Models RE016 and RE023
Janet Foldable Reformers
Janet Elite Plus · Janet La Force
Assembly and Owner’s Guide
Read this guide in full before assembling or using your reformer.
Retain it for future reference. Download the printable guide (PDF)
Assembly at a Glance
Eight steps, approximately 30 minutes, no tools required.
1Jumpboard
2Foot strap
3Shoulder rests
4Carriage pegs
5Risers
6Ropes
7Double-loop straps
8Stoppers
Important Safety Information
Read and understand every safety message before assembling or using this reformer. Safety messages in this guide are identified by the signal words below.
WARNINGIndicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTIONIndicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICEIndicates information considered important but not hazard-related, such as potential damage to the reformer or property.
WARNINGGeneral safety. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury.
- Maximum user weight: 500 lb (227 kg). Maximum user height: 6 ft 3 in. (191 cm).
- Consult a physician before beginning any exercise program, particularly if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are recovering from an injury or surgery.
- Stop exercising immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, faintness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- If you are new to reformer Pilates, train with a qualified instructor, or begin with the beginner on-demand classes and AI Coach in the PersonalHour Pilates app, before exercising independently.
WARNINGChild and pet safety. Children and pets can be seriously injured by moving parts, ropes, and straps.
- Keep children and pets clear of the reformer during assembly, use, folding, moving, and storage.
- Strangulation hazard: Ropes and straps can become wrapped around a child’s neck. After each session, remove the straps or store them out of reach.
- Never allow children to play on, under, or near the reformer unsupervised.
WARNINGTip-over hazard. A folded reformer stored upright can tip over, which could result in death or serious injury to a child.
- Store the folded reformer only on a flat, hard floor, with its back against a wall.
- Before storing it upright, set all legs to their lowest setting so the reformer closes completely.
- Never allow anyone to climb, hang, or lean on the folded reformer.
- In homes with young children, store the reformer unfolded and flat if it cannot be secured upright.
WARNINGPinch and crush hazard. The carriage moves quickly under strong spring tension. Fingers, toes, hair, and clothing can be caught in moving parts, resulting in serious injury.
- Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing clear of the wheels, rails, springs, pulleys, gear plates, and the gap between the carriage and frame.
- Secure long hair, remove jewelry, and avoid loose clothing.
WARNINGSpring recoil hazard. A spring released under tension can snap back with great force, resulting in serious injury.
- Change springs only when the carriage is at rest against the stoppers and no one is on the reformer.
- Never release a spring while it is stretched.
- Do not use a spring that is rusted, bent, cracked, or shows gaps between its coils at rest.
WARNINGFall hazard. The carriage rolls freely and can move unexpectedly when you stand, kneel, or step on it, resulting in a fall.
- Mount and dismount slowly while holding the frame or footbar.
- Stand on the carriage only if you are an experienced user and the exercise requires it.
CAUTIONLifting hazard. The shipping package and reformer are heavy and can cause strain or back injury if lifted improperly.
- Do not lift the shipping package. Open it on the floor near the reformer’s intended location.
- Use two adults to lift the reformer, lifting with the legs rather than the back.
- Wear closed-toe shoes when unpacking and moving the reformer. Exercise barefoot or in non-slip socks.
CAUTIONPre-use inspection. A loose or worn component can fail during use and cause injury.
- Confirm that all star knobs and carriage pegs are tight and that the footbar is locked on both sides.
- Inspect springs, ropes, straps, and knots for wear or damage, and confirm that the carriage rolls smoothly.
- Do not use the reformer if any part is damaged, loose, or missing. Contact PersonalHour Customer Care.
NOTICE
To protect the reformer and your home:
- Use the reformer indoors only, on a flat, level, dry surface. A protective floor mat is recommended.
- Keep it away from heaters, open flames, direct sunlight, and extremes of humidity or temperature.
- Do not modify the reformer.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Before You Begin
Assembly
Two adults. All lifting and tightening must be performed by an adult.
