Current lead time for new orders: 

• Under 3 months for all apparatus: Reformers, Cadillacs, Towers, Chairs, Barrels, and Mats 
  
• 30 days or less for most Parts and Accessories   
  

All Gratz equipment is made to order, even if you select colors such as black. Each piece is custom-built to your specifications and undergoes the same production timeline.

Orders ship once all items in the order are ready. 

We have ambition to shorten lead times further, but this is what we can commit to this time. We will notify the community as lead times come down via our Lead Times page, across the website, and via email.  

Note - Lead times do not include shipping time as this varies by location and shipping method selected. 

Out of respect and fairness to all our customers we process orders in the order they are received. 

If you have a hard deadline or narrow window for accepting delivery, please advise our customer care team when they email you to finalize your order (after you’ve submitted your order online).  

We apologize if your order is not received as expected. Contact us at customercare@gratzpilates.com regarding the error and we’ll work to rectify the issue ASAP. Please include your order number, detailed description of the error, and pictures of the item if available.

Yes. Orders ship once all items in the order are manufactured and ready to ship out.

If you forgot a part or accessory when placing an order, you should simply place a new order for these additional items. This will get the item to you as fast as possible, and not delay your current order. 

If you forgot a larger apparatus, you should contact customercare@gratzpilates.com with your order details and what you need to add. They will assist in updating your order.  

The timeline for receiving your shipping quote depends on the shipping method you selected in checkout. 

If you selected Air Freight, you will receive your estimate within five business days.  

If you selected Air Freight White Glove, Air Freight Threshold, or Ocean Freight, please allow up to two weeks to receive your estimate. 

Can I combine shipping methods?

No, you can't combine Ocean Freight with another shipping method. All Curbside delivery methods require Air freight transit. 

Your shipping options differ depending on whether your order is domestic (within the USA) or international.

Domestic Orders:

• Curbside Delivery
• Threshold Delivery
• White Glove Delivery

Instant shipping quotes available now for orders up to $15K for CA, CO, FL, MA, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA. Instant shipping quotes provide the most competitive rates available. Shipping rates improve as your order total increases — rate breaks at $2K, $5K, and $10K.

International Orders:

• Air Freight (Your order will be shipped to the airport specified on your invoice, which was shared with you by our Customer Care team), Air Freight Standard Curbside, Air Freight White Glove, Air Freight Threshold, and Ocean Freight Delivery are available for international destinations outside the EU.
• For EU customers, Gratz now operates as a registered European entity, offering direct-to-door delivery with customs clearance handled by Gratz. Air Freight (pick up from airport) and Sea Freight options are no longer available within the EU.

Pick Up On-Site (Philadelphia, USA):

On-site pickup from our Fulfillment Center in Philadelphia is available upon request.

• A $250 fee applies, plus 8% Philadelphia city tax on all pickup orders.
• This option does not shorten manufacturing time.
• Your Gratz Pilates team member will provide the invoice and scheduling details.

You can read more about all your options here.  

Gratz Pilates proudly ships worldwide, ensuring our equipment reaches studios and practitioners across the globe. However, due to shipping restrictions we are unable to deliver to all locations. We ship everywhere except the locations listed below. 

If your desired shipping destination is listed below, please contact us and we will help you find the nearest available shipping location. 

Gratz ships everywhere except these countries and territories 

• Afghanistan 
• Belarus 
• Crimea 
• Donetsk 
• Burma/ Myanmur 
• Central African Republic 
• Cuba 
• Democratic of the Congo  
• Eritrea 
• Haiti 
• Kherson 
• Luhansk 
• Iran 
• Iraq 
• North Korea 
• Russia 
• Somalia 
• South Sudan 
• Sudan 
• Syria 
• Venezuela  
• Zaporizhzhia 

Taxes and Duties 

As a reminder, any order shipped to a destination outside of the United States are likely subject to import taxes or duties. Duties and taxes are determined by the customs agency within the destination country.    

