Teaching can be a daunting experience when instructing on a piece of equipment that is new or that you are unaccustomed to. The various Pilates equipment manufacturers have diverse designs that can present a challenge when following generalized equipment setup guidelines.
In our programs, and with our students, we are always striving for efficiency so that transitions are performed with fluidity and thus the flow of the workout can be maintained. Consistency is our goal and this drives our programs to exude professionalism and high safety and quality standards. Knowing how to properly setup and use the equipment is a key component in upholding these standards.
The goal of this article is to provide clarity surrounding the Peak Pilates reformer setup and standards. After reading this article, you should be clear on what our guidelines are so you can be better prepared and able to adjust any reformer you may encounter.
Peak Pilates reformers:
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Peak PilateSystem® Reformer (PPS)
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SportsMed™ Reformer
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Premier Reformer
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Total Workout System ® (TWS)
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SportsMed™ Total Workout System®
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Classic Reformer
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MVe™ Reformer
The Peak Pilates reformer options allow three configurations for hand and leg attachments: classical leather loops and handles; loops and neoprene handles; and double loops. Although it is beneficial to have options, this has created some confusion within the trainer network, which in turn has filtered down to our students and subsequently down to their clients. To address this issue, Peak Pilates is currently in the process of evaluating an alternative configuration that will offer greater consistency in hand and leg attachments across all reformer designs. To this effect, please stay tuned for a new accessories package, but until then, read on to learn about our standard setup guidelines for the various Peak Pilates reformer models.
Springs:
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Green = Extra light
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Blue = Light
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Yellow = Medium
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Red = Heavy
All reformers, except for the classic reformer, come with five springs; two blue, two yellow and one red. The classic reformer comes with four springs; two yellow, one blue and one red.
In setting up the classic reformer, attach one yellow and one blue on the two outside hooks and a yellow and a red on the middle hooks. This spring configuration is referred to as the “classical or standard setup.” Occasionally studios will substitute one of the springs with a green spring, which is lighter than the blue spring. It is not a standard spring and it must be special ordered.
When using reformers with a five spring system we suggest that you adhere to the classic setup. New equipment from the factory may come with the springs in a different configuration (blue springs on the outside, yellow springs on the inside and red spring in the middle); however, we recommend that you change them to the classic setup for consistency purposes (one yellow and one blue on the outside hooks, one yellow and one blue on the inside hooks and the red spring on the middle hook).
Studios that have numerous reformers may have different setups for each reformer, this is usually a matter of trainer preference. If you are delivering a training in a studio like this, explain the standard setup per Peak Pilates and make sure that a number of reformers have the classic setup so that students receive a productive and consistent training.
Please note that there are tension variances within the springs themselves, depending upon age, usage and manufacturer. Therefore, no two springs or reformers will feel exactly the same.
Gear Bar:
The classic reformer comes with a three-gear system. All other reformers come with a four-gear system. The fourth gear, which is also referred to as a negative gear, is the closest gear to the front of the reformer (foot bar end). The second gear slot is first, the third gear slot is second and the fourth gear slot is third gear. The PPS and MVe reformers are clearly marked with numbers to designate gear, but the wood reformers are not.
The standard set up for all clients is first gear. In this position, the knees ideally will line up over the hips and are bent at 90 degrees. The only reason to adjust the gear bar is for a very short or tall client, either to reduce or increase knee flexion and/or reduce tension on problematic knees. The anatomical setup is to have the knees over the hip.
Please note that the gear bar on PPS and MVe Reformers may need to be adjusted during workouts for specific exercises, while the gear bar on wood line reformers does not require such adjustments.
Gear Block:
All wood line reformers with the four-gear system must have a gear block inserted when in negative gear in order to secure the springs. The exception is the classic reformer or the three gear system; it does not need a gear block when in the first gear slot. Classic reformers only require a gear block inserted when in the second or third gear slot. Gear blocks are not needed for PPS or MVe Reformers.
