By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.

0

No products in the cart.

40 Days for $40 Let’s Get Started!

Prep for Breaststroke on the Reformer

Home  »  Pilates Reformer Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Prep for Breaststroke on the Reformer
  • November 15, 2020
Prep for Breaststroke on the Reformer - Online Pilates Classes
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Equipment Needed: Reformer (I love using the Contrology Reformer.)
  • Reps: 3 in each direction
  • Warning: Not ideal for some neck issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Prep for Breaststroke on the Reformer

Breaststroke on the Pilates Reformer is one of my favorite exercises. It’s a super challenging extension exercise in Pilates. But, it is possible for you to do it. And, often, you just need to start with the prep version. It is still a challenge to do the prep but it absolutely will help you to get strong enough to do the full Breaststroke. Before you do this prep, make sure you are practicing your Swan, Pull Straps, and Double Leg Kick. All of those exercises will make the prep and full exercise more possible. And, you also can do this prep without straps and use 1 or 2lb weights.

Reach your arms from your back, kick your legs from your seat.

Place one spring (heavy) on your Reformer and place your long box on. It would be on from the other long box exercises that come before it. Standing to the side of your Reformer, hook your thumbs in your handles and then reach forward to place your hands on the front of your box and then lay down on the box. Your knees should be at the edge of the box. Your hands can hold onto the edge of your carriage. This will help you connect your arms to your back. Press your pubic bone into the box so your back is long.

Kick your heels to your seat 3x. Then reach your arms straight ahead like you are one longboard. Open the arms to the side and replace your hands to the carriage. Repeat 2x. This is different from the full exercise because you are not lifting your chest. For the reverse, kick 3x and then reach your arms wide to the side and then forward. Replace your hands back down to repeat the kicks. Repeat 2x. Again, don’t worry about lifting the chest. Just get the arms reaching from your back and practice reaching your legs from your center. When you’re ready you’ll feel the extension happen and can move into the full exercise.

Be sure to check out more of my online Pilates Reformer exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Reformer training!

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers
LEARN MORE
Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.
LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support. By watching this video, you agree to our Terms and Conditions, which you can read here:https://opc.me/tc

YOU’VE FOUND OPC!

Here you’ll discover a vibrant community and space for Pilates workouts, tutorials, and movement for life. Join us for mat, reformer Pilates, and workouts / workshops with the Pilates tower, Wunda Chair and more, taught by Lesley Logan and other talented Pilates teachers. We’re happy you’re here 💋

New classes, blogs, and free tutorials post every week!

READ HOW OPC GOT STARTED

MEET THE TEAM

welcome opc teachers online pilates classes

INTRO TO PILATES

intro to pilates onlinepilatesclasses.com

JOIN A MEMBERSHIP

opc membership

OPC MERCH

OPC Pittie Pilates Mat yellow bandana (3) - Online Pilates Classes

PILATES RETREATS

Pilates-Retreat-Bali-Ubud-Aug-30-Sep-4-2020 - Online Pilates Classes

MOST POPULAR BLOGS

  1. Full Pilates Reformer Order and How to Do Each Exercise
  2. 20 Minute Wall Pilates Workout
  3. Pilates Mat Exercises and Order
  4. Pilates Exercises You Can Do at the Wall
  5. Pilates: Is it a Cardio Workout?
  6. How to Build Your Home Pilates Studio (For Everyone, Not Just Teachers)
  7. How to Do Reformer Pilates Without a Reformer

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Products

Resources

Free Pilates Tutorials

Company

Help

Most fitness programs promise all the things, but actually deliver a whole lot less.

