Latest news with #personalTrainers
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pilates instructors reveal their safety fears over 'flimsy' Aldi reformer bed
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.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Walking Shoes Vs. Running Shoes: How To Choose The Right Pair
Walking and running may seem similar, but they actually require your body to move and absorb impact in different ways. That's why it's important to understand the key differences between walking and running shoes. Although they look nearly identical, details like cushioning and drop can influence comfort, performance and even injury prevention. Considering this, let's break down walking shoes vs. running shoes with the help of doctors, running coaches and personal trainers to learn more about their distinct advantages. The differences between walking shoes and running shoes are subtle but oh so important. 'Running shoes and walking shoes are designed for different movement patterns,' says running coach and personal trainer Amanda Grimm. 'Walking involves a rolling motion from heel-to-toe, whereas running usually involves much greater impact forces, and a different foot landing position.' Understanding these key differences is essential when choosing the right footwear, so here's what you need to know about walking shoes vs. running shoes and how to select a style that suits your preferences. Walking and running shoes serve the same primary functions: to keep your feet safe, supported and as comfortable as possible as you move. If you took them apart, you'd find they're built from the ground up in a similar way—outsole, insole, upper. But when you take a closer look, you'll notice these layers vary slightly depending on the activity. To really understand how they compare, let's break down each part, using the Hoka Clifton 10 (a best-selling walking shoe) and Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 (a dedicated racing shoe) as examples. The Hoka Clifton 10 (bottom) has a less aggressive outsole than the Cielo X1 2.0 (top). The outsole of a shoe is the part that makes contact with the ground, and its job is to provide grip and stability. At a glance, walking and running shoe outsoles look incredibly similar, but key differences in tread patterns set them apart. Running shoes are build for speed and forward momentum. As such, their treads usually have grooves that run from the heel to the toe, helping your foot push off efficiently with each stride. Walking shoes, on the other hand, feature more evenly spaced tread patterns that absorb impact and support a smoother, more balanced step. Flexibility is another major difference in outsole designs. Walking shoes tend to be a bit more flexible underfoot to promote a natural stride that mimics barefoot walking. Running shoes are often stiffer, especially when you're looking at performance models that sandwich rocket plates between the outsole and midsole. That added structure helps with rebound and propulsion during a run, though it can feel rigid if you're just walking. The Cielo X1 2.0 (left) has slightly less cushioning than the Clifton 10 (right), but the foam is ... More more bouncy and responsive. A shoe's midsole is where the magic happens. It's the layer between the outsole and the footbed, made from materials like foam or composites that impact how a shoe feels and responds. Some midsoles are soft and plush for pure comfort, while others are firmer and more responsive to support faster movement. When comparing walking and running shoes, two key midsole factors come into play: drop and cushioning. "Drop' refers to the difference in height between the heel and the toe, usually measured in millimeters. A higher drop (10mm, for example) means the heel sits higher than the the forefoot, while a lower drop (2 millimeters, for example) offers a more level platform from back to front. Walking shoes often have a lower or even zero drop, which helps encourage a natural stride and reduces strain on your knees, hips and lower back. Because walking is a slower, heel-to-toe movement, a more balanced base is going to offer long-term comfort. Running shoes, on the other hand, usually feature a higher drop because it suits the way most runners land—on the mid-foot or forefoot—and helps the body tip forward with each step to maintain your momentum. While drop doesn't define a shoe (some running shoes have a lower drop than walking shoes), it is an important variable that can help you understand how a shoe will respond as you're moving. A look at the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 (left) versus the Clifton 10 (right) reveals they're cushioned in ... More very different ways. Walking shoes tend to have moderate cushioning because they're designed to be flexible, and you simply don't need as much cushioning to absorb the lighter impact. The cushioning is softer and more stable, allowing for a flexible, comfortable ride without much bounce. Keep in mind that some thick shoes—like the Hoka Bondi 9 or Brooks Ghost Max 2—feature more cushioning, but they're still great options for walking due to the plush, soft foam. Running shoes, in contrast, have thicker, more protective cushioning that absorbs shock and protects your joints over long distances. While this can reduce ground feel, it's a worthwhile tradeoff for the added support and protection. Likewise, some running shoes are less cushioned—it all comes down to the brand, the shoe type and the materials used. The Clifton 10 (bottom) has more cushioning around the heel than the Cielo X1 2.0 (top). The upper is the part of a shoe that wraps around the top of your foot, and while it may not get as much attention as the midsole, it still plays an important role in overall fit, breathability and support. In general, the differences between walking and running shoe uppers are subtle, though both are designed to keep your foot comfortable and secure. Walking shoes may feature more cushioning around the collar and tongue for added comfort during those long, slow outings. While most walking shoes are made with breathable mesh, some use leather and suede to add durability and structure, though these materials come at the cost of breathability. When and where you lace up your walking shoes will dictate which upper material is right for you. Running shoes, on the other hand, use lightweight, breathable mesh materials to keep your feet cool and reduce weight. A snug, sock-like fit helps prevent your foot from moving, especially at higher speeds, and padding is kept to a minimum to reduce weight, though there's usually some around the collar and tongue. Ultimately, both walking and running shoes are designed to keep your feet comfortable and secure, but runners prioritize airflow and weight savings, while walkers lean toward support and plushness. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex topic, if you typically exercise or commute by walking, wear walking shoes. And if you run, race or jog, wear running shoes. The reason comes down to how your body moves during each activity and what your body needs from a shoe to support that movement. 'I would strongly advise people don't pick up a hammer when they need a screwdriver,' says Dr. Milica McDowell, PT, certified exercise physiologist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens. 'By that I mean choose the right tool for the job. Walking and running shoes do have similarities in their construction, but the loads that go through the body in walking vs. running are significantly different.' Several experts we spoke with echoed this advice. It's generally fine to walk in running shoes, but running in walking shoes isn't recommended. That's because running shoes are built to handle higher-impact forces and provide the specific shock absorption runners need. And walking shoes, while supportive and cushioned, are better for low-impact, slower-paced movement. With that said, not all running shoes are ideal for walking. Some models with extra-thick cushioning and aggressive drop—including the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, a dedicated racing shoe—can actually feel uncomfortable or unstable at a walking pace. It all comes down to matching your shoe with the activity. Review our guides that cover the best walking shoes for men and the best walking shoes for women to learn more about the styles we recommend for daily steps. The gear team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of writers and editors who possess decades of combined experience researching and writing about all manner of footwear. We cover not only broad footwear topics, but specific ones too, including dedicated guides to the best Hoka walking shoes and the best Hoka running shoes. By all means, as long as you get your heart rate up and keep it there for a while, both a walk or a run can be great exercise. 'I encourage my clients to walk on varied terrain, uphill and downhill, with frequent changes in pace," says Christiane Figura. "This constantly challenges the body to adapt and respond to new conditions.' As for runners, consider changing your speed, adding sprints and pushing paces, all in the same run, to improve your cardio and muscular health. As a habit, no. 'Running in walking shoes is generally a bad idea, as they usually lack the enhanced cushioning and structure needed to safely handle the impact of running," says Amanda Grimm. 'If you're planning to run and walk regularly and want one shoe for both activities, opt for a lightweight, cushioned running shoe, as this will do the best job of covering all bases.' Really, though, it's better to have dedicated running shoes for running and walking shoes for walking. Yes, both walking shoes and running shoes will offer some level of arch support, with most running shoes offering more arch support than walking shoes. Generally speaking, running shoes feature specialized foot and arch positioning features to help a runner compensate for pronation or supination; pronation refers to the inward rolling of the foot during a step, while supination is the outward rolling of the same.
