Balanced Body Pilates IQ Reformer User manual

How to Assemble
the Pilates IQ® Reformer
Thank you for purchasing the Balanced Body® Pilates IQ
Reformer. The following step-by-step instructions provide
guidance for assembly and installation.
NOTE: Prior to assembly, check the parts and components you
received against the following list. If you are missing any parts,
please contact the Balanced Body customer service department
at 1-800-PILATES (1-800-745-2837)
PARTS LIST
Frame and Carriage
1Assembled IQ Reformer frame and carriage,
with five (5) springs pre-attached
1Frame handle (219-050)
2 1- 1⁄4” Socket head cap screws (203-002)
1 Ropes (210-026) (pair)
1Loops (101-005) (pair)
1Footbar (950-124)
2 Risers and Pulleys (950-126)
4 6-32 by 3⁄8” Allen cap screw (203-001)
4 #6 Fender washer, Black (201-040)
4 IQ Reformer knob (602-011)
1Bungee cord (900-005)
IQ with Library wheels
2Brackets with transportation wheels/casters (702-005)
IQ with Wheelbarrow wheels
2Wheel brackets (702-006)
4Furniture sliders (602-031)
Included Tools
1 5⁄64” Allen wrench
1 3⁄16” Allen wrench for frame handle
1 5⁄32” Allen key for wheel installation
Photo Notice
The photos in this document show the IQ with wheelbarrow
wheels in some and library wheels in others. Unless specifically
noted, these pictures do not affect the installation procedure
regardless of which wheel set you have.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Knobs
Follow the arrow decals next
to each knob post to loosen/
tighten the frame as shown in
Figure A. If you force the knobs
in either direction they may
break.
INSTALLING THE KNOBS
1. Refer to Fig. B for knob parts
2. To protect parts from damage during shipping, your IQ
Reformer comes with the frame and footbar knobs detached.
Four knob posts are located at the on stationary portion of the
frame.
Figure A.
Figure B.
Knob cap
6-32 Allen cap screw
Washer
Contact Us
1-800-PILATES | [phone]
pilates.com | [e-mail]
400-108 | 06.26.13

3. Place the knob over one of the knob posts, making sure that
the hole in the knob matches the shape on the end of the
post. Figure C shows the proper orientation.
4. Slide a washer over a 6-32 screw and thred it into the hole in
the end of the knob post and secure the knob in place. See
Figure D.
5. Tighten with the Allen wrench, turning clockwise and repeat
on three remaining posts.
6.
ATTACHING THE FRAME HANDLE
For shipping purposes the IQ frame handle comes unattached.
The handle makes it easier for you to lift the IQ into the upright
storage position.
To install the handle, insert the two large socket caps screws
through the holes in the handle and into the head-end of the
frame. as shown (see Figure E). Use the 3⁄16” Allen wrench to
tighten the screws.
Flat edges of knob
Matching slot in knob
Figure D
FIgure E
Insert screws here
Figure C
2

RAISING AND LOWERING THE SHOULDER RESTS
To see a demo of this step, visit our podcast page (pilates.com/
podcasts) and watch “Tips on the IQ Reformer.”
The IQ shoulder rests have two positions: “in use” for exercising,
and “storage”.
1. For “in use” remove shoulder rest locking pin. See Figure F.
2. Lift the shoulder rests from the storage sockets.
3. Slide them to the side and under the metal tab. See figure G.
4. Insert the shoulder rest locking pin.
5. To move them back into the storage position. Remove the
shoulder rest locking pin.
6. Grasp the shoulder rests and slide them to the side, out from
under the metal tabs.
Lower the shoulder rests into the storage sockets. You should
hear a slight “click” as they engage the storage safety clip on the
underside. This clip holds the shoulder rests in storage position,
which is important if you are storing the IQ on its end.
EXTENDING THE FRAME
To see a demo of this step visit our podcast page (pilates.com/
podcasts) and watch “Tips on the IQ Reformer”.
The IQ frame has three positions: one shortened for storage, and
two extended for exercising. To extend the frame:
1. Turn the top knobs on each side of the frame to loosen the
telescoping frame. The arrow decals next to each knob shows
the correct direction to turn. See Fig. H. NOTE: If you force the
knobs in either direction they may break.
2. Move the shoulder rests out of the storage position. With
one hand on the carriage for leverage, and the other on the
head-end of the frame, pull the ehad end of the frame away
from the headrest area until you hear the frame click into one
of the two available positions. See figure I
3. After extending the frame to one of the two positions, tighten
the knobs on either side of the frame until they stop turning.
Do not overtighten.
Figure F
Figure H
Follow the sticker next to
each knob
Figure G
Shoulder brackets goes
under the metal tabs.
Metal tab
Figure I
3

