Understanding the Springs on the Lagree Machine at Forma

A simple guide to training with more intention

One of the most common questions we hear in the studio is about the springs.

Which one should I be on?

Why does this feel harder today?

Why is a lighter spring sometimes more challenging?

Once you begin to understand how the springs work, your entire experience of the workout shifts. You start to move with more intention, make more informed choices, and truly understand what your body is being asked to do.

The role of the springs

On the Megaformer, the springs control resistance, but not always in the way you might expect.

More springs do not always mean more difficulty.

Less support often means more work.

In many exercises, especially for the core, reducing spring tension actually increases the challenge because your body has to stabilize more without assistance.

Lagree uses several versions of the Megaformer, each with its own spring system. At Forma, both our Porto and Aveiro studios use the Miniformer Pro.

These machines represent the latest evolution in Lagree technology and feature an integrated spring system within the monorail, creating a smoother, quieter, and more precise training experience.

White spring: ultra light, maximum control

The white spring is our lightest spring.

It is often used to make small adjustments, adding just a little more tension when needed. It becomes especially important in core work.

When you are working on a white spring, there is very little support from the machine. This means your core has to work significantly harder to control the movement.

In many cases, a white spring will feel more challenging than a heavier spring because your body cannot rely on assistance.

Black spring: light and foundational

The black spring is considered our light spring and is the most commonly used starting point.

It is our standard spring for core work and for lighter lower body pulling exercises.

It provides a balance between support and challenge, allowing you to move with control while still requiring muscular engagement.

Gray springs: medium resistance, more load

The Megaformer includes two gray springs, which represent medium resistance.

One gray spring is heavier than a black and white combined, but still lighter than a red spring.

Gray springs are often used when more resistance is needed, particularly in:

• Arm work, when a black and white combination is no longer sufficient

• Lower body pushing exercises that require more load

  
  

They allow you to increase intensity while maintaining control.

Red spring: heavy and strength focused

The red spring is our heaviest spring.

It is primarily used for lower body pushing exercises, where the goal is to build strength and muscle.

These exercises are designed to be performed under higher tension, allowing you to challenge larger muscle groups such as the glutes and legs.

How to change your springs correctly

Understanding how to change your springs is just as important as knowing which ones to use.

To adjust your springs:

• Pull the carriage away from the front platform

• Press the buttons to select the springs you want

• Pull out the springs you want to remove

• Return the carriage back to the front platform

This final step is essential.

If the carriage does not come fully back home, the new springs will not engage.

Why the machine feels different depending on where you are

Another important concept is how your position on the machine affects resistance.

When you are closer to the front, the springs are shorter and under less tension, which makes the movement feel lighter.

As you move the carriage toward the back of the machine, the springs lengthen and stretch, increasing resistance.

This is why exercises performed at the back of the machine feel more challenging. Your body is working against greater tension while maintaining control.

Training with more awareness

The springs are not just about resistance. They are part of the intelligence of the method.

Choosing the right spring allows you to:

• Train with proper form

• Challenge your body safely

• Progress over time

• Understand the purpose of each movement

Over time, this awareness becomes part of your practice.

You stop guessing.

You start understanding.

And that is where real strength begins.

Frequently asked questions

Which spring is the hardest in Lagree?

It depends on the exercise. In many core movements, lighter springs like the white spring can feel more challenging because they provide less support and require greater control.

Why can a lighter spring feel more difficult?

Because it reduces assistance from the machine. Your body has to stabilize more, which increases muscular work, especially in the core.

When should I use a heavier spring?

Heavier springs, such as the red spring, are typically used for lower body exercises focused on building strength and muscle.

How do I know if I am on the right spring?

The right spring allows you to maintain control, proper form, and intensity. If you are unsure, your instructor will always guide you.

What should I do if the springs feel too heavy or too light during an exercise?

Speak with your instructor. We are here to guide you and help you find the right resistance for your body in each moment. Every person is different, and adjusting the springs is part of the process.

In many cases, it is not necessary to change the springs. Small adjustments in your position can make a significant difference. Shifting slightly on the carriage or platform changes how tension is applied to the body.

For example, in arm work, using the handles will always feel more challenging than using the foot straps because the cable is shorter and creates more tension. Often, you do not need to reduce the springs. You simply need to adjust your position or setup.

Why are exercises at the back of the machine more challenging?

At the back of the machine, the springs are more stretched and under greater tension. This increases resistance and requires more control, making the exercise significantly more demanding.