Time
Approximately 30 minutes.
Tools
No tools are required for assembly. Scissors or a utility knife are needed to open the packaging. Crated shipments may require a pry bar to open.
Space
A flat, level indoor surface with at least 2 ft (60 cm) of clearance on all sides, for a total area of approximately 12 × 6 ft.
Terms Used in This Guide
Footbar end: the end of the reformer with the footbar and gear plates.
Left and right: as viewed standing at the footbar end, facing the riser end.
Riser end: the opposite end, where the risers and pulleys are mounted.
Hand-tight: turned clockwise by hand until snug. Do not use tools.
Specifications
Specification
Janet Elite Plus (RE016) and Janet La Force (RE023)
Width
24 in. (61 cm)
Folded dimensions
48 in. L × 24 in. W (122 × 61 cm)
Carriage length
37 in. (94 cm)
Weight
Reformer: approximately 90 lb (41 kg). Shipping package: approximately 265 lb (120 kg).
User limits
Maximum 500 lb (227 kg) and 6 ft 3 in. (191 cm). Optimal fit up to 6 ft 1 in. (185 cm).
Springs
Six: two red (heavy), two blue (medium), two yellow (light)
Frame
Janet Elite Plus: premium-quality maple wood. Janet La Force: luxury, high-quality walnut wood.
Upholstery
Vegan leather (both models)
Components
The following terms are used throughout this guide. Letters correspond to the illustration.
Component
Description
A Footbar
The bar at the footbar end, pressed with the feet during exercise.
B Gear plates
Plates on each side of the footbar that lock it at different angles.
C Carriage
The padded, wheeled platform that glides along the rails.
D Shoulder rests
Pads at the riser end of the carriage that stabilize the shoulders.
E Rails
The metal tracks that guide the carriage.
F Frame
The wooden base (maple or walnut), which folds at its center.
G Legs
Adjustable legs that set the reformer’s height.
H Transport wheels
Wheels at the ends of the frame for moving the folded reformer.
I Hydraulic arm
Part of the Easy Fold system; controls the speed of folding and unfolding.
Springs
Six color-coded springs that provide resistance, attached to pegs on the spring bar.
Stoppers
Removable blocks on the rails that limit the carriage’s travel.
Eyelets
Metal eyelets on each side of the frame at the footbar end, where the foot strap attaches.
Cam cleats
Rope clamps on the carriage with two toothed jaws that hold each rope at the set length.
Fold handle
The bar at the center of the frame, used to fold and unfold the reformer.
Package Contents
Unpack all components onto a clean, soft surface and confirm each against the list below. Items marked “optional” are not included with every model.
| # | Component | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Frame with footbar, carriage, and six springs | 1 | ☐ |
| 1 | Jumpboard | 1 | ☐ |
| 2 | Padded movable platform (optional) | 1 | ☐ |
| 3 | Padded foot platform | 1 | ☐ |
| 4 | Grip foot platform (optional) | 1 | ☐ |
| 5 | Padded foot strap with carabiners | 1 | ☐ |
| 6 | Ropes | 2 | ☐ |
| 7 | Shoulder rests | 2 | ☐ |
| 8 | Double-loop straps | 2 | ☐ |
| 9 | Carriage pegs | 2 | ☐ |
| 10 | Risers | 2 | ☐ |
| — | Star knobs (some may be pre-installed) | 6 | ☐ |
Where to find the star knobs: the six star knobs are usually packed as follows: two with the shoulder rests, two in their holes near the jumpboard mount, and two in their holes near the riser mounts. Packing may vary.
Damaged or Missing Parts
Do not assemble the reformer. If the package appears damaged on delivery, note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing. Then email issue@personalhour.com within 3 business days of delivery, using the subject line [Urgent][Shipping Issue][Your Order Number], and attach photos.
Part 1: Unpacking and Setup
Your reformer ships folded, lying on its back with the carriage facing up and secured to the frame. Keep the carriage secured until the reformer is unfolded.
