Quick Answer: Given the average cost of a studio visit, as well as all the usual obstacles to showing up, an at-home Pilates machine like the NordicTrack Ultra 1 can save you thousands of dollars per year.
While owning your own Pilates reformer can seem a little forbidding, the economics are surprisingly clear. Compared to studio classes, even premium machines can actually save you as much as a few thousand dollars per year or well over $11,000 in only three years if you tend to take more expensive drop-in Pilates classes.
Here’s how the math breaks down between studio Pilates classes and an at-home reformer like the NordicTrack Ultra 1.
How much does it cost to take pilates classes?
You can expect to spend an average of $300 per month for unlimited workouts at most studios, or $3,600 every year, according to a recent overview in Smart Health Clubs.
For the less organized among us who rely on non-membership drop-ins, which average about $40 per class, that jumps to $480 for 12 classes each month, or $5,760 per year.
When do you break even by switching to an at-home reformer?
If you tend to pay per class, buying your own machine can easily save you money within the first year. But even when compared to an unlimited monthly studio membership, a home reformer can be $2,000 less expensive over a two-year period, and nearly $5,000 less expensive over a three-year period.
How does the total cost of a reformer compare to attending Pilates classes?
While the upfront costs may look like an investment, owning an at-home reformer like the NordicTrack Ultra 1 can actually save money as quickly as the first year if a hectic schedule nudges you toward drop-in classes.
Averaged out over two or three years and depending on your lifestyle, a NordicTrack Ultra 1 can put well over $11,000 back in your pocket. Here’s how the numbers add up:
| Option | Upfront Average Cost | Recurring Monthly Cost | Total 1-Year Investment | Total 2-Year Investment | Total 3-Year Investment |
| Studio Drop-In | $40/class | $480 for 12 classes/month | $5,760 | $11,520 | $17,280 |
| Studio Unlimited Monthly | $79 enrollment fee | $300 | $3,600 | $7,200 | $10,800 |
| NordicTrack Ultra 1 + iFIT (Year 1) | $4,999 | $33 for iFIT 1-year membership | $5,395 | $5,791 | $6,187 |
| NordicTrack Ultra 1 + iFIT (Year 2) | $4,999 | $29 for iFIT 2-year membership | n/a | $5,698 | $6,094 |
| NordicTrack Ultra 1 + iFIT (Year 3) | $4,999 | $25 for iFIT 3-year membership | n/a | n/a | $5,898 |
| NordicTrack Ultra 1 + iFIT (Year 3) and Ultra Upgrade Package | $5,498 | $25 for iFIT 3-year membership | n/a | n/a | $6,395 |
What’s a well-reviewed reformer for Pilates at home?
A recent CNET review found that the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Home Reformer was intuitive to use, easy to commit to and even pleasant to look at compared to most exercise equipment: “You’ll appreciate the features the Ultra 1 Reformer has to offer, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks like it can easily blend into your bedroom or living room.”
What are the key benefits of the NordicTrack Ultra 1?
The NordicTrack Ultra 1 is a premium home reformer with a 24-inch tilting and pivoting touchscreen display, multiple resistance controls and levels, split footbars, stowable cables, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and two built-in rear speakers.
Can I take classes from home with the NordicTrack Ultra 1?
Yes. An iFIT Pro membership (starting at $39/month, but as low as $25/month with long-term plans) provides unlimited access to over 10,000 workouts, as well as an AI coach to help target unique goals, SmartAdjust to help personalize your workouts and even access to popular streaming services.
Is there a warranty on the NordicTrack Ultra 1?
Yes. The NordicTrack Ultra 1 includes a 5-year frame warranty, as well as 12 months of tablet and components coverage and access to their VIP Sales Concierge service, with direct email and dedicated phone line access to the manufacturer.
What is the Ultra Upgrade Package?
For an extra $499, the Ultra Upgrade Package adds a jumpboard, Pilates box, reformer mat and head support, raising the total purchase price to $5,498.
How big is the NordicTrack Ultra 1?
Like any reformer, the NordicTrack Ultra 1 has a significant footprint at 111.3” x 30.6” x 33.7”, offering a generous 300-pound weight capacity.
Studio Pilates vs. an at-Home reformer: What’s the final economic analysis?
For anyone who intends to do Pilates for more than a year, owning your own machine is far and away the financially sound decision, as it can save you over $11,000 in a three-year period.
Check out the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Pilates Reformer today to begin saving on your future Pilates workouts.
FAQ
How much does the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Pilates Reformer cost?
With no monthly subscription or add-ons, the Ultra 1 is $4,999. The Ultra Upgrade Package, which includes a jumpboard, Pilates box, reformer mat and head support, adds $499.
Is an iFIT membership required to use the NordicTrack Ultra 1?
Technically no, the NordicTrack Ultra 1 is fully operational in manual mode with no paid subscription required; however, a free iFIT account is required to activate and register the machine, and because it was engineered to work in conjunction with the iFIT app, a membership is still the best way to get the most out of your Ultra 1 machine.
Is the NordicTrack Ultra 1 HSA/FSA eligible?
Yes. While eligibility depends on your specific plan and administrator, many tax-free HSA and FSA programs cover the monthly and up-front costs of the NordicTrack Ultra 1.
How often do I need to do Pilates at home to make a reformer worth it?
Doing pilates at home for less than a year is less expensive than dropping in at a studio; but even compared to the average unlimited studio membership, a NordicTrack Ultra 1 can still save you nearly $2,000 in only two years of workouts.
Can multiple family members use the same iFIT membership on the NordicTrack Ultra 1?
Yes. An iFIT Pro membership can support up to five profiles, allowing each member of your household to maintain a separate workout history, select their own goals and receive their own class recommendations.
Is a home Pilates reformer as effective as taking studio classes?
Like any at-home exercise, the NordicTrack Ultra 1 just needs you to show up and keep yourself motivated. With that in mind, it’s just as (if not more) effective than using commercial equipment in Pilates studios, except there’s no traffic or weather holding you back.
