NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S Review | Pilates at Home

Dimensions/Storability

Make way and clear some space! The NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S is large and takes up a lot of room. Even as I crossed my fingers that my team would find a way to get one in our studio, I realized we have no space for it. It’s large and would be very difficult to move around, measuring 112.5” long, 27.5” wide, and 15.5” tall.

I recommend this reformer for exercisers who can provide a large, permanent space for this machine.

You have to account for more than the dimensions of the reformer itself. When doing workouts on the reformer, you’ll be moving all around. For example, there’s a platform on the back that’s perfect for step-up exercises. If you don’t have enough space on the sides of the reformer, you will limit yourself on what you can do on it. NordicTrack suggests 19” of clearance all around the machine.

The good news about this reformer is that you don’t have to worry too much about your ceiling height. For step-up exercises, you might have to be careful, but most of the time, you are going to have plenty of room, no matter what.

I don’t mind that the Ultra 1 Reform RX is bulky and large, as it makes it well-built and sturdy.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The Ultra 1 Reform RX uses iFIT and the former Reform RX platform to provide trainer-led classes. You need an iFIT subscription to access the onscreen content. Memberships are $39/month, or you can pay yearly for a bit of a discount.

iFIT is a trainer-led platform with thousands of on-demand classes. With one membership, you unlock all the Pilates reformer classes as well as iFIT’s entire library of cardio classes for treadmills and other equipment. If you like to strength train or do yoga, there are plenty of iFIT classes for that, too.

If you let it, iFIT and Reform RX can replace an entire gym membership.

I really enjoyed all of the onscreen cues in the Reform RX classes. As someone who is both new to this particular machine and reformers in general, having the class tell me what resistance to use and where to place the footbar was very helpful. Then, of course, I could see the coach performing the exercise and clearly giving instructions on each step.

The guided classes helped me embrace everything reformer Pilates is meant to be. It’s a fun, low-impact form of exercise, and having that virtual coaching helped me focus on the class and experience rather than worrying about what I need to do and how I do it.

Additionally, the footbar positioning and the resistance cues on the screen are just suggestions. You can adjust them as you need to, so lighten the resistance or make it heavier to suit your ability level.

Currently, the Ultra 1 Reform RX is not fully integrated with iFIT. I am excited for it to be, so then you can access iFIT’s features, like Netflix and Spotify. I don’t know for sure which features will be available on it, but I have to say, even with just the classes, it is a really great machine.

Console and Features

You won’t find many Pilates reformers with a built-in touchscreen. The screen on this reformer is 21.5”, and though I was initially worried that I wouldn’t be able to see it easily while training, that was not a problem. The screen size is great, and it did not get in the way.

Of course, you also need good audio to follow along with the trainer. There are two speakers with loud enough audio quality and good clarity to hear while you are training. Each class has music in the background, and you can adjust the volume of the coach and the music separately. You can also pair Bluetooth headphones to train quietly.

Speaking of Bluetooth, the console also allows you to pair a heart rate monitor. Not every Bluetooth heart rate monitor connects at the moment, though I hope they will be able to with updates. Currently, Whoop and Polar devices connect to the reformer console.

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Build Quality

I’m so glad that I got to test the Ultra 1 Reform RX out for myself because it let me see just how fantastic the build quality truly is. This Pilates reformer feels very sturdy and is incredibly well-designed. While I was intrigued by reformers before, my experience with this one allowed me to see just how versatile a machine like this can be.

Frame

The Ultra 1 Reform RX has two large, triangulated supports that make up the frame. While the basic construction reminds me a bit of NordicTrack’s rowing machines, it is much larger and more complex.

One of the first things I was shown at the demo was how sturdy this machine is. You can stand on it, walk around, and it’s not going anywhere. It weighs 244 lbs, and the maximum user weight capacity is 375 lbs. It’s solidly built.

Smart Spine

The central component of this reformer is the smart spine. My first instinct is to call it a rail, like on a rowing machine, but I like the name “smart spine.” It’s the backbone of this machine and has tech features that track the positioning of the footbar and carriage, as well as knowing what resistance you have set.

The carriage glides smoothly across the smart spine for a variety of movements.

Concealed within the smart spine are the springs. Most reformers have exposed resistance springs, which can be troublesome to deal with. Though you could get down on the ground and reach under the machine to access the springs, they are out of the way for the most part. You don’t have to worry about your kids or pets getting tangled up in them.