WARNINGFalling carriage hazard. The carriage is secured for shipping. If it is released while the reformer is folded, it can slide off the frame and fall, resulting in serious injury.
- Do not cut zip ties or remove the carriage while the reformer is folded.
- Unfold the reformer completely before releasing the carriage.
CAUTIONLifting hazard. The folded reformer weighs approximately 90 lb (41 kg). Use two adults to stand it upright, lift with the legs rather than the back, and keep hands clear of the fold.
NOTICE
Cut only through tape and straps. Deep cuts can scratch the wood and damage the upholstery and footbar cover.
- 1Slide the package to the reformer’s intended location. Do not lift it.
- 2Open the package and remove all packing material and loose components. Leave the folded reformer lying on its back, carriage facing up.
- 3With a helper, stand the folded reformer upright on its transport wheels.
- 4Unfold the reformer by following steps 1–3 of “Unfolding,” until the frame lies completely flat.
- 5Check beneath the carriage for plastic zip ties securing the springs. If present, cut them carefully with scissors.
- 6Unlock the footbar, raise it to a working position, and lock it into the gear plates on both sides.
- 7If the carriage sits behind a stopper, lift it slightly, move it back over the stopper to its normal position, and lower it gently.
- 8Attach one spring to the spring bar to keep the carriage from rolling.
- 9Detach the spring, roll the carriage by hand along the full length of the rails, then reattach the spring.
✓Check: The carriage should roll smoothly and quietly. If it sticks or scrapes, stop and contact PersonalHour Customer Care.
Note: Light creases in the upholstery from shipping typically relax within a few days.
Before You Continue
Keep at least one spring attached throughout assembly. It prevents the carriage from moving while your hands are nearby.
Part 2: Assembly
Complete the eight steps in order. Confirm each check before proceeding to the next step.
1Attach the Jumpboard 1
Required: Jumpboard 1, 2 star knobs
- 1Tilt the footbar away from the carriage, beyond the position the jumpboard will occupy.
- 2Holding the jumpboard upright with the padded side facing the carriage, align its unpadded wooden base with the opening in the frame at the footbar end, then slide it into the opening.
- 3Insert a star knob through each hole and tighten hand-tight.
- 4Return the footbar toward the carriage until it rests against the jumpboard and locks into the gear plates on both sides.
Tip: these two star knobs are usually already in their holes near the jumpboard mount.
✓Check: The jumpboard should rest securely against the locked footbar. Slight movement is normal, but the gap between the jumpboard and the footbar should not exceed ½ in. (13 mm).
WARNINGJumpboard hazard. A loose jumpboard can break or come off during jumping, resulting in serious injury. Before every use, confirm that both knobs are tight and that the jumpboard rests against the locked footbar, with no more than ½ in. of play.
Damage resulting from improper use or installation of the jumpboard is not covered by the PersonalHour Limited Warranty.
2Attach the Foot Strap 5
Required: Padded foot strap 5 with carabiners
- 1Locate the metal eyelets on each side of the frame at the footbar end.
- 2Clip the carabiner at each end of the strap to an eyelet.
✓Check: Both carabiners should be fully closed, and the strap should hold firmly when pulled.
3Attach the Shoulder Rests 7
Required: 2 shoulder rests 7, 2 star knobs
- 1Position a shoulder rest over one of the two holes near the riser end of the carriage, padded side facing the footbar.
- 2Reaching beneath the carriage, thread a star knob up into the shoulder rest and tighten hand-tight.
- 3Repeat for the second shoulder rest.
Tip: these two star knobs are usually packed with the shoulder rests.
✓Check: Neither shoulder rest should move or twist when pushed.
CAUTIONPinch hazard. Before reaching beneath the carriage, confirm that a spring is attached so the carriage cannot roll.
4Install the Carriage Pegs 9
Required: 2 carriage pegs 9
- 1Locate the two threaded holes beside the shoulder rests.
