What’s Old is New Again

Past 

In celebration of our 50th year of manufacturing the finest Pilates apparatus, Gratz Industries is offering our Gratz Archive Reformer, in celebration of our half century making the worlds finest equipment. Over the years, it has come to light small changes in customization had occurred for various reasons. Donald Gratz and Romana Kryzanowska collaborated in design develop in 1968. Donald and Romana had opportunity to copy the equipment that Joseph Pilates and his brother had built and used in Joe’s New York studio. There were several versions of each apparatus and Romana determined which details would be used and Donald figured out the best way to make the parts  

Present 

This Gratz Archive 80” Aluminum Reformer was developed based on some of these older details. We were able to verify these details from older apparatus we have restored from many loyal customers. Specific parts and design differed slightly from the standards that Romana and Donald developed. The Gratz Archive Reformer is an amalgam unit with parts that were made throughout the past and are now available again. We have combined and curated these for our Gratz Pilates Ultra Enthusiasts to truly mean “what’s old is new again”!

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRA BOHLINGER

"The Archival Reformer takes me back to when I was training at Dragos with Romana, where I had the privilege of training on Joe’s original reformer. The Archival Reformer gives me the same ability to connect deeply with each and every movement that I remember from using Joe’s.”

Is this Reformer more original and authentic than the standard Gratz Reformer?

Yes and No. Many details came and went throughout the 1960’s – 2000’s. With addition of the 86” and 89” reformer, came some detailed changes to adjust for length. All specs we used were varied on Joseph Pilates original hand made apparatus. Romana chose which details to copy and had asked Donald Gratz to fabricate 50 years ago. Our standard reformer is based on the original designs, as are the Gratz Archive specifications.

Is the Gratz Archive Reformer available in 80” aluminum only? 

Gratz issues the Reformer in the aluminum 80” size, as this was the original length of reformers. We can offer the aluminum 86” and 89” versions, but the unit is not available in wood.

Archive Reformer Apparatus

Filter by:  Archive Reformer Apparatus   |      Accessories & Parts