Vertical Footbar Adjustments
To adjust the footbar vertically squeeze both levers on the sides
of the footbar uprights until pins come out of both holes. Move
footbar to the desired height and release the levers so both pins
fully engage the new holes.
Please note that the footbar is moved by squeezing both of the
levers at the same time.
High Bar – Squeeze levers until pins are free of the holes and
move footbar so pins line up with the highest (first) position
on the footbar plate. Release levers making sure the pins fully
engage both holes. This position makes the space between
the shoulder rests and the foot bar shorter. This increases knee
flexion in foot and legwork, increases flexion of the torso and hips
in elephant and can be useful for shorter users in kneeling work.
This position is used for foot and legwork with shorter users and
with users who have a hard time keeping their back placement
due to increased lumbar lordosis or a tight back.
Middle Bar – Squeeze levers until pins are free of the holes and
move footbar so pins line up with the second hole from the
top position on the footbar plate. Release levers making sure
pins fully engage both holes. This position makes the space
between the shoulder rests and the foot bar longer than the high
bar position. This decreases knee flexion in foot and legwork,
decreases flexion of the torso and hips in elephant and can be
useful for taller users. This position is considered the standard for
foot and leg work in most schools.
Low Bar – Squeeze levers until pins are free of the holes and
move footbar so pins line up with the third hole from the top
position on the footbar plate. Release levers making sure pins
fully engage both holes. The low bar position puts the space
between the shoulder rests and the foot bar at maximum length.
This decreases knee flexion in foot and legwork, decreases flexion
of the torso and hips in elephant and can be useful for taller
users.
No Bar – Squeeze levers until pins are free of the holes and move
footbar so pins line up with the bottom hole position on the
footbar adjustment. Release levers making sure pins fully engage
both holes. This position is used to move the bar out of the way
for standing exercises and for exercises where the user is lying on
a box.
Spring Adjustments
Springs are used to adjust the resistance for the different
exercises. There are over 30 different resistance settings that can
be used on the Reformer. Suggested weight ranges for specific
exercises are noted under the individual exercises.
Adjusting the Springbar
The springbar on the Clinical Reformer can be placed in two
different positions. Stand facing the bar with both hands on the
springbar. Move one end of the springbar into the groove and
then move the other end. Do not attempt to move the springbar
with more than one spring attached.
A position (first gear, preloaded) – Place the springbar in the
groove closest to the frame of the Reformer. This position
will give the springs a small amount of tension and increase
resistance.
B position (second gear, neutral) – Place the springbar in the
groove farthest from the frame of the Reformer. In this position
the springs are under no tension and the resistance is decreased.
Spring Weight
Spring resistance is indicated by the approximate number of
springs suggested for a specific exercise. The spring weight
indicated is a recommended starting position. Individual
adjustments can be made depending on the needs of the user
and the individual exercise.
1 spring (light): Used for arm work or where the carriage is
providing light support.
2 springs (light to moderate): Used for arm work, legwork and
exercises where the carriage is providing support to the user.
2 – 4 springs (moderate to heavy): Primarily used for legwork and
to increase resistance for stronger users.
All springs: Used to maximize resistance or to stabilize the
carriage for the short box abdominal series.
No springs: Used for added difficulty in exercises where the user
needs to control the carriage (kneeling abdominals, elephant,
long stretch series).
Spring Progressions for the Clinical Reformer
Please note that these spring combinations represent the usual
progression for a standard new machine and may vary slightly
depending on the age and specific strength of your springs.
Spring color-coding
The following spring color-coding is standard for all Balanced
Body Reformers. Reformers can be configured with different
combinations of springs. The standard or heavy Reformer spring
configuration comes with 3 red, 1 yellow, 1 blue and 1 green spring.
Yellow – Very light
Blue – Light
Red – Medium
Green – Heavy
Spring attachment points
A – Heavier (spring is attached to the button)
B – Lighter (spring is attached to the hook)
A standard Reformer comes with 3 red, 1 blue and 1 yellow spring
Light Weight
Medium Weight
B – Blue
B – Blue, Red
A – Blue
A – Blue, Red
B – Red
B – Blue, Green
A – Red
A – Blue, Green
B – Green
B – 2 Red
A – Green
A – 2 Red
B – Red, Green
B – 2 Red, Blue
– 2 Red, Blue
Heavy Weight
B – 3 Red
A – 3 Red
B – 2 Red, Green
A – 2 Red, Green
B – 3 Red, Blue
A – 3 Red, Blue
B – 3 Red, Green
A – 3 Red, Green
B – 3 Red, Green, Blue
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