Pilates Reformer Spring Tension Guide: What the Colours Mean (2026)

The springs are what make a Pilates reformer work. They set the resistance, and combining them changes how hard an exercise feels. The Core Collab builds its home reformers with a 6-spring system and the Sculptformer with an 8-spring system, so you can dial resistance from very light to very heavy. Here is how reformer springs work, what the weights and colours mean, and how to choose the right setting.

How do Pilates reformer springs work?

Springs connect the carriage to the frame. More spring tension makes the carriage harder to move. You add or remove springs to set the load for each exercise. Lighter loads challenge control and stability; heavier loads build strength. Fine control comes from having more springs to combine.

How many springs does a reformer have?

Most quality reformers use 4 to 6 springs. More springs give finer resistance steps. The Core Collab's home and studio reformers use 6 springs; the Sculptformer uses 8 — two more than a standard Xformer's 6.

What do the spring weights mean?

Springs are rated by load. The Sculptformer's 8 springs are paired across four weights, so you can stack from very light to very heavy.

Light, medium, or heavy — which setting?

Match the load to the goal, not the ego. Heavier is not always harder — a light spring can make a stability exercise far more demanding.

• Light springs: footwork control, stretching, injury recovery, core stability.
• Medium springs: most flowing full-body work and beginner strength.
• Heavy springs: leg presses, rowing, and advanced strength work.

What do the spring colours mean?

Spring colours are a quick visual code for resistance, so you can see light versus heavy at a glance. On a Core Collab reformer, the colour system is simple.

You combine colours to fine-tune the load — for example, a green plus a red for a strong but controlled leg press. Your reformer ships with this guide so you always know which colour equals which resistance.

Springs and quality — what to check before you buy

Springs and bearings decide how a reformer feels and how long it lasts. Check these before buying.

• Spring count: 6+ for fine control; avoid vague "premium springs" with no count.
• Bearings: ABEC-7 (as on every Core Collab carriage) for a quiet, smooth glide; cheaper bearings click and wear.
• Warranty: springs are wear parts — a 10-year warranty, like ours, signals a build made to last.

The bottom line

A 6-spring system covers almost every home workout; 8 springs open up Lagree-style loading. Whatever you choose, look for a stated spring count, ABEC-7 bearings, and a long warranty. Compare our Pilates reformers to see spring systems across the range.

Written by Jennifer Grehan, co-founder of The Core Collab, with 25 years manufacturing Pilates reformers. About the author.

Further reading: Pilates Method Alliance, Balanced Body.