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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Tesco launches 2026 Valentine’s dine-in deals with its ‘most generous’ menu yet
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has unveiled the menu for this year’s edition of its Valentine’s dine in meal deal, and it’s sounding tastier than ever.
Last year, thousands of Brits headed on down to their nearest Tesco to make the most of the retailer‘s always-popular Valentine’s dining deal and celebrate the international day of love in a more low-key way from the comfort of their own home – but this year, Tesco says it wants to top that success, and is hoping its ‘most generous’ menu yet will do the trick.
Launching early next month (9 February), this year, there’ll be two different dine-in deals to choose from based on your budget.
The Tesco Finest Valentine’s Dine In range includes one starter, one main, two sides – for the first time, giving customers more choice when building their meal – one dessert, and one drink, setting you back £20 with a Tesco Clubcard.
Or if you want to keep things a bit more budget-friendly, you can get the simpler Valentine’s Day Dine In option, which includes one main, one side, one dessert, and one drink, for just £15 instead.
Tesco has unveiled its Valentine’s dine-in menus for 2026 / Credit: Tesco (Supplied)
50% of the menu on offer is new for 2026 too, offering you some fresh foodie inspiration alongside much-loved favourites.
Some of the starter highlights include the Tesco Finest Camembert with Garlic & Parsley Dough Balls, Tesco Finest Coquilles St Jacques, Tesco FinestMediterranean Style Breaded Prawns with Hot Honey Dip, or if you’re vegan, you can try out Tesco Finest Mushroom Parcels instead.
For mains, on the menu we have Tesco Finest Salmon & Prawn En Croûte, and Tesco Finest Beef Bourguignon Pies served with a red wine jus, or the Tesco Finest Mushroom Stroganoff Pies for vegans.
But it’s the sides that are taking centre stage this year, with the expanded selection including the likes of Tesco Finest Samphire, Petit Pois & Sliced Cabbage with Mint Dressing, Tesco Finest Rosemary & Parmesan Fries, Tesco Finest Baby Potato Traybake with Chantenay Carrots & Tenderstem Broccoli, or Tesco Finest Garlic & Parsley Ciabatta, just to name a few.
There’s two different deals available this year, depending on your budget / Credit: Tesco (Supplied)
There’s also a selection of sweet treats to finish the night off, with everything from the Tesco Finest Belgian White Chocolate Delice Hearts, to the Tesco Finest Banoffee Pudding on the cards to pick from.
Drinks are also included this year too, with the likes of soft drinks, cocktails, beers, and award-winning wines to choose.
As mentioned, both Valentine’s Dine In deals launch in Tesco stores across the UK from 9 February, so you’re covered no matter whether you’re sharing a romantic moment, creating a spread for loved ones, or simply treating yourself at home.
Featured Image – Tesco (Supplied)
Shopping
The Boots recycling scheme where you can get £5 off every shop
Thomas Melia
UK high street retailer and healthcare shop Boots has launched an innovative recycling scheme that entitles customers to £5 off their future shopping trips.
If you’re still struggling to come up with a New Year’s resolution, why not try a spot of recycling and earn some money off your next cosmetics shop while you’re at it?
Started in 2020, the Boots Recycling Scheme allows Advantage Card holders the opportunity to get money while also being more conscious about how we recycle our used health and beauty products.
Their third-party app, Recycle at Boots, uses a ‘Scan2Recycle‘ system where users can upload items from various beauty brands by taking a picture of the empty packaging before identifying its form.
This scheme takes items that can’t usually be recycled at home, such as lotion pumps, toothpaste tubes, lipstick, mascaras, travel minis, make-up palettes and more.
Once you have five items approved, head over to your nearest participating Boots store, drop off your empties and scan the QR code on the deposit box.
After you’ve followed all these steps, a voucher will appear entitling you to 500 Advantage Points when you spend £10 in-store at your nearest location, and not only do you have £5 worth of points with your name on it, you’re also an eco-warrior.
There’s even a dedicated section of the app to recycling empty medicine and vitamin blister packs, which gives customers 100 Advantage Points when they spend £5 in-store.
Brilliant.
Credit: Publicity pictures (supplied)
Items dropped into these deposit boxes are taken to MyGroup, a recycling and waste management service which works around the clock to help divert waste from landfill.
These empties will be washed and traditionally recycled into a material called MyBoard, a construction board material most similar to plywood, with lots of different uses.
Nearest Boots locations in Manchester running the Recycle at Boots scheme:
Manchester Market Street – 32 Market Street, M1 1PL
Salford Regent Park – Regents Park, M5 3TP
Manchester Didsbury – 736-740 Wilmslow Road, M20 2DW
The Trafford Centre – 10 Peel Avenue, M17 8BD
Trafford Retail Park – Neary Way, M41 7FN
If you’re up for getting money off your next Boots splurge while also helping recycle cosmetics containers and more, you can download the Recycle at Boots app and find your nearest HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2025 
