Reformer Springs and Resistance: Understanding the Spring System in the Studio

The springs on a Pilates Reformer create the resistance you work against, and unlike with weights, this resistance increases the more the spring is stretched. It is precisely this progressive spring tension that makes the Reformer so versatile: With just a few spring combinations, you can cover everything from gentle rehabilitation exercises to powerful, athletic training.

If you're planning to set up a studio or expand your equipment, the spring system is one of the most important decisions—and one that rarely comes up in conversation. This guide explains in simple terms how springs work, what the colors really mean, what research says about spring tension, and what you should keep in mind during your day-to-day studio routine.

How does the spring system on the Reformer work?

The Reformer's carriage is connected to the frame by springs. When you attach a spring, the user must stretch it by pushing or pulling—that's the resistance. The more springs you attach, or the stronger each individual spring is, the higher the base resistance.

The key difference from dumbbell training: spring force is not constant. At the start of the movement, when the spring is barely stretched, the resistance is low. As the spring stretches further, the resistance increases. This protects the joints at the beginning of the movement and challenges the muscles most intensely where they are strongest. At the same time, the muscles must guide the cart back in a controlled manner, which trains eccentric (braking) strength and the deep stabilizers.

Spring Colors and Resistance Levels: What Do They Mean?

A common misconception is that a particular color always indicates the same resistance. That’s not true. Spring colors are not standardized across manufacturers. Red might mean “heavy” in one system and “light” in another. Therefore, never rely solely on the color; instead, rely on the manufacturer’s specifications and the actual combination.

Resistance Level	Typical Applications	Sample Exercises
Light	Rehabilitation, Mobility, Beginners, Precision Work	Arm and Leg Work, Mobilization
Medium	Standard studio workout, full body	Footwork, Long Stretch, Rowing Movements
Difficult	Strength, athletic training, intense leg work	Footwork with Weight, Resistance Push

Important to keep in mind: Not every exercise becomes harder with "more" resistance. For some exercises, less spring tension actually makes the movement more challenging because the muscles have to work harder to stabilize the body. A good spring system therefore gives you enough levels to fine-tune both aspects.

Spring Tension and Muscle Activation: What Does the Research Say?

Research has now also shown that spring tension does not simply mean “heavier” or “lighter,” but actually alters the quality of the muscle work. A study published in the journal *Healthcare* (Kim et al., 2024) measured how varying spring resistances affect the activity of the trunk muscles during basic core exercises. The study examined, among others, the rectus abdominis and oblique abdominal muscles, the erector spinae, and the multifidus.

The bottom line: Spring tension has a measurable effect on which muscles are engaged and how intensely they work. For your studio, this means that a Reformer with finely graded springs isn’t a luxury—it’s a tool that lets you tailor exercises specifically for rehabilitation, stability, or strength without having to change the exercise itself.

How many springs does a studio reformer need?

Systems with four to five springs have become the standard for professional use. They offer enough levels to precisely adjust resistance for everything from gentle rehabilitation sessions to athletic training, and they allow for fine intermediate settings through various combinations. The Hegren TALMA 62, for example, features a 5-spring system mounted on a steel frame (245 cm long), manufactured in Greece. This combination provides a wide range of resistance and a stable base for daily group and personal training sessions.

This is a criteria-based example, not a blanket judgment against other systems: What matters most to you is that the number of springs matches your course offerings and that the springs can be switched out quickly and safely.

Combining Springs Correctly

The real art lies not in the individual spring, but in the combination. Because the resistance levels of the attached springs add up, four to five springs create numerous intermediate levels. A light spring plus a medium spring produces a different level of resistance than two light springs, and the perceived load also depends on the exercise and the range of motion. For everyday gym use, this means: Establish fixed spring combinations for the most common exercises and document them—for example, using a small card system on the machine. This ensures that all trainers use the same settings, quality remains consistent, and new team members can get up to speed more quickly. Especially in group classes, this saves valuable seconds per exercise and ensures a smooth, professional flow where no one has to worry about the technology instead of the movement.