- 2Thread a carriage peg into each hole and tighten hand-tight.
✓Check: Both pegs should stand upright without wobbling.
5Attach the Risers 10
Required: 2 risers 10, 2 star knobs
- 1At the riser end, insert one riser upright into the left corner mount, with the pulley at the top.
- 2Align the holes, insert a star knob, and tighten hand-tight. A helper may hold the riser vertical.
- 3Repeat on the right side.
Tip: these two star knobs are usually already in their holes near the riser mounts.
✓Check: Both risers should stand vertical and at equal height, with no movement.
CAUTIONRiser hazard. A loose riser can tip or pull free during rope exercises, causing injury. Confirm that both riser knobs are tight before each use.
6Thread the Ropes 6
Required: 2 ropes 6
- 1Feed one end of a rope through the pulley at the top of the left riser.
- 2Route that end back to the carriage and press it down between the jaws of the left cam cleat until it is firmly held.
- 3Tie a knot near the end of the remaining rope. The tail may rest on the floor, or it may be wrapped around the carriage peg for a tidier finish.
- 4Repeat on the right side.
To adjust rope length: lift the rope up and out of the cam cleat, reposition it, and press it back into the jaws.
✓Check: The rope should not slip when pulled from the pulley side, and it should run smoothly over the pulley.
7Attach the Double-Loop Straps 8
Required: 2 double-loop straps 8
- 1Take the free end of the rope extending from the pulley.
- 2Fold back the last 4 in. to form a small loop, and tie a knot at its base to secure it.
- 3Pass the rope loop through the loop at the end of the strap.
- 4Draw the entire strap through the rope loop, then pull the rope and strap in opposite directions until the knot is snug.
- 5Hang the strap on the shoulder rest on the same side. Repeat for the other side.
✓Check: Each knot should hold under a firm pull, and both straps should hang at equal height.
CAUTIONRope hazard. A rope that slips from its cam cleat, or a loose knot, can cause a fall. Inspect both before every session.
8Install the Stoppers
Required: Stoppers (if not pre-installed)
- 1Locate the stopper holes on the rails near the footbar end.
- 2If the stoppers are not already in place, insert one into each hole and push until fully seated.
- 3Confirm that both stoppers are in the same position.
✓Check: Both stoppers should be fully seated and aligned with each other.
Accessories 2 3 4
The padded foot platform 3 and the optional grip foot platform 4 mount in place of the jumpboard, using the same two star knobs; only one can be installed at a time. Install either by following Step 1. The optional padded movable platform 2 is not fixed in place; set it on the frame as needed. Store the two accessory knobs with the reformer.
Part 3: Final Inspection
Confirm each item below before first use.
The frame sits flat without rocking, and all legs are set to the same height.
The footbar is locked on both sides.
The jumpboard (or foot platform), shoulder rests, carriage pegs, and risers are secure.
Both ropes are held firmly in their cam cleats, and both straps are securely attached.
The left and right stoppers are fully seated in the same position.
The carriage rolls smoothly along the full length of the rails.
All packing material has been removed, with 2 ft of clearance on every side.
Congratulations
Your reformer is assembled, inspected, and ready for use.
Adjustments
Make all adjustments with no one on the reformer.
Springs
Resistance increases with the number and weight of the springs attached. Red is heavy, blue is medium, and yellow is light.
- 1Confirm that the carriage is at rest against the stoppers.
- 2Holding the spring by its ring handle, draw it gently toward you and lift it from its peg.
- 3Place the ring fully over the desired peg, releasing it only once it is seated.
Footbar
The footbar offers four or more positions, depending on the model.
- 1Grip the footbar by its padded cover with both hands, keeping fingers clear of the gear plates.
- 2Pull it toward you to unlock it, tilt it to the desired position, and lock it in place.
✓Check: The footbar should be locked on both sides. Slight play is normal.
Stoppers
The stoppers set the carriage’s range of travel, with two or three positions depending on the model.
