Counterfeit Reformers – Are They Worth It?
As most of you know, there is only one original Allegro® 2 Reformer. Machines that look similar are appearing on the market, especially produced by Chinese manufacturers, but they are not true Allegro 2 reformers and have very little in common with the original equipment. These are counterfeit Allegro 2 reformers, and as a result, their import, export, use, or sale is illegal in all countries where Balanced Body has legal protection from obtained patents, including in the European Union countries, the USA, Canada, China, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Israel, and South Korea.
It is no wonder that Balanced Body® is committed to protecting its flagship equipment – it spent over two years designing the Allegro 2 Reformer. It invested significant resources in new technology to ensure that the Allegro 2 meets the needs of the most demanding customers. It has filed patent applications and registered trademarks in many countries to ensure protection for itself and Balanced Body customers against counterfeits.
Currently, Balanced Body® is actively fighting against counterfeit manufacturers and sellers. It sues them in foreign courts as soon as they are caught importing, exporting, selling, or using fake Allegro 2 reformers. In 2020, Balanced Body won a landmark case in a court in Hangzhou, China against Elina Sports. Elina appealed this decision and lost again. They also successfully sued an American online seller for copying the patented design of the Allegro 2 Reformer. Legal actions are currently underway against counterfeit manufacturers, their agents, and customers in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, China, the USA, Israel, and India.
I am a studio owner – does this concern me?
When investing in the creation of a Pilates studio, you want to purchase equipment that generates revenue, maintains its resale value, provides easy access to customer service and spare parts, and guarantees that it is fully tested and safe, built according to the standards of the country in which you are buying it.
Unlike Balanced Body, sellers offering cheaper counterfeit reformers do not provide their customers with any support, customer service, access to spare parts (including springs), or access to the global network of studios and partners supported by Balanced Body. Furthermore, such companies, offering reformers similar to the Allegro 2, do not have offices or local representatives in the countries to which they deliver or where they illegally sell their products. Moreover, they are not accountable for their products or their customers, forcing buyers to bear full responsibility for the illegal actions of counterfeiters. Why?
Well, if there is no way to catch a company importing or exporting counterfeit equipment, the only option is to take action against the studios that purchase counterfeit reformers resembling the Allegro 2. This is the only way Balanced Body can protect its trademarks, property, and the integrity of the Allegro 2 Reformer. It should be emphasized again that importing, exporting, selling, and using any counterfeit products is illegal.
Therefore, anyone who possesses counterfeit Allegro 2 reformers, has purchased them, and uses them in their Pilates studio may be forced to destroy the counterfeit machines at their own expense… which eliminates any savings from buying counterfeits.
See below the results of one such action:
Why is it worth buying the original?
Balanced Body is nearly a 50-year-old family business that actively supports the Pilates industry, employing sustainable manufacturing practices and caring for its employees. All Allegro 2 Reformers are produced in Sacramento, California, where over 220 employees are paid competitive wages in the American market. Customers claim that Balanced Body (directly and through its local distributors) offers the best customer service in the industry for a reason.
We understand that the price of the Allegro 2 Reformer may be too high for you. However, you can choose lower-priced reformers, including the original Allegro® Reformer and Rialto® Reformer. If that is still too much, you may find cheaper reformers from other brands that are not counterfeits.
However, we warn against purchasing counterfeit Allegro 2 reformers. The extensive network of Pilates studios collaborating with Balanced Body worldwide creates a strong and supportive community that warns and informs about the emergence of counterfeit Allegro 2 in studios in their markets. With this knowledge, Balanced Body will be determined to pursue any manufacturer, importer, exporter, seller, and user of counterfeit Allegro 2 reformers. Ultimately, Balanced Body’s mission is to protect and provide the best service to the customers that sustain the company and employ its workers, as well as to care for the brand Balanced Body, the number 1 in the global Pilates market.
Reformers from China in Poland
In Poland, as well as around the world, cheap counterfeits of Pilates exercise equipment are appearing, including Chinese reformers similar to the Allegro 2 on Aliexpress. It is important to be aware that using such products is not only illegal but can also be dangerous. They are produced without adhering to strict quality standards, and there is no service support or access to replacement parts that wear out during use.
By purchasing Allegro 2 reformers from authorized Balanced Body distributors (including Balanced Body Polska), you can be sure that you are acquiring top-quality equipment, covered by a warranty, meeting safety standards, and ensuring long-lasting use. Our customers can benefit not only from advice and assistance during the studio planning stage but also from support, installation services, maintenance, and ongoing access to original spare parts.
Make wise and legal business decisions!
Are you interested in purchasing the original Allegro 2 Reformer? Contact us
I am a graduate in Managerial Economics as well as Finance and Accounting, with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2018, I have been working as a Copywriter at Balanced Body, where I create marketing content for the fitness and Pilates industries. One of my particular strengths is translating complex topics into accessible language and accurately analyzing the needs of target audiences. Outside of work, I am passionate about fire shows and volleyball, which helps me better understand the needs of physically active people.