IS PILATES WORTH IT?

Pilates is worth the cost if you commit to a practice cadence that produces results. A 12-week supervised program documented gains in abdominal endurance and hamstring flexibility,¹⁶ and a 2022 pooled meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reported significant improvements in flexibility and muscular endurance across protocols lasting 6 to 12 weeks.¹⁴ Two to three sessions per week over 8 to 12 weeks is the standard frequency we recommend for your program. The cost-effectiveness question depends on how often you plan to practice. A NordicTrack Ultra 1 home reformer with 36-month, 0% APR financing§ and 3-year iFIT membership costs as low as £221/month¹⁹. That's less than £20 per session if you train more than twice per week. The per-session cost only gets better the more often you train. Compare that to your local Pilates studio's cost per class. If you're unsure whether the habit will stick, NordicTrack offers a 30-day in home trial to allow you to try every feature (return fee applies).¹¹

Buy a home reformer if you prioritize convenience and it fits your preferred workout style. It eliminates commute time, parking costs, and the schedule constraints of class booking--all of which add up if you're working out two to three times per week long term. Studio Pilates may be a better choice if you want social accountability, prefer in-person instruction, plan to attend less than twice per week, or are still testing whether the habit will stick. A reasonable hybrid is to start with guided on-demand mat Pilates for one to two months to build the habit, then invest in a reformer once you've confirmed your real practice frequency. That sequencing may help reduce the risk of buying equipment that ends up under used.

Yes, Pilates is well-suited to beginners because programs start with foundational mechanics — breath, spinal articulation, supported spring resistance, and basic carriage timing — so newcomers can progress safely without needing prior strength or flexibility. Flexibility is usually an outcome of consistent practice, not a prerequisite for starting. The stumbling block for a beginner may not be a lack of physical capability; instead, it may be not knowing the order of operations: which exercises come first, which spring setting matches a given movement, and how breath coordinates with the carriage. Guided beginner programming is designed to address each of those. NordicTrack pilates reformers, reformers are designed to support controlled, low-impact movement which can make them approachable for beginners. Guided instruction, premium safety features and structured workouts can help new practitioners learn proper technique while gradually building strength and flexibility.

Pilates is a full-body strength and stability method that requires sustained muscular engagement, motor control, and coordination — it is not passive stretching. Reformer-based Pilates in particular introduces progressive spring resistance and coordination demands that provide a substantial training stimulus for stabilizers, postural muscles, and accessory muscle groups that could be neglected. The common misconception comes from the fact that Pilates emphasizes controlled, full-range movement rather than the explosive, high-impact patterns common in traditional strength training. That doesn’t make it easier — it makes it different. A well-programmed reformer session loads stabilizers under tension for sustained periods, which builds endurance and joint control that heavier lifting routines often miss entirely. Many people who try a structured reformer class for the first time find it more demanding than they expected, particularly in the deep core, glutes, and posterior chain.

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 Pilates reformer for home use in 2026 is the one that offers the features you’ll love for year to come. NordicTrack Pilates reformers combines studio-quality construction, smooth carriage movement, and adjustable resistance that supports a wide range of exercises. Our reformers feature durable frames, controlled spring resistance, and stable platforms that allow users to perform movements effectively. The best NordicTrack Pilates reformers also include guided workouts and connected training programs, helping replicate the structure and instruction of studio classes while making Pilates more accessible and convenient to practice at home.

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% up to 36months§, direct access to award winning customer service  and exclusive deals not available elsewhere.

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.