As a certified personal trainer, I’ve watched more and more people gravitate towards workouts that prioritize strength, mobility, and longevity over simply burning as many calories as possible, and I love that.
I’ve turned to reformer Pilates during different seasons of my life, from preparing for my wedding day to rebuilding strength after having my children. The latter is when I truly discovered the power of reformer Pilates. It helped me reconnect with my core, rebuild strength, and feel more confident in my body again.
As Good Housekeeping’s Nutrition & Fitness Lab director, I quite literally test fitness equipment for a living. I've long been a fan of NordicTrack's treadmills and cardio equipment, so when I heard the brand was launching a connected Pilates reformer, I was equally intrigued and skeptical. Building a great treadmill doesn't automatically translate to building a great reformer. They're completely different categories, and I worried the machine would prioritize flashy tech and aesthetics over performance.
That's why I wanted to try it for myself. I recently took a class on the reformer and got a firsthand look at its smart features, design, and overall workout experience. Here's what stood out to me, and whether I think it's worth the investment.
| Resistance | 7 Resistance Levels, ranging from 22-88 lbs (10-45 kg) |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Product weight | 198 lbs |
| Dimensions | 111.3" x 30.6" x 33.7” (with screen in front) |
| Screen | Tilt and pivot 24" (61.0 cm) touchscreen |
My testing experience
To get a firsthand look at NordicTrack’s new Pilates reformer, I visited a studio in NYC for a guided demo with the NordicTrack team. During my visit, I took a Pilates class led by one of the brand’s trainers. Also, I had the opportunity to experience instructor-led programming while exploring the machine’s smart features.
I had about an hour total on the machine, so I paid close attention to the reformer’s build quality, how easy it was to adjust resistance, how well the technology is integrated, and whether it’s worth the $4,999 price tag. I focused on feel: Was it smooth and controlled or choppy? Did any parts feel cheaply made, or did it seem durable and built to last?
It's important to note that my review is based on a single guided demo session. I'll be testing the reformer more extensively over time and plan to update this review with long-term insights into the machine’s durability.
First impressions
The first thing that struck me was just how beautiful this reformer is. Weird to say about a reformer, since most of these machines look very clunky and unaesthetic, but this feels thoughtfully designed and surprisingly sleek. I think it also intentionally matches the rest of NordicTrack’s new equipment, so if a cohesive home gym aesthetic is your goal, this fits right in.
It’s a sleek black machine with wood accents and dark gold details. The cables are hidden inside the carriage, which I think is what gives it its clean look. With the attached screen for follow-along workouts, it honestly felt like the Peloton of Pilates reformers.
It also felt incredibly sturdy. It’s slightly narrow, but still solid and stable. Nothing rattled, shifted, or felt flimsy. Even the touchscreen impressed me. It’s large, rotates for better viewing angles, and makes it easy to follow along whether you're on the reformer or moving through different positions. Keep in mind that this is a large piece of equipment and requires a dedicated workout space. It's not something most people will want to move around regularly.
I later learned that NordicTrack acquired ReformRX, meaning this is technically a ReformRX machine, which genuinely impressed me because I know ReformRX well. It’s well known internationally as best-in-class for Pilates reformers, and a ReformRX machine even earned a Good Housekeeping Fitness Award. That showed me this isn’t a treadmill company trying to make a reformer; it’s a reformer-first design with serious quality behind it.
The workout
My class was led by a NordicTrack/ReformRX trainer who guided me through a variety of traditional reformer movements for about 30 minutes, giving me a feel for what the machine can do.
One thing I appreciated right away was how seamless the transitions felt. On some reformers, adjusting resistance between exercises interrupts the flow of a workout. Here, changing spring settings was quick and intuitive (you simply press or lift a button), allowing me to stay focused on the workout rather than fiddling with the equipment. The resistance felt smooth and consistent throughout movements, without the jerky transitions I’ve experienced on some lower-quality reformers. And with cables fully concealed, there was no worry about hair or clothing getting caught.
The workout itself was extremely effective, and my body was definitely shaking throughout. I also followed along with virtual instructors onscreen, and the large display made cues and demonstrations easy to see.
If you’re someone who loves feedback as I do, you’ll appreciate the Smart Spine technology ReformRX is known for. It measures real-time data and provides feedback on cadence, power, and even estimated calories burned per session. In Pilates, cadence and power are easy to compensate for, so having real-time accountability helped push me to generate more power and get more out of each movement.
What I loved about the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer
- Built with real Pilates experience: This doesn’t feel like NordicTrack starting from scratch in Pilates. The acquisition of ReformRX shows in how natural and polished the machine feels.
- Premium, studio-quality frame: The frame, finish, and overall aesthetic are stunning. It’s higher-end than something you would see in a traditional Pilates reformer studio. It would look great in a home gym if you have the space.
- Thoughtful, intuitive elements: Small things make a difference, like the hidden cables that reduce clutter and snag risk. The spring adjustment system is intuitive, though you do need to return the carriage to its starting position before changing resistance for safety.
- Useful smart features: The connected experience feels purposeful, especially for those who want structure, feedback, and measurable progress. The large rotating screen is a game changer.
What could be better
- It’s a major investment: There’s no getting around the price. Pilates reformers are generally expensive, but this one sits at the high end, roughly double the price of basic models. An iFIT membership ($39/month) is also required for full access to classes, though existing iFIT members can use their current plan. If you just want a basic reformer, there are definitely more affordable options out there.
- Wear on carriage material: One detail I noticed during testing was some small scuffing on the carriage material. Now this was a demo unit, but it did make me wonder how the material will hold up over time compared to other premium reformers.
- Haven’t tested long-term durability: My experience was limited to a guided demo session. I’ll be testing a unit long-term, but for now these are first impressions only. The current library of about 75 reformer classes is solid, but I’m hopeful that NordicTrack will keep a steady stream of new classes coming out regularly.
Is it worth the price?
I think the answer largely depends on how you plan to use it. Traditional reformers are more straightforward and deliver an effective workout without the need for technology. If you’re experienced in Pilates, you may not need connected features or guided programming.
Compared to other premium connected reformers I’ve tried, the Ultra 1 feels more durably built and benefits from backing from a company with deep Pilates-specific expertise.
If you’re already spending significant money on studio Pilates classes, it’s worth doing the math to see whether a home setup could offset that cost over time. If you want guided home workouts and value connected fitness features, this can be a smart investment. But if you prefer a traditional Pilates experience without screens, metrics, or subscriptions, a more basic reformer will likely serve you better.
Final thoughts
NordicTrack has built a strong reputation in cardio equipment, but Pilates is a completely different category. After spending time on the reformer, I came away impressed by the machine’s premium feel, thoughtful design, and connected fitness capabilities. While I can’t speak to the long-term durability yet, my initial impression is that NordicTrack took its entry into Pilates seriously. If you’re looking for a high-tech Pilates reformer, I think it’s a smart choice.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Stefani Sassos is a NASM-certified personal trainer and Women's Fitness Specialist with over a decade of experience in the fitness industry. As the fitness director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, she tests exercise equipment and develops informed workout content to help readers lead healthier lives. A passionate advocate for functional movement, Sassos discovered the benefits of reformer Pilates, especially for rebuilding core strength after giving birth to both of her children.
