R8-Pro

Introduction

Thank you for buying an R8-Pro Pilates Reformer. This manual will show you how to build the Reformer with or without Leg Extensions. Please ensure you read it fully before unpacking and assembling the equipment.

Specification & Adjustability

• Patent-pending Rapid Change spring bar for the fastest spring bar changes available.
• Off-centred shoulder rests.
• 3 position head rest.
• Adjustable Rope Risers with 9 heights (with Leg Extensions).
• 97.5cm Carriage Travel.
• 4 nickel plated music wire springs in 3 strengths (with space for a 5th spring).
• Height-adjustable feet.
• 56cm Extra-wide carriage.
• Pro Rope adjustment system within shoulder rest frame.
• Full Silent system, including patented Silent pulleys.
• Stylish stainless steel frame.
• 8 PU wheel carriage for a super quiet and maintenance-free ride.
• Adjustable foot bar with 5 lockable positions.
• Wheels for ease of movement and storage.
• 120kg Max. User Weight. ISO20957-1 Class S Item.

Dimensions

248cm (L) x 67cm (W) x 23cm (H) (36cm (H) with Leg Extensions), 59.1kg

Assembly

Unpacking The R8-Pro Reformer

Warning: Two people are required for moving and unpacking the Reformer, as the equipment is heavy and must be handled carefully to avoid injury or damage.

At all times you are responsible for your own safety and those around you. Please unpack the equipment in a clear, clean & dry environment on a level floor surface. Remove all strapping using a safety knife and remove the carton lid. The reformer frame will be wrapped in a plastic wrapper and protected by polystyrene blocks, carefully cut the plastic wrapper open and inside the carton you will find 2 inner boxes — place these to one side. Then, with a person on each end, carefully lift the reformer frame out of the box and place on a level surface, free of obstructions. We recommend placing the Reformer on trestles for the easiest assembly.

Assembling the Foot Bar

Attach the Footbar Support Arm to the Selector Rod by inserting the long bolt through the lower of the two holes on the Support Arm (Figure 1), at both ends of the Selector Rod. Only hand tighten the two bolts at this stage.

Attach the small bolt to the inside of the Selector Rod/Footbar Support Arm through the higher of the two holes (Figure 2), at both ends of the Selector Rod. Now fully tighten all four bolts.

Assembling the Carriage

Slide the carriage down the runners towards the RC Spring Bar, and attach all four springs to the Spring Bar by hooking the Spring eyelets over the RC Spring Bar hooks (Figure 3).

Attach the Off-Centred Shoulder Rests to the carriage by positioning the Shoulder Rests over the matching holes at the head end of the carriage and then inserting four bolts, fully tightening once all are in place (Figure 4). As the Shoulder Rests have off-centred widths, you can choose which way round to attach them to make more or less room between the Shoulder Rests.

Attaching the Rope Risers

Screw in the Rope Riser Adjustment Knobs (Figure 5), then pull out the adjustment knob to allow you to insert the Rope Risers themselves (Figure 6). Set the Rope Risers to the desired height by raising or lowering them to the height of a given hole, and then release the Adjustment Knob, ensuring the Rope Risers click into place and do not move up or down (Figure 7).

Attaching the Silent Ropes

Attach the Silent Handles of the ropes to the ropes themselves by threading the nylon loop of the handle through the rope eyelet, as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

For each Silent Rope, loop the handle over the Shoulder Rest to hold it in place (Figure 11), then feed the end of the rope through the Pulley at the top of the Rope Riser (Figure 12). Then end of the rope should then be fed through the outer eyelets at the end of the carriage (Figure 13), then through the eyelet straight ahead underneath the carriage, before finally returning up through the hole in the carriage visible in Figure 14. Pull the rope up through the Pro Rope Adjuster by the Shoulder Rest until the rope is the appropriate length (Figure 15), and then press the lever of the Pro Rope Adjuster to lock the rope in place (Figure 16). The loose end of the rope can then be tucked out of the way through the other, unused eyelet at the end of the carriage.

Attaching the Wheels

If Leg Extensions are being used, then skip ahead to Adding the optional Leg Extensions.

If Leg Extensions are not being used, the place the wheels/brackets either side of the Legs at the Footbar end of the Reformer so that the holes line up (Figure 17). Insert the 3 bolts into each hole and then fully tighten once all are in place (Figure 18). Repeat for the second wheel. Congratulations — your Reformer is now fully assembled!

Adding the optional Leg Extensions

Removing the wheels

If they are not already removed, remove the wheels from the legs at the Footbar end of the Reformer by unscrewing the 3 bolts that attach each bracket to the leg. See Attaching the Wheels for more information.

