Balanced Body Tower on the Allegro 2 Instruction Manual

Installing the Tower on the Allegro® 2
Parts List
Description Part Number Qty.
Tower frame 617-061 1
Tower receiver brackets (1 pair) 950-171 1
Lower spring mounts (1 pair) 950-170 1
Push-through bar 617-064 1
T-pins GEN9892 2
SoftTouch Single Loops 101-033 1 pair
Roll Down Bar 701-010 1
Square Bumper 206-002 3
DVD DVD8377 1
Springs:
Long Yellow Trap Spring SPR9006 2
Long Purple Trap Spring SPR9461 2
Short Yellow Trap Spring SPR9002 2
Short Blue Trap Spring SPR9004 2
Safety Strap w/ Carabiner 210-023 1
tooLs
Wrench 617-060 1
1. remove head-end of frame
Note: Two people are recommended for this process.
Lift the head-end (the end
with the risers on it) of the
Reformer and place a sitting
box or some other solid object
underneath the frame rails so
that the head-end is off the
ground. This will support the
rest of the Reformer when the
frame end is removed.
Remove the two nuts at the
head-end of the frame rails
with the included wrench as
shown in Figure A.
Repeat on other side.
Grab a riser and a leg casting
and pull the head-end off
the frame as shown In Figure
B. TIP: Some effort will be
required and rocking the head-
end from side to side may help
to loosen it up.
»Remove the two black bumpers near the bolt holes on the
end casting and discard. If your reformer does not have them,
proceed to the next step.
2. instaLL tower receivers
Take the Tower receiver brackets (they are attached to the Tower
for shipping purposes) and align them with the bolts at the end
of the frame rails. The bracket will be sandwiched between the
end of the frame rails and the head-end of the frame that was
just removed, as shown in Figure C.
Figure A (shown from underside of
Reformer)
Remove these
two nuts
Figure B
Figure C
Receiver brackets
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Loosely re-install the four nuts removed in step 1. Receivers
should look as shown in Figure D.
3. instaLL tower frame
Install Tower into receivers on
either side of Reformer frame.
The spring storage eyebolts on
the top of the frame should
be facing away from the
Reformer. Tighten the knobs
under the tower receivers to
secure and align tower. Tighten
the four nuts attaching the
head-end to the frame.
4. instaLL carriaGe BUmPers
If you had square bumpers to remove in step 1, install the new
carriage bumpers as shown in figure F. Once in place, push on
them firmly to adhere correctly. If your reformer did not have the
square black bumpers on the end casting, skip this step.
5. instaLL Lower sPrinG moUnt
If required, remove existing risers. Insert the lower spring mount
into the riser socket as shown in Figure G. Make sure the knobs
underneath the Reformer have engaged with the spring mount
and then hand tighten the knobs.
6. instaLL PUsh-throUGh Bar (PtB)
Use the included t-pins to attach the PTB as shown in Figure H.
On the outside of the Reformer frame depress the button on the
t-pin, push it through the tower frame and into the connecting
hole on the PTB.
7. UsinG the Pre-instaLLed PUsh-throUGh Bar
(PtB) safety straP
Use only with qualified
instructor supervision. The PTB
safety strap is used only for
bottom-sprung PTB exercises.
The photo at right shows
the safety strap correctly
positioned to secure the push
through bar. The strap includes
numerous loops or “contact
points” so that you can adjust
the “stopping point” of the
PTB if it is released during
exercise.
Note: Use the velcro portion of the safety strap oriented at the
top of the tower frame to secure the PTB upright when not in use.
Figure D
Figure E: Spring storage eyebolts face
away from Reformer
Figure F
Bumper
Tower
Receiver
Figure G
Figure H
2

