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

0

No products in the cart.

40 Days for $40 Let’s Get Started!

Footwork Tendon Stretch Variations on the Reformer

Home  »  Pilates Reformer Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Footwork Tendon Stretch Variations on the Reformer
  • November 1, 2020
Footwork Tendon Stretch Variations on the Reformer - Online Pilates Classes
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Equipment Needed: Reformer (I love using the Contrology Reformer.)
  • Reps: 3-5 of each variation
  • Warning: Not ideal for some knee or hip issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Footwork Tendon Stretch Variations on the Reformer

Tendon Stretch in Pilates, there are several. One of them happens during Footwork on the Pilates Reformer. And, it’s one of the best ways to discover the connection to your down-stretch or down-reach. It’s less of a stretch and more of a connection exercise. So, definitely do your best to not juice out all the inches of the stretch. Instead, focus on where you’re reaching your heels from. In this tutorial, I’ll show you the best parts of this Tendon Stretch variation and also some other versions that help you feel the differences between external and internal rotation and more!

Do all the rotation from where your thigh meets your hips. Then reach.

Normally you would do this exercise on 3 or 4 heavy springs. For this variation do it on 2 springs. Place the balls of your feet on the foot bar and heels together. Your shoulders should be wide on your back. Your low ribs on the carriage. Pelvis long, no tipping in either direction. Press your arms into the carriage. Press yourself out to straight legs without locking your knees.

Lower your heels while they hug together. Then press your heels apart. The balls of your feet will feel pigeoned toed. Lift the heels up and from your outer hips and inner thighs hug your heels back together and repeat 3-5x. Then reverse. Lift your heels and separate them lower them down and hug them together and lift them back up. Repeat 3-5x. It’s super important that you move from where your thighs connect to your hips and not from your knees or ankles. The flex and point in Pilates are important to connect more to your seat. The internal and external rotation help teach your body how to do it while reaching. Notice how your practice feels after you take some time connecting your thighs to your hips in this variation while you do the rest of your Reformer practice.

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
  • online pilates classes official logo

© 2024 Online Pilates Classes LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe to Newsletter

PILATES CLASSES ONLINE

SUPPORT

COMPANY

© 2024 Online Pilates Classes LLC, All Rights Reserved.

amazon flashcards website pop up | Online Pilates Classes

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.

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I thought it would be fun to bring some magic into class with the Magic Circle. If you hate the Magic Circle, that's OK! Don't worry - we won't use it too much. It's a great prop to magically show you "ohh, that's the muscle you need!" when we're connecting arms to back or legs to seat. And then we learn how to get that feeling without using it. Let's make some magic!

Mat props: Magic Circle or a ball or your imagination!
Reformer props: Magic Circle or theraband or ball

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

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

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle or theraband or ball and a reformer!

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

(NOT) THE FALL SEASON

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

As we all get older, your balance may be something you notice declines. I love working on balance because if you’re not present in the moment, or even thinking of something else, you can lose your balance. You can also lose your balance by favoring one side more than the other, whether it’s right/left sides in terms of limbs, or inner and outer edges of the foot that you’re standing on.

Let's check in with our balance in this week's classes. In fact, we're going to bookend our classes - a balance check at the start of class, and at the end of class - to see how our practice affected our balance.

No props for mat or reformer.

See you in class,
Christine

MEET ME AT THE BARRE

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

Have you ever done a Barre Workout? Yes, No, Maybe So?
While the moves may be a little different than what we’re used to, the spirit is pure Pilates!!

This month we’ll take the best of what Barre-work has to offer…think combinations of long and short movements, great breath focus, strength and flexibility training, or just adding a pole to our work..and we’ll apply these ideas to our 50 Minute Classes!

On the Mat, grab your Pilates pole or a Swiffer handle and a ball.
The Tower/Cadillac already comes with barres and poles, so let’s explore how to get the most out of this equipment!
On the Reformer: no added props
And the Wunda Chair: no added props

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

WILD SIDE

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

Pilates is one of the few movement practices that focuses on our side body! And, our side body is what keep us from falling! And, it's also integral to our posture. So, let's nerd out with our Wild Sides!

Let's have fun focusing on twisting, side bending and the spine shapes in between that help and our helped by our Wild Sides!

Mat class: Magic Circle
Reformer class: No props needed
Tower/Cadillac class: A reformer pole and the reformer box, but both are technically optional!
Wunda Chair class: Theraband or an old pair of leggings!

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

PULL ME UP

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

The beauty of Pilates is based on lifting the spine in every exercise!

