What can be adjusted on the Reformer to cater to different fitness levels?

The resistance of the springs is a key feature on the Reformer that can be adjusted to accommodate different fitness levels. By changing the tension of the springs, an instructor can modify the workload placed on the muscles, making the exercises easier or more challenging. For beginners, lighter resistance may be more appropriate as they build strength and coordination, while more advanced practitioners can use heavier resistance to increase the intensity of their workouts.

Adjusting the resistance also allows for nuanced modifications within the same exercise. For instance, a person who is rehabilitating an injury might start with minimal resistance to gradually build strength without straining, whereas an experienced athlete might increase the resistance to push their limits and enhance muscle engagement.

Other elements of the Reformer, such as the height of the footbar or length of the straps, can also influence the difficulty of an exercise, but they don't directly relate to the intensity of resistance as clearly as the springs do. The width of the carriage is primarily a design feature and does not offer a direct means to adjust workout intensity. Therefore, the most effective and immediate way to cater to different fitness levels on the Reformer is adjusting the resistance of the springs.