EXCLUSIVE Pilates instructors reveal their safety fears over 'flimsy' Aldi reformer bed

Daily Mail​

27-05-2025

Some of the UK's top personal trainers have revealed why they have safety fears over Aldi 's reformer Pilates beds.
The budget supermarket caused a frenzy by putting the piece of gym equipment - which usually costs upwards of £2,000 - on sale for less than £150 - at stores across the UK this weekend.
Queues of fitness enthusiasts queued up to get their hands on a bed- with fights even breaking out in the middle aisle of some stores.
Since, hundreds of people have taken to TikTok to share their thoughts on the budget bed - with people praising it's price but saying it's smaller and less durable than more expensive models.
However, some of the UK's leading Pilates instructors have shared their fears over the bed, urging people to make sure they have proper instruction before using it.
Aimee Victoria Long, one of London 's top personal trainers, said that the bed has it's pros - including the low price point.
'It's significantly less expensive than premium reformers, making it accessible for beginners or those on a budget,' she told Femail.
'However, the bed is lower quality and perhaps not as durable as high-end reformers.
'Users have reported that the machine can feel 'slightly wobbly' during vigorous movements, and the resistance bands may lack the smoothness of traditional springs, she added.
'Also I assume the strength of these bands doesn't match that of springs'.
Aimee, who teaches Pilates, barre, strength & conditioning, and functional training to various celebrity clients also said that the bed is a struggle for taller user.
'The reformer's size may not comfortably accommodate users taller than 5'9', potentially limiting the range of exercises - however, the machine folds for easy storage and includes transport wheels, ideal for home use in limited space.
'The bed's features are also adjustable and claim to cater for anyone up to 6ft 3in.'
A huge difference with the bed and a typical Pilates bed is that it uses rubber bands rather than springs.
'The use of rubber resistance bands instead of metal springs may affect the machine's longevity and resistance consistency over time,' she added.
Aimee also added that it's 'beginner friendly' so great for people starting their Pilates journey - however, this can mean people aren't doing the exercises correctly.
Sophie Hatton, a Classical Pilates expert and founder of Pilates Works & Reformer Retreats added there may be safety concerns over the new model.
'Pilates is undeniably having a moment - but not all reformers are created equal.
'There's a vast difference between Reformer-inspired fitness and true classical Pilates, as Joseph Pilates intended,' she told Femail.
'At professional Pilates studios, reformer equipment is engineered for precision - solid, heavy and designed to support the integrity of the practice.
'The new Aldi model may be budget-friendly, but its lightweight frame and elastic bands in place of spring resistance raise immediate concerns around safety, effectiveness, and durability.
'Without proper resistance, stability or instruction from a fully trained teacher you're not doing Pilates - you're just pulling on bands.'
'To become a Classical teacher takes over 100 hours of in-studio education and more than 650 hours of self-practice, observation and rigorous testing.
'This is a profession rooted in depth, not a passing fitness trend.
'Authentic Pilates strengthens where you're weak, improves alignment and restores balance - it's a transformative method, not just a workout.
'Whether joining a studio or working online, choose your equipment and teacher wisely. It makes all the difference.'
Cara Farrell, a reformer Pilates instructor based in Leeds, added that 'It's great to see reformer Pilates becoming more accessible '.
'Aldi's price point makes it possible for people to practice at home who might not afford regular studio classes'.
'It's also a handy option for newly qualified instructors wanting to refine their teaching.
'That said, reformer Pilates is a technical practice.
'Instructors go through extensive training to learn anatomy, safety, and how to correct form, these are things that are hard to self-teach at home.
'Without that knowledge, using a reformer can be risky.
'The Aldi reformer bed looks neat, but the carriage movement and spring system seem a little flimsy, not as smooth or sturdy as professional models.
'I'd also be concerned about the stability of the legs during use.
'If you're thinking about buying one, make sure you've had proper reformer experience first, ideally with a trained instructor.
'Do your research, watch tutorials, and always double-check the setup for safety. It's a great option if you know what you're doing, but not something to jump into without experience.