For years I tend to tuck my pelvis when doing Hundred, Roll-up, Teaser etc… I used to pull up from the wrong place and didn´t get the lift! This made my back feel bad, I‘ve got tight hip flexors and weak back body muscles. Since then I am exploring the longest round shape aka C-Curve and pelvic stability. I would love to share this with you in this week‘s Mat and Reformer Class. We will find ways to bend through our center spine instead of tucking the pelvis or rounding the shoulders which will help us to open up our low backs and making flexion safe.

Let‘s feel our center deeply!

Mat Props: Pole (Broomstick), Magic Circle, A small rolled up towel, Wall
Reformer Props: (Box, Non-slipping Pad), A small rolled up towel, Squishy Ball/Soft Ball

See you in class,
Yasmin

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Pole (Broomstick), Magic Circle, a small rolled up towel, wall and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, (Box, Non-slipping Pad), a small rolled up towel, Squishy Ball/Soft Ball and a reformer!

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

ONE AND DONE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are in a no judgement zone this week as we fly through the orders doing just one rep of each exercise before moving on!!!

Our “1 rep drill” or our “1 and done” theme is in its 3rd year, so it’s basically tradition to do class this week. It’s also been a favorite because I add in some accessible options for everyone to try.

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Mat order goes FAST - so we’ll be doing a few rounds with props and no props. You can do the whole class or you can pick your favorite round and just do that! It’s a week filled with CHOICES!!

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Reformer order is LONG - so I do cut just a few moves throughout to be as close to 30 minutes as possible. Again, I added accessible options throughout, so everyone can go through the order!

Remember we want you to embrace your own journey each time you practice and love practicing in your TODAY body!! If that means you follow my variations, perfect! If that means you go for your own, also perfect!

Get ready to be ONE & DONE!!

Mat: Resistance Band, Magic Circle, and Barrel/Blanket
Reformer: Resistance Band and Small Ball

See you in class,
Rachel

ONE AND DONE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are in a no judgement zone this week as we fly through the orders doing just one rep of each exercise before moving on!!!

Our “1 rep drill” or our “1 and done” theme is in its 3rd year, so it’s basically tradition to do class this week. It’s also been a favorite because I add in some accessible options for everyone to try.

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Mat order goes FAST - so we’ll be doing a few rounds with props and no props. You can do the whole class or you can pick your favorite round and just do that! It’s a week filled with CHOICES!!

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Reformer order is LONG - so I do cut just a few moves throughout to be as close to 30 minutes as possible. Again, I added accessible options throughout, so everyone can go through the order!

Remember we want you to embrace your own journey each time you practice and love practicing in your TODAY body!! If that means you follow my variations, perfect! If that means you go for your own, also perfect!

Get ready to be ONE & DONE!!

Mat: Resistance Band, Magic Circle, and Barrel/Blanket
Reformer: Resistance Band and Small Ball

See you in class,
Rachel

    MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Resistance Band, Magic Circle, Barrel/Blanket and a mat!

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

    REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Resistance Band, Small Ball and a reformer!

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

    MAGICAL MOMENTS

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    I thought it would be fun to bring some magic into class with the Magic Circle. If you hate the Magic Circle, that's OK! Don't worry - we won't use it too much. It's a great prop to magically show you "ohh, that's the muscle you need!" when we're connecting arms to back or legs to seat. And then we learn how to get that feeling without using it. Let's make some magic!

    Mat props: Magic Circle or a ball or your imagination!
    Reformer props: Magic Circle or theraband or ball

    See ya in class,
    xx-LL 💋

    (NOT) THE FALL SEASON

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    As we all get older, your balance may be something you notice declines. I love working on balance because if you’re not present in the moment, or even thinking of something else, you can lose your balance. You can also lose your balance by favoring one side more than the other, whether it’s right/left sides in terms of limbs, or inner and outer edges of the foot that you’re standing on.

    Let's check in with our balance in this week's classes. In fact, we're going to bookend our classes - a balance check at the start of class, and at the end of class - to see how our practice affected our balance.

    No props for the mat or reformer.

    See you in class,
    Christine

    MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self 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.

    SECOND CHANCES

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    It's easy to default to saying "we have a weaker side" on our body. Instead, think about it as which side of your body needs a little more encouragement or coordination! This week we will focus on becoming aware of which side of your body in the asymmetrical exercises that we do is actually needed another moment - or second chance - at the exercise!

    No props needed.

    See ya in class,
    xx-LL 💋

    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