4. Figure J shows the IQ in full extension
(with risers and ropes, which you will install later).
To shorten frame, loosen the knobs, and push the frame firmly
into the shortened position. Re-tighten the knobs on either side
of the frame. Do not overtighten.
CAUTION: DO NOT move or stand the IQ unless you have
shortened the frame and re-tightened the knobs.
INSTALLING THE RISERS
1. Remove the zip ties from the risers.
2. Remove the locking pins from the frame. See figure K
3. Insert the riser into the hole angled out to the side as shown
in Figure L
4. Re-insert the riser locking pin through the frame and the
risers. The removable risers can be stored in a compartment
at the head-end of the frame.
THREADING THE ROPES
1. Attach springs so the carriage is secure.
2. Connect ropes to the large cotton loops and place the loops
over the shoulder rests
3. Refer to figure M for proper rope orientation.
4. The rope must pass through the silver rope loop, then the
cleat, and finally the other silver rope loop.
To lengthen the rope, lift it out of the cam cleat, adjust to desired
length, and then push rope back into the cam cleat. To shorten
the rope, simply pull on the free end of the rope.
Figure L
Figure M
cam
cleat
Figure K
Figure J
Remove locking
pins on either side
4

INSTALLING THE WHEELS
To install either wheel set make sure the IQ is on the ground and
right side up. You may need to prop the frame up with the foam
from the packing box to give yourself easier access.
“Wheelbarrow” Wheels
1. Use the 5⁄32” Allen key to unscrew the two bolts next to the
footbar knobs on either side of the frame.
2. Place the bracket on the frame with the wheels facing inward
and the footstrap hole facng up. See Figure N.
3. Re-insert and the tighten bolts. Repeat on the other side.
“Library” Wheels
1. Using the 5/32” Allen key, remove the screws at the bottom
of the frame corresponding to the smaller holes in the library
wheel bracket. See figure O.
2. Install the bracket, replace all screws and tighten.
See Figure P
INSTALLING AND ADJUSTING THE FOOTBAR
1. The IQ footbar can be adjusted to four positions.
Two positions are created by installing the footbar in one of
two sets of holes (Figure Q) and another two by reversing the
footbar (Figure R).
2. To install the footbar, loosen the knobs below the footbar on
each side of the frame (see photo).
3. Put the footbar in the desired holes. Re-tighten the knobs.
Do not overtighten or they may break.
FIgure Q Figure R
Figure O
Remove these two screws
Figure P
Figure N
Remove these two screws and put bracket on.
Footstrap hole
5

SPRINGS
The IQ comes with:
»3 red springs (medium resistance)
»1 blue spring (medium/light resistance)
»1 yellow spring (light resistance).
One spring should be attached at all times unless specifically
noted.
ADJUSTING THE HEADREST
The IQ headrest has three positions: high, low and down.
1. To adjust the headrest, grasp the headrest pad and lift.
2. Position elevation block to desired height. See Figure S.
MOVING, STANDING AND STORING THE IQ
The IQ can be stored upright to conserve floor space, or flat to
keep under a bed. Always exercise caution when moving, lifting
or storing the IQ. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
TO MOVE THE IQ
1. Shorten the frame and lock it in position.
2. Make sure all springs are connected.
3. For wheelbarrow wheels, lift the head-end to a comfortable
position and roll the IQ to the desired location.
4. For library wheels, lift the head end to stand the machine on
end and push to the desired location.
TO STAND THE IQ UPRIGHT
1. Make sure the frame is locked in the shortened (storage)
position, the knobs are tightened, and all springs are
connected.
2. Lock the footbar into the holes closest to the carriage frame.
Make sure your footbar is secured and pointing away from the
carriage.
3. Remove the risers and invert them into their storage positions
in the sides fo the head end of the frame. Secure them by
attaching the included bungee cord from the eyebolt on one
riser to the eyebolt on the other riser.
4. Lift the head-end to waist height, and then raise the frame to
vertical. Use your foot to steady the foot end of the frame. If
you have wheelbarrow wheels, the footbar will rest on the floor
to support the IQ. See Fig T and Fig U.
5. If you have library wheels, you can now roll your IQ into the
closet or wherever you wish to store it.
Figure S
Elevation
Block
Figure T Figure U
6

Figure V
TO STORE THE IQ UNDER A BED
(WHEELBARROW WHEELS ONLY)
1. Shorten the frame and lock, connect all the springs, and
move the shoulder rests to the storage cups. Remove the
footbar and risers (risers can be stored in the compartment
at the head-end of the frame).
2. Lift one side of the frame and place one furniture slider
(smooth side down) under each of the rubber feet on the
bottom of the IQ frame. Repeat on the other
3. Push the IQ under the bed.
Questions? Call Balanced Body Technical Support at
1-800-PILATES, [phone], or [e-mail].
7

Contact Us
1-800-PILATES | [phone]
pilates.com | [e-mail]
400-108 | 06.26.13