Reformer Springs & Spring Resistance: The Complete Guide for Studios

The springs are the heart of every reformer: They create resistance—and help determine which muscles an exercise truly targets. An EMG study published in 2024 showed that even changing spring tension measurably shifts muscle activation: With heavy springs, the glutes (gluteus medius), internal obliques, and deep back muscles (multifidus) worked harder, while with light springs, the adductors worked more (Healthcare/MDPI, 2024).

For instructors and studios, this means: Spring selection is not a minor detail, but part of the exercise itself. This guide explains how reformer springs work, why "more springs" doesn't automatically mean "harder," how many springs a reformer needs—and what to look for in a spring system if a machine is used daily in the studio.

What Springs Really Do on the Reformer

A reformer essentially consists of a movable carriage connected to a spring bar at the end of the machine by springs. When you move the carriage, the springs stretch or relax—creating resistance. Unlike a fixed weight, a spring reacts progressively: the further it is stretched, the more force it returns. This is precisely what makes reformer training so gentle on the joints and yet precisely controllable.

The springs simultaneously provide two things: resistance (muscles must work against spring force) and control (the spring guides the carriage and demands clean, stabilized movement). This is why Reformer Pilates is not purely a strength exercise, but also involves coordination and core stability under load.

Spring Resistance and Muscle Activation: What Research Shows

The EMG study mentioned above compared three conditions—fixed platform, carriage with moderate spring tension, and carriage with low spring tension—and measured the activity of six muscles. The result: The spring load changes recruitment. Higher spring tension increased activation of hip extensors (e.g., biceps femoris), while lower tension increased activation of hip flexors (rectus femoris). In other words: With the spring, you control not only "how hard," but also "which muscle."

Reformer training itself is well-documented—a randomized study in 2024 confirmed measurable effects on core strength and flexibility (Reformer-Pilates-RCT, NCBI). The springs are the lever with which you individually dose this training.

The Reformer Paradox: More Springs Is Not Always Harder

A common misconception: "More springs = harder." This is only true for some exercises. The decisive factor is the direction of movement in relation to the spring suspension:

• Spring acts as resistance: If you push the carriage away from the spring bar (e.g., Footwork), more springs will brake you more strongly—it becomes harder.
• Spring acts as support: In many exercises with a pulled or held carriage, the springs support body weight. In this case, more springs make the exercise easier and more stable—and fewer springs make it more challenging, because you have to control more yourself.

Therefore, there is no blanket "hard/easy" rule. Experienced instructors choose the springs per exercise—according to the direction of force, body position, and training goal. This is where solid studio knowledge differentiates itself from superficial equipment marketing.

Which Spring for Which Exercise?

A few examples make the principle tangible—deliberately as guidance, not as a rigid rule, because the correct number of springs always depends on body size, strength level, and daily form:

• Footwork (lying down, pushing with legs): Here you push the carriage away—more springs mean more resistance. For strong leg work, often three to four springs.
• Long Stretch / Plank: The carriage is held with support—fewer springs make the exercise more challenging because you have to stabilize more yourself. Here, "light" does not mean "easy."
• Feet in Straps (legs in loops): Moderate springs guide the movement and protect the joints; too few springs cause the legs to "fall" uncontrollably.
• Rowing & Arm work while sitting: Rather light to moderate springs, because the arm muscles are weaker than the legs.

The rule of thumb for instructors is therefore: First determine the direction of movement and the goal of the exercise, then select the spring—and give beginners more stability, while challenging advanced students with control. A well-graduated spring system makes precisely this differentiation possible in seconds.

How Many Springs Does a Reformer Need—and What Do the Colors Mean?

Most professional studio reformers use four to five springs of graduated strengths (light, medium, heavy) plus often a very light "half" spring for fine tuning. This graduation allows everything from gentle rehabilitation entry to powerful athletic sessions to be performed on the same machine.

Important: Spring colors are not standardized across manufacturers. For one brand, a certain color might mean "heavy," while for another, it means "light." So, never rely on color alone, but rather on the spring system of your specific machine. The Hegren Reformer TALMA 62, for example, uses a graduated 5-spring system on a steel frame—five clearly defined resistance levels with which instructors can precisely scale exercises.