Payment of any duties and taxes is the responsibility of the recipient and is entirely separate from your Gratz Pilates order. These fees are collected by the local customs agency at the time of delivery. More information can be obtained by contacting your local customs office. 

Your order will ship when all parts of your order are ready to ship. So, if you ordered Parts & Accessories and a Reformer, the order would ship when the Reformer is completed (lead-time 3 months). 

If you need various pieces ASAP and they have different lead times you should place separate orders.  

Gratz no longer offers Ocean Freight for smaller orders. We’ve discontinued this option for shipments that are less than a full container. 

Over time, we found that shared container shipments often led to extended transit times, unpredictable schedules, and increased risk of damage. Because smaller shipments travel with freight from multiple vendors, we lose control over how our boxes are handled and stacked within the container. 

To protect the integrity of our apparatus and ensure a smoother delivery process, Gratz now reserves Ocean Freight exclusively for full-container shipments. For smaller international orders, we recommend Air Freight. Read more about Gratz additional shipping methods here: Shipping, Handling, and Pick Up for Gratz Pilates Products.

In recent years, global shipping conditions have become increasingly unpredictable. Ocean carriers are frequently canceling sailings, consolidating containers, and rerouting shipments due to fluctuating demand, tariff changes, and port congestion. 

For smaller or mixed loads, these changes often result in significant delays, unstable pricing, and a higher likelihood of damage.  

To provide our customers with a faster, more consistent, and better-protected experience, we recommend Air Freight for smaller international orders. Read more about Gratz additional shipping methods here: Shipping, Handling, and Pick Up for Gratz Pilates Products 

Individual apparatus orders that contain a Wunda Chair, Pedi Pole, Spine Corrector, Mini Barrel, Low Folding Mat, or Small Parts and Accessories ship via FedEx Parcel Delivery. 

These shipments function similarly to an Amazon-style drop-off and do not require a freight quote or appointment scheduling. 

Do I need to be home for my FedEx delivery? 

For orders over $500, a signature will be required to confirm receipt and ensure secure delivery of your equipment.

For orders under $500, the shipment will be dropped off without a signature, similar to standard Amazon deliveries. 

European Union and United Kingdom Customers

Gratz has officially registered as a EU and UK Entity, making the ordering process simpler for customers across the EU and UK.

If you have an activated business VAT number:

• You will not be charged VAT.
• Your order will be delivered directly to your door (not via airport or seaport).
• Duty charges will still apply and will be clearly listed on your Gratz invoice.
• Gratz will handle customs clearance on your behalf for a smoother delivery experience.

If you do not have an activated business VAT number:

• VAT and duty will be included on your Gratz invoice.
• You’ll see the full, transparent cost upfront, with no additional payments upon delivery.
• Your order will be delivered directly to your door, with customs managed by Gratz.

VAT Number vs EORI Number

A VAT number is used to identify businesses for tax purposes within the European Union and United Kingdom.

Gratz requires your activated business VAT number to process orders without charging VAT and to correctly apply VAT exemptions.

An EORI number is used by importers or exporters to track customs activities within the EU.

While some businesses may have an EORI number for importing goods, Gratz only needs your activated business VAT number to complete your order and manage VAT exemptions.

International Customers (Outside the EU and UK)

For all other international regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and South America:

• Orders may be subject to import taxes or duties determined by your local customs agency.
• Payment of these fees is the responsibility of the recipient and separate from your Gratz Pilates order.
• These charges are typically collected by the local customs agency at the time of delivery.
• For specific details, please contact your local customs office.

We cannot guarantee a certain date upon submission of your order, but we are happy to work with you to try to hit a specific date within our lead times. When our customer care team emails you to finalize your order after you’ve placed it via the website, let them know your unique needs.

1. Photograph any damaged boxes before opening.
This is essential for possible insurance claims. 

2. Avoid sharp blades! 

Knives and box cutters can slice mats, reformers, and other apparatus. Instead, gently remove our paper tape using a house key or pen.

3. Unwrap carefully. 

Take your time with each component—don’t rush the unboxing. Handle with care to ensure nothing gets damaged or lost. 

