What is the difference in widths among all the Pilates machines?
All the 4-corded machines are approximately 21" wide except the Pro XP which is slightly wider. All 3-corded machines are 17" wide.
How do the new Level 1-3 videos differ from the old ones?
While all the videos are interchangeable, the new Level 1-3 Aero videos incorporate the Upper and Lower Body videos and are longer and more challenging.
I just received my Pilates machine. How many cords should I use?
Use 2 cords for cardio, 1 cord for core strength and 3 cords for legs.
How many times a week should I work out on my Pilates machine and for how long each time?
Minimum 3x a week for 20 minutes, but since muscle tissue is not over-worked and torn, Pilates may be performed as often as you like.
How are the box and pole used?
Call Stamina @800 375 7520 to get more info on the box and pole.
Can I watch the exercise videos out of order?
The exercise system is designed to warm-up, stretch, strengthen and cool down. It is better to perform the exercises in order.
Are the videos for all Pilates machines interchangeable?
Yes. The series for the old machines is basic and comes with the machine—Upper and Lower Body, Intermediate, Box and Pole, Advanced. More recently, there are newer, more complicated and lengthier level 1-3 series videos.
Are the stands for all the Pilates machines interchangeable?
The 3-cord machine has one width stand. All the 4-cord machines use another width stand. Call Stamina @800 375 7520 for clarification.
My machine makes noise, what can I do?
Squeaks and gliding issues are usually a misalignment through the hinge, so make sure your machine is parallel to the ground from head to toe.
If that is not the problem and you have cleaned the wheels and tracks, you may try some WD40 on the tracks.
US Customer Service
Please call 1 800 375 7520 or visit www.staminaproducts.com/contactus.cfm
UK Customer Service
Please call 01242 702 345
My machine moves along the floor when I am doing cardio. What can I do?
There is a non-sticky mat that may be purchased from Stamina at 800 375 7520. Or buy inexpensive rug liner and place under the legs.
US Customer Service
Please call 1
800 375 7520 or visit www.staminaproducts.com/contactus.cfm
UK
Customer Service
Please call 01242 702 345
I have a question about exercise modification on my Pilates.
Pilates is a sequential movement system that challenges your strength, flexibility and coordination. As you progress in each of these areas the exercises become more complex requiring employment of more muscles and control.
In order to make exercises more difficult for the mobilizing muscles, add a cord, but to challenge the core stabilizing muscles reduce the number of cords.
In order to protect your neck, increase the height of the head rest. To compensate for weak knees you may straighten your legs. To protect weak shoulders always keep arms low and in your peripheral vision, and to protect joints always maintain the correct alignment.
I need to replace one of my videos and would also like to get a DVD. Where do I go?
For all questions and concerns relating to product assembly, usage, replacement parts, and warranty registration, please visit www.staminaproducts.com/customersupport.cfm. or call 1 800 375-7520.
To purchase replacement parts, DVD’s, videos, accessories or other Pilates and Gyrotonic products visit www.staminaproducts.com/customersupport.cfm. or call 1 800 375-7520.
I need help regarding set-up and use of my Pilates, where do I go?
Many of you have questions regarding the set-up and use of your Pilates machines. You can get help with strap length or adjustment, videos, DVD’s, charts, assembly, replacement parts or accessories.
US Customer Service
Please call 1 800 375 7520 or visit www.staminaproducts.com/contactus.cfm
UK Customer Service
Please call 01242 702 345
I have general equipment questions on my Pilates, who do I call?
Many of you have questions regarding the set-up and use of your Pilates machines. You can get help with strap length or adjustment, videos, DVD’s, charts, assembly, replacement parts or accessories.
US Customer Service
Please call Stamina @1 800 375 7520 or visit www.staminaproducts.customerservice
UK Customer Service
Please call Dezac @01242 702 345
Should I use Pilates if I have a medical condition?
I am more than happy to discuss your specific medical needs but require that you be specific about your condition and that you first have your doctor’s blessing before attempting any exercise program.
In answer to some of the more common questions I offer the following information.
For knees that do not bend or kneel well you may sit with legs out stretched instead of cross-legged or omit the exercises all together.
