There’s no denying that Pilates is one of the most popular workouts of the moment, especially the Reformer discipline, which is even being hailed as the ultimate workout for 2025, with social media currently flooded with influencers taking up the practice and new Reformer Pilates studios popping up left, right, and centre across Greater Manchester and the UK.
If you’re unfamiliar with what Reformer Pilates is, it’s a low-impact form of Pilates exercise performed on a specialised Reformer machine – which adds resistance to exercises, making it suitable for various different fitness levels – and it focuses on strength, flexibility, core stability, and overall body awareness.
But while popular, there’s also no denying that it’s expensive.
Aldi is launching a collection of Pilates products in the middle aisle next weekend / Credit: Aldi
Though many people see their choice of workout as something they prioritise and budget for, for others, the price of regular Reformer Pilates classes are not financially feasible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Which is why the news that you’ll soon be able to pop down to your local Aldi store, head to the middle aisle, and pick up your own Reformer Pilates machine to take home with you that very same day, is music to our ears.
In a UK supermarket first, Aldi is bringing Reformer Pilates to the middle aisle, and it’s perfect for those looking to elevate their fitness routines in a long-term affordable way, as it offers professional-grade workouts without leaving the house.
ADVERTISEMENT
Featuring adaptable resistance levels with five resistance bands, adjustable height settings, smooth gliding functionality, transport wheels for easy movement, and foldable storage capabilities, Aldi says its versatile Reformer Pilates Machine ‘caters to all fitness levels’, making it a must-have addition to any home gym or exercise space.
Outside an Aldi store / Credit: Aldi Corporate
It even comes complete with an introductory exercise chart too, so whether you’re looking to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, or tone muscles, the machine is designed to help anyone achieve their fitness goals.
The viral Reformer Pilates Machine has already taken the internet by storm when it launched in Australia last year, with Brits begging the budget supermarket to bring it across the pond, and now it’s finally set to launch in UK Aldi stores nationwide on Sunday 25 May.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Reformer Pilates Machine will set you back £149, which we know isn’t cheap, let’s say, but it’s certainly cheaper in the long run if you’re an avid Pilates practicer.
Shoppers better limber up though, as is the case with all Aldi Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone, so if you’re keen to get your hands on a machine, you’ll need to act fast.
Head down to your local Aldi on Sunday 25 May and get checking that middle aisle.
Featured Image – Aldi
Shopping
The former pub in Hulme that’s now a haven for salvaged mid-century treasures
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve ever wondered where old stained-glass windows, vintage toilets, and dazzling chandeliers go when they’re rescued from demolition, the answer is probably Insitu Manchester.
Standing on Chester Road in Hulme, Insitu occupies the former Turville pub, a Grade II listed Victorian building dating back to around 1870.
What was once a neighbourhood boozer is now one of Manchester’s most fascinating places to browse, packed to the rafters with architectural salvage, antiques, and quirky design pieces.
Spread across three floors, every room feels like a treasure hunt. One minute you’re admiring an elegant fireplace, the next you’re standing in front of a huge stained-glass church window wondering if it would fit in your downstairs loo.
The real showstopper is upstairs. The former billiards room has been transformed into a bright, sunlit showroom that feels more like an art gallery than a salvage yard.
Founded in 1984 as a business specialising in reclaimed doors and fireplaces, Insitu has spent more than four decades saving beautiful objects from being lost forever.
Today, its stock ranges from reclaimed timber flooring and cast-iron radiators to stained glass, doors and other architectural features.
The former billiards room is now a beautiful showroomA beautiful mid-century tiled tableVintage sinks and toiletsIncredible stained glass windows at InsituA room packed with mid-century treasure at Insitu in ManchesterPaintings, stained glass, and ornate furnitureThe outside of Insitu in Hulme, ManchesterA glimpse inside Insitu in ManchesterA glimpse inside Insitu in Manchester
During our visit, we spotted a mid-century tiled coffee table, ornate chandeliers, vintage glass lampshades, paintings and fireplaces.
But perhaps the most unexpected room was downstairs, where an entire collection of antique sinks and vintage toilets is displayed. Who knew a loo could be so beautiful?
Part of the fun is that you never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner. Every item has a story, and many have been carefully rescued from buildings that no longer exist.
Come for the fireplaces, stay for the vintage toilets. Trust us.
Berghaus’ first North West standalone store set to arrive in Manchester Arndale
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Berghaus has chosen our very own Manchester Arndale to be the home of its first standalone brand store location in the North West, opening later this year and we couldn’t be happier about it.
This brand new 2,750 sq ft retail space is set to join a wave of recent arrivals at the Arndale including Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga, Pro:Direct, GARAGE and Represent, further equipping you for all of your fashion, sportswear, and lifestyle retails needs.
This iconic British outdoor clothing and equipment brand was founded in 1966, by a pair of mountaineers, Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, who have always led with the view that ‘the outdoors belongs to everyone.’
This belief is reflected through the design of pieces with practicality in mind, encouraging us all to spend a little less time glued to our screens and a little more outside in nature.
Berghaus is widely known for its trusty cutting edge technologies, making it popular with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, with the clothing aiming to accommodate exploration of the world and all of the wonderful and wild weather conditions it offers.
With this said, in recent years Berghaus has also gained a cult following of young consumers, seeking fashionable items, in the light of the gorp-core and athleisure craze – it turns out you can explore and look good doing it.
As Franck Denglos, EMEA President, Pentland Brands, commented: “60 years after Berghaus was founded in the North of England, opening our first standalone in the North West feels like a natural homecoming.
“As a bold, outdoor and British brand, we’re excited to put down roots in Manchester and connect with consumers in one of the UK’s most vibrant retail destinations. Manchester Arndale’s scale, energy and reach make it the perfect stage for the next chapter of the Berghaus story.”
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, said: “Berghaus joining Manchester Arndale is a clear example of how leading retailers are responding to evolving consumer trends and investing in standout physical retail destinations.
“The brand is a fantastic addition to our lineup and further enhances the scheme’s appeal to Gen Z consumers who are driving the popularity of gorpcore and outdoor-inspired fashion.”
Moreover, Scott Linard, Portfolio Manager for M&G Real Estate, added: “Securing Berghaus for its first standalone store in the North West is another major endorsement of Manchester Arndale and the strength of our retail offer.
“The brand’s decision to open its first brand store UK location here reflects the confidence major retailers have in the destination and the continued demand we’re seeing for premium outdoor and sportswear brands.”
What a win for Manchester.
If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to finally commit to that hike or camping trip this summer – here it is.
Get yourself kitted out and get outdoors – it’s time to touch some grass.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2025 