4. Look for small parts wrapped in paper. 

Parts and hardware can be easy to miss and are often discarded by mistake. 

We’re excited for you to enjoy your new Gratz equipment and to be part of bringing the joy of classical Pilates to the world. If you have any other questions regarding unpacking, please email customercare@gratzpilates.com.

Each Gratz apparatus is built and tested before it ships from our factory. After a full quality check, we carefully take apart certain parts such as the Cadillac canopy, to ensure everything ships more securely and with less risk of damage. 

When your order arrives, here’s what you can expect for setup: 

No Assembly Needed 

• Mini Barrel 

• Spine Corrector 

• Pilates Mats 

• Small Arm Chair 

• Most Small Accessories and Small Parts 

Minor Adjustments Needed

Push Up Devices

Push Up Devices can become misaligned during transit.  

Realign them in three easy steps: 
1) Loosen the nuts on each side of the handle with a wrench
2) Put the device on the floor, align the device base, and stand on it to keep the device in place
3) Tighten the nuts on the side of the handle

Least Assembly Needed 

Assembly can take between 10-15 minutes; hand tools may be needed. 

Reformer 

• Reformer Assembly Guide 

Ladder Barrel 

• Ladder Barrel Assembly Guide 

Pedi Pole 

• Pedi Pole Assembly Guide 

Wunda Chair 

• Wunda Chair Assembly Guide 

Combination Electric / Wunda Chair 

• Combination Electric / Wunda Chair Assembly Guide 

Electric Chair 

Most Assembly Needed 

Pilates Cadillacs 

• Require assembly with hand tools; typically, under 1 hour, a power screwdriver can help 
• Cadillac Assembly Guide 
• Instant Full Cadillac Conversion Assembly Guide 
• Instant Half Cadillac Conversion Assembly Guide 

Guillotines 

• Due to the size and weight of the Guillotine Tower, Gratz strongly recommends hiring a professional contractor for the assembly. If you choose to assemble it yourself, please ensure 2-4 people are available to complete the setup safely. 

Studio Wall Unit 

• Due to the unique nature of the Studio Wall Unit, Gratz strongly recommends hiring a professional contractor to review your space before installation. 
• Studio Wall Unit Assembly Guide 

Most Gratz equipment requires little or no re-assembly, and setup is designed to be straightforward. If you have further questions, reach out to customercare@gratzpilates.com.  

Wire transfers are Gratz Pilates' preferred method of payment. Wire instructions can be found here. For any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer care team. 

Gratz accepts Apple and Google Pay, Affirm in addition to credit cards, wire transfers, and HSA/FSA cards.

How do I clean the upholstery on my apparatus? 

A 1:10 solution (1 part household liquid dish soap and 10 parts water) is the ideal upholstery cleaner, effective and gentle. Spray, wipe, and dry upholstery thoroughly after each use.  

Upholstery should not be saturated or soaked. Do not use Tea Tree, Peppermint, or similar on upholstery as this will dry out the upholstery and cause it to crack and split. 

Find more tips here for cleaning wheels, tracks, springs, and more. 

Like any furniture or upholstered items, it is best to keep exposure to direct sunlight, aerosols of any type (cleaners or personal products), and sunscreens to a minimum. It is also a good idea to keep zippers, metal accents on clothing, and anything sharp away from upholstery. 

We recommend making your students aware of these “no-no’s”, especially sunscreens, so they can be part of the solution. 

Darker upholstery colors look great, showing less wear and tear for longer. 

Lighter color upholstery like Bone, Adobe White, and Alabaster shows natural irregularities and variability in texture and color.  

Yes, apparatus can be reupholstered. Gratz Upholstery collection offers pre-stitched fabric for Pilates Reformers, Classic Cadillacs, Instant Cadillac Conversions, Chairs, Mats, and Small Parts.

Upholstery can be ordered directly through Gratz website: Pilates Upholstery.

