As a fitness writer for CNET, I’ve tried many gyms and classes, but one has always intimidated me: the Pilates converter. I’ve taken revolutionary Pilates classes in the past, and each time, it feels like something brand new when I jump on the wagon. However, I have always believed that just because something is difficult doesn’t mean I can’t do it.
When I heard that NordicTrack was launching its smart reformer, I knew I had to try it. I Ultra 1 Reformer intended for home use, it gives you a Pilates transformation experience in the privacy of your living room without the fear of face planting in a crowded room.
I was invited by the brand to demonstrate their new device during a 30-minute class and was immediately impressed by its design and features. These are my thoughts on the new NordicTrack conversion machine and whether I recommend buying it.
NordicTrack’s Ultra 1 Reformer is amazing
The NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer was designed with safety in mind and to blend in with your home.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ultra 1 Reformer is its innovative beauty. You can tell its designers put a lot of thought into it, considering what would make a Pilates reformer look like an eyesore in your living room, while still being a functional piece of exercise equipment. But at $5,000, it’s not cheap; it is a very worthwhile investment for people who will use it regularly.
This machine is on the larger side, measuring 111.3×30.6×33.7 inches, so make sure you have room to hold it and space around it if you plan on doing floor exercises. The front of the cart features a 24-inch HD touch screen that rotates and rotates for ease of use when doing other floor workouts alongside the Ultra 1.
The machine itself is black with a light wood finish on the trim and end of the carriage, giving it a sophisticated look. And it doesn’t have exposed hand-made springs to adjust the resistance. Instead, the Ultra 1 shuts off electrically adjustable springs when one of its three buttons is pushed down. The buttons have different colors: red, blue and green, and each corresponds to a different level of resistance, from 22 to 99 kilograms.
Like traditional trainers, the Ultra 1 has footrests that you can adjust based on your performance. There are also ropes on each side, attached to a pulley, for your hands and feet.
How to access NordicTrack’s Pilates classes
You can access a variety of Pilates classes in the iFIT workout library.
You can use the machine without an iFit subscription, but if you want access to 200 Pilates classes and view your performance metrics on the screen during your workout. I recommend getting an iFit Pro membership ($39 per month).
An iFit membership also gives you access to 10,000 classes covering a variety of workouts. Plus, it lets you create up to five additional profiles if you have family members interested in using the Ultra 1 or taking other iFit classes.
What is it like to work with the Ultra 1 Reformer
We went through several different Pilates exercises during the NordicTrack demo.
The stroller glides smoothly and is quiet, which is great if you’re trying to keep the noise down in your home.
NordicTrack designed this converter with safety in mind. With a “smart spine” that keeps the springs locked within the core of the track, children and pets are less likely to touch and injure themselves. It also gives the machine a clean look.
It was easy to switch between different resistance levels with this converter. Since the machine doesn’t allow you to change the resistance outside unless the cart is full on the front stage of the reformer, it’s also much safer than your average reformer because you’re not at risk of falling through the front opening.
The machine sits 30.6 inches low, too, which is great if you’re new to reformer Pilates and afraid of heights. I comfortably do several exercises, such as ab roll-ups, side splits, single-leg hip extensions and hip bridges, to get a feel for the machine.
With an iFit Pro membership, the Ultra 1’s screen displays biometrics from your real-time workouts. These include watts (power output), stroke rate (cadence) and calories burned.
Is the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer worth it?
I enjoyed seeing the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer in person, and if I had the space, I would own one. However, the price is going up, which I can see discouraging some window shoppers from adding it to their cart.
If you are already investing in Pilates class packages, you may find that having your own smart reformer is a better investment. Keep in mind that you’ll also want to sign up for a $35-a-month iFit subscription to access all Pilates classes. Accessories — such as a jumpboard, headrest, box and reformer mat — all cost more, from $70 to $250.
If you have an FSA or HSA account, you may also be eligible to use those funds for your purchases.
One of the advantages of ordering the Ultra 1 Reformer is that the machine is fully assembled when it is delivered to your home. All you have to do is lift the touch screen and connect it.
In the end, it comes down to whether the Pilates trainer is your main form of exercise and whether a $5,000 machine is in your budget. If you’re committed to this type of exercise, you’ll appreciate the features the Ultra 1 Reformer offers, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks like it could easily fit in your bedroom or living room.