8. oPtionaL foUrth-side PtB
A fourth side for the PTB can
be ordered separately. To
install, take the PTB off the
frame by removing the T-pins.
Insert the included screws into
the holes as shown in Figure I.
Repeat on the other side then
re-attach the PTB to the frame
using the T-pins.
9. oPtionaL mat conversion
To install the mat on the frame disengage the springs and
move the carriage all the way to the head end of the Reformer.
Place the mat (upholstered side up) into the frame and slide the
wooden tongue of the mat under the standing platform on the
foot-end of the frame.
10. safety and maintenance
Safety
»To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the following
important precautions before using the Allegro 2 Tower
System.
»Read all instructions in this manual before using the Allegro 2
Tower System.
»Use the Allegro 2 Tower System only as described in these
instructions and the video.
»It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that all users of
the Allegro 2 Tower System are adequately informed of all
precautions.
»Use the Allegro 2 Tower System only on a level surface.
»Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts. When the
Allegro 2 Tower System is not in use, leave at least two springs
connected to the carriage frame and make sure the PTB is
secured or removed
»Keep children under the age of 12 and pets away from the
Allegro 2 Tower System at all times.
»If you feel pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, stop
exercising immediately.
»Before beginning any exercise program, consult your
physician.
Maintenance
»Depending on frequency of use, the springs should be safe to
use for one to two years (3000 hours). Replace any spring that
is kinked, bent or shows separations while at rest.
»Remove hair and debris from the axles of the wheels. Debris
can create pressure on the bearings, causing them to wear. If
you hear noise from the bearings, replace them. Otherwise, no
maintenance on the bearings is required.
»Repair any tears in the upholstery with an upholstery repair kit
available at auto parts stores, or have the repair done locally.
»Call Balanced Body for other upholstery and re-upholstery
options.
»Replacement upholstery is available from Balanced Body
»Replace any missing screws, retention pins, T-pins or other
parts.
»Tighten tower knobs monthly to ensure they are always tight.
Cleaning
»Wipe the carriage pad, headrest, footbar and shoulder rests
with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive mixutre of soap and
water after each use.
»Keep the Tower, PTB, carriage track free from dust and dirt.
»Clean the frame with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
»Keep the ropes and springs clear of dust.
»Cotton loops can be machine-washed. Hang to dry.
Questions? Call Balanced Body Technical Support at
1-800-PILATES or [phone] or [e-mail].
Figure I
3

Roll Backs
Water skiing
Allegro Tower Exercises
definition of exercise set-UP terms
»Level: The level of expertise needed to undertake exercise.
»Reps: How many times the exercise is performed.
»Springs: Number and location of springs on the Allegro Tower.
»Loops: Which loops should be used during exercise.*
»Focus: What should be emphasized during exercise.
»Precautions: Physical conditions that may limit or exclude a
participant. Exercises may need to be modified for people with
these conditions.
»Prerequisites: Specific exercises that must be mastered
before undertaking a new exercise.
»Starting Position: Where to begin the exercise on the Allegro
Tower.
*If applicable
roLLBacks, LeveL 1
Springs: 2 long yellow or 2 short yellow springs from high position
Reps: 6-10
Rollback Bar or handles
Focus
»Breathing – exhale roll down, inhale at the bottom, exhale to
roll up
»Balance between abdominals and lumbar extensors
»Soft neck and shoulders
»Maintain C-curve
»Soft hip flexors
Precautions
»Shoulder and neck problems, some low back problems,
osteoporosis
Starting position
»Sit facing Tower, holding on to bar or handles, knees soft, feet
on metal bars.
Standard Exercise
»Hold bar with arms straight, roll down, curving back and
staying lifted, roll back up maintaining slight flexion in spine
Oblique Variations
»Wooden bar (Water skiing)
»Sit diagonally on table, place left foot against pole, cross right
foot over ankle, place left hand on bar and reach right arm
open while rotating torso to the right.
»Roll down and up maintaining rotation, then switch sides.
4

feet in straPs, LeveL 1
Springs: Long springs from middle or high position
Reps: 6-10 Loops around arches
Focus
»Breath - exhale out/inhale in or inhale out/exhale in
»Neutral spine
»Hollow abdominals
»Pelvic stability
»Hamstring, adductor and gluteal strength
»Hamstring and adductor flexibility
»Leg alignment
Precautions
»Back injuries, some knee injuries and hamstring strains
Starting Position
»Lie supine with head toward Tower loops around arches
Leg Lowers
»Both legs loops and inner thighs together, lower legs toward
the table and maintain pelvic stability.
»Variations: Parallel, turned-out, turned-in, holding a ball or
magic circle between the legs
Circles
»With both legs in loops circle the legs in both directions,
maintaining pelvic stability.
»Variations: parallel, turned-out, turned-in
Scissors
»With both legs in loops, lower legs toward table then open and
close legs and maintain pelvic stability.
»Variations: parallel, turned-out, turned-in
Walking
»With both legs loops alternately bring one leg down toward
the table and then the other, while maintaining pelvic stability.
Variations:
»parallel, turned-out, turned-in
Leg Lowers
Circles
Walking (springs middle position)
5