Pregnant women should check with their doctors but I did Pilates throughout my pregnancy making the appropriate and obvious modifications as my body expanded. For example I omitted the lying down work after 5 months and focused on the knee stretch and elephant series.
Can you give me information about the Free-Form Cardio Rebounder?
If you own a Pilates reformer manufactured by Stamina Products, the Free-Form Cardio Rebounder will fit, unless it is the JP Performer with the integrated stand. If you own the 3-cord JP 4500 then you will need to use the adaptors that come with the kit. For all 4-cord machines no adaptors are required.
To benefit from the Free-Form Cardio Rebounder, I recommend using 2 cords for a normal cardiovascular workout, 1 cord if you wish to emphasize strengthening the core, and 3 cords if you want to train the legs.
It is advisable to begin jumping with one foot at a time until the abdominal muscles acheive some strength, before attempting both feet.
The kit comes with a 20-minute instructional video, a mat to place under the reformer to prevent sliding, and adaptors for the 4500.
Any other concerns or questions please call Stamina Products at 1 800 375 7520.
How should I adjust the straps?
The straps should extend 2 inches beyond the shoulder pads.
Where is the best place to buy machines, QVC or Stamina?
Contact QVC first and if they are out you should purchase from Stamina. Also contact Stamina for all replacement parts, videos and clarification on assembly.
US Customer Service
Please call 1
800 375 7520 or visit www.staminaproducts.com/contactus.cfm
UK
Customer Service
Please call 01242 702 345
The foot bar on my Pilates machine is wobbly, what can I do?
The foot bar has screw knobs to secure it. However, it is ok if it’s wobbly. Call Stamina customer service to replace the knobs if necessary.
US Customer Service
Please call 1
800 375 7520 or visit www.staminaproducts.com/contactus.cfm
UK
Customer Service
Please call 01242 702 345
How old should you be to use Pilates?
Pilates is for any age group--from teenagers to the elderly and from sedentary to the very fit. I do not suggest Pilates for anyone under 4'6".
Can I replace my traditional weight training with Pilates?
Yes. Pilates on my machine will strengthen not only the mobilizing muscles targeted in traditional weight training but also the stabilizing muscles that restructure your posture and core.
Will Pilates help me flatten my tummy?
Yes. Every Pilates exercise requires you to use your abdominal muscles so that you learn to move more efficiently and without pain.
In what order should I use the Pilates videos?
To follow the traditional Pilates program, start with Basic to Upper
& Lower Body, move to Intermediate with Box & Pole, and
finish with Advanced. The new level 1-3 Aero tapes are more
complex, longer and more challenging.
I've just had a baby. When can I start to use my Pilates machine?
As soon as you feel comfortable. After pregnancy, not
only will Pilates get your pre-baby figure back quickly, but it will
restore and retrain musculature that got weak during your pregnancy.
Can I do Pilates while I'm pregnant?
Check with your doctor, but Pilates is designed to target all the muscles that are vulnerable during pregnancy.
Will I lose weight doing Pilates?
Yes. You will not only lose weight but Pilates will tone, strengthen
and retrain muscles. It will also retrain your body to move more
efficiently. Our Free-Form Cardio Rebounder will assist in burning even more
calories.
Which Pilates machine is your favorite?
The AeroPilates® is our most affordable value and portable machine. QVC Item #F4536.
Does Pilates meet the requirements to prevent osteoporosis?
Yes. Despite lying down it is still weight bearing due to the resistance.
I just had a knee replaced. Is Pilates good for rehabilitation?
Yes. Since the weight of your body is removed and you can control the resistance, most knee replacement rehab is done on the Pilates machine. Check with your doctor to make sure you may exercise. If you are unable to kneel avoid all the kneeling exercises and if you cannot bend your knees then put legs out straight.
Will the Free-Form Cardio Rebounder fit my Pilates machine?
The free form rebounder is only available with the purchase of a new machine. The retro fit rebounder was removed from the market because the older machines were not made to handle the stress of rebounding. They caused damage to older models that cost money and time to fix. For this reason they were discontinued.
What are the benefits of doing cardio lying down?
With the Free-Form Cardio Rebounder, you will reach and maintain your
target heart rate as effectively as with a treadmill. Additionally,
because you are lying down, there is very low impact on knees and
joints, your core muscles are engaged, and, it really is FUN!!!