----- Original Message -----

From: DK

To: pilatesbreath

Thank you! The plans are great and I’m off for the lumber this weekend. Quick question: I want to build it Gratz-style (see photo). The Gratz corrector uses a different handle set-up. Do you think that the frame will be sturdy enough if I omit the pass-through pole and the blocks?

Thank you. I’ll document the process, though a friend is going to be cutting the wood, as I don’t have a jigsaw.

Great question. I will modify the plans in regards to this..

It is probably strong enough with the 1/2” sides, but I have always been a great believer in over-engineering.

So I would suggest making the sides out of 5/8" or 3/4" instead of 1/2".

And I think add one more strut on the bottom. That should be fine.

The extra wood will make it heavier, of course.  

Thanks,  Mark (PilatesBreath) .

----- Original Message -----

From: RC

To: pilatesbreath@gmail.com

I need more information on:

Do you have plans for a jump board for the reformer?

Thanks, RC, Austin, TX

Did these graphics for you this morning.

I have not put a jumpboard on this machine yet, but here is how I would do it. I think 1" board should be fine.

If the other interlocking pieces are well made from good knot-free hardwood, then this should be incredibly strong!

thanks, Mark (PilatesBreath) .

----- Original Message -----

From: AC

To: pilatesbreath

Is there a weight requirement or a way to modify it to fit a tall person? I’m 6’ 8” and have struggled to use equipment comfortably in the past. Thanks, A.

______________________________________________

Thanks for your email. I have been thinking about this a lot.

The dimensions of my machine are similar to full sized Stott and most other professional studio reformers. It is already a large machine. Generally considered adequate for tall people. I have never noticed any problems with my tall clients. The adjustable spring bar and straps on my machine can accommodate a fairly wide range of body sizes. But of course, the ultimate determination is based on you and your specific concerns - and yes, you are quite tall :)  - ( Me btw - 5'6" )

----------------

Anyway, there are only a few issues I see with actually lengthening the machine.

Normal reformer springs are 20 inches in length.

The maximum extension of a reformer heavy spring is approx 46-48 inches

Lighter springs can generally extend to max 54 inches.

My machine is currently designed to have maximum carriage travel of about 44 to 46 inches.

--------------

You could use longer runners (106 inches). Currently I use 102 inch runners, and I see no reason to not adding 4 inches to them.

My major concern would be strength. Extra length will certainly place more of a load on the runners, but I have never had an issue with 102 inch hardwood runners. Never warped, never broke.

Get 2 really nice 106-inch pieces of 100% kiln-dry, knot -free hardwood (Oak, Maple etc.), and you should be ok.

As for the carriage, I feel that adding 2-4" to the length should be fine. Keep the shoulder rests the same distance from the back of the carriage, and add 2-4" for the torso and bum...

With a longer carriage, strength must be considered. Making sure the under-carriage bracing is strong!

------------

And don't forget!!! The machine would still be limited by the maximum extension of your heavy springs - 46-48 inches.

Any huge change in range (with much longer runners - say 110 inches) really would need either different spring tensions, or actually different spring lengths. Changing spring tensions and lengths is something I am not capable of giving advice on.

--------------

I would also suggest (for you taller folk) lengthening the pulley risers and footbar a few inches...

So overall, easy mods...

Add 4 inches to the runners.

Add 2-4 inches to the carriage.

Add 2 inches to the risers and footbar.

Use good wood!

Thanks, Mark - (PilatesBreath)

Or cut handles into the sides as a client did….