Important:
This manual is intended for medical and fitness professionals, or persons
with experience in the use of this equipment. If there is a question regarding
appropriateness of a particular movement, please consult a licensed health
professional.
Safety Note: Warning – The Allegro contains flammable materials,
please keep away from direct heat.
Introduction
The Allegro Tower system is designed to combine the functions of the Allegro
Reformer and the Tower or Half Trapeze into one compact and portable piece of
Pilates equipment . The Allegro Tower can be installed on any Allegro and allows
additional exercises to be performed without increasing the footprint of the
apparatus. The following manual outlines the features of the Allegro Reformer and
Allegro Tower as well as suggested exercises.
Balanced Body is the world’s leading reosurce for Pilates equipment, education and
information. The Balanced Body Studio Reformer is the biggest selling Reformer on
the planet, and its Allegro Reformer now sets the Pilates standard for health and
fitness clubs around the globe.
Features of the Balanced Body Allegro
Tower System
THE ALLEGRO REFORMER
The Allegro is set up as a Reformer by removing the 2 mats from the frame, inserting
the shoulder rests into their slots and threading the ropes through the cleats and the
pulleys. The following adjustments are used on the Allegro Reformer
Headrest
The headrest is used to optimally support the user’s head, neck and shoulder
placement while lying in a supine position. To determine the client’s position, the
ear should be over the center of the shoulder and the line of the jaw should be
perpendicular to the carriage. The Allegro has three headrest positions that are
adjusted by a wooden support block underneath the headrest:
Low (flat) –
The support block is folded toward the top of the headrest. Used
for clients with relatively flat thoracic spines and shallow ribcages for leg and
footwork, and for any supine exercise.
Safety Note: The flat headrest position is used for all clients in exercises
where they will be rolling up on to their shoulders. A flat headrest will
keep the client from over flexing the cervical spine and injuring the
neck.
Medium –
The support block rests on the notch in the middle of the support
block.
High (up) –
The bottom of the bar rests on the carriage. Used for clients with a
forward head or a deep rib cage to facilitate correct alignment.
Instructor Note: A towel can also be used in addition to or instead of the headrest
to adjust the height of the head.
Horizontal Footbar Adjustments
The Allegro is equipped with an adjustable footbar that can be moved in order to
accomodate users of different heights. To move the footbar, pull the black knobs
on the bottom of the footbar out until the bar moves freely. Slide the footbar
forward or backward until it is lined up with the correct hole on the track. Release
the black knobs and make sure the hole is fully engaged.
Hole 1
is closest to the footbar end of the Reformer and creates the longest
distance between the shoulder rests and the footbar. It is used for taller users
(over 6’ or where decreased knee and hip flexion is desired.
Hole 2
is for users between 5’9” and 6’
Hole 3
is for users between 5’5” and 5’9”
Hole 4
is for users between 4’10” and 5’5”
The heights given here are suggestions. The footbar/springbar adjustment should
allow the user to have slightly less than 90° of hip flexion when the carriage is all
the way in for leg and footwork.
Vertical Footbar Adjustments
To adjust the footbar vertically, squeeze the bar at the bottom of the footbar until
the pin disengages from the plate. Move the footbar to the desired height and
release the pin into the hole.
High Bar –
Move the pin into the highest hole and release the clamp. The high
bar position shortens the space between the shoulder rests and the footbar. This
position is used for foot and legwork with shorter users, and with users who have
difficulty keeping their back placement due to increased lumbar lordosis or a tight
back.
Middle Bar –
Place the pin in the 2nd hole from the top on the plate. The middle
bar position lengthens the space between the shoulder rests and the footbar. This
decreases the flexion of the knees in foot and legwork and places the torso in a
neutral standing position.
Low Bar –
Place the pin in the 3rd hole on the plate. The low bar position increases
the space between the shoulder rests and the footbar to its maximum length. This
decreases the flexion of the knees in foot and legwork, decreases the flexion of the
torso and hips in elephant and can be useful for taller or more flexible users.
No Bar –
Place the pin in the lowest hole on the plate. This position is used to
move the bar out of the way for standing exercises and for exercises where the user
is lying on the box.
Spring Adjustments
Springs are used to adjust the resistance for different exercises. There are at least
30 different resistance settings that can be used on the Allegro. Suggested weight
ranges are noted under each exercise.
Changing the Spring Attachment Points
On the Allegro, spring tension is adjusted by attaching different combinations of
springs to the hooks or buttons on the springbar. To safely adjust the springs it is
best to have your hips squarely facing the footbar end of the Allegro by squatting in
front of it or by straddling the carriage.
Hook position –
Place the spring on the hook directly in front of it. In this position
the springs are under no tension to start with. This is designated as “B” position.
There are five B positions.
Pre-loaded position –
Place the spring on the nearest button on the springbar.
This position will put the springs under a small amount of tension and will increase
the resistance of the springs. This is designated as “A” position. There are five A
positions.
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 user needs and the exercise.
1 spring
(light): Primarily 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
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