Getting started with your reformer

Pilates Douceur · Your digital guide

A few pointers to help you prepare your space, take delivery of your equipment and get into good habits with your Pilates reformer at home. Keep this guide to hand and refer to the manual for your model for assembly, adjustments and care.

1. Preparing your space

• Measure the room and the access routes: doors, corridors, stairs and lift.
• Choose a stable, level floor. Allow enough room to move freely around the reformer and for the full range of your exercises.
• For a model with a tower, also check the available height. For a foldable model, plan a storage spot that meets the requirements in its manual.
• Keep the area clear: cables, objects and slippery rugs can get in the way.

2. On delivery

• Check the condition of the packaging and the equipment before use. Photograph any damage and contact us with your order number.
• Compare the parts received with the list for your configuration. Keep the packaging while you check.
• Follow the manufacturer’s manual for assembly. Get help to move heavy parts.
• If a part is missing, a fixing looks unusual or a mechanism is damaged, wait for our reply before using the machine.

3. Before your first session

Take the time to identify the footbar, the carriage, the springs and the ropes. Adjustments vary from model to model: use its manual and work with a Pilates instructor to learn the movements and choose the right resistance.

• Check the fixings, attachment points and the condition of the ropes before each use.
• Wear clothing that cannot get caught in the mechanisms.
• Do not let children use the equipment unsupervised.
• Never improvise an adjustment or guess how to fit an accessory: if in doubt, ask for advice.

4. Your accessory pack

The non-slip socks are part of your practice kit. Make sure they fit well and follow their care label.

The ball and the ring complement your mat sessions. They do not replace the springs or support points of the machine: use them for the exercises your instructor recommends, and check their condition before each session.

5. After each use

• Wipe the upholstery and handled surfaces with a soft cloth, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid abrasive products and excess water on the wood, rails and mechanisms.
• Store accessories in a dry place. Follow the folding procedure for your model.
• Do not lubricate the wheels, rails or springs unless the manual expressly says so.

6. Any questions?

Email us at info@pilatesdouceur.com with the model name, your order number and, if useful, a photo of the part concerned.

This practical guide complements the manufacturer’s manual; it is neither an exercise programme nor a universal assembly manual.