feet in straPs sideLyinG – addUctor PULL, LeveL
1-3
Springs: Long springs from middle position
Loops: Around arches
Reps: 10
Focus
»Breath - exhale down/inhale up
»Correct side-lying position (waist up, hips and shoulders in
line)
»Hollow abdominals
»Pelvic stability and isolation of the leg from the pelvis
»Adductor, medial hamstring and external rotation
strengthening
Precautions
»Some back injuries, knee injuries, and unstable sacroiliac joints
Starting Position
»Lie on your side on Allegro Tower with back of body in line with
back edge of mat and legs slightly forward.
»Support body by bracing the bottom arm against upright pole
or resting head on arm.
»Place loop around arch
Standard Exercise
»Pull top leg down toward bottom leg.
»Maintain correct side-lying position.
»Variations: parallel, turned-out (larger range of motion),
turned-in.
Ovals
»Maintaining correct alignment, move top leg in a small circle
in both directions.
»Variations: parallel, turned-out, turned-in
Front-Back Kick
»Maintaining correct alignment, swing top leg forward and back
(as in the Side Kick on the mat).
»Variations: parallel, turned-out, turned-in
Adductor Pull
Front-Back Kick
6

foot and LeGwork, LeveL 1
Springs: 2 long purple springs from the bottom on Push-through
Bar
Reps: 10
Safety Strap: On
Focus
»Breath – inhale push, exhale return
»Spine to mat or neutral spine
»Leg, ankle and foot alignment
»Calf and hamstring flexibility
»Foot, ankle and lower leg strength
Precautions
»Back injuries, knee injuries
Starting Position
»Supine on Allegro Tower with feet on Push-through Bar, and
springs attached from low position onto the Push-through Bar
Plies
»Lie supine with the Push-through Bar in line with anterior hip
crease, flex knees, flex hips, with metatarsals or heels on the
bar, and straighten legs and return.
»Foot position variations: Heels, Toes
»Leg variations: parallel, turned out, v-feet, wide 2nd position,
single leg
Plie/Releve
»Lie supine with the Push-through Bar in line with anterior hip
crease, hips flexed, knees bent, metatarsals or toes on the bar.
»Push the bar up toward the ceiling straightening the knee,
plantarflex the ankle, dorsiflex the ankle and return.
»Variations: parallel, turned out, single leg
Plantarflexion
»Lie supine with Push-through Bar in line with anterior hip
crease, legs straight, metatarsals or toes are on bar, plantarflex
and dorsiflex the ankles.
»Variations: parallel, turned out, single leg, running in place
Plies
Plantarflexion - alternating legs
Plantarflexion - 2 legs
7

cat, LeveL 3
Springs: 2 short springs from above on Push-through Bar
Reps: 4
Focus
»Breath – exhale roll down, inhale to extend out, exhale pull
back, inhale uncurl.
»Spinal flexibility
»Scapula stability/mobility
»Abdominal hollowing and lift
»Coordination of breath with full spinal mobility
Precautions
»Back injuries, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, and osteoporosis
Prerequisites
»Mat – Cat/camel stretch
Starting Position
»Kneeling on table, hands on Push-through Bar with the bar
close to the body.
Standard Exercise
»Press bar down and roll the spine down beginning with top of
head.
»Reach bar away as spine elongates into extension.
»Return by pulling abdominals in and curling spine back into
flexion before stacking vertebra one on top of the other to
return to the starting position. (Keep the hips pressed forward
over the knees as much as possible.)
Contact Us
1-800-PILATES | [phone]
pilates.com | [e-mail]
400-229 | 12.10.13