- 1Pull the stopper out, move it to the desired position, and push it in until fully seated.
- 2Set the opposite stopper to the same position.
NOTICE
Always set both stoppers to the same position. Uneven stoppers can damage the carriage and rails.
Leg Height
- 1Have a helper raise one end of the frame a few inches, keeping hands and feet clear of the underside.
- 2Press the buttons on the sides of a leg, slide the leg to its highest or lowest setting, and release the buttons so they click into place.
- 3Tighten the leg knob. Repeat for each leg; all legs must be set to the same height.
✓Check: The frame should sit level without rocking.
Folding, Moving, and Storage
The Easy Fold system allows one adult to fold and unfold the reformer, while the hydraulic arm controls the speed of movement. A second adult should assist the first time.
WARNINGCrush hazard. An unsecured carriage can fall from the frame during folding, resulting in serious injury. Complete every step in “Securing the Carriage” before folding.
WARNINGPressurized component. The hydraulic arm controls folding speed for your safety. It is pressurized and can release suddenly if damaged or disassembled, resulting in serious injury.
- Never disassemble, loosen, or remove the hydraulic arm.
- Stop using the reformer and contact PersonalHour if the arm leaks, is bent, or no longer slows the frame.
CAUTIONPinch hazard. The two halves of the frame close together during folding. Hold only the fold handle, and keep hands and feet clear of the hinge and the gap between the halves. When opening the frame with your foot, push only on the outside of the frame end, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Securing the Carriage
- 1Set all legs to their lowest setting (see “Leg Height”).
- 2Detach all springs except one.
- 3Lift the footbar end of the carriage slightly from beneath and move it forward until its first wheel clears a stopper, then lower it gently. The stopper now holds the carriage in place.
- 4Unlock the footbar and tilt it down until it presses against the carriage, then lock it in place on both sides. The locked footbar holds the carriage secure.
- 5Hang the straps over the risers or remove them.
✓Check: The carriage should not move in either direction when pushed, and the footbar should be locked on both sides.
The carriage wheel sits beyond the stopper, and the locked footbar rests on the carriage.
Folding
1. Grip the fold handle and lift.
2. The ends roll inward.
3. The reformer closes and stands upright.
- 1Stand beside the center of the reformer, bend your knees, and grip the fold handle.
- 2Lift the fold handle straight up. The ends roll toward each other as the hydraulic arm assists.
- 3Continue lifting until both halves stand upright, side by side.
✓Check: The folded reformer should stand steady, with the carriage secured.
Note: If the legs are extended, the transport wheels will not support the reformer for the first few inches of lifting, and the reformer will not close completely because the legs press against the opposite frame. This is normal. For the easiest fold and a fully closed reformer, set the legs to their lowest setting first.
Unfolding
1. Pull the handle down and toward you.
2. The ends roll outward.
3. Release only when flat.
- 1Clear an area of 92 × 24 in., with room to stand alongside.
- 2Grip the fold handle. Place one foot against the bottom end of the nearer half, at floor level, and push gently outward to open the frame slightly.
- 3Draw the fold handle down and toward you, guiding the frame to the floor. Release the handle only when the frame lies completely flat; the handle rests in place and does not click.
- 4Unlock the footbar, then raise it to a working position and lock it on both sides.
- 5Lift the carriage slightly, move it back over the stopper to its normal position, and lower it gently.
- 6Attach the springs required for your session, then complete the pre-use inspection.
- 7If desired, raise the legs to your preferred height (see “Leg Height”).
Moving
Fold the reformer first, then roll it slowly on its transport wheels. Avoid cords, rugs, and stairs. Two adults are required to carry it on stairs.
Storage
Set all legs to their lowest setting, then store the reformer upright on a flat, hard floor with its back against a wall, observing the tip-over warning in “Important Safety Information.”
Care and Maintenance
Regular care preserves the reformer’s performance and safety and extends its service life.
