Is Pilates worth the cost?

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,[¹][⁶] 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.[¹][⁴] 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 $164/month[¹][⁹]. 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).[¹][¹]

Should I buy a home Pilates reformer?

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.

Is Pilates worth it for beginners?

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.

Is Pilates a real workout, or is it just stretching?

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.

What features matter most in a Pilates reformer?

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.

What Is the Best Pilates Reformer for Home Use in 2026?

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.

Where is the best place to buy a NordicTrack Pilates Reformer?

The best place to buy a NordicTrack reformer is directly through NordicTrack.com. NordicTrack.com offers a best price guarantee[¹][²], 30-day in-home trial (return fee applies)[¹][¹], flexible financing offers with 0% up to 36months§, HSA/FSA payment option, direct access to award winning customer service and exclusive deals not available elsewhere.

What is NordicTrack’s shipping and return policy?

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.[¹][¹] Return fee for eligible orders is $249.99. 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.

NORDICTRACK REFORMERS

IS PILATES WORTH IT?

Pilates is a low-impact, full-body strength and stability method built on controlled movement, breath, and progressive loading. The answer to whether it’s worth it: yes, when practiced consistently. A single class won’t transform you, but a repeatable practice could. The right question isn’t whether one class is worth it — it’s whether the habit is worth building into your life. That shift in framing could change both the investment and outcome.

SHOP PILATES REFORMERS

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Regular Pilates can improve core endurance, hamstring flexibility, and upper-body muscular endurance over a 12 week program of two 1-hour sessions per week.¹⁶
A NordicTrack home reformer with 36-month, 0% APR financing§ and 3-year iFIT membership costs as low as $164/month- 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.
Pilates is a real workout, not stretching — reformer work loads stabilizers progressively against spring resistance, building strength rather than only lengthening tissue.
The right decision from a cost perspective depends on your workout frequency. The more often you train long-term, the better investment a home reformer becomes on a per-session cost basis.
Trade hours of commute time for a frictionless, front-row experience that fits your schedule.

WHAT MAKES PILATES RESULTS WORTH IT: FOUR EVALUATIONS STANDARDS

Before any brand or price comparison, NordicTrack has identified four standards for evaluating whether a Pilates practice will work for your lifestyle. The method can deliver meaningful results when practiced consistently — the harder question is whether your version of the practice will be repeatable enough to deliver on it.

BUILDS A REPEATABLE, LOW-FRICTION ROUTINE

A Pilates practice that features a short setup and fits your schedule is one that’s more likely to get done. Look for class length you can commit to on a busy day, on-demand access that bypasses class booking, and equipment that requires minimal setup. The lower the friction, the higher the frequency — and frequency is a key driver of results.

PRODUCES MEASURABLE OUTCOMES IN A TIMELINE BACKED BY RESEARCH

A research study showed statistically significant increases in abdominal endurance, hamstring flexibility, and upper-body muscular endurance over a 12 week program of 2 1-hour sessions per week.¹⁶ If you can commit to that cadence, the method can deliver meaningful results. Evaluate any program against whether the cadence is realistic for you.

THE MORE YOU TRAIN, THE MORE YOU SAVE

A cost model that lowers your marginal cost per session favors habit formation. If your Pilates studio charges per class, the more often you train, the more a studio membership costs. A NordicTrack Ultra 1 home reformer with 36-month, 0% APR financing§ and 3-year iFIT membership costs as low as $164/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.

SCALES WITH PROGRESSION OVER TIME

Pilates is cumulative, and your practice should keep producing stimulus as you advance. Programs and equipment must add resistance, range, and coordination demands so you don’t plateau after a few months. Adjustable spring tension, expanded ranges of motion, and progressive class libraries are what separate a reformer you outgrow from a reformer you grow into.

WHAT PILATES CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE

Pilates can help improve certain fitness markers, such as muscular endurance and flexibility, with guided training designed for consistent practice at home.

WHY NORDICTRACK STANDS OUT

With decades of experience designing connected fitness equipment, NordicTrack when paired with iFIT brings studio-quality Pilates training into the home. Our reformers combine premium engineering with guided instruction and connected workouts—helping you train consistently and confidently.

