Pilates reformer

Abstract

Some embodiments are directed to an exercise apparatus having a frame comprising a first end, a second end and two generally horizontal frame members extending from the first end to the second end, a carriage supported by the horizontal frame members, the carriage being configured to translate along at least a portion of a length of the horizontal frame members and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, and a convertible platform positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends of the frame. A vertical height of the convertible platform is adjustable from a first, platform or carriage height position to at least a second, chair position relative to a ground surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 ) An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame comprising a first end, a second end, and two generally horizontal frame members extending from the first end to the second end;   a carriage supported by the horizontal frame members, the carriage being configured to translate along at least a portion of a length of the horizontal frame members and having a planar support surface;   a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, the first set of springs being configured to individually and selectively attached to the carriage to bias the carriage;   a right handle member assembly comprising a right second bar member telescoping from a right first bar member, a right handle portion extending transversely from the right second bar member with a right free end of the right handle portion distally located from the right bar member, the right first bar member being supported by the frame and extending adjacent to a first side of the carriage, the right bar member being telescopically adjustable and lockable relative to the right first bar member, the right second bar member being rotationally adjustable and lockable relative to the right first bar member such that the right handle portion rotates relative to both the frame and the right first bar member;   a left handle member assembly comprising a left second bar member telescoping from a left first bar member, a left handle portion extending transversely from the left second bar member with a left free end of the left handle portion distally located from the left bar member, the left first bar member being supported by the frame and extending adjacent to a second side of the carriage opposite the first side, the left bar member being telescopically adjustable and lockable relative to the left first bar member, the left second bar member being rotationally adjustable and lockable relative to the left first bar member such that the left handle portion rotates relative to both the frame and the left first bar member; and   a convertible platform supported on the frame adjacent to both the right handle member assembly and the left handle member assembly, a height of the convertible platform being adjustable relative to the frame;   wherein a right vertical height of the right second bar member and the right handle member assembly telescopically adjusts relative to the convertible platform;   and wherein a left vertical height of the left second bar member and the left handle member assembly telescopically adjusts relative to the convertible platform;   and wherein in a first rotational position the right handle portion and the left handle portion are both rotated to position the right free end adjacent to the left free end, and in a second rotation position the right handle portion and the left handle portion are both rotated by at least ninety degrees relative to the first rotational positon.   
     
     
         2 ) The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second set of springs supported by the carriage, the second set of springs being configured to extend toward the second end of the frame. 
     
     
         3 ) The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of springs is configured to extend toward the first end of the frame and the second end of the frame. 
     
     
         4 ) The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a foot strap that is configured to be positioned at any desired location along the length of the frame.