  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo
  • online pilates classes official logo

© 2024 Online Pilates Classes LLC, All Rights Reserved.

pop up winter tour 2024

Powered By MemberPress WooCommerce Plus Integration

30-minute Mat Classes (6x)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Mat class from one of our teachers.
Value: $144

30-Minute Reformer Classes (x6)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers..
Value: $144

50-Minute LIVE Mat Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Mat class from one of our teachers, and we invite you to join us LIVE for the filming of it.
Value: $159

50-Minute Reformer Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Cadillac Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Cadillac class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Chair Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Chair class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

Members-Only Community Access
Join the most inclusive, supportive, and encouraging community of Pilates enthusiasts just like you. No "Pilates Police" allowed!
Value: $120

Form Feedback Fridays
Every Friday our teaching team responds to member questions! We're the only online Pilates membership that offers direct feedback on your form!
Value: $228

Mobile App
Access everything in your membership directly from your phone! Take class, chat in the community, find new tutorial videos, listen to podcast episodes... all the things!
Value: $100

Recommended Workout Schedule
We've put together a recomended workout schedule for you to get you rolling.
Value: $20

Members-Only Perks
Members get access to our reading/equipment recomendations, special offers/deals, and more.
Value: $40

mask group 8

Rachel Piper

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 10

Yasmin Scholten

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 9

Tami-Adrian George

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 6

Mindi Westfall

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 7

Megan Lauman

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 5

Lesley Logan

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started
mask group 4

Christine Kam-Lynch

Take class whenever, from wherever, on whatever device – as many times as you’d like. Spending 15 minutes deciding what class to take? Here there’s only one on-demand class each week. But, don’t miss it or it’s gone! Classes start at only $7! Cancel at anytime.

Let's Get Started

SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

A CHRISTMAS TWIST

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I'm sure it's similar in the USA to Europe - Christmas is around the corner and it´s a busy time when we are trying to make the end of the year something special. Often there is little time to workout or we prefer relaxing movements. In this week's Mat & Reformer Class, we will celebrate and restore our bodies with some extra lift, breath and stretch while focusing on all rotation exercises.

Props Mat: Theraband
No props needed on Reformer (just Box, Pad)

See you in class,
Yasmin 🌸

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Theraband and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, box, pad and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

All IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT AS A STAR

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sometimes when an exercise is challenging, we get a sense of panic in our body, and we rush through it. In this work out, we’ll see how our side body can help us through challenging movement to calm us down and and help us lean into our strength. We’ll even find a few star shapes along the way.

Mat: Magic Circle
Reformer: Rod/ pole/ swifter handle

See you in class,
Megan

PLANK YOU VERY MUCH!

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Do you know how to stop time... Do a timed Plank!! So this month we will not be stopping time, but we will go though all of the points you should think about when you are doing a plank. There are many planks throughout the Mat and Reformer work. Working on these areas from head to toe and making them all come together for each Plank! Arm/back connection, Thass® connection, and how do we stay out of those wrists? On each apparatus we will help you find these areas and strengthen your Plank each time!

Tower/Cadillac - no props
Wunda Chair - optional mat
Mat - light weights and a magic circle
Reformer - no props

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

ROCKING AROUND THE 🎄

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

What do Rolling Like A Ball, Tendon Stretch, Teaser, Up Stretch, Pull Up, Swan-Dive, Open Leg Rocker, Flying Eagle, Short Spine, Boomerang, and Snake have in common???

They all help us build strength and allow us to explore connections in our bodies to do Around the Clock and Rocking!!

Around the Clock helps to ignite a fire in our center and continues to warm us up as we rock and stretch, rock and stretch, rock and stretch until we’ve made a full circle (clock)…and back. It’s a fun and challenging exercise.

Rocking requires us to be warm, maybe even HOT, all the way through our bodies so we can create our best and biggest extension before we start to move (rock). It’s a very empowering exercise, but it is also quite challenging.

Your OPC teachers have ALL MONTH LONG to help you find strength, connections, and flexibility to see if you can improve throughout the month. Even if you’ve never tried these exercises, see what you can do at the beginning of the month, and then check in with yourself (and us) halfway through. There will be plenty for you to explore and try during each workout, but if you find yourself questioning anything, we’ll be here to help you out! Just send in a FFF

Let's rock, rock, rock...around that Christmas tree!