Springs in Everyday Studio Life: Safety, Maintenance, Hygiene

In day-to-day operations, there are three factors that are rarely mentioned in the data sheet but are crucial to satisfaction and costs:

Criterion	Why It Matters at the Gym
Quick to put on	Seconds per exercise add up to minutes over the course of a full day of class, which helps maintain a steady flow to the class.
Spring Hook and Lock	Clear, easily visible hooks prevent springs from being hooked incorrectly, which is one of the most common sources of error.
Material Quality and Maintenance	High-quality springs and a sturdy frame reduce downtime; every piece of equipment that breaks down costs course seats.

Springs are wear parts. Check them regularly for fatigue, corrosion, or bent hooks, and replace them as a set to ensure that the resistance remains consistent across all springs. A Reformer with a sturdy steel frame and easily accessible spring hooks makes this routine quick and safe.

Buying Guide: The Right Spring System for the Gym

If you're choosing a Reformer for a gym setting, this list of criteria related to the springs will help you:

• Number of springs and resistance levels: Four to five springs give you enough flexibility to cover everything from rehabilitation to strength training.
• Ease of replacement: Springs should be quick, easy, and safe to replace.
• Frame and Material: A sturdy frame maintains precise spring tension and reduces maintenance. You can read more about this in the article “Reformer Frame Material: Steel vs. Wood vs. Aluminum.”
• Replacement parts: Make sure that replacement springs are always available.

You can find reformers with sophisticated spring systems, such as the Hegren TALMA 62, in our Hegren Pilates category. You can find matching replacement and additional springs under “Pilates Springs & Hangers,” and you can get an overview of our entire equipment lineup under “Pilates Reformers.” As an authorized dealer, we provide products with a manufacturer’s warranty, and over 5,000 customers already trust Kraftathlet. We’d be happy to help you determine which spring configuration best suits your class offerings during a personal consultation.

Common Mistakes in Spring Selection

• Don't just look at the color: Colors are not standardized. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and the combination.
• Too few spring settings: A system with too few settings limits the range of courses you can offer, especially in rehabilitation.
• Replace springs individually rather than as a set: Springs with varying degrees of wear create uneven resistance.
• Forgot maintenance: Spring hooks and springs should be included in regular safety inspections.
• Assume that "more resistance = better": In many exercises, less spring tension is more challenging because it requires greater stabilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a red feather always mean strong resistance?

No. Spring colors are not standardized across manufacturers. The same color can correspond to different resistance levels depending on the reformer. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications and the actual spring combination.

How many springs does a professional studio Reformer need?

Four to five springs have proven effective in professional use. They offer enough levels of resistance for rehabilitation, standard work, and athletic training. The Hegren TALMA 62, for example, uses a 5-spring system.

Does more spring resistance automatically make the exercise harder?

No. For some exercises, high resistance increases the intensity, while for others, low resistance makes the movement more challenging because the muscles have to work harder to stabilize the body. The correct setting depends on the exercise and your goal.

How often do I need to replace the springs on my Reformer?

Springs are wear parts. Check them regularly for fatigue, corrosion, and bent hooks. If you notice signs of wear or if the tension decreases, replace the entire set to ensure that the resistance remains consistent.

Can I use the spring system to target specific muscles?

To a certain extent, yes. Studies show that spring tension affects which core muscles are engaged and to what degree. A finely tuned spring system is therefore an important tool for tailoring exercises to focus on rehabilitation, stability, or strength.

Conclusion

The springs are the heart of the Reformer. They generate progressive resistance that is gentle on the joints and specifically targets the muscles, and adjusting them measurably changes the way the muscles work. For the gym, key factors include the number of springs, the ability to switch them out quickly and safely, and a sturdy frame that maintains precise spring tension. Systems like the Hegren TALMA 62, with its 5-spring system and steel frame, meet these criteria for daily use.

Are you planning to open a studio or expand your equipment collection, but aren’t sure which spring configuration is right for the classes you offer? Talk to our team—we’ll provide manufacturer-neutral, criteria-based advice. If you’re just starting to plan, our guide to opening a Pilates studio—Concept, Costs, Equipment—can also help you.