Removing the adjustable feet

Unscrew the four adjustable feet from each end of the Reformer (Figure 19).

Adding the Leg Extensions

Position the Leg Extensions over the legs until the holes line up. Ensure that the Leg Extensions with the holes at the bottom (for the wheels) are at the Footbar end of the Reformer. Insert the 3 bolts to attach the Leg Extension to the Leg and then fully tighten once all are in place (Figure 20). Repeat for the Leg Extensions at the Rope Riser end of the Reformer (Figure 22).

Reattaching the wheels and adjustable feet

Attach/Reattach the wheels to the bottom of the Leg Extensions at the Footbar end of the Reformer as in Figure 21, see Attaching the Wheels for more detail.

Once all four Leg Extensions have been attached, reattach the four adjustable feet as shown in Figure 23. Congratulations — your Reformer with Leg Extensions is now fully Assembled!

Adjusting your Reformer

Getting your Reformer Level

In order for your reformer to run smoothly and quietly it must be level. Starting with all the adjustable feet fully screwed in, adjust the feet out until the reformer is level, ideally checking it with a spirit level. Tip: Always lower a high foot before raising a low foot & be sure not to have move than 1cm of thread exposed. Maintenance: Periodically check all bolts that attach the legs to the reformer are tight.

Adjusting the Rapid Change (RC) Spring Bar

The patented Rapid Change (RC) Spring Bar dramatically changes the speed and ease of moving your spring bar! Simply lift it up and move it to the desired new location. Adjusting the RC spring bar is up to 12 times faster than moving a traditional spring bar, which required removal of springs, moving the stopper, moving the spring bar and reattaching the springs — enjoy!

Important: The RC spring bar must always be moved with at least one spring attached.

Working with springs

Spring strength is indicated by the coloured tags on the spring eyelets. Align-Pilates springs are made from nickel plated music wire for the best possible performance and for smooth progressive resistance. Green is strong (100%) , red is medium (75%) and blue is light (50%) – use in a combination to suit the desired exercise. To get maximum life out of your springs try to vary which springs you use as much as possible. For those seeking a lighter spring we offer an after market extra light yellow spring (25%) which requires a supported spring cover.

To change the springs position or replace the springs, go under the reformer, unclip the shock cord and unthread it from the spring eyelets, then uncoil the spring eyelet from the pig tail bolt and release the velcro on the spring covers so the spring can be removed. Switch the cover to the new spring and reverse this process. Springs must be replaced every 2 years or 3,000 hours (whichever is sooner) however always replace springs immediately if there is any sign of deformation or damage and cease using immediately.

Adjusting the Foot Bar

To raise the foot bar, pull the padded bar towards you stopping at the desired height. To lower the foot bar it helps if your hold the foot bar selector bar as well as the padded bar to lower it to the desired height.

Storing the reformer vertically

Note: The R8-Pro can only stand vertically with the optional Jump Board attached. To stand the reformer vertically, first attach all springs, put the foot bar in to the second lowest position, and insert the Jump Board. Put the spring bar in the position closest to the standing platform, then lifting from the rope riser end, wheel the reformer to the place where you wish to stand it — ideally close to a wall. Please do not stand the reformer on a rug or mat which can slip away.

To lower the reformer from the vertical storage position: firstly check there are no obstacles behind you to trip over when lowering. Then, holding the underside of the runners, walk backwards as you gradually walk your hands up the runners as you step backwards and lower the machine to waist height and manoeuvre it to desired position using the wheels.

Note: Although lowering the reformer does not require lifting the full weight, if in any doubt about standing the machine up try to do this with the aid of another person for the first few times until you are confident that you can do this on your own. Always use correct lifting technique when first lifting or lowering the reformer.

Essential safety and maintenance information

Periodic Maintenance

Please check the apparatus before first use and after each of the first few uses to check that all the fittings are securely fastened. Thereafter, it is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule by someone familiar with the equipment and record your maintenance checks. Equally inspection should be made immediately if any part appears not be operating correctly or, something appears to be loose. Below follows a basic maintenance guide though our detailed maintenance guide and a sample maintenance log can be downloaded from our assembly and user guides page.

Some of the suggestions here require the removal of the carriage. This is simple, requires no tools and only takes a couple of minutes. The sequence is 1) Remove the rope risers 2) Slide out the T bar & place on the floor with the risers. 3) remove the 2 rubber carriage stoppers from the insider of the runner 4) carefully slide out the carriage.

