Balanced Body Allegro Reformer Manual - page 4
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Features of the Balanced Body® Allegro® System
HEADREST
The headrest is used to optimally support the user’s head, neck
and shoulders while lying in a supine position. The Allegro has
three headrest positions that are adjusted by a support block
underneath the headrest:
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Low (flat) – The support block is folded toward the top of the
headrest. Used for clients with relatively flat thoracic spines
and shallow ribcages for leg and footwork, and for any supine
exercise.
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Safety Note: The flat headrest position is used for all
clients in exercises where they will be rolling up on to their
shoulders. A flat headrest will keep the client from over
flexing the cervical spine and injuring the neck.
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Medium – The support block rests on the notch in the middle
of the support block.
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High (up) – The bottom of the support block rests on the
carriage. Used for clients with a forward head or a deep rib
cage to facilitate correct alignment.
Instructor Note: A towel can also be used in addition to or instead
of the headrest to adjust the height of the head.
HORIZONTAL FOOTBAR ADJUSTMENTS
The Allegro is equipped with an adjustable footbar that can be
moved in order to accomodate users of different heights. To
move the footbar, pull the round black knobs on the bottom of
the footbar out and turn 90 degrees to lock out. Slide the footbar
forward or backward until it is lined up with the desired hole on
the track. Turn knob until the pin engages into a hole. Make sure
the pin is fully engaged.
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Hole 1 is closest to the footbar end of the Reformer and
creates the longest distance between the shoulder rests
and the footbar. It is used for taller users (over 6’ or where
decreased knee and hip flexion is desired.
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Hole 2 is for users between 5’9” and 6’
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Hole 3 is for users between 5’5” and 5’9”
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Hole 4 is for users between 4’10” and 5’5”
The heights given here are suggestions. The footbar adjustment
should allow the user to have slightly less than 90° of hip flexion
when the carriage is all the way in for leg and footwork.
VERTICAL FOOTBAR ADJUSTMENTS
To adjust the footbar vertically, squeeze the handle at the bottom
of the footbar until the pin disengages from the plate. Move the
footbar to the desired height and release the pin into the hole.
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High Bar – Move the pin into the highest hole and release the
handle. The high bar position shortens the space between
the shoulder rests and the footbar. This position is used for
foot and legwork with shorter users, and with users who have
difficulty keeping their back placement due to increased
lumbar lordosis or a tight back.
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Middle Bar – Place the pin in the 2nd hole from the top on the
plate. The middle bar position lengthens the space between
the shoulder rests and the footbar. This decreases the flexion
of the knees in foot and legwork and places the torso in a
neutral standing position.
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Low Bar – Place the pin in the 3rd hole on the plate. The low
bar position increases the space between the shoulder rests
and the footbar to its maximum length. This decreases the
flexion of the knees in foot and legwork, decreases the flexion
of the torso and hips in elephant and can be useful for taller
or more flexible users.
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No Bar – Place the pin in the lowest hole on the plate. This
position is used to move the bar out of the way for standing
exercises and for exercises where the user is lying on the box.