Onboard 2: How to Set Up Your Merrithew Reformer
...For a Smooth, Supported Workout
If you’ve ever arrived early to class at SOMA Movement Studio and noticed someone confidently adjusting springs, moving the footbar, or tweaking their gear bar—you’re not behind, you’re LEARNING. One of the beautiful things about Pilates is how customizable it is. The equipment isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it’s not meant to be. The Merrithew Reformers we use are designed to adjust for body shape, size, height, and strength making Pilates as accessible or challenging as appropriate.
Understanding how to set up your Merrithew Reformer properly helps you feel more supported, aligned, and at ease in your workout. It also helps you get the most out of each movement—and makes transitions smoother during class. It also give you a sense of agency and control over you Pilates experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you walk in, adjust your Reformer with confidence, and be fully present from the first foot press.
Position the Stopper to Suit Your Height
The carriage stopper determines how close the carriage can roll back towards the footbar when it is engaged with the springs. It also influences how much your knees will bend at the start of footwork.
Shorter legs? Move the stopper closer to the footbar so you can maintain proper alignment.
Longer legs? Move the stopper further away so your knees don’t feel overly compressed.
This small adjustment makes a big difference in your comfort and the fluidity of your movement.
Set Your Gear Bar for Pre-Tensioned Springs
The gear bar fine-tunes the amount of pre-load on your springs, subtly affecting how the carriage responds from the first moment of movement.
Position 2 is the default setting—great for most clients.
Move to Position 1 for extra resistance (the springs are more stretched from the get-go).
Choose Position 3 for slightly less tension, which can feel better for joint sensitivity or a lighter workout.
If you’re new to adjusting this, don’t stress—it’s an advanced setting, but you’ll appreciate the difference as you get more familiar with your Reformer.
Adjust Your Springs
Your springs provide the resistance for your workout—and in Pilates, more springs doesn’t always mean harder. Sometimes, lighter spring loads challenge your stability and core engagement more than heavy resistance.
Your instructor will cue the spring load throughout class, but if you're prepping your Reformer before class begins, make sure the springs are evenly hooked in and ready for the starting position. If you're unsure about how to use or change the springs, just ask—each color corresponds to a different level of tension. In general classes start with the Footwork series with the following spring settings:
Level 1 classes start with 2 red springs
Level 2 classes start with 2 red and 1 blue spring
Level 3 classes start with up to 3 red springs
Adjust the Headrest (And Maybe Add a Pillow)
The headrest should be lifted for most clients during footwork to help maintain a relaxed cervical spine and provide support for the head. Some clients—especially those with more rounded upper backs or head forward posture—may want to add a small pillow or even a smaller foam block under the head for extra comfort and proper alignment. The goal is for a tension free neck and neutral skull alignment where the forehead and chin are at approximately the same level.
Your instructor can help you fine-tune this so that you’re supported and not straining to hold your head in place.
Check Strap Length—Before Class Begins
Uneven strap length can sneak up on you and throw off the symmetry of your workout, especially in arm and leg work.
Before class starts:
Pull the straps taut and check that the loops hang evenly.
If one side seems longer, let your instructor know before class—it’s quick to fix and will make your practice feel much more balanced.
Adding a Jumboard or other Accessory Board
Adding a Jumpboard transforms your Reformer into a low-impact cardio platform—allowing for dynamic movement while preserving the core stability and alignment Pilates is known for. Here's how to safely set up your Merrithew Reformer with a Jumpboard before class, whether you're using a Cardio-Tramp or a traditional crossbow-style board. Before Class Begins:
Retrieve Your Jumpboard. In the White Studio, we use Cardio-Tramp trampolines, which are located near the studio entrance. In the Blue Studio, traditional Jumpboards with crossbars are stored behind each Reformer against the wall.
Bring the footbar all the way down until it is completely flat and out of the way.
Hold the Jumpboard upright, with the jump surface facing the carriage. Align the metal pegs at the base of the board with the two square receptacle holes on either side of the wooden shelf at the footbar end of the Reformer. Gently slide the pegs down until the board is fully seated.
Tighten the two black star knobs located underneath the wooden shelf to lock the Jumpboard in place. Press against the board to make sure it feels stable, upright, and secure.
Optional Adjustments for Comfort & Performance:
Stopper & Gear Bar: Move your stopper and gear bar to Position #1 (closest to the footbar) to allow the carriage to roll closer when closed. This setup gives you a fuller range of motion for jumping.
Head & Neck Support: Most clients prefer additional head support during Jumpboard work. Choose from 2-inch black pillows, 3-inch blue blocks, 4-inch purple blocks. Use these extra head supports with or without a lifted headrest—whatever supports your comfort and alignment best.
Final Thought: Your Reformer, Your Foundation
Taking a few extra minutes before class to personalize your Reformer setup sets the tone for a more aligned, focused, and supported practice. At SOMA, we’re here to help you learn—not just the choreography, but how to listen to your body, trust your preferences, and find your ideal setup.
Not sure what your settings should be? Ask! That’s what we’re here for.