Align-Pilates H1 Home Pilates Reformer Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Align-Pilates

Align-Pilates H1 Home Pilates Reformer Instruction Manual

H1 Home Pilates Reformer

Thank you for buying an Align-Pilates H1 Home Pilates Refomer. In order to set up your reformer we recommend you watch our YouTube assembly video prior to assembling and using your reformer.
On our YouTube channel you will also find a host of useful information on using, servicing and maintaining your reformer, as well as Pilates workouts and detailed breakdowns of individual Pilates exercises. Enjoy your reformer & your Pilates journey

Warning: This product is protected by some or all of the following intellectual property rights: Registered Designs, Utility patents and Registered Trademarks, in multiple countries or territories. For more information please visit

Patents & Intellectual Property

Introduction

The H1 reformer was developed to bring the benefits of a Pilates Reformer workout in to your home.

Featuring the same springs as our professional reformers, the H1 offers smooth progressive resistance and a range of adjustments to fine tune the machine for your workout.

Specification & Adjustability

Travel: 95cm
Resistance: 4 Nickel plated music wire springs (2 Medium, 1 Strong and 1 Light)
x4 Foot Bar positions: 3 plus down & stowage position
Removable rope risers with 3 height options & 4 easy rope length adjustments
New Align-Pilates double loop handles with “silent” metal free connectors for a quieter workout
3 position head rest, with locking string for stowage
ISO20957-1 Class H Max User Weight: 120Kg. Suitable for users: 145cm – 193cm (4’10 – 6’4”)

Dimensions:

Size (maximums): 247cm x 70cm x 47cm
Carriage size: 89cm x 58cm (w)
Weight: Approx 50Kg

Packaging & Delivery:

Delivered in 1 box: 238cm x 73.5 x 26.5cm GW Approx 60Kg

H1 Reformer Map:

Accessories for your H1 reformer

If you have not already purchased them, you can accessorise your reformer with a jump board, frame sitting box, ‘silent’ foot strap and a neck pillow to complete your home Pilates studio. To see the complete range of Align-Pilates apparatus & a complete range of Pilates Studio equipment & mat work accessories please visit www.Align-Pilates.com

Assembly

1. Unpacking the H1 reformer

Allowing for space to assemble the reformer, carefully open the box and remove the polystyrene blocks and other packaging material. The smaller of the two boxes inside the big box contains the ancillary components. Take this out, open and lay out the contents (leave the carriage bed in the box for now).

people to minimise the chance of injury due to its weight. Ensure all springs are engaged to ensure the bed does not roll back when lifting.

**** To attach the footbar selector bar to the footbar adjustment arm, insert the bar through the reformer resting on the selector gear teeth. Then, using the two bolts with washers and Allen key provided, screw these into the bar on either side through the hole in the footbar adjustment arm, as in Fig.1.

1. Levelling the frame

The H1 has 4 adjustable feet to ensure the reformer is level or it will not run smoothly. The feet are

adjusted by screwing them in or out to adjust the height. Using a spirit level, adjust the feet to level the frame, ensuring that each foot is firmly in contact with the floor. Tip: Always lower a high foot before raising a low foot, to avoid screwing the feet out too far

2. Assembly of the carriage bed & attaching the ropes Remove the carriage bed from the H1 frame and lay it face down on a soft and dry surface, such as clean carpet, to avoid damaging the leatherette Remove the elastic retaining strap and attach the x4 springs, as shown in Fig.2. Now pass the elastic retaining strap through the eye of each of the springs and reattach the hooks to secure the springs (Fig.2).

Locate the pair of rope risers with rope pulleys and the Elastic retaining strap

3. Placing the bed in the frame and final assembly

Lower the foot bar to the position closest to the foot board. On the underside of the reformer bed note the position of the fixed hook – see Fig.5. This hook runs beneath the wheel runner when in use and is there to prevent the carriage from tipping – care must be taken to hook it under the runner as the bed is installed
into the frame. With assistance, lift up the carriage bed and flip it over, ensuring the springs are pointing towards the foot bar. Now carefully lower the carriage bed into the frame, taking care not to hit the frame, gently angle the bed so that the hook passes beneath the runner of the frame. Once the
carriage bed is in position, gently slide the bed to the foot of the reformer and attach one of the springs. On the opposite runner to the hook is a second rotating hook. Rotate this to hold the bed in place so the carriage cannot fall out when stood up. To remove the carriage in future the rotating hook must be turned first and then the bed lifted out at an angle, lifting the rotating hook side of

4. Attaching & adjusting the rope risers

Partially unscrew the rope riser fastener on the end of the frame and insert the rope riser. Pull back on the fastener and slide the rope riser to the desired height. When happy with the height, let go of the fastener and twist to tighten, securing it in place. Be sure that the locking pin is engaged in one of the holes of the
rope riser to secure it safely in position Fig.6 & 7. The H1 allows you to set your ropes at 4 different heights. To adjust the rope height simply loosen the fastener then pull out to release the pin. You can then move the rope riser up or down into one of the 4 holes. Fig.8.

