Quick Answer: Higher spring tension on a Lagree machine increases resistance, which shifts the muscular emphasis toward strength and power output, while lower spring tension increases the platform’s range of motion and instability, shifting emphasis toward muscular endurance and stabilizer engagement — most exercises are designed around a specific tension range, and deviating significantly changes both the difficulty and the muscles doing the most work.

The springs aren’t just a difficulty dial — they change what the exercise is actually training.

How does higher tension actually change the muscle work being done?

More spring resistance means more force is required to move the platform, which recruits more total muscle fiber and shifts the exercise toward a strength-and-power stimulus similar to lifting a heavier weight for fewer controlled reps — this is why high-tension Lagree work tends to fatigue muscles faster within a set.

What does lower tension actually add to the exercise instead?

Lower spring tension allows the platform to move more freely and with less resistance, which increases the range of motion and instability you have to control, shifting the challenge toward core stabilization, balance, and muscular endurance under sustained, lighter tension rather than a strength stimulus.

Why do instructors specify tension settings for each exercise instead of leaving it universal?

Each exercise is generally designed around a specific tension range that targets a particular training effect — a leg exercise meant to build strength is typically programmed at higher tension, while a core stabilization exercise is often programmed lower specifically to emphasize control over raw resistance. Ignoring the specified setting can shift an exercise’s intended muscular focus entirely, not just its perceived difficulty.

TL;DR:

• Higher spring tension shifts emphasis toward strength and power output
• Lower spring tension shifts emphasis toward stability, balance, and muscular endurance
• Each exercise is generally designed around a specific tension range for a reason
• Deviating significantly from the instructed setting changes which muscles do the most work

Understanding what tension actually changes turns spring adjustments from a difficulty guess into a deliberate training choice.

See It in Motion

Seen here: High Waist Bootcut Yoga Pants with Hidden Pocket — shop it on bubblelime.com