Unlike weight training, where the focus is on how much weight is lifted, Pilates emphasizes control, and lighter resistance often proves more challenging. The resistance from Pilates springs is more about the feel than the specific weight in kilograms. That said, many customers are curious about the strength of Align-Pilates springs, so they can compare them with other brands or determine how best to increase resistance for different exercises. Understanding this helps them optimize the resistance for more effective workouts across various movements.
In Joseph Pilates' era, reformers were equipped with just four springs, all of the same strength. These springs, made of steel, lacked linear progression, meaning the resistance felt by users would change unevenly as the spring stretched. After his passing, the Pilates Elders, who had studied directly under Joe and Clara, recognized the need for a lighter spring option. This led to the introduction of the five-spring reformer, allowing for a broader range of resistance options. As a result, different manufacturers began creating springs with varying strengths to offer users more customization. Nowadays, only a few classical reformer manufacturers still use the same type of springs that Joe originally used. It’s intriguing to think about how limited his options were in terms of spring selection, as Pilates’ specific requirements would have been minimal in terms of manufacturing capabilities at the time, making it difficult to source springs of this size and strength.
In the 1990s, most Pilates equipment manufacturers began color-coding their springs and labelling them according to resistance levels, such as heavy, medium, light, and very light. Typically, reformers came standard with three different spring strengths, often in 3/1/1 or 1/2/2 configurations. Some brands, like Stott Pilates, classified their springs based on percentages relative to their strongest spring, offering 100%, 50%, and later 25% options. While this approach seemed more precise, data from Merrithew’s website indicates that Stott springs don’t exactly match these percentages, with actual resistances closer to 100%, 66%, and 41%, similar to Align-Pilates' 100%, 60%, and 40%. Despite the differences in classification systems, the concept remains the same: to increase or decrease resistance, users can adjust by adding or removing the lightest spring for small changes, the middle spring for moderate adjustments, and the strongest spring for the largest shift. The key focus isn’t on how springs are described, but on the range of available resistances and the size of incremental changes, allowing users to find the right level of resistance for the exercise, regardless of who is using the reformer.
Align-Pilates reformers , like many brands, use color-coded springs to distinguish different resistance levels. Their spring options include Extra Light (yellow), Light (blue), Medium (red), and Strong (green). While no specific resistance weight is provided due to the varying tension depending on the spring’s extension, the details can be found in the accompanying chart for reference. Typically, Align-Pilates commercial reformers are equipped with a 1/2/2 spring configuration, providing a balanced setup that caters to various workout intensities and user preferences:
The standard spring configuration is designed to provide a broad range of resistance options, from very light to extremely strong, such as 2.6 kg at 25% stretch with the lightest spring, up to 133 kg when all springs are fully extended on a C series reformer. This setup also enables incremental increases, allowing for adjustments as small as half the resistance of the lightest spring in more than half of the stages. The ideal progression is outlined in the table below:
Two blue (light) springs provide 20% more resistance than one red (medium) and 20% less than one green (strong), creating a smooth progression. This arrangement simplifies calculations, making it ideal for users who prefer a precise level of resistance.
The table below provides the resistance in kilograms that Align-Pilates springs generate at various stretch levels, including 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of their maximum extension. These values apply to the popular C8-Pro and C2-Pro reformers. While not directly significant for typical Pilates practice, the table is a helpful resource for comparing the resistance offered by Align-Pilates springs with those from other manufacturers, providing context for those interested in such comparisons.
All Align-Pilates springs are made from premium nickel-plated Korean music wire, which ensures long-lasting use and a smooth, steady increase in resistance as the spring stretches. The chart below shows how the resistance gradually builds up at different levels of stretch.
Most top Pilates brands provide spring resistance data in kg/cm or lbs/inch, making it easy to compare between them. In most cases, the standard Align-Pilates setup offers resistance similar to other popular brands, with a slightly higher maximum resistance. For this reason, most users find the standard Align-Pilates setup suitable without needing any changes.
When cueing spring changes in classes, those familiar with the Full (100%), Half (50%), or Quarter (25%) instructions can keep using these, as Align-Pilates springs have similar relative percentages to other brands. However, these percentages are just estimates. An easier way for students to adjust springs is by using the color-coded system, as the colors are clearly marked on both the springs and spring nuts, making it more intuitive and easier to follow during a class.
For those focusing on clinical or rehab Pilates, a lighter spring setup than the standard one might be preferred. This can be done by replacing a blue (light) or red (medium) spring with a yellow (extra light) spring, which requires a special cover for support. The choice depends on how much lighter resistance is needed. The most common change is swapping a blue for a yellow to create a 1/2/1/1 setup. If you’re interested in modifying the springs on your Align-Pilates reformer, it’s best to consult with your distributor for guidance.
A heavier spring setup is seldom required, even in fitness Pilates. However, should an increase in resistance be desired, a red (medium) or blue (light) spring can be substituted with an additional green (strong) spring. For a more subtle adjustment, a blue spring can be replaced with a red. Modifying the configuration from 1/2/2 to 3/1/1 offers marginal improvements in resistance replication and smoother increments, though the 1/2/2 setup remains Align-Pilates' preferred choice due to its balanced resistance progression.
It is recommended that Align-Pilates springs be replaced every two years or after 2,000 hours of use, whichever occurs first. Springs showing any signs of wear, such as kinking or distortion, should be taken out of use and replaced immediately.
Reference to other leading Pilates manufacturers spring data:
Balanced Body Springs: Standard configuration includes 3 red (medium), 1 blue (light), and 1 yellow (very light).
Merrithew/Stott Pilates Springs : Traditional set: 4x 100%, 1x 50%; High Precision: 3x 100%, 1x 50%, 1x 25%.
Peak Pilates Springs : The standard configuration consists of 1 red (heavy), 2 yellow (medium), and 2 blue (light).
Basi Systems Springs: Standard setup includes 1 yellow (light), 1 blue (medium), and 3 red (heavy).
For spring resistance queries, contact customercare@align-pilates.com.