NOTICE
Do not use bleach, ammonia, acetone, or other harsh cleaners, and do not use alcohol-based disinfectants on the upholstery. They can damage the upholstery and wood finish.
Component
Care
Upholstery
After each session, wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Weekly, clean with a vegan-leather cleaner, such as PersonalHour Leather Care, on a soft cloth, and let air-dry. Disinfect only with alcohol-free wipes. Avoid alcohol, bleach, ammonia, and direct sunlight.
Springs
Weekly, apply a few drops of spring lubricant (such as PersonalHour Lubricant for Pilates Springs, available at personalhour.com) to a dry cloth and wipe each spring, removing any excess. Keep lubricant off the ring handles to maintain a secure grip. Never use water or cleaners on the springs.
Wood
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove sweat and dust, then dry. For stains, use a mild, non-abrasive wood cleaner, such as PersonalHour Wood Cleaner. If the finish looks dull, apply a wood conditioner or polish. Wipe up moisture promptly and avoid damp rooms.
Metal parts
Wipe dry after each session. Treat light surface rust with a small amount of spring lubricant; if rust persists, contact PersonalHour Customer Care.
Pulleys and hinges
Lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant as needed.
Ropes and straps
Wipe with a damp cloth as needed and allow to dry completely. Replace any rope or strap that is frayed, cut, thinned, or has worn stitching.
Maintenance Schedule
Interval
Task
Before each session
Complete the pre-use inspection described in “Important Safety Information.”
After each session
Wipe the upholstery with a soft microfiber cloth and the frame with a dry cloth.
Weekly
Lubricate the springs, clean the upholstery, and confirm that the carriage rolls smoothly.
Monthly
Inspect springs, ropes, straps, pulleys, and fasteners, tightening as needed.
Every 6 months
Inspect the frame, legs, hinge, and hydraulic arm.
As needed
Lubricate the pulleys and hinges.
Every 2–3 years
Replace the springs in matched pairs, regardless of appearance. Replace any damaged spring immediately.
Replacement parts are available at personalhour.com, including after the warranty period.
Troubleshooting
Issue
Solution
Carriage scrapes or sticks
Confirm that all carriage wheels are seated in the rails, and clear any debris or packing material.
Carriage travels unevenly
Set both stoppers to the same position.
Rope slips
Press the rope more firmly into the cam cleat jaws.
Component feels loose
Tighten the corresponding star knob or peg by hand.
Reformer rocks
Set all legs to the same height, or relocate the reformer to a flatter surface.
Footbar will not lock
Pull the footbar fully back, then release it into a gear-plate position, checking both sides.
Jumpboard moves more than ½ in.
Tighten both star knobs, then confirm that the footbar is locked on both sides.
Limited Warranty
- Coverage begins on the date of delivery and applies to the original purchaser at the original shipping address. Please retain your proof of purchase.
- Coverage periods vary by component. The maple and walnut foldable frames carry a 4-year limited warranty on the frame structure. The wood finish is not covered, as it requires regular maintenance.
- Shipping damage or missing parts must be reported within 3 business days of delivery.
- Failure to perform the maintenance described in this guide may void the warranty.
- Not covered: normal wear and tear (including rope wear), cosmetic damage, and damage resulting from misuse, improper assembly, improper use or installation of the jumpboard, or modification.
Full terms: personalhour.com/pages/pilates-machines-limited-warranty-terms
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
Customer Care
Email (preferred) issue@personalhour.com
Phone +1 (380) 222-2614
Hours and support
personalhour.com/pages/contact-personalhour
PersonalHour
6365 Old Avery Road
Dublin, OH 43016
PersonalHour Pilates App
Your reformer includes access to guided classes, beginner on-demand programs, and an AI Coach. Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Pilates for Everyone
PersonalHour | 6365 Old Avery Road, Dublin, OH 43016 | personalhour.com
Janet Elite Plus (RE016) and Janet La Force (RE023) | Document JFR-UG-EN, Revision A | © 2026 PersonalHour. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
