Balanced Body specifically lists wrist protection through a more neutral position among the benefits of its Allegro 2 Plank Bars.
But the wording matters.
They can change wrist positioning.
They do not guarantee the absence of wrist stress.
If the exercise itself is inappropriate for the user or the load is excessive, changing the handle does not solve the underlying problem.
Use the accessory as one part of good exercise selection and technique.
How Plank Bars Affect Shoulder Position
The hand position influences the relationship between the hands, wrists and shoulders.
A traditional palm-down position and a neutral-grip handle do not place the upper limb in exactly the same configuration.
This is useful for instructors because it gives them another variable to manipulate.
Balanced Body specifically describes its plank bars as allowing neutral or internally rotated shoulder positions.
That can be useful when modifying an exercise for a particular client.
Again, the goal is not to identify one position as universally correct.
The goal is to have options.
Exercises You Can Do With Reformer Plank Bars
The exact repertoire depends on the equipment and instructor, but plank bars can support exercises involving:
Plank Variations
The bars can provide a dedicated hand position for plank work.
Long Stretch Variations
Users can support the upper body through the hands while moving the carriage.
Up Stretch Variations
The additional hand position can provide another setup for advanced reformer work.
Down Stretch Variations
Plank bars can change the relationship between the hands and body.
Push-Up Variations
The handles can provide a grip instead of requiring the palms to remain flat.
Core Work
Some advanced exercises use arm support while the trunk controls movement.
Transition Work
Experienced instructors can incorporate the bars into transitions between movements.
Balanced Body specifically markets its plank bars around plank variations and exercises requiring arm support.
Plank Bars and Exercise Progression
One of the best uses for plank bars is progression.
Imagine a client who struggles with a particular hand position.
Instead of abandoning the exercise completely, an instructor may be able to change the grip or body angle.
Likewise, an advanced client may need more challenge.
Changing the bar position can create a different body angle or hand position.
That gives the instructor another programming variable.
This is the larger value of Pilates equipment accessories.
They do not simply add exercises.
They give instructors more ways to modify existing exercises.
Do Home Users Need Plank Bars?
Most do not need them.
But some will absolutely enjoy them.
If you practice Pilates several times per week and regularly perform upper-body weight-bearing work, plank bars can add useful variety.
If your reformer sessions are primarily:
• Footwork
• Supine work
• Feet in straps
• Seated exercises
• Basic core exercises
then plank bars may not be a priority.
This is why accessory buying should follow your training rather than precede it.
Buy equipment because you have a use for it.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for a Home Gym
For a home gym, the ideal purchase is manufacturer-specific and compact.
You probably do not need multiple sets.
You do not need commercial inventory.
You do not need an elaborate accessory collection.
You need one compatible set that expands the exercises you actually perform.
If you own an Allegro 2, the dedicated Allegro Reformer Plank Bars are the obvious category to investigate.
If you own a Rialto, look at the Rialto Reformer Plank Bar.
If your reformer is another model, check the manufacturer’s approved accessories before buying.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars for a Professional Studio
For a studio, the recommendation is more straightforward.
Use the accessory designed for the reformer.
If your studio is built around Allegro 2 Reformers, standardize around the compatible Allegro 2 accessory.
If it is built around Rialto Reformers, use the compatible Rialto accessory.
This makes training and maintenance easier.
Studios should also document:
• Installation procedure
• Approved exercises
• Cleaning procedures
• Inspection schedule
• Replacement process
Merrithew similarly provides product care and maintenance documentation covering equipment use, safety and maintenance.
The bigger your studio, the less room there is for improvised equipment management.
How Much Should You Spend on Plank Bars?
The price should be evaluated against the number of exercises you expect to gain.
A $100 accessory that sits unused is expensive.
A $100 accessory that becomes part of several sessions each week can be excellent value.
Manufacturer pricing can vary by model and market. Balanced Body currently directs customers to local representatives for pricing for its Allegro 2 and Rialto plank bars rather than displaying a standard public price on those product pages.
That means buyers should compare the delivered cost, including any shipping or installation requirements, rather than relying on an assumed retail price.
Should You Buy Plank Bars Before a Jumpboard?
That depends on your training.
A jumpboard changes the reformer’s programming toward rebounding and plyometric work.
Plank bars primarily expand weight-bearing and upper-body programming.
They solve different problems.
If you want more cardio and lower-impact jumping options, a jumpboard may be the more relevant accessory.
The Reformer Shop carries a Padded Jumpboard for the Allegro Reformer.
If your priority is upper-body and plank variations, plank bars are more directly relevant.
Neither accessory is automatically the better purchase.
Choose based on what is missing from your current training.
Should You Buy Plank Bars Before a Reformer Box?
Again, they do different things.
A box adds seated, supine, prone and side-position exercise options.
Plank bars primarily modify hand-supported work.
The Reformer Shop’s Pilates Sitting Box Lite is therefore complementary rather than interchangeable with plank bars.
For someone building a home setup from scratch, a box may provide a broader range of exercise positions.
