Alison Hammond’s 11-stone weight loss thanks to ‘joy and horror’ workout routine

In the last few years, Alison Hammond’s weight loss transformation has caught the eye of This Morning viewers, as she has lost around 11 stone since beginning her journey, according to a report in Women’s Health.

For the 51-year-old, an old-school approach to exercise and her lifestyle has been the key, prompted by the discovery that she was prediabetic. Plus, the ITV presenter confessing she isn’t so keen on wellness trends such as plunge pools.

In a new interview with Closer magazine in February 2026, Alison shared more about how she has found the exercises that work best for her.

She told the publication: “I’ve just started doing Reformer Pilates and, oh my God, it’s so good. You feel absolutely incredible after it. I really need a good stretch – I’m stiff as a board – so Reformer Pilates has been brilliant for me.”

What is Reformer Pilates?

The apparatus for the popular exercise was designed by Joseph Pilates, and it centres around a rectangular, bed-like frame with a padded platform on runners. On one end, there is a foot bar and springs, which can be tightened to up the resistance and the difficulty of the exercise, while, on the opposite end, there are two ropes with handles attached to pulleys.

It may be a trendy form of exercise now, but Joseph conceived the idea during the First World War when he was helping other men in cells to stretch and strengthen to regain their mobility. After the war, he continued to develop the apparatus, and in 1923, he opened the first Pilates studio in New York City.

What’s the difference between Reformer and matwork Pilates?

Pilates teacher Katie Kelly previously spoke to HELLO! about the difference between the two popular forms of the exercise, explaining to us: “While all you need for matwork Pilates is a mat and a space to put it, for Reformer Pilates you need to find someone with all the gear.

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“Originally, Pilates would have trained all his clients on equipment, so to some extent, the matwork is his adaptation of what he would teach in his studio to make his work accessible to anything,” the expert added.

What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?

Abbey McLachlan, founder of the Pilates studio East of Eden, also spoke exclusively to HELLO!, explaining that “concentrates on strengthening the deep postural muscles, raising awareness of how one stands and the general alignment of the hips, spine and head.”

Meanwhile, Katie explained that: “Part of the joy and horror of Pilates is that you have to concentrate – it is mindful movement,” and it also exercises a variety of muscles, “even ones you didn’t know you had.”

As a low-impact form of exercise, Pilates alone is not enough to lead a weight loss journey. Alison also has a personal trainer and does weight loss training,