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Writer's pictureChi Ingledew

Unveiling the Role of Spring Tension on a Pilates Reformer: Building Strength from Within

Updated: Nov 16, 2023


Pilates has emerged as a popular fitness regimen known for its ability to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. One of the fundamental components of Pilates equipment is the reformer, a versatile machine that offers a wide range of exercises. At the heart of the reformer lies a crucial element that drives the intensity and efficacy of each movement: spring tension. Let us explore the significance of spring tension on a Pilates reformer and how it contributes to building strength and resilience.


Understanding the Spring System:

A Pilates reformer features a series of springs, usually color-coded to indicate their respective tensions. The springs are attached to various parts of the reformer, including the footbar, carriage, and straps. By adjusting the spring tension, the resistance encountered during exercises can be modified to suit individual needs and goals.



The Role of Spring Tension:

Muscular Activation and Control:


Spring tension acts as the primary source of resistance on a reformer, providing a challenging environment for your muscles. By adjusting the springs, you can increase or decrease the resistance to match your current fitness or strength level. This resistance prompts your muscles to engage and work against it, resulting in improved muscular activation and control.


Balanced and Targeted Workout:


The reformer's spring system allows for a balanced workout experience by evenly distributing resistance throughout the body. It ensures that no single muscle group is overworked or neglected, promoting overall strength and symmetry. Additionally, the adjustable tension allows for targeted work on specific areas, facilitating muscle development and rehabilitation in a controlled manner.


Progressive Overload:


One of the keys to building strength and endurance is progressive overload. By gradually increasing the resistance encountered during exercise, you continually challenge your muscles, stimulating growth and adaptation. The spring tension on a reformer makes it easy to incorporate progressive overload into your Pilates practice. As your strength improves, you can increase the spring tension to keep pushing your limits and achieving new milestones.


Core Engagement and Stability:


The reformer's spring tension plays a vital role in enhancing core engagement and stability. The springs create an unstable environment that requires you to engage your deep core muscles to maintain balance and control. As you perform various exercises on the reformer, the springs challenge your core muscles by constantly pulling or pushing against them. This not only strengthens the core but also improves postural alignment and overall stability.


Eccentric Training:


The resistance provided by the springs on a reformer facilitates eccentric training, which involves the lengthening of muscles under tension. Eccentric movements are highly effective in building strength and muscle definition. As you perform exercises on the reformer, such as the controlled lengthening phase during the foot/leg work, the springs create resistance in both the concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) phases, promoting well-rounded muscle development.



Spring tension is an integral part of the Pilates reformer that contributes significantly to building strength, control, and stability. By adjusting the spring tension, you can tailor the resistance to your fitness level, gradually progressing to more challenging settings. The versatility of the reformer's spring system allows for targeted muscle engagement, progressive overload, and a balanced workout experience. As you incorporate the reformer into your Pilates practice, the controlled resistance provided by the springs will help you develop strength from within, leading to a stronger, more resilient body. Photos taken at BPA CT



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