If your Gratz Reformer wheels are squeaking or grinding, it's likely time for cleaning and lubrication. Hair, dust, and debris can accumulate over time, especially since grease tends to attract dirt. Regular maintenance helps prevent buildup and ensures a smooth, quiet ride. 

We recommend servicing the wheels every three months or sooner if the carriage begins to feel rough or makes any uncommon noise. Using a pipe brush, dip and apply white lithium grease to the inner center of the wheel. Avoid applying grease directly onto the screw, as this can create "blind spots" and lead to inconsistent performance. 

Note: Avoid getting wheel lubricant on the wheel surface or tracks. The lubricant is sticky and can be difficult to remove if it gets on the upholstery. 

Proper care and attention to your reformer wheels will ensure optimal performance and prevent unnecessary wear over time.  

For a visual walkthrough of the process, watch here. If you have any questions, please contact our team. 

We put love and care into every Gratz Pilates apparatus, and we want you to be delighted with your new purchase. If there is an issue with your order, we want to solve it, but please keep the following in mind: 

Non-upholstered Parts and Accessories can be exchanged or returned within 30 days. This includes but is not limited to Springs, Wheels, Straps, Foot Correctors, etc. 

Upholstered products are made on-demand, custom to your order and are non-refundable. Custom products are anything with upholstery as these pieces have been produced on-demand, custom-made in the color of your choice, for you. This includes but is not limited to Reformers, Cadillacs, Mats, Barrels, Chairs, etc – anything upholstered. 

Other important details relating to Exchanges and Returns: 

Upon return, your item will be inspected, and exchanges, credits, or refunds will be issued for the purchase price. Tax will be refunded in accordance with applicable law. Shipping and delivery fees are not refundable except in cases of manufacturing defects or transit damage. We reserve the right to refuse returns or exchanges of items that are not in like-new condition because of misuse or damage caused by a customer. Please keep in mind that apparatus is vulnerable to damage during shipping. For this reason, it’s important that you keep and use the original packaging materials for any items you wish to return. 

Please include your full name and order number in your email to Customer Care: Start a return 

You can cancel non-upholstered Parts and Accessories orders within 24 hours. 

You can cancel Custom orders free of charge any time before production begins (in accordance with published lead-times). If your order is already in production, you will be refunded the amount invoiced minus 25% restocking fee. 

To cancel an order contact customer care with your order number and a note on why you want to cancel your order. 

You can change non-upholstered Parts and Accessories orders within 24 hours. 

You can change Custom orders including custom-made upholstery free of charge before it goes into product (production schedule is based on published lead-times). Changing your order may delay your shipping date.  

If you change an upholstered custom-made item when it is already in production (i.e. upholstery color), you will incur a 25% restocking fee for the custom item. 

When you choose Gratz Pilates, you’re investing in equipment designed to last, elevate your practice, and support your studio for years to come. 

Gratz Commitment to Transparent Pricing 

At Gratz, we’re committed to transparency and fairness in all aspects of our business, including pricing. Our prices reflect the craftsmanship, materials, and precision that go into every piece of equipment, as well as our commitment to providing the highest-quality Pilates apparatus available. 

To ensure our pricing aligns with the value we provide and the costs of maintaining quality standards, we periodically review and adjust pricing when necessary. This allows us to sustain and grow our business in a way that continues to support our customers now and in the future. 

How Gratz Considers Price Changes 

When we consider a potential price adjustment, our goal is to keep pricing representative of the fair value, quality, and longevity of each Gratz apparatus. 

Several key factors guide this process: 

• Craftsmanship and longevity: Every piece is built to last, using traditional methods and premium materials that reflect the original Pilates design. 
• Cost of goods: Changes in the price of raw materials and manufacturing. 
• Economic conditions: Inflation, tariffs, and other external factors can affect production and distribution costs. 
• Sustainability of Gratz: Ensuring Gratz can provide the best Pilates equipment in the world, for decades to come.  

These considerations help us make thoughtful, responsible decisions that uphold our promise of excellence while maintaining transparency for our customers. 

