There's 3 levels. Each level gets stiffer as you pump it. Last level - highest rate of breaking your back (super stiff) If I pump the level again, it goes downwards. Then when I get to lvl 1 it resets and goes up. Its sorta like when your on guard and you punch a sand bag. You have to stretch your arm to get further but after that you have to bring it back, In this case it gets stiffer than softer. If its not getting softer, then I don't know what else to say bro :T Maybee take the lever apart and examine it? its your call.