Comparing Spring Systems: What Studios Should Look For

In daily studio operations, it's not the spring color that matters, but the quality of the entire system: suspension, hooks, adjustability, and durability. The following checklist is deliberately formulated based on criteria—it helps you evaluate any equipment objectively.

Criterion	What to look for	Why it matters in a studio
Suspension Material	Steel instead of plastic on spring bar and hooks	Withstands thousands of load changes per week without play
Spring Graduation	4–5 clearly defined levels + fine intermediate level	A class can be dosed from rehab to athletic level
Hooks & Adjustment	Quick, clear, secure re-hooking	Saves seconds per exercise—adds up to class flow
Safety	Firm attachment, no accidental release	Protects participants and reduces liability risk
Spare Part Availability	Springs can be bought individually	Replace wear parts instead of the entire machine

Choosing a continuous steel system with defined spring graduation primarily buys operational safety: less downtime, predictable class flow, lower follow-up costs. The Hegren TALMA 62 (steel frame, 5-spring system, 245 cm, Made in Greece, 3,500 €) is designed precisely for this; you can find the matching springs and accessories in the collection Pilates Springs & Hangers and the complete program under Hegren Pilates.

Maintaining Springs and Keeping Them Safe

Springs are wear parts. Over time, they can lose tension, and hooks and suspension must be regularly checked—especially with high utilization. We have described in detail how to properly care for springs, carriages, and ropes in the studio and when a spring change is due in the Reformer Maintenance Guide. In short: visual inspection before each class, scheduled replacement according to manufacturer's interval, use only original replacement springs.

Buying Guide: Spring System Instead of Spring Color

When buying a reformer for your studio: Look at the system, not the color. A sturdy steel frame, a well-thought-out spring gradation, and safe, quick hooks pay off every day—in safety, class flow, and lifespan. Kraftathlet is an authorized Hegren dealer, and our studio customers rate us ★ 4.88/5 from over 5,000 reviews. For equipment selection, spring configuration, or an entire studio setup, we advise you via our contact form.

Common Mistakes with Reformer Springs

• Only springing by feel: Those who choose springs purely by "heavy/light" ignore that they support or brake depending on the exercise.
• Generalizing spring colors: Colors are not standardized—the spring system of one's own equipment must be known.
• Too heavy for beginners: In supportive exercises, too few springs can be dangerously unstable, too many springs in resistance exercises can overwhelm the technique.
• Delaying maintenance: Worn springs and loose hooks are a safety risk.
• Cheap replacement springs: Ill-fitting springs change resistance and safety uncontrollably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many springs does a reformer have?

Professional studio reformers usually have four to five springs in graduated strengths, often supplemented by a very light spring for fine tuning. The Hegren TALMA 62 uses a 5-spring system.

Do more springs always mean more resistance?

No. When pushing the carriage away, more springs increase resistance. In supportive exercises, however, more springs make the movement easier and more stable—it depends on the direction.

Are spring colors the same on all reformers?

No, color coding is not standardized across manufacturers. The same color can mean different strengths with different brands. The spring system of your specific machine is always decisive.

What should a studio look for in a spring system?

A stable steel suspension, clearly graduated springs, secure and quickly adjustable hooks, and the option to buy springs individually. This ensures class flow, safety, and low follow-up costs.

How often do reformer springs need to be replaced?

This depends on utilization and the manufacturer. Regular visual inspection and replacement according to the manufacturer's specified interval with original replacement springs are important. Details can be found in the Reformer Maintenance Guide.

Conclusion

Reformer springs are more than accessories—they are the steering wheel of training. Those who understand that springs brake or support depending on the direction can dose exercises more safely and targeted. For the studio, the system ultimately decides: steel, clear gradation, secure hooks, and replaceable springs. The Hegren TALMA 62 bundles exactly these features in a 5-spring steel system.

Get advice on spring systems now → We help with equipment selection, spring configuration, and complete studio setup.