NordicTrack offers two connected Pilates reformers designed for different training environments—from refined home Pilates practice to a full studio-grade experience.

SHOP PILATES REFORMERS COMPARE

NORDICTRACK PILATES REFORMER RECOMMENDATIONS

Top NordicTrack connected fitness models are each built on the iFIT platform, suited for different at home practice styles.

BEST OVERALL NORDICTRACK PILATES REFORMER

ULTRA 1 REFORMER

Best for home Pilates practitioners who want a refined slim, minimalist reformer experience that prioritizes precision, control, and consistent guided training.

Integrated 24” HD pivoting touchscreen for guided Pilates workouts

Enclosed spring system for smooth, controlled resistance

Seamless push-button load resistance operation

Precision carriage movement designed for controlled form

SmartSpine™ collects real time biometric data through iFIT²

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BEST STUDIO-GRADE NORDICTRACK PILATES REFORMER

ULTRA 1 REFORMER RX-S

Best for more serious Pilates practitioners who want the closest studio-grade reformer experience at home with professional equipment design.

Studio-grade reformer engineering designed for advanced training

24" HD tilting touchscreen for immersive guided workouts²

Expanded resistance levels for more precise progression

Full-length glide carriage for quiet, precision motion

Adjustable footbar and accessories for expanded exercise variety

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WHAT REFORMER FEATURES CAN DELIVER TO MAKE IT WORTH IT

From NordicTrack’s perspective, features only matter when they change how the practice actually feels. The four below reduce friction during a session so attention stays on breath, alignment, and controlled movement.  

Solid Spine Resistance: Solid Spine is NordicTrack’s enclosed resistance system. It keeps manual spring switching out of the way so attention stays on breath, alignment, and controlled movement instead of hardware fiddling. Designed to support cleaner transitions between exercises and less interruption to flow during sequenced classes
Push-Button Resistance Adjustment: Push-button resistance adjustment replaces manual spring changes with a single control. Designed to support faster transitions and fewer interruptions, which matters most during longer iFIT sessions where every spring change would otherwise pull focus from the trainer cue and the breath.
24″ HD Touchscreen With Session Metrics: The integrated 24-inch HD touchscreen displays power output, resistance setting, and duration, so you can track relative session effort and trends over time. These are relative effort trends (power times duration), not a validated calorie readout. The goal is session-to-session comparison, not absolute measurement.
Smooth, Safe Workouts: Stainless steel glide tracks provide a smooth, quiet glide for home use, and enclosed springs reduce the risk of pinching or falling into the carriage gulley, enhancing safety for all users. That single feature can be a meaningful factor in whether a reformer gets used daily or sits unused.

“This is Pilates 2.0”

“Our pros were wowed”

“[E]ven surpasses the experience…of working out at a high-end Pilates studio”

"An intelligent and connected Pilates experience"

“As anyone who’s ever been stuck on a class waitlist knows, the flexibility the RX offers is a game-changer”

WHICH PILATES REFORMER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ultra 1 Reformer

Ultra 1 Reform RX-S

MACHINE SPECS

24”

Tilting HD touchscreen

24”

Tilting HD touchscreen

Speakers

2 built-in rear speakers

Speakers

2 built-in rear speakers

Carriage handles

4 built-in handles, one on each corner of carriage

Carriage handles

4 built-in handles, one on each corner of carriage

3 Resistance Controls

3 Resistance Buttons: Green 22 lbs (10 kg), Blue 33 lbs (15 kg), Red 44 lbs (20 kg)

4 Resistance Controls

4 Resistance Buttons: Green 22 lbs (10 kg), Blue 33 lbs (15 kg), Red 44 lbs (20 kg), White 44 lbs (20 kg)

7 Resistance Levels

7 levels: 22-99 lbs
(10-45 kg)

11 Resistance Levels

11 levels: 22-143 lbs
(10-65 kg)

4-Position Footbar

Crane-shaped bar design

7-Position Footbar

Continuous bar design

Poggles

2 hand-grip poggles on rear platform

Poggles

2 hand-grip poggles on rear platform

Tray Cable Management

Side trays keep cables neatly stored

Pully Cable Management

Retracts cable slack automatically

Strap type

Dual-loop design for hand and foot placement

Strap type

Dual-loop design for hand and foot placement

Jumpboard & Box Accessories

Add-on accessories for cardio and workout modifications (sold separately)

