I was thrilled to get Aldi's reformer pilates machine that's £1.7k cheaper – but one annoying issue has me returning it

The Sun

3 days ago

SHOPPERS raced to snap up Aldi's reformer pilates machine, which was £1.75k cheaper than the original version.
However, one pilates fan has shared why she has already returned the bargain £149.99 device to the supermarket.
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Eimear Hanlon uploaded a video showing her wheeling the machine into her local Aldi, with the caption: 'It's return time.'
The TikToker, who posts under @eimearohanlon, explained why she wasn't satisfied with the product, which arrived in stores a week ago.
She explained that hers was a 'lil faulty', saying: 'I am a pilates instructor, bought it to try and see what it was like as it could've been a great alternative to those who don't have 6K.
'The rubber kept coming off the wheels, back to the mat I go.'
Many people were quick to chime in and say it wasn't the first time they had seen people posting about it.
One wrote: 'Seen so many videos saying theirs broke.'
However, others said they were desperate to buy one for themselves.
One person who managed to get hold of one has revealed their 'honest' review after assembling it and doing their first workout.
Toni Jeffrey uploaded a video captioned 'is it worth the hype' and broke down its features one-by-one.
On her @toni_jeffrey account, she gave the machine a solid seven out of 10 and said it was a good reformer machine for someone like her who 'hasn't got a scoobys' but wants to 'improve flexibility.'
Shocking moment chaos erupts in Aldi store as shoppers fight over viral £150 Pilates machine
She said she was 'happy' with her purchase as it has 'all the basic features' and is 'definitely value for money', with the machine setting her back £149.99.
Some shoppers who missed out in their store were left fuming to spot the machines being resold for £500 on eBay - and others got in fights to secure one in store.
However, Toni was honest about the pros and cons of her new workout device.
One of the negatives was that she nearly trapped her fingers three times while adjusting the resistance.
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She also didn't love the strap length adjusters, calling them 'annoying' as you have to one at a time and one of hers was 'slightly longer than the other.'
She was also concerned about the quality of the material, saying she thought 'wear and tears would be visible after a while.'
She added: 'The fabric isn't the best (you're getting what you paid for I suppose, it's doing the job.'
However, she liked the 'comfortable straps', the fact it was 'easy to assemble' and that the foot bar is 'extremely sturdy.'
She also praised the length for her being 5ft 7, but said if you are really tall you may struggle.
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Overall, she was happy with her purchase but advised that if you are a serious pilates girl that you save for a better alternative.
With the original reformer pilates machine costing £1899.99, it is no wonder that shoppers raced to buy Aldi's £149.99 version last weekend.
Aldi's purse-friendly machine arrived in stores a week ago and has adaptable resistance levels with five resistance bands and adjustable height settings.
As with all Aldi Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone, so head to stores quickly if you want to grab them.
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you?
As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything.
I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.
Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!
The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.
My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are:
Walking
Running
Pilates
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Strength training