I was also wowed by the quiet performance of the spine. As the carriage glides up and down, minimal noise is generated. I recommend keeping the smart spine clean to maintain this low noise output.

Carriage

For those of you who have seen the movie Pitch Perfect, you may recall the moment in which Rebel Wilson’s character, Amy, states that she is doing “horizontal running.” Based on that quote, I think she would enjoy Pilates, as it’s an exercise you can do while lying down. Sure, that’s an oversimplification, but it also points out the importance of the carriage on a Pilates reformer.

The carriage, also called the bed, is the moving platform that you can stand, sit, kneel, or lie down on for many Pilates exercises. The carriage on the Ultra 1 Reform RX is comfortable and fits exercisers from 4’10” up to 6’7”. It also has handles in each corner for you to hold on to.

Gliding up and down the smart spine on the carriage is easy and smooth. Again, I must mention that it’s quiet.

Shoulder Rests

To help with your positioning on the carriage, there are two shoulder rests. These are removable. If you need extra room for the exercise you are performing, you can slide them right out.

The shoulder rests are padded and comfortable. I’m 5’4”, but their spacing is great for a wide range of statures. I could kneel between them, but if you have wider hips, you may need more room.

I didn’t need to remove the shoulder rests for most moves, as the carriage is quite roomy.

Resistance and Cables

Instead of having to move the springs around manually, you just have to press a button down or pull it up to change the resistance. The carriage must be all the way to the front of the smart spine to do so.

There are four resistance springs. They are 22 lbs (green button), 33 lbs (blue button), and two that are 44 lbs each (red and white buttons). You can engage more than one spring at a time. If you push activate all of them, the resistance is 65 kg or about 143 lbs.

While the level of resistance may not be enough for everyone to build muscular strength, it’s enough to set your arms ablaze with most Pilates moves. It’s perfect for a low-impact workout.

The Reformer has two cables to hold onto. When you aren’t using them, you can loop them around the shoulder rests. Each cable has two loops. The larger one is typically for your feet, and the smaller one is for your hands.

The loops also have a plastic piece at the bottom that you can grab for an additional, secure handhold.

Footbar

You can adjust the footbar along the smart spine. It angles up and down, too. To unlock it from its current position, simply press the pedal at the bottom of the reformer with your foot and glide the footbar where you want it to go.

The positions are discrete, so you can’t just fix it anywhere. However, the amount of positions and angles the footbar can adjust to allow you to do pretty much anything you would like.

When locked into place, the footbar feels very sturdy.

Platforms

There are two platforms on the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S. The first is in the front and has space for you to attach the jump board. The second is in the back and is ideal for step-up exercises. Both platforms are sturdy, so you can stand on them for various exercises while feeling very safe.

Accessories

The reformer does not come with the jumpboard or box. These accessories are extra. I highly recommend purchasing them, as you unlock even more training options with both. In particular, I was thrilled with the jumpboard.

I love plyometrics, but it doesn’t always love me. The jumpboard would be a nice stepping stone to plyometrics when coming back from an injury. Or, if your days of jumping are behind you due to joint pain or other issues, the jumpboard lets you do jumping exercises with far less impact. You just push off while lying down on the carriage and glide along the smart spine.

The box is excellent for elevated movements or those where you want to be at an angle. It provides yet another way to make your reformer even more versatile.

Warranty

A 5-year warranty covers the frame of the Ultra 1 Reform RX. The tablet and other components are covered for 12 months. Considering the price point of this machine, I wish the warranty were a bit longer, but it’s not bad.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S

If I had room in my apartment for the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX, I would want one. It’s also a little out of my budget, but if you are in the market for a premium product, I think this one is a really good option. The quality is there.

With iFIT to guide you and inspire you, you can do reformer Pilates at home and feel confident in the quality of your workout. The myriad of configurations offered by this reformer means there are limitless exercises you can do. I don’t think I could count them all up if I tried, and who knows, you might even discover something new.

As long as you are invested in Pilates enough to give up the space and are sure that a monthly iFIT subscription is right for you, then I think the Model S is worth it! I loved it!

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NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S Q&A / FAQ

Do you need a subscription to use the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S?

While the equipment is still functional without an iFIT membership, I strongly recommend an iFIT subscription with this reformer. The onscreen features are severely limited without a membership, and you may prefer a simpler reformer if you don’t plan to subscribe.

Is Pilates a good workout?

Yes, pilates is a great workout. It’s full body and low impact. For many exercisers, it is also more fun than traditional cardio or strength training, as it encourages you to move and play.

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