• • Springs – Inspect for signs of wear – look for deformation, kinks, gaps and corrosion. Springs showing signs of damage must not be used and must be replaced Springs must be replaced every 2 years or after 3,000 hours, whichever is first, or immediately if showing signs of fatigue or deformation
  • Foot Bar – check that all allen bolts securing the padded bar to the aluminium arms and to the steel engagement bar and through the frame are tight, but be careful not to over
  • Runners – ensure the runners are regularly cleaned and kept free from dirt as this is the main cause of noise. If excess dirt is spotted on the runners then the wheels may also need cleaning. We recommend cleaning the runners with a window cleaner eg. Windowlene.
  • Ropes and Handles – check ropes for signs of wear, fraying or nicks and replace if Check stitching on handles and silent foot strap is intact and handles are not overly worn.
  • PVC Upholstery – always ensure that belts, jewellery and shoes are removed when working on the equipment as buckles, rings, watches and bangles can all end up damaging the upholstery. For cleaning upholstery we recommend cleaning with Gymwipes Advantage from vital-clean.de. For further information on cleaning recommendations see the link above.
  • Wheels – Remove the carriage and check for smooth rotation, if the wheels are not turning smoothly or are scarred or damaged this will impede the smooth and quiet running of the equipment and the wheels need to be If squeaking occurs from the side wheels they may need adjusting.
  • Shoulder Rests – check the pads are securely bolted on to the metal frame – if loose retighten.
  • Spring hooks – hand check that all eye hooks will not move. If loose remove, apply loctite and Check that the spring retention bungee is correctly attached underneath the carriage.
  • Nuts & Allen Bolts – check all nuts and bolts are tight, including those on the rope pulley wheels and those securing the head rest and optional legs or freestanding leg attachments (if attached).

Basic Reformer and Exercise Safety

If you are not familiar with using a Pilates reformer we suggest you seek advice from a qualified Pilates professional in order to learn how to get the most out of your reformer and to cover the basic safety aspects of using this type of equipment. A number of companies also offer short safety induction courses.

• • • Pilates is about smooth and controlled movement. When performing exercises, try to prevent the carriage from slamming in to the carriage stops and the springs from recoiling in an uncontrolled manner as this can damage the springs and shorten their life.
    • Secure the carriage with at least one spring when your Reformer is not in use, Do not get on the carriage when there are no springs attached unless you deliberately want to do
    • When standing on the reformer always put your first foot on the standing platform and then the other on the When getting off the reformer from standing take your foot off the carriage first and then step down off the standing platform. If leg extensions are in use then a Gondola pole should always be used when standing on the reformer,
    • Use your reformer in a clear space with at least 1m of space all around the This equipment is for indoor use only on a firm and flat surface
    • When using a reformer less is often more, remember when performing certain exercises less spring resistance makes the exercise more
    • Before starting any exercise program, consult a doctor
    • Before using the equipment, read and follow instructions in the safety manual and obtain thorough instruction from a Qualified instructor
    • Use equipment only for recognized Pilates repertoire
    • Stop exercising if you experience chest pain, feel faint, have difficulty breathing or experience musculoskeletal discomfort
    • Keep clothing, body and hair free from all moving parts
    • Do not use if equipment appears worn, broken or Do not attempt to repair equipment yourself. Ensure equipment that is out of service cannot be used.
    • Do not allow children to use or be around equipment without adult supervision.
    • If standing the equipment for storage be sure it is kept in a safe place, on level ground and away from children or activities that could knock it. If in doubt, secure the equipment in an appropriate manner.
    • Do not exceed the maximum user weight for the equipment which is
    • The R*-Pro can be moved & stood up by a single person, however, if you have back or similar issues you should avoid moving or standing the Reformer.

Congratulations! You are now ready to use your R8-Pro Reformer. Now would be a good time to make a note to replace your springs in 2 years or, within 3,000 hours of use, whichever is sooner. We hope that you enjoy using your new Reformer!

Accessories for your R8-Pro

• • • Jump Board
    • Leg Extensions
    • Platform Extender
    • Sitting Boxes
    • Neck Pillow
    • Foot Strap

Feature Map

• 1. Foot Bar
  2. RC Spring Bar
  3. Carriage
  4. Shoulder Rests
  5. Head Rest
  6. Runners
  7. Silent Rope Handles
  8. Silent Ropes
  9. Silent Pulleys
  10. Rope Risers
  11. Foot Bar Support Arm
  12. Adjustable Feet
  13. Leg Extensions
  14. Wheels
  15. Standing Platform

Exploded Diagrams

Exploded diagrams coming soon, and will be available at our equipment resources page.

Warranty Information

View warranty information for the R8-Pro Pilates Reformer.