Understanding reformer spring resistance and finding the right tension for you

Unless you’ve changed reformer beds before, you might not have really thought about changing your spring resistance. After all, every Pilates brand has the same weight, tension and colour code, right? If only. In fact, it’s actually quite rare for you to find two Pilates brands that have exactly the same springs. 

So, if you’re thinking of levelling up your reformer bed or Reformer Pilates studio, we’re here to help you get on the path of least (or most) resistance. In this article, we run through the spring resistance differences in three popular reformer bed brands, and how our own springs compare. 

Why are reformer springs different across brands?

Reformer springs are designed to allow you to customise your workout depending on your strength level, fitness range or simply how you’re feeling that day. 

But there isn’t one hard-and-fast rule for every company. Spring tension varies between brands and you might even find that some brands have fewer spring options than others. 

There’s no particular reason for this other than that each bed has been designed for the benefit of the person on it, and how much or little they can elevate their practice. 

Spring resistance at a glance

Merrithew (STOTT Pilates) springs 

Merrithew has five springs in its High Precision Spring Package with three tension levels. 

Every bed comes with:

• three red springs which are 100% tension 

• one blue spring at 50% tension 

• one white spring at 25% tension

The Merrithew spring range is useful if you don’t need to get into the specifics. Over time, you’ll get used to what these tension levels mean for you. But if you’re looking for specific weight or force through each spring, a different grading might be easier to help you transition between brands. 

Balanced Body springs 

Balanced Body offers 4 types of nickel-plated carbon steel Signature Springs which measure resistance by grading. 

• Green springs are heavy resistance

• Red springs are medium resistance

• Blue springs are light resistance

• Yellow springs are very light resistance

Despite their lack of specific force, tension or weight measurement, Balanced Body’s springs are known for their consistency and versatility. So, again, if you don’t need accurate measurements, this could be a good choice for you. 

Align-Pilates springs 

Align-Pilates has different sets of springs depending on the type of reformer bed you choose. Which makes this brand great for tension customisation. 

• Green springs are the strongest with a resistance strength between 5 - 30kg, depending on how far the spring is extended

• Red springs are a medium weight of 4 - 20kg

• Blue springs are considered light at 3 - 15kg 

• Yellow springs are the lightest at 1 - 7kg 

The weight range between the springs means that you can dial up the intensity of your workout by simply extending the carriage away from the springs. And if you want to make it easier, bring the carriage closer. 

Align-Pilates springs have between a 5 - 90cm extension which means they can adapt to all types of fitness levels and especially for those looking to improve their fitness and strength. 

FOLD Reformer springs 

Our team has made it easy for you to transition to the Original FOLD Reformer. We use three spring colours with variable tension and a lot of room for spring extension. 

• Our yellow springs have a light resistance, with a tension between 1.7 - 11.9kg

• Our green springs are medium resistance between 2.6 - 19.3kg

• Our red springs are our heaviest with a minimum tension of 19.6kg and a maximum tension of 29.7kg
  

How to make an easy switch

1. Understand the resistance levels, not just the colours

If you're shopping with any of the brands above or somewhere different, be sure to check how your springs vary. It’s best to not just rely on colour as you’ll see some brands use the same ones to represent a higher or lower resistance than another. 

2. Experiment 

Test out different spring combinations to find the set that works best for you. You’ll often be able to buy springs on their own alongside your bed, or ask the manufacturer if this is possible.

3. Get in touch with the manufacturer 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for or you need more specific information, the best thing to do is to get in touch with your bed’s manufacturer. 

If you’re choosing FOLD, our team is always more than happy to work with you to make custom kit that suits your wellness goals. We can also provide detailed guides on how our beds work to help you transition seamlessly from one brand to another. 

So, if you’re stuck, just reach out.