The Pilates reformer has a fascinating history. Its creator, Joseph Pilates, was raised in Germany. His childhood was plagued by a number of physical illnesses, which he overcame by developing an extensive exercise program. He was living in England at the outbreak of World War I, and sent to an internment camp, where he rigged the hospital bed springs to create physical therapy exercises for other prisoners. The reformer has come a long way since then. The springs, which were inspired by the hospital bed springs, work in conjunction with the straps. Some machines use ropes, while others use straps made of leather.
The straps can be adjusted to suit the specific exercise. For example, upper body exercises use the hand straps, and lower body exercises use the foot straps. The strap length adjustment, combined with the number of springs, can have a significant influence the intensity of the exercise.
Step 1
Check the cable attachments on the straps and make sure they are in alignment with the pulley.
Step 2
Lift the headrest assembly and locate the cleats that are used to adjust the straps.
Step 3
Lift the straps from the cleats, and adjust them to the desired length. This will depend on a combination of your total height, your leg length and your torso length.
Step 4
Press the straps back into the cleats, and re-position the headrest.
Step 5
Attach either the hand or foot loops, as determined by the exercise.
Tips and Warnings
- Pilates Reformers will vary according to the manufacturer. Check the manual before making adjustments.
- Make sure that there are no tears in the straps. Adjust each strap to the same length.
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