Advance Notice on Price Changes

Whenever a price change is planned for a product, we will clearly post a 30-day advance notice on the product page. This gives customers time to plan and make informed decisions.  

Related, we understand that sometimes it takes some time to finalize an order. Given this, estimates are valid for 60 days. If the price of a product changes during this period, your estimate will not change. 

Supporting Your Investment with Trusted Quality

We understand that investing in Pilates equipment is a thoughtful decision. Our goal is to make that process as clear and stress-free as possible, while continuing to deliver the trusted quality Gratz is known for. 

No, Gratz Pilates does not offer bulk order discounts.  

Gratz Pilates is the original and best Pilates manufacturer, producing each individual apparatus custom, and with much skill and hand work for woodworking, finishing, welding and assembly.  

You can feel the Gratz difference in quality and durability as we build Pilates apparatus to Joseph Pilates’ specifications and to last a lifetime. 

Financing options are available through Affirm at checkout for qualifying orders.

For direct Gratz orders over $5,000, you may request to pay half at the time your order is placed. The remaining balance is due 45 days after your first payment or when your order is ready to ship.

For Small Parts and Accessories, to use your HSA or FSA debit card, add products to your cart as usual. At checkout, select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA” as your payment option, enter your HSA or FSA debit card, and complete your checkout as usual.

If you don’t have your HSA or FSA card handy, still select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA” as your payment method. Enter your credit card information and Flex will email you an itemized receipt to submit for reimbursement.

 HSA/FSA cards are debit cards, and the most common reason for declines is insufficient funds. Reach out to your HSA/FSA administrator to confirm your balance.

We strongly recommend checking with your HSA/FSA provider to see if a purchase is eligible prior to completing the purchase. However, if you believe your claim has been wrongly denied, please send over any response from your HSA/FSA provider to us so we can share it with Flex and receive guidance on the next best steps to take. Please note that employer-sponsored FSAs can determine what products are eligible beyond the IRS’s guidelines, so it’s extremely important to check prior to purchase.

Please check your spam folder, as sometimes emails from notifications@withflex.com may be automatically filtered as spam by some email service providers. If you still can’t find it, please email support@withflex.com and let them know the email address associated with your order.

You can order Color Swatches directly through our website: Vinyl Color Swatches

Gratz color swatches offer a true preview of the color and texture used on Gratz apparatus. Designed to help you confidently select the color that best suits your studio, each sample reflects the same high-quality vinyl, making it easier to select the right shade for you.

Order up to five swatches for the same flat shipping rate — whether you choose one or five, the cost to ship stays the same.  

All swatches ship out within 72 hours. 

Swatches are available in all 73 colors.

Yes and No — they describe the same equipment, but the language carries historical meaning.

In Classical Pilates, the word apparatus is used because Joseph Pilates designed each piece to assist the practitioner rather than perform the movement for them. The springs and structure provide resistance that responds to the body, helping develop strength, alignment, and control.

By contrast, a machine implies something self-powered or automated. Pilates apparatus is entirely powered by the human body — guided by precision and breath, not electricity or momentum.

Joseph Pilates himself never used the term machine in his writings. In his 1945 book Return to Life Through Contrology, he described his method as “the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit” and referenced “apparatus” as the tools that aid that work.

Yes and No, both terms refer to the same piece of equipment. The Pilates Reformer, originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, uses a moving carriage, springs, straps, and bars to challenge balance, strength, and control. It was designed to “reform” the body through precise movement patterns. 

As Pilates reached broader audiences, many newcomers unfamiliar with its Classical lineage began referring to the equipment as Pilates reformer machines. Over time, the phrase entered common usage, even though Joseph Pilates always called his designs apparatus. But within the Classical Pilates tradition, it remains the Reformer apparatus and at Gratz Pilates — a human-powered tool that reflects Pilates’ original design and intent. 

This distinction is preserved by Gratz, and Classical educators such as Romana Kryzanowska and Jay Grimes, who both emphasized that the apparatus “works with you, not for you.”