Why does Pilates equipment use springs for resistance?
The most defining aspect of Pilates equipment is in fact its use of springs. If you replace the springs with weights, Pilates equipment would be no different than some other equipment found in a gym. The springs also have the ability to provide resistance in one direction and assistance in the opposite direction. The springs encourage eccentric muscle activity which happens when you lengthen a muscle while actively working it. A perfect example would be the lengthening that happens in your bicep when you extend your arm after a bicep curl. This eccentric work is where Pilates gets the reputation for being an excellent way to both lengthen and strengthen the muscles.
