Maintaining your Pilates equipment

Sponsored by Pilates Reformers Australia

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Sponsored by Pilates Reformers Australia 〰️

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” Mary Poppins.

Your studio is running fantastically, clients are enjoying your program, you’ve got a waitlist for classes and your instructors are loving their job.

You’ve built your studio to optimum performance, so when it comes to your equipment are you keeping the same standards? Do you change your springs every two years or do you just let it slide? It’s only another 12 months right?

Regardless of the hours of use, CEO of Pilates Reformers Australia Adrian Burgess says it’s recommended that you do replace your reformer springs every two years. Pilates reformers and other Pilates equipment are just like a car - they require maintenance to ensure that they are in top working order and safe to use. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of the machine, and it can also ensure it works optimally for your clients and for your business. 

Here is Pilates Reformers Australia’s checklist of things you should be doing for your equipment:

1.     Dust maintenance

2.    Check for loose screws and bolts

3.    Look out for wear and tear

4.    Store it appropriately

5.    Get a deep clean every two years

·       Dust maintenance. It’s the greatest evil for all of our Pilates equipment.

Dust particles and hair are the two main substances that can be found in and on the runners, springs and wheels of Pilates machines. To avoid the build-up of bacteria and odours, all Pilates equipment should be wiped down after each use with a Pilates Gym wipe or damp microfibre cloth to remove any sweat, hair or dirt.

Be aware however that the use of alcohol-based substances like baby wipes or essential oils mixed with water, can damage upholstery and any plastic components.  Read the labels carefully as warranties from manufacturers can be voided if the proper cleaning substances are not used on the equipment. 

·       Check for loose screws, bolts, or other hardware

Make sure you are looking out for loose parts of your equipment (like carabiners on Cadillacs, Fuse Ladders and Spring walls). This is particularly important on equipment that is frequently used (more than 27 hours per week), as the vibration and movement of the machine can cause the hardware to loosen over time.  The use of jump boards on a Pilates Reformer is a good example of excessive vibration and movement in a machine which can cause the loosening of screws and bolts. These parts should be tightened or replaced as needed to ensure the equipment is stable and secure.

·       Look out for wear and tear on the moving parts of Pilates Reformers and other Pilates equipment.

These accessories include foot bars, pulleys, ropes, runners and springs. In your weekly checks you are looking for signs of:

·       fraying in the ropes

·       rust particles on the runners and frame (especially if the equipment is in a beachside suburb)

·       kinks or bends in springs

·       squeaking foot bars

·       carabiners that are not fully closing

·       Reformer carriage noise

All of these components should be replaced as needed to ensure your equipment is functioning smoothly and safely. 

·       Storing your Pilates Reformers properly

To keep your equipment in good condition all Pilates equipment and especially Reformers should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or dampness. Covering the machines with a protective cover when not in use for extended periods of time, can also help protect them from dust and other debris. 

Be mindful when moving equipment around your space that it does impact the setting of the equipment. Make sure components such as springs, foot bars and ropes are connected correctly to the machine before its next use.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If we stick with the car analogy, each make and model of Pilates equipment has parts that are distinctive to them.  It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using and maintaining the equipment so that the warranty remains valid. 

·       Keep up regular services

Pilates Reformers Australia recommends that you do a full comprehensive service of Pilates Reformers every two years if you are observing a weekly or fortnightly maintenance check (or yearly if regular maintenance is not being observed). During these large services, parts such as wheels and springs are usually replaced and deep cleaning of runners is carried out.  All parts of the Reformer are given a thorough inspection and replaced if needed, which is why it’s important to understand your warranty period.

Most equipment comes with a minimum of 12 months according to Consumer Law but 5-10 years is recommended for commercial use, so make sure you know what you’ll be paying out of pocket for and what’s covered under your warranty.

It comes as no surprise that keeping up your maintenance will make for machines that are in good working order and safe to use prolonging the life of the machine and making for happy clients.

Worried about your equipment? Pilates Reformers Australia is happy to discuss your equipment maintenance requirements. You can get in touch at info@prateam.com.au or via website

pilatesreformersaustralia.com.au or 1300 107 331.