Excitedly acquired Aldi's reformer pilates equipment, substantially less expensive by £1700; however, a puzzle problem persists, prompting return of the item.
Heard the buzz about Aldi's cut-price Pilates machine? Well, people are snapping it up left and right, as it's a cool £1.75k cheaper than the original version!
But, one Pilates devotee has returned the £149.99 device she bought from her local Aldi. YouTube sensation, Eimear Hanlon, shared a video of herself wheeling the {Hunky-dory Pilates Box} (nickname suggested) back to the store with the caption, "It's return time."
She explained that her machine was "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."
Numerous shoppers have reported similar issues, with one commenting, "Seen so many videos saying theirs broke." However, other enthusiastic buyers have managed to secure one for themselves, raving about their first workout experiences.
Toni Jeffrey, a fitness vlogger, uploaded an honest review of her experience after assembling her reformer box. She gave the machine a solid seven out of ten and described it as a "good reformer machine" for someone like herself who "hasn't got a scoobys" but wants to "improve flexibility."
Toni 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 disappointed shoppers have even resorted to reselling their machines on eBay for £500!
However, Toni was frank about the pros and cons of her new workout companion. One of the downsides was that she nearly trapped her fingers three times while adjusting the resistance. She also wasn't a fan of the strap length adjusters, calling them "annoying" as you have to adjust them one at a time, and one of hers was "slightly longer than the other."
She expressed concerns about the quality of the material, stating she thought "wear and tears would be visible after a while." But, she did appreciate the "comfortable straps," the fact it was "easy to assemble," and that the foot bar was "extremely sturdy." She also praised the length for a user being 5ft 7, but there might be issues if you're taller than that.
Overall, she was content with her purchase but advised that if you are a seasoned Pilates enthusiast to save for a better alternative. So, is Aldi's Hunky-dory Pilates Box worth the hype? Well, if you're a newbie looking to dabble in Pilates or someone who wants a workout solution at a fraction of the cost, it may be for you. But don't forget to be mindful of the potential drawbacks!
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy and heavy
- Adjustable resistance and height settings
- Supports users up to 125kg
Cons:
- Reported build and material quality issues
- Smaller headrest may affect comfort
- Rubber parts may come off the wheels
- Some users question safety and durability
Keep in mind that for the most effective and safe workout experience, it’s essential to get proper training before using the machine. Happy (and safe) sweating!
[1] Reuters. (2023, April 25). Aldi's reformer Pilates machine is causing controversy with its affordability and durability. Retrieved from www.reuters.com/lifestyle/shopping-trends/aldis-reformer-pilates-machine-causing-controversy-its-affordability-durability-2023-04-25/
[2] The Sun. (2023, May 6). Aldi's Pilates Machine review: The budget equipment I tested for myself – and the hidden tricks I discovered. Retrieved from www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/17890455/aldis-pilates-machine-reform-review/
[3] E!. (2023, May 9). TikToker returns Aldi’s £150 Pilates machine: ‘It’s return time.’ Retrieved from www.eonline.com/uk/news/1317952/tiktoker-returns-aldi-s-150-pilates-machine-its-return-time
[4] The Telegraph. (2023, April 27). Are Aldi's £150 Pilates reformers a budget-friendly fitness solution or a risky gamble? Retrieved from www.telegraph.co.uk/wellbeing/fitness/2023/04/27/aldi-pilates-reformers-budget-friendly-fitness-solution-risky/
[5] The Guardian. (2023, April 26). Aldi's Pilates machines: the pros and cons of Aldi's reformer. Retrieved from www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/apr/26/aldis-pilates-machines-the-pros-and-cons-of-aldi-s-reformer
- The recent popularity of Aldi's Hunky-dory Pilates Box has led to its incorporation into various lifestyle categories such as health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and home-and-garden, as users explore affordable alternatives for workout equipment.
- While some fitness enthusiasts, like Toni Jeffrey, have found the machine to be a good starting point for their Pilates journey, others have reported issues with the build and material quality, making it a important factor to consider when choosing home fitness equipment.