Rebecca Dadoun, Pilates instructor & founder of Pilates Prescription echoed the safety concerns of other instructors.
'As much as I want Pilates to be accessible to everyone for recovery, strength, and mental clarity I do have real safety concerns when it comes to budget Reformers like the Aldi one,' she said.
'Tick points are that an at home reformer makes reformer Pilates more accessible, it's compact and home friendly and may encourage more movement but these machines aren't built to the same standards as studio Reformers (as per the reviews), and without professional supervision, the risk of injury is higher especially for beginners or anyone already managing pain or postnatal recovery.
'I've had many clients come to me already injured from large group 'Reformer' classes, so the idea of people using even less stable equipment at home, with no guidance, is worrying.
'This isn't about gatekeeping movement it's about moving safely.
'Even the springs on these machines are essentially resistance bands they're not the same as a studio spring.
'If one of those flings off mid exercise, I'd be seriously concerned about the outcome.
'Movement should support your body, not put it at risk.
'And sometimes, the simplest starting point like mat Pilates with props is actually the smartest and safest.'
Reformer Pilates has seen a substantial boom in the recent years with many enjoying the strengthening and body sculpting benefits of the low impact form of exercise that uses spring-loaded equipment for resistance.
CORE LDN , a London-based studio fusing physio with Pilates methods, saw their class visits almost double in 2024 and there's no sign of this slowing.
In recent month there has been a +600 per cent increase in Google searches for Reformer Class Passes.
Core LDN founder, physiotherapist and pilates expert Claire Mills predicts: I don't see an appetite for Reformer waning as clients are drawn to its sustainable approach to fitness, and this trend will likely grow as more people prioritise joint-friendly, mindfulness-oriented workouts.
'Ensuring that sessions are led by knowledgeable instructors and tailored to individual needs will remain essential in retaining client loyalty.'
Claire's advice for beginners?
'I'd recommend reformer beginners start with a 1:1 or a beginners specific class to learn the above foundations and how to implement these on the reformer which is adds in spring resistance and movement.
'In my opinion, you can end up cheating on the reformer if you have not learnt the fundamentals and your global muscle system can become dominant of the postural muscle system that we're aiming to target with Pilates.'
German nurse Joseph Pilates developed Contrology - which eventually became Pilates - in 1946 during the First World War as a method to continue his strength training while a prisoner of War in the Isle of Man.
Fast forward almost 80 years and the exercise is no longer one motivated by necessity - but rather it's a high-end, luxurious workout frequented by A-listers who pay premium prices at dedicated Reformer Pilates studios.
The exercise, loved by Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston, costs around £35 for a 45-minute class and is surging in popularity in the UK.
As most studios recommend training at least three times a week to see any real benefit, people can quickly see themselves spending hundreds a month on the habit.
How to ensure Reformer Pilates is safe, according to Claire Mills, founder of Core LDN
Ensure the credentials of studios and instructors.
The instructors should be tailoring the exercises to the class ability and explaining each exercise, including flagging anything that could feel unsteady.
Bodyweight has an impact on spring selection for some exercises, so a 6ft guy is likely to not be on the same a spring as a 5ft lady because their abilities are likely to be different, and so the instructor should give spring options accordingly.
Check the foot bar is correctly in when using.
Due to the nature of the way the springs work and the carriage moves you can take muscles towards the end of their range, and this needs to be done slowly with control. As a physiotherapist I would always explain this to clients to ensure they work within a safe range for them. It's worth noting that if you are then asked to add extra resistance I.e. weights this should always be optional as overloading muscles will cause strains & injuries.
Upkeep of the studio and maintenance of the reformers is crucial, they should be checked and serviced regularly particularly the springs to ensure they are safe to use.
The class size should not be too big (so the instructor can see all clients), with good lighting and potentially mirrors to help with position.