For someone who already owns a box and wants to expand weight-bearing work, plank bars may be the more logical next purchase.
Common Mistakes When Buying Reformer Plank Bars
Buying an Incompatible Accessory
This is the biggest mistake.
Always confirm the exact model.
Assuming Universal Means Universal
“Universal” claims should still be verified against your actual reformer.
Buying Without a Programming Reason
If you cannot identify the exercises you want to add, you may not need the accessory.
Ignoring Handle Comfort
You are buying something you will grip under load.
Handle design matters.
Installing Without Instructions
Use manufacturer instructions rather than improvising.
Treating Plank Bars as a Safety Device
They can alter hand and wrist position, but they do not eliminate exercise risk.
Buying Every Accessory at Once
Build your setup according to actual usage.
Best Pilates Reformer Plank Bars by Buyer
Best for an Allegro 2 Owner
Balanced Body Allegro 2 Plank Bars
The most logical choice is the accessory designed specifically for the Allegro 2.
Best for a Rialto Owner
Balanced Body Rialto Reformer Plank Bar
Use the model-specific accessory rather than trying to adapt another bar.
Best for Home Users
A compatible manufacturer-specific plank bar
Keep the setup simple and buy only if you regularly perform the exercises it enables.
Best for Instructors
A multi-position plank bar
The ability to change high/low and wide/narrow positions provides more programming flexibility.
Best for Studios
Standardized manufacturer-compatible plank bars
Consistency matters more when multiple instructors and clients are using the equipment.
Best for Wrist-Conscious Users
A bar that provides a comfortable neutral grip
The key advantage is the change in hand position, not a promise that the accessory prevents wrist problems.
Best for Advanced Users
Multi-position bars
Advanced programming benefits most from having additional hand positions and body-angle options.
Clear Buying Recommendations
If you want the practical answer without reading the entire guide:
Own an Allegro 2? Look at the dedicated Allegro 2 plank bars.
Own a Rialto? Use the dedicated Rialto plank bar.
Own another reformer? Check the manufacturer’s accessory compatibility before buying anything.
Mostly do traditional reformer work? You probably do not need plank bars yet.
Do lots of planks and weight-bearing work? Plank bars can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Teach Pilates professionally? Multi-position bars can provide useful programming flexibility.
Run a studio? Standardize equipment by reformer model and keep installation and maintenance documentation available.
Concerned about wrist position? Consider a handle-based setup that allows a more neutral grip, but do not treat it as a substitute for proper exercise selection or technique.
Choosing between plank bars and another accessory? Buy whichever solves a current programming problem rather than whichever accessory looks more impressive.
How Plank Bars Fit Into a Complete Reformer Setup
Plank bars make the most sense as part of a broader equipment strategy.
A basic reformer gives you the machine.
Springs determine resistance.
Loops provide the hand and foot connection.
A box expands exercise positioning.
A jumpboard adds rebounding work.
A tower or Cadillac system expands spring-based programming.
Plank bars occupy a narrower but useful niche: they expand supported upper-body and plank work.
That is why they should not be viewed as mandatory equipment.
They are an optimization.
The Reformer Shop’s broader Pilates equipment collection includes reformers, chairs, barrels, Cadillac equipment and accessories, allowing buyers to build a setup around their actual programming needs.
Maintenance and Safety
Like every reformer accessory, plank bars should be inspected regularly.
Check:
• Handle condition
• Bar condition
• Mounting points
• Receiver condition
• Fasteners
• Cushions or coverings
• Signs of cracking or damage
Do not use visibly damaged equipment.
Balanced Body provides dedicated safety and usage documentation for its reformer equipment, including instructions for specific reformer models and accessories.
That manufacturer’s documentation should take priority over generic online instructions.
For studios, add plank bars to the regular equipment inspection routine.
The accessory may be small, but the user can place substantial bodyweight through it.
Final Verdict: Are Pilates Reformer Plank Bars Worth Buying?
The best Pilates reformer plank bars are useful when you actually want more weight-bearing and upper-body exercise options from a compatible reformer.
They are particularly valuable because they change the hand interface.
Instead of simply placing the palms on the reformer, you get a dedicated grip that can offer different wrist, shoulder and body positions.
For Allegro 2 owners, the manufacturer-specific Allegro 2 bars provide eight positioning options and are explicitly designed for that reformer.
For Rialto owners, the dedicated Rialto bar provides the same basic concept with model-specific compatibility.
For everyone else, the most important step is checking compatibility before buying.
Do not buy a plank bar because it looks like it should fit.
Buy one because it is designed for your reformer, you understand what exercises it adds and you will actually use those capabilities.
For home users, that may mean a single compatible set.
For instructors, it may become a useful programming tool.
For studios, standardized manufacturer-specific accessories make the most operational sense.
And for buyers building a complete Pilates setup, plank bars should be considered an optional upgrade rather than a fundamental requirement.
The smartest Pilates equipment purchases are not the ones that give you the most equipment.
They are the ones that give you more useful training options per dollar and per square foot.
