Aldi’s reformer Pilates machines, which went viral last week among fitness fans, are now being returned by disappointed buyers.
The discount supermarket launched its affordable version of the popular Pilates reformer at just £150 — a huge saving compared to the Original Fold Reformer, which costs £1,899.99.
The bargain fitness equipment caused chaos in stores across the UK as customers rushed to buy one. The reformer mimics high-end Pilates machines used in celebrity-favourite classes with session prices often over £35.
Shoppers queued for hours at Aldi stores, some opening early, and some sales were even ticketed to manage the crowds.
However, excitement quickly turned to frustration. TikTok users began reporting problems with key parts of the machine.
Several customers have returned faulty reformers just days after buying them. Common issues include rubber wheels snapping or falling off, making the machine unusable.
In one viral video, a shopper filmed herself returning the reformer, explaining: “The rubber kept coming off the wheels. Back to the mat I go.”
Viewers flooded the comments asking what went wrong. Other shoppers shared similar complaints: “It is faulty. Loads are being returned, apparently,” said one user.
Another said: “Heartbroken! I should probably return mine but it’s heavy and hard to take apart again.”
Many others reported the same wheel problems, calling their machines “a nightmare.”
One frustrated customer posted: “Won the war getting the Aldi Pilates reformer, but why do the rubber bits keep flying off the wheels? Someone help a girlie out.”
Following the backlash, top London personal trainer Aimee Victoria Long noted the reformer has some advantages, mainly its low price.
“It’s much cheaper than premium reformers, making it accessible for beginners or those on a budget,” she told Femail.
“But the quality is lower, and it may not be as durable as high-end models. Users report it feels a bit wobbly during intense movements, and the resistance bands aren’t as smooth as traditional springs.”
She also pointed out the reformer may be too small for taller users, possibly limiting some exercises.
Aldi responded to the criticism, saying their reformer is independently tested to meet safety standards and designed to offer a reliable home workout.
“Customer safety is always our priority,” Aldi said. “We understand the growing demand for home fitness and aim to provide affordable options without compromising quality.”
The reformer folds for easy storage and includes transport wheels, ideal for homes with limited space. The company claims it can accommodate users up to 6ft 3in.
Aldi has assured customers that anyone unhappy with their purchase can contact customer service or return the product for a full refund.
After last week’s chaotic scenes, some shoppers who missed out on the reformer were angry to see machines listed for resale on eBay for more than double the £150 price.
Listings were spotted for up to £394.32, and some attracted 10 to 20 watchers.
This reselling caused outrage among fitness fans who had hoped to buy the reformer at Aldi’s low price.
One shopper wrote on X: “People selling the #Aldi Pilates Reformer for over double the price on Vinted are scum. @AldiUK arrest them!”
Videos from Aldi stores showed scenes of chaos as customers shouted and scrambled to get the limited stock.
One TikTok video captured shoppers fighting for boxes and even sitting on machines to hold their place.
Voices shouted: “You were at the back of the queue,” and “People wasted their morning queuing.”
An Aldi spokesperson said the company understood customers’ disappointment but explained demand had been exceptionally high.
