Understanding Pilates Spring Tension: Classical vs. Contemporary Reformers

Photo Credit: Freepik.com

What is Pilates Spring Tension?

When you step onto a reformer for your Pilates session, you might not realize that a fundamental aspect of your workout is the spring tension. Understanding this concept can make a significant difference in how you experience your practice. Spring tension creates the resistance that the reformer offers, which can be adjusted according to your fitness level and the specific exercise being performed. This is crucial because different exercises require varying levels of support and resistance to maximize their effectiveness.

Classical Reformers: An Overview

Classical reformers are designed based on the principles laid out by Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates. They typically feature 4 (sometimes 5) springs that all the same amount of tension. These springs tend to provide more tension than contemporary reformer springs; however, a classical reformer also has a different wheel bearing system, which allows the machine to have heavier springs without them pulling you in too quickly.

Contemporary Reformers: A Flexible Approach

In contrast, contemporary reformers have evolved to integrate new ideas and methods into the Pilates regime. These reformers often feature a wider range of spring tensions to choose from. These will also vary in number of springs available. The studio will often decide which combination of springs to have on their equipment to choose from. This flexibility allows for a broader range of exercises, accommodating different body types, skill levels, and rehabilitation needs. Consequently, contemporary reformers often appeal to those looking for a more customized workout experience. As mentioned, Contemporary machines have different mechanics and the spring tension will pull the carriage all the way back in on their own--therefore, many times instructors will choose lighter mix of springs for a similar exercise where they may choose heavier springs on a Classical machine.

Selecting the Right Tension for Your Goals

When you are first starting out, it's important to listen to your instructor's recommendations. Selecting spring tensions are not as simple as "adding more to make it harder." Reformer Pilates exercises may look similar to exercises that you may see done on traditional gym equipment. And it is understandable that you may think, adding more weight makes this more difficult; but in Pilates, depending on the direction of the tension and the intention of the exercise, less is sometimes more difficult. For example, if you are training your rectus abs facing the risers with the ropes in your hands, a lighter spring tension is going to make the exercise more challenging. However, if you are training your rectus abs facing the footbar with the ropes in your hands, then a heavier spring will make it more challenging.

Also, keep in mind, an exercise can be done on light springs or heavy springs and depending on which is chosen, it can lead to different goals/outcomes. A scooter on a light spring could be geared towards stability and balance, for example. The same scooter on a heavier spring could be geared towards glute activation. It's important to understand that sometimes the same exercise on different springs can still be "right," depending on the intention. Your body mass also comes into consideration. Someone with a heavier or lighter body mass will need different springs to feel similar effects.

Learning From Your Instructor

If you are interested in maximizing the workout on a reformer, it is best to ask your instructor questions like, "where should I be feeling this," "what is the goal of this exercise," and "how could I make this a little more challenging?" They can guide you to a better understanding so that you can have more autonomy over your springs settings as time goes on.