Pilates on the Reformer has an incredible flow from one exercise to the next. And, when you know what comes next you can feel how each exercise prepares you for what is to come. You don’t need to do every exercise on the Reformer to do Pilates. Do what you can each time you hit your Reformer and feel free to omit what you are not ready for or replace an exercise with something that will prepare you for the one you are skipping. But, remember, if you don’t like a Pilates exercise you probably need it.
So, here is the Classical Pilate Reformer Order with tips on how to do them in the videos.
(videos will continue to be added over the next few weeks)
- Footwork
- Hundred
- Overhead
- Coordination
- Rowing Series:
- Swan
- Pull Straps
- T Pull
- Backstroke
- Teaser
- Breaststroke
- Hamstring Curls
- Horseback
- Long Stretch Series:
- Stomach Massage Series
- Tendon Stretch
- Single Leg Tendon Stretch
- Short Box Series (round, tall, side to side, twist and reach)
- Tree
- Side Sit Ups
- Short Spine
- Semi Circle
- Headstands:
- Chest Expansion
- Thigh Stretch
- Backbends
- Arm Circles
- Snake and Twist
- Headstands with Straps
- Corkscrew
- Tik Tok
- Control Balance Off
- 2nd Long Box
- Long Spine Massage
- Frogs and Circles
- High Bridge
- Mermaid
- Knee Stretches:
- Running
- Pelvic Lift
- Control Balance Push Ups
- Star
- Side Splits
- Front Splits
- Russian Splits
- Russian Squat
If this looks like a lot don’t worry. Not every exercise is for everybody. And, some of these you may take years to get to. Also, several are easily omit-able. You don’t have to do all the backbends. You can pick one or two. Mermaid and Headstands are often omitted.
Pilates is a practice, not a perfect. So do the best you can each time you hit your Reformer. If you need accountability and guidance, be sure to join the weekly online Reformer membership. Every week you can take class as many times as you want and practice that weeks theme in 30-min.
And, be sure to check out how the Mat exercises and their order support the Reformer ones here.
xx~LL
Hi Lesley,
Thanks for responding to my question on IG. We met a cpl yrs ago at PMA when I was an Equinox Teacher Trainer. I now have started my own teacher training program in the DC area and am looking for coaching on how to be successful with this biz. I am so excited I have been invited to present at PMA this year and I am envisioning 2020 to be an extremely expansive year for my Pilates biz! Time is super squeezed for me (as for most people) with the many balls I have in motion and I am looking to connect with you and your community for purposeful support to grow to the next level of influence.
What are my options with LL?
Thanks!!!
Mariah, owner of Insight Pilates
@insightpilates
Yay!! You’re doing aweome! I’m emailing you options xx~LL