Pilates Reformer Springs
A really common question in equipment classes is the springs, what the spring strengths are and what spring you should be using. Machine brands code the springs differently so machines in other studio’s may not be the same.
Lets first cover the springs themselves!
We use Balance Body Equipment and springs.
The Reformer has a selection of colored springs:
Yellow- Extra Light
Blue- Light
Red – Medium
Green ( on some machines only)- Heavy
You can use a combination of springs to make a custom selection
e.g. A Blue and Yellow spring together would be a fraction lighter than a red
A Red on its own or with a yellow and blue or both builds towards 2 reds.
Which springs right for you ?
There is no right or wrong, everyone is different, both body size, weight and strength and stability all play a part in what springs you might need. Whilst in classes we will provide a broad indication of the spring to choose, its very much then down to you to feel your way through the first repetition or two and customize the selection for you.
How to use the Springs in Pilates movements
The aim of the springs is not for “weight training” when our focus is on Pilates. The extra weight only applies when specifically working on rehabilitation at the loading phase of recovery. So this requires some change of thinking from normal Gym based equipment.
For Pilates the springs apply weight to the carriage and therefore support for the movements. As a general rule (there are a few exceptions) we are aiming to work with as light a spring as possible whilst still performing the movement with precision and control.
The Lighter the spring the harder the movement becomes as we are relying more and more on our own body performing the movements with minimal assistance. As a result we use our core and accompanying muscles more when the springs are lighter. We also get closer and closer to being able to perform these advance movements as Mat based exercises.
Your aim is to challenge yourself to go lighter with the springs as you practice more. You of course need to do this carefully so you remain safe, so always when lightening the support go careful with the first repetition, feeling your way so that if its too light you have the time to recover and change your springs before collapsing.
What’s harder Mat Pilates or Equipment Pilates?
Ultimately Matwork Pilates is of course the hardest discipline, if we think about the equivalent movements from the equipment on the mat most of us would struggle to do them.
The equipment is an enabler to train the body to be able to perform the advanced exercises. Whilst we learn these on the equipment of course the body may work harder than on the mat. But one day when you are strong enough this will switch.
What to do next
Constantly assess if you are using the right springs, our bodies are different each time we come to the Studio, some days we might need more support some less, it’s not the case if you used a red and Blue one day it’s the same on your next visit.
Step up to the challenge and make sure that you are choosing your springs so that you have just the minimal amount of support you need to do the movements well. Don’t be frightened to change your springs during movements.
