The Pilates Shop Maintenance Guide

Safety depends on proper maintenance and safe use, in addition to the quality of the equipment. This guide was created to help you use and maintain your equipment for optimum safety. Please read it through carefully and keep it for future reference. If you have any questions, please give us a call on 1300 118 188.

 

SPRINGS:

Spring inspections are critical to maintain your equipment in safe operating condition. It is very important to inspect springs on a regular basis since worn or old springs lose resilience.

During use, do not allow springs to recoil in an uncontrolled manner. This will damage the spring and shorten its expected life.

  • Inspect springs for gaps and kinks (weekly or monthly, depending on frequency of use) between the coils when the spring is at rest. 

  • If you see any gaps or kinks in the body of the spring, discontinue use and call us on 1300 118 188

  • Discontinue using the spring immediately if you see any rust or oxidation during inspection and call us on 1300 118 188

EYEBOLTS, NUTS AND BOLTS

  • Tighten all equipment bolts and screws (monthly)

ROPES AND STRAPS

  • Straps should be replaced as soon as any fraying is noticed. Be sure to check the sections of rope or straps that attach to the clips and run through the pulleys.

REFORMERS/CARRIAGE

  • Check spring bar hooks or eyebolts (quarterly).
  • Verify that the nuts securing the spring bar hooks are tight. 
  • Rotate Springs rotation quarterly. Rotating springs helps them wear more evenly.
  • Risers can loosen over time, so always make sure they are tight.

REFORMER WHEEL AND TRACK MAINTENANCE

  • Clean the tracks and wheels (weekly).
  • To maintain the longevity of the wheels, we recommend that you wipe down the tracks once a week.
  • Disconnect the springs and clean the entire length of the tracks with a soft cloth. Mild soap with water can also be used.

Do not use abrasive cleansers or pads

  • To clean the wheels, hold the cloth against the wheels while you move the carriage. If you feel a bump in the ride, dirt has adhered to the surface of the rails or wheels.
  • Clean hair and debris out of the rails. Hair can wrap around the wheel axles and eventually build up and cause wheel failure. Use tweezers to remove hair from the wheels.

LUBRICATION

Never spray silicone near or inside the wheels – this can wash the lubricant out of the bearings and ruin the bearings.

You can purchase dry silicone at most hardware and auto parts stores. 

  • Pulleys sometimes require lubrication to stop a squeak.
  • Direct a very quick spray of dry silicone or Teflon spray into the pulley. 

HEADREST

  • Make sure the hinge screws and bolts on your headrest are tight.

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

You can extend the life of upholstery by keeping it clean and free of dirt, oil and perspiration. 

  • After each use, wipe down the upholstery with a solution of mild soap and water. Then wipe it down with clean water and dry with a soft towel. 

 

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SUMMARY

  • Inspect springs for gaps & kinks
  • Inspect clips for wear
  • Inspect nuts & bolts for tightness
  • Clean wheels and tracks
  • Inspect spring bar hooks/eye bolts
  • Rotate springs
  • Tighten bolts
  • Inspect ropes/straps
  • Inspect foot bar supports
  • Wipe upholstery according to instructions above

 

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