The $2,200 Question: How Often Should You Replace Your Pilates Reformer Springs?

Merrithew reformer springs: How often should you replace them and why are these suckers so expensive?

If you’ve ever peeked at Merrithew’s fine print, you’ll see this little gem: replace your reformer springs every two years to maintain warranty coverage and performance.

That means that if something goes wrong with one of your Merrithew/Stott reformers, and you skipped the two-year swap, Merrithew's lifetime warranty may be voided.

This is a sobering thought for small studio owners like me doing the math: $380 per spring set (gak!) × 5 reformers + tax and shipping from our friends up in Canada = at least $2,200 every two years on replacement springs.

Double gak.

Do Pilates Reformer Springs Really Need to Be Replaced Every Two Years?

Short answer: no.

Springs don’t come with an expiration date. Their lifespan depends on how often they’re used, the environment they live in (humidity is a killer), and how well you maintain them. A boutique Pilates studio running packed classes all day every day will naturally burn through springs faster than a smaller studio like mine with lighter traffic.

How Long Do Pilates Springs Last? (General Guidelines)

From instructors and equipment techs who’ve seen it all, here’s the practical breakdown:

• 2–3 years for heavy-use springs (footwork, etc)

• 3–5 years for lighter-use springs (arm work, etc)

• Replace sooner if you notice:

  
  

  • uneven resistance or slack at the start of a pull

  • springs that feel “tired” compared to the others

  • rust, stretching, or gaps between coils

  • an audible twang that makes clients look at you like, “Is this reformer playing country music?”

  
  

How to Extend the Life of Your Reformer Springs

Regular inspection goes a long way. Wipe them down, keep them dry, and rotate springs so the same one isn’t always doing the heaviest lifting.

The Bottom Line

Think of your Pilates reformer springs like car tires: check them often, replace when they actually show wear, and cross your fingers nothing goes wrong with your Merrithew reformer in the meantime that may wipe out the warranty!

Thankfully, Merrithew makes super high quality equipment so hopefully that won't happen.