Leather Straps vs. Ropes and Risers:
You may purchase any wood line reformer with either leather straps or a rope and riser system. The PPS and MVe Reformers are only available with ropes and risers. There are different arrangements for the feet and hands whether utilizing leather straps verses ropes. All leather systems come with the leather loops and handles, primarily ordered as a “classical” setup. Ropes and risers (wood line) come with a neoprene handle and single foot loops. PPS and MVe Reformers are delivered standard with double hand/foot loops. It is suggested that those purchasing ropes and risers who are teaching or participating in our courses upgrade to the classical conversion handles and double hand/foot loops to meet the Peak Pilates standard setup.
Leather Hand and Foot Set Up:
First, set the gear bar in the appropriate position.
The end of the leather loop is pulled and aligned with the front of the shoulder rests for the initial measure. Slide the loop over the shoulder rest and pull the straps lightly, making sure both straps are even, then secure the leather on the undercarriage to hold the loops in position. You can also measure the set up anatomically per each individual client. When the client is lying down, their hands should align directly over the shoulders with slight tension on the straps. When the straps are not in use, place the handles on the metal posts behind the shoulder blocks.
When progressing to Short Spine, for leather straps, simply thread the loop through the handle and slide the hardware back. Make sure the hardware is in between the legs during the exercise.
When progressing to Long Spine, thread the leather loop through the handle as for Short Spine and attach the Long Spine Extender Strap through both of them. The hardware should be on the outside.
Ropes and Risers Hand and Foot Set Up:
First, set the gear bar in the appropriate position.
Reformers with ropes and risers come with neoprene handles and single foot loops. If a classical conversion kit has not been purchased, then the set up is different. Rope systems come with a small round metal loop which does not fit around the shoulder rests. Pull the ropes so the small round metal loop is equal with the shoulder rests with the head piece up, attach the handles. You can measure the set up anatomically per individuals. When lying down, hands should align directly over the shoulders at a 90-degree angle with slight tension on the straps.
When setting up for Short Spine, remove the handles and clip on the single foot loops and wrap around the shoulder rests. This should be the right position for the exercise and mirror the classical set up on the other equipment. When progressing to Long Spine, attach Long Spine Straps to the single foot loop. These will have to be purchased as an upgrade, if they are not purchased then the ropes will have to be adjusted to the length that the Long Spine Straps would be.
PPS and MVe Double Loop Hand and Foot Set Up:
First, set the gear bar in the appropriate position.
PPS models and MVe Reformers come standard with a Rope and Riser System. The Risers on the PPS are scaled for easy adjustment and have positions 1-7. The beginning position is when the black pull pin knob is aligned with the number 5 for the risers. For the MVe Reformer, adjust the riser mechanism up to the highest point. It has only one place for adjustment. Do not work with the ropes when the risers are in the low storage setting. Not only will it fray and shorten the life of the ropes, it impacts the effectiveness of exercises.
The end of the small inside loop of the double loop is pulled and aligned with the front of the shoulder rests for the initial measure. Slide the loop over the shoulder rest and pull the straps lightly, making sure both straps are even, then secure either the ropes on the carriage to hold the loops in position. You can also measure the set up anatomically per each individual client. When the client is lying down, their hands should align directly over the shoulders with slight tension on the straps. When the straps are not in use, place the handles on the metal posts behind or at the side of the shoulder blocks.
When progressing to Short Spine with double loops, use the inside loop. For Long Spine and Leg Circles put the feet in the long loops and adjust the gear mechanism one backward toward the head rest as the first option. An alternative option is to adjust the ropes, while the best option is to purchase a set of Long Spine Extender Straps and attach them through the inner loop to avoid changing either the ropes or the gear bar. The hardware should be on the outside.
Tips for a successful training or session:
Be sure you are clear on the equipment you will be using prior to leading or participating in a course so that you may ensure safety and setup and make the correct recommendations for that particular piece of equipment.
Inform your students that they are responsible for knowing the equipment that they will be assessing on. To ensure clarity, quality and consistency in the future, Peak Pilates is providing these guidelines for each reformer on the website. If you are not sure, or your students are not sure, please direct them to the equipment page at www.peakpilates.com and have them look under ‘reformers.'
- Colleen Glenn, Peak Pilates Master Trainer