WHAT’S THE BEST PILATES REFORMER FOR BEGINNERS?

What makes a Pilates reformer good for beginners, and what should I actually look for? From NordicTrack’s perspective, a Pilates reformer works well for beginners when it reduces the guesswork that often keeps new practitioners from staying consistent. NordicTrack recommends looking for six things: built-in guided instruction on an integrated screen, clear beginner-to-advanced progression paths, a safety design intended for unassisted home use, resistance controls that do not require manual spring changes, a home-friendly footprint that fits your actual living space, and a content library deep enough to sustain ongoing practice beyond the first month. Each of these maps to a real Day 1 problem: not knowing what to do, not knowing how to progress, fumbling hardware between exercises, having no room for the machine, and running out of fresh classes. NordicTrack’s Ultra 1 series is positioned around those six beginner priorities, with on-device iFIT fundamentals and an enclosed spring design described in the series materials. NordicTrack recommends evaluating any reformer you compare against these standards.

Both formats improve movement quality and muscular endurance, so neither is universally better — the right choice depends on how you train and what kind of progression you want. Mat Pilates uses body weight and is highly portable; it builds core control and movement awareness without any equipment. A reformer adds adjustable spring resistance and a sliding carriage, which together provide tactile feedback and a clearer way to scale load progressively as you get stronger. For people focused on measurable progression — adding resistance, tracking session effort, pushing into more advanced exercises — a reformer makes that progression visible and more trackable. For people focused on movement fundamentals or who travel often, mat work delivers most of the same core benefits. The honest answer is that consistency matters more than format; the best version is the one you’ll actually do two to three times a week.

Yes, you can get real, measurable results from Pilates at home, provided three conditions are met: consistent frequency of two to three sessions per week, quality instruction that includes technique cues and form corrections, and progressive programming that scales over weeks rather than repeating the same comfortable exercises. Guided home practice using a connected reformer with iFIT trainer-led sessions can support your training goals through many of the same features as regular studio practice - coaching, sequencing, and adherence - while removing the friction of commuting to a studio class on someone else's schedule. You can avoid the typical pitfalls of self-directed home Pilates with an iFIT membership. iFIT's structured programming helps you progress over time - rather than plateauing with the same exercises session after session. iFIT's on-screen trainers give cues to help you improve your form - rather than reinforcing bad habits through repeated poor movements. iFIT is what helps make the home version of Pilates a viable long-term practice.

From NordicTrack’s perspective, the best reformer for home use is the one that meets these beginner evaluation standards: built-in guided instruction, clear progression paths, tool-free resistance changes, a home-friendly footprint, and a deep content library. Brand reputation matters less than how a specific machine performs against those criteria. For beginners prioritizing on-device guidance, an enclosed-spring design, and a connected content library, NordicTrack’s Ultra 1 series is positioned around those exact priorities. The Ultra 1 Reformer is aimed at first-time home users and the Ultra 1 Reform RX-S is aimed at beginners with studio experience who plan to progress quickly. NordicTrack recommends evaluating any brand or model against these standards rather than against marketing claims. The reformer that meets all criteria is the reformer that gets used.

Yes, Pilates is a form of functional resistance training that builds muscular endurance and stability by using concentric, eccentric, and isometric movements¹⁵. While it focuses on improving everyday functional movement and core stabilization, it differs from forms of weightlifting that target maximal power and force production¹⁶. This makes it a versatile modality that can help strengthen the body’s stabilizers and complement other forms of exercise.¹⁷

You have to decide the most important features for you, but we’ve designed NordicTrack Pilates reformers to include smooth carriage movement, adjustable resistance, a stable frame, and guided instruction through iFIT content. Our reformers provide controlled movement, durable construction, and resistance options that support both beginners and advanced users. With iFIT, NordicTrack Pilates reformers also include connected workouts, helping users follow instructor-led sessions and build a consistent Pilates routine. A connected reformer integrates instructor-led workouts and guided training through an interactive display. Instead of relying on exercise charts, prerecorded routines, or studio schedules, users can access structured Pilates workouts directly on the machine. .

The best place to buy a NordicTrack reformer is directly through NordicTrack.com. NordicTrack.com offers a best price guarantee¹², 30-day in-home trial (return fee applies)¹¹,  flexible financing offers with 0%.

Free Shipping: NordicTrack offers free curbside shipping with an upgrade option available for fast, easy in-home delivery and assembly.


Return Policy: Try your machine at home for 30 days. If it’s not the right fit, simply schedule a return and we’ll pick it up and issue a refund, excluding a return fee. Includes 30 days of iFIT membership—cancel anytime.¹¹ Return fee for eligible orders is £125.



How it works:
1. Get your equipment delivered to your home with free shipping or optional delivery and in-home assembly by NordicTrack-trained experts
2. Try your machine for 30 days.
3. Not for you? Contact Customer Service within 30 days of delivery to schedule your easy pickup.