I have the top of the line aero pilates with the springs and wood surround, high off the ground. The foot bar still kills me. Anytime I try to put true weight on it, say for splits or push up type weight bearing, it is so clanky and noisy and unstable. This is the worst part of the whole machine which is otherwise great. I suppose it's the way it's adjustable with the pin in hole tecnnology and you raise it to move it and then set it back in it's hinge, but it can be terrifying with that noise and instability. I will try the pool noodle though to give my feet and toes some comfort!