Reformer Pilates springs create adjustable resistance, but “more springs” does not automatically mean “a harder exercise”. Depending on the movement, additional tension may increase the muscular load, make the carriage feel more supportive or reduce the balance and control challenge. Lighter springs can sometimes demand more stability because there is less assistance holding the carriage steady.
That is why spring selection is an instruction rather than a score. The aim is not to collect the heaviest setting. It is to choose enough resistance for the exercise, the equipment and the person using it.
How Reformer springs create resistance
A Pilates Reformer has a moving carriage connected to the frame by springs. As the carriage travels away from its resting position, the springs lengthen and their resistance increases. This feels different from lifting a fixed dumbbell because the load changes across the movement rather than remaining constant.
Merrithew’s explanation of spring tension notes that resistance begins lower and rises as the spring extends. The exact feel also depends on the Reformer design, spring age, attachment point, carriage travel and the exercise being performed.
Heavy springs can add load—or add support
In footwork, pressing the carriage away against stronger springs generally asks the legs to produce more force. In a standing or kneeling balance exercise, however, heavier springs may hold the carriage more firmly and make it less likely to move unexpectedly. Reducing the tension can make the same position feel more demanding because the body must control a less stable carriage.
This is one of the most useful beginner lessons: spring colour is not a universal difficulty scale. The effect changes with body position and with whether you are pushing against the spring, resisting its return or relying on it for support.
Why spring colours are not universal
Manufacturers use their own colour systems and resistance specifications. A red spring on one brand should not be assumed to match a red spring on another. Even Reformers from the same manufacturer can feel slightly different as components wear and equipment is maintained.
For that reason, follow the instructor’s setting in the studio rather than copying a colour combination remembered from another class. At Bodi Boutique, spring instructions relate to the specific Reformers in the room and the exercise being taught.
What changes when the spring setting changes?
Muscular demand
More tension can increase the force required to move the carriage, especially in pushing and pulling exercises. This can be useful when the goal is controlled resistance and the person can maintain alignment and an appropriate range.
Control on the return
The work does not finish when the carriage moves out. Springs pull it back toward the stopper, so the return phase needs control. Letting the carriage slam home removes much of the purpose and can be unsafe.
Stability and balance
A lighter spring often allows the carriage to travel more freely. In some kneeling, standing and plank-based work, that reduced support can make the exercise substantially more challenging even though the nominal resistance is lower.
Range of movement
A spring setting that is too heavy may shorten a person’s range or encourage compensation. A setting that is too light may not provide enough feedback or support. Appropriate range and control matter more than moving the carriage as far as possible.
Why instructors adjust springs between people
Two people in the same class may need different settings. Body size, limb length, strength, familiarity, movement control, comfort and the intention of the exercise all matter. Merrithew also explains that there is no single spring and stopper setting that suits every client in every exercise.
A modification is not a lesser version of the class. It is often the most intelligent way to preserve the purpose of the exercise. If the setting feels uncontrolled, unexpectedly painful or very different from the instructor’s description, pause and ask before continuing.
Common beginner questions
Are heavier springs always more advanced?
No. They may increase load in one exercise and provide extra stability in another. “Advanced” is better judged by the control, coordination and complexity required—not by spring count alone.
Why do light springs sometimes feel so hard?
With less assistance, you may need to stabilise the carriage more actively and slow the movement yourself. The smaller margin for error can expose shaking or loss of control even when the absolute resistance is lower.
Should I change my own springs during class?
Follow the instructor’s direction and confirm any change if you are unsure. Spring selection affects both the exercise and the safe setup of the machine.
Do Reformer springs count as resistance training?
They provide external resistance and can support muscular-strength and endurance work. The overall training effect depends on exercise selection, intensity, progression and consistency. Pilates can be part of a broader strength routine, but it does not have to replace every other form of resistance training. Read more in Can Pilates Replace Weight Training?
What to focus on instead of spring count
- Move the carriage smoothly rather than using momentum.
- Control both the working phase and the spring-assisted return.
- Use a range you can manage without gripping or holding your breath.
- Listen for the carriage approaching the stopper instead of allowing it to bang.
- Ask when the resistance feels inconsistent with the instructor’s cue.
The Reformer is effective because it can be adjusted—not because everyone uses the same setting. If you are new, the best spring is the one that lets you understand the exercise and move with control.
Try Reformer Pilates at Bodi Boutique
Bodi Boutique offers small-group Reformer Pilates in a five-Reformer studio in Millmerran. Small class numbers create more room to become familiar with the carriage, straps and spring changes while learning how each exercise should feel.
Explore Reformer Pilates at Bodi Boutique, read the first-class guide for Pilates beginners, or book a class when you are ready.
How we explain spring choices at Bodi Boutique
When clients first see a Reformer, it is natural to read the coloured springs like a weight stack: more springs must mean more work. In teaching, we explain the more useful question: what is the spring doing in this exercise? It may resist the carriage moving away, assist the carriage returning, provide stability or make control more demanding when tension is reduced.
That changes the way a client approaches a session. Instead of chasing a particular colour combination, she can focus on carriage control, breathing, range and the instructor’s intention. The same spring setting can feel entirely different in footwork, feet in straps and a kneeling arm series because leverage and body position have changed.
Questions to ask when a setting feels wrong
- Can you control both the outward and return phase without the carriage banging?
- Can you maintain the intended position without gripping through the neck, hands or jaw?
- Does the resistance suit your limb length, body size and experience?
- Is the spring supporting the exercise or masking a loss of control?
If a setting produces pain or you are unsure about the apparatus, stop and ask the instructor. Do not copy another person’s springs simply because the Reformer is beside yours.
Related reading and next step
For more context on Reformer Pilates springs, read the related Bodi Boutique guide and explore Pilates at Bodi Boutique. For external technical or activity guidance, see Merrithew guidance on spring and stopper settings.
About Jazz Collier
Jazz owns and operates Bodi Boutique in Millmerran, Queensland. She holds a Certificate III in Fitness (2016), has trained in Pilates through Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab, and actively teaches Pilates and fitness. This article provides general education rather than individual medical advice.