5. Attach the Double Loop handles

Thread the nylon loop of the handle through the rope eyelet and then thread the loop handle through the nylon eyelet to secure the handle to the rope as per Figs.9, 10 & 11. Pull tight to check it is secure.

6. Installing & locking the shoulder rests

Finally install the shoulder rests by sliding the chrome bar in to the receiver – see Fig.12. Once inserted the shoulder rests lock in to place with a pin that is attached to the underside of the carriage which inserts
through the hole in the bottom of the chrome bar (Fig.13)

7. Working with springs

The H1 is fitted with 4 springs in 3 strengths to offer a wide range of possible resistances. Green = Strong x
1, Red = Medium x 2, Blue = Light x 1. The springs can be used in any combination, although when using the reformer for asymmetric exercises, please ensure the springs selected are on the same side you are working on, or set equally in the middle, to ensure the carriage runs true. E.g. when doing a hip flexor stretch with one foot on the floor and the other on the shoulder rest.

9. Standing & Storing your Reformer

The H1 reformer has legs to allow it to stand up for space saving storage. Warning: The reformer should only be stood on resilient, level floors in locations where it cannot be accessed by children or risk being knocked over by other activities.
First, make sure the foot bar is in the 2nd lowest position and all the springs are attached. Next, remove the locking pins for the standing feet, then using correct lifting technique, lift the reformer from the rope riser end (use 2 people if you are not comfortable lifting a weight of around 25Kg – we do not recommend anyone with back problems lifting the reformer). Before the reformer reaches vertical the rubber feet under the standing platform will engage. At this point use your foot to fully open each of the two standing legs. Once the standing legs are fully open, the reformer will stand freely and you can reinsert the locking pins to prevent the standing legs from accidentally closing. To put the reformer back on the floor, first remove the locking pins.
Then, facing the “underneath” of the reformer, slightly raise the frame toward vertical and again with your feet shut the standing legs and then gently lower the reformer to the ground. Again if you are unsure about this process familiarise yourself by doing it with another person

10. Moving your Reformer

The H1 reformer has wheels which will engage when the rope riser end of the reformer is lifted to around 20 degrees, it can then be wheeled around easily. Care should be taken
when lifting as the weight is approximately 25Kg and correct lifting technique is essential.

11. Periodic Maintenance

Always check the apparatus before first use and again after each of the first few uses, to check all the fittings are securely fastened. Thereafter, it is important to make regular maintenance checks. Equally inspection should be made immediately if any part appears not be operating correctly or if 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 https://www.mad-hq.com/align-pilates-resources

Springs & Spring Clips Inspect all springs for signs of wear, look for deformation, kinks, gaps and corrosion. Springs showing
signs of damage must not be used and must be replaced immediately. Springs must be replaced every 2 years or after 3,000 hours, whichever is first.
Hardware Ensure that all nuts and bolts are securely fastened
Loops & Handles
Check all stitching for wear or damage and replace immediately as needed.
Ropes
Check for wear and replace if worn or frayed
Feet Level
Check that the reformer is level and all the feet are in contact with the ground as this will affect stability
Upholstery
Regularly clean all upholstery on your Align equipment, we recommend using Gym Wipes from Vital Clean (www.vital-clean.de) as these will not damage your upholstery. Beware some bactericides and strong or abrasive cleaning products will dry out the vinyl and reduce its life. Vinyl is non-absorbent, so
will not absorb dirt. Surface wiping is only required.
Shoulder Rests – check the pads are securely bolted on to the metal frame – if loose retighten.
Spring hooks – hand check that all eye hooks do not move. If loose remove, apply loctite and retighten.
Nuts & Allen Bolts – check all nuts and bolts are tight, including those on the rope pulley wheels and those securing the head rest.

Congratulations! You are now ready to use your H1 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 H1 reformer

12. Basic Reformer & 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.
a) 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 recoilling in an uncontrolled manner as this can damage the spring and shorten its life.
b) 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 this.
c) When standing on the reformer always put your first foot on the standing platform and then the other on the carriage. When getting off the reformer from standing take your foot off the carriage first and then step down off the standing platform
d) Use your reformer in a clear space with at least 1m of space all around the machine. This equipment is for indoor use only on a firm and flat surface
e) When using a reformer less is often more, remember when performing certain exercises less spring resistance makes the exercise more challenging.
f) Before starting any exercise program, consult a physician.
g) Before using the equipment, read and follow instructions in the safety manual and obtain thorough instruction from a Qualified Trainer.
h) Use equipment only for recognised Pilates repertoire.
i) Stop exercising if you experience chest pain, feel faint, have difficulty breathing or experience musculoskeletal discomfort.
j) Keep clothing, body and hair free from all moving parts.
k) Do not use if equipment appears worn, broken or damaged. Do not attempt to repair equipment yourself. Ensure equipment that is out of service cannot be used.
l) Do not allow children to use or be around equipment without adult supervision.
m) 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 over. If in doubt secure the equipment in an appropriate manner.
n) Do not exceed the maximum user weight for the equipment which is 120Kg.
o) The H1 can be moved around and stood up by a single person with relative ease, as the lifting weight is similar to lifting a heavy suitcase. However, if you have back or any similar issues you should avoid moving or standing the H1 alone.