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

ROCK YOUR BODY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We live in a world where there is a lot of sitting so it’s as if we’re closed off to the world around us. The head is forward, the shoulders round, the upper back collapses forward, the low back slumps back, and the front of our hips are in this folded position. I think we’re all familiar with this body shape.

I have practiced Pilates daily for so many years now that it’s hard to remember life before. But one of the reasons why I continue to do so is to reverse the daily effects of sitting. So for this week, we’re building up to the rocking exercise. We’ll work on opening up the front of the hips and shoulders. To do that we need to strengthen our thass connection, and our arm back connection. Good news is we have the entire order of the mat and reformer to help us prepare for rocking, and open us up!

Prop for mat and reformer is the Magic Circle. Or a yoga block or squishy ball to squeeze into, and theraband or leggings to press out.

See you in class,
Christine

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Cirlce and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

CAN YOU KICK IT?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I'll spare rapping for you, but that's what this is about! All about the single leg kick and double leg kick. These exercises are super important for us to slay the last half of our Mat practice. They are entirely back body, so on the Reformer, they'll really support your Swan and all your other extensions. And if you've been struggling connecting to your seat, this is where it all happens! Can you kick it?!

Mat: light weights
Reformer: no props needed

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

CAN YOU KICK IT?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I'll spare rapping for you, but that's what this is about! All about the single leg kick and double leg kick. These exercises are super important for us to slay the last half of our Mat practice. They are entirely back body, so on the Reformer, they'll really support your Swan and all your other extensions. And if you've been struggling connecting to your seat, this is where it all happens! Can you kick it?!

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

    MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a mat!

    >> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

    REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

    >> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

    NOT THE EXORCIST

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    It’s a week filled with ROTATION, but I swear it’s not the scary EXORCIST kind of rotation!

    We’ll be exploring where we can add rotation to throughout our practice and how we can find our TRUE rotation in different areas of the body. No cheating!

    Join me this week as we focus on spinal rotation to help ourselves stretch and strengthen, while also exploring internal and external rotation at the shoulders and the hips.

    If you are a tactile learner, or if you like to be a bit more reflective about your practice every now and then, you’ll love class this week. We’ll slightly slow down to give ourselves an opportunity to listen to our bodies and maybe fine tune a little bit as we go along.

    Mat: Resistance Band and yoga block [barrel is optional for Roll Over]
    Reformer: Pole, small ball, and yoga block

    See you in class,
    Rachel Piper

    ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT AS A STAR

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    Sometimes when an exercise is challenging, we get a sense of panic in our body, and we rush through it. In this work out, we’ll see how our side body can help us through challenging movement to calm us down and and help us lean into our strength. We’ll even find a few star shapes along the way.

    See you in class,
    Megan

    MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a mat!

    >> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

    REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, rod/pole/swifter handle and a reformer!

    >> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

    ROCK YOUR BODY

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    We live in a world where there is a lot of sitting so it’s as if we’re closed off to the world around us. The head is forward, the shoulders round, the upper back collapses forward, the low back slumps back, and the front of our hips are in this folded position. I think we’re all familiar with this body shape.

    I have practiced Pilates daily for so many years now that it’s hard to remember life before. But one of the reasons why I continue to do so is to reverse the daily effects of sitting. So for this week, we’re building up to the rocking exercise. We’ll work on opening up the front of the hips and shoulders. To do that we need to strengthen our thass connection, and our arm back connection. Good news is we have the entire order of the mat and reformer to help us prepare for rocking, and open us up!

    Prop for mat and reformer is the Magic Circle. Or a yoga block or squishy ball to squeeze into, and theraband or leggings to press out.

    See you in class,
    Christine

    UP, UP, & AWAY

    ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

    We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

    Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

    This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

    We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

    Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

    xx-LL