Jumpboard, Box & Head Support Accessories

Add-on accessories for added comfort and workout variety (sold separately)

Connectivity

WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet

Connectivity

WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0

Fits users up to 6'4"

4’10”-6’4”
(1.5 m-1.93 m)

Fits users up to 6'7"

4’10”-6’7”
(1.5 m-2.0 m)

Supports up to 300 lbs

300 lbs user capacity
(136 kg)

Supports up to 375 lbs

375 lbs user capacity
(170 kg)

Larger Footprint

111.3" L × 30.6" H × 33.7" W
(283 x 78 x 86 cm)

Compact Footprint

118.3" L x 27.5" W x 15.5" H
(300 cm x 70 cm x 40 cm)

198 lbs In-box weight

198 lbs in-box product weight
(90 kg)

224lbs In-box weight

224 lbs in-box product weight
(102 kg)

MEMBERSHIP SPECS

Full pilates workout library

Access to an extensive and growing library of on-screen reformer workouts lead by industry experts⁶

Full pilates workout library

Access to an extensive and growing library of on-screen reformer workouts lead by industry experts⁶

Elite global instructors

Train with the best in the world, including Reform Method pioneer Yvette McGaffin and Jeni DelPozo, bringing professional studio expertise into your home.⁶

Elite global instructors

Train with the best in the world, including Reform Method pioneer Yvette McGaffin and Jeni DelPozo, bringing professional studio expertise into your home.⁶

Real-time on-screen feedback

Shows power, speed (strokes per minute), instructors recommended resistance and the detected resistance engaged during every class⁶

Real-time on-screen feedback

Shows power, speed (strokes per minute), instructors recommended resistance and the detected resistance engaged during every class⁶

Exclusive off-equipment workouts

iFIT mobile app unlocks 200+ Pilates sessions, plus access to the over 10,000 workouts personalized to your needs. Including exclusive off-equipment workouts with Club Pilates, YogaSix and F45.⁶

Exclusive off-equipment workouts

iFIT mobile app unlocks 200+ Pilates sessions, plus access to the over 10,000 workouts personalized to your needs. Including exclusive off-equipment workouts with Club Pilates, YogaSix and F45.⁶

AI Coach

A personal fitness assistant that creates a custom workout plan based on your goals, schedules your workouts and keeps you accountable⁶

AI Coach

A personal fitness assistant that creates a custom workout plan based on your goals, schedules your workouts and keeps you accountable⁶

BENEFITS

Free Standard Shipping

Ships fully assembled, ready to use right out of the box. Upgrade available for in-home delivery to room of choice.

White Glove Delivery

In-home delivery and assembly included.

Warranty¹

5 years on the frame
12 months on the tablet
12 months on components
12 months parts and labor¹

Warranty¹

5 years on the frame
12 months on the tablet
12 months on components
12 months parts and labor¹

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BENEFITS OF BUYING FROM NORDICTRACK.COM

Best Price Guarantee

If you find a lower price, we’ll match it, including the retailer’s shipping cost¹²

30-Day In-Home Trial

Test every feature with 30 days of in-home use¹¹

Flexible Financing

0% APR for up to 24 months with equal payments. Restrictions apply†

HSA/FSA Eligible

Pay using your pre-tax HSA/FSA funds

EXPLORE MORE

1.Warranty terms and conditions apply. For details, see https://www.nordictrack.com/terms.

6. iFIT Pro Membership required to access full content and features on equipment.

7. The third-party product and company names referenced on this page are trademarks or registered trademarks and remain the property of their respective owners. Individual streaming services may require subscriptions to their services to view content on iFIT.

8. A Randomized Trial Testing Alterations in Biomechanics Due to Treadmill Design Final Report from the University of Kentucky BioMotion Laboratory with Noehren showed an average of 52% greater reduction in tibial shock with the same materials and design used for Ultra 1 compared to a flat surface.

11. 30-Day Home Trial Promotion ("Offer") for residents in Canada and the United States who are at least the age of majority in their jurisdiction. To initiate a return, contact Customer Service within 30 days of delivery to schedule your pickup. Eligible returns will be refunded at the purchase price less a $249.99 return shipping charge. Allow 30 days for verification for eligibility before you receive your refund. iFIT’s Return Policy applies, with restocking fees waived under this offer. Offer is not transferable or substitutable, not redeemable for cash or account credit, may not be combined with other offers, has no cash value, and will not be applied retroactively. Void where prohibited by law. iFIT reserves the right to end, revise, modify, or extend the Offer or its terms at any time without notice. iFIT shall not be responsible for any Offer errors, including tech errors. iFIT memberships will continue until cancelled. Cancel at any time at ifit.com/cancel. For more details, see iFIT’s Terms. Offer only on select products.

12.NordicTrack Price Match Guarantee (“Offer”) for residents in the United States, 18+. Offer applies for qualifying purchases made directly on www.nordictrack.com. Offer applies to new, standalone equipment purchases only and excludes backorders, pre-sale or out-of-stock items, pricing or typographical errors, financing-only offers, coupon stacks, limited-quantity doorbuster or lightning deals, bundle offers, free items, and open-box or refurbished products. To qualify, the NordicTrack equipment must be an identical model and immediately available from a qualifying authorized retailer at a publicly listed price (including shipping costs) that is accessible and verifiable online at the time of request. Price match requests must be submitted before purchase via live chat on www.nordictrack.com or by calling 1-888-308-9616. A direct link to the authorized retailer’s product website must be provided; screenshots do not qualify. NordicTrack reserves the right to verify the advertised price and product availability and may decline requests that cannot be verified. Limit one (1) Offer discount per person. Offer does not apply to taxes or other charges, excluding qualifying shipping costs. Offer is not transferable or substitutable, not redeemable for cash or account credit, may not be combined with other offers, has no cash value, and will not be applied retroactively. Void where prohibited by law. NordicTrack reserves the right to end, revise, modify, or extend the Offer or its terms at any time without notice. NordicTrack shall not be responsible for any Offer errors, including tech errors.

13. Based on ACSM guidelines estimating the metabolic cost of running at 6 mph. . The Metabolic Cost of Steep Incline Treadmill Walking, Sports Medicine and Health Science, 2026.Yeo D, Carlson AR, Johnston J, Ziegler BL, Wentz RJ, Downs JH, Kim CH, Johnson BD.

14. Research citations: Kloubec JA (2010), ‘Pilates for improvement of muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, and posture’; 2022 meta-analysis of Pilates outcomes

15. Ana Cruz-Ferreira, et al., A Systematic Review of the Effects of Pilates Method of Exercise in Healthy People, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2015; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2011.06.018.

16. Pereira MJ, et al. Efficacy of Pilates in Functional Body Composition: A Systematic Review. Applied Sciences. 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157523

17. Bergamin M, et al., Effects of a Pilates exercise program on muscle strength, postural control and body composition. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5005852/

18. Based on an average studio class cost of $40. Comparison assumes a machine MSRP of $4,999, financed over 24 months at 0% APR. Actual studio pricing and individual financing terms may vary. Additional iFIT membership fee not included.

19. Based on an average studio class cost of $40. Comparison assumes a machine MSRP of $4,999 and a prepaid 3-year iFIT Pro membership ($899), financed over 36 months at 0% APR. Actual studio pricing and individual financing terms may vary.

§ Rates from 0-36% APR. Payment options may be subject to an eligibility check and may not be available in all states. While Affirm doesn’t charge late fees, other payment methods may do so. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. Estimated payment amounts exclude taxes and shipping charges, which are added at checkout. Loans to California residents made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. Financing options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lender license. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.

† Subject to credit approval. Suggested payoff periods of 12 or 24 months are based on the transaction amount at the disclosed APR assuming all timely payments are made. Visit the Cardholder Agreement for details. Fortiva Retail Credit accounts are issued by The Bank of Missouri, Perryville, MO. Customers not qualified for a 0% APR offer may qualify for a deferred interest offer with Fortiva Retail Credit or a different offer with another creditor.