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!

Long Back Stretch on the Reformer

Home  »  Pilates Reformer Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Long Back Stretch on the Reformer
  • July 27, 2019
Long Back Stretch on the Reformer - Online Pilates Classes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate | Advanced
  • Equipment Needed: Reformer (I love using the Contrology Reformer.)
  • Reps: 3 in each direction and option to do single leg 1-3 in each direction each side
  • Warning: If dealing with a neck or shoulder issues make sure you can put weight on your arms when they are behind you before trying this exercise.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Long Back Stretch on the Reformer

After you have been doing your Long Stretch Pilates Reformer series for a while you may be wanting to finish out the series and do the Long Back Stretch. This is the final exercise in the Long Stretch Series: Long Stretch, Down Stretch, Up Stretch, Elephant, Long Back Stretch. And also one of the toughest. Not because it’s hard to do but because it’s hard to do it right. It’s really easy to think about doing this exercise from your arms. But, you really want to use the reach of your legs and seat. The arms will come along for the ride.

Hold the carriage still as you lift and lower your hips!

With two springs on your Reformer stand facing the shoulder blocks and place both hands on the footbar and feet into the shoulder blocks. Open your chest, connect to your back and reach your heels into the shoulder blocks. To start bend your elbows and lower your hips and legs towards the carriage then reach your seat forward to move the carriage out. Hold the carriage still as you lift your hips up and then close the carriage. Repeat 3x times in that direction. Then Reverse! Lift your hips up as you press the carriage out. Hold the carriage still as you lower your hips and legs to the carriage. Close the springs and then press your arms towards straight. Repeat 3x and then step off.

This exercise is often taught that you are drawing a box with your hips. But, keep in mind that it’s not about sticking your butt back to come in or using your arms to move the springs. Maintain the reach from your arms to your back as your stomach and seat move your carriage around.

Before doing this exercise try Long Back Arms on the Cadillac and on the Wunda Chair.

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.

https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/spine-corrector-1a.jpg
Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers
LEARN MORE
https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/wunda-chair-1a.jpg
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

© 2025 Online Pilates Classes LLC, All Rights Reserved.

amazon flashcards website pop up

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

BIG CIRCLES, LITTLE CIRCLES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are quite a few circles within the exercises of Pilates. We will do most of them and then add some in where we can! Most of these circles are working from your center and also working the hips, glutes and inner thighs. The Magic Circle will also be added into the workout to add a bit of challenge. Lets have a little fun with some big circles and little circles!

See you in class,
Mindi

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 Circle and a reformer!

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

ANXIETY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we are overwhelmed with life sometimes we don't do the things that will help us feel better. Pilates is one of those things! In fact, when you're feeling anxious moving your body can be one of the best things you do to calm your nervous system, connect to yourself and clear your mind.

In the mat work we'll begin standing so if you only can do a few minutes of moving during a day you have a mini workout in one. Then we'll move to the floor.

No props needed on Mat or Reformer.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MOBILITY AND STABILITY

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

Throughout our movement practice we have muscles actively moving and muscles actively holding still. Whether muscles are mobile or muscles are stabilizing us, they’re definitely working and definitely getting stronger while we workout. As we bring awareness to what’s mobile and what’s stable, we hope it helps you connect more to your body, your practice and your overall confidence in movement!

Props needed:
Mat: Squishy ball or bolster
Reformer: None
Tower: None
Chair: Optional box and mat

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BALANCING IT ALL

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

We are a little more than halfway through the year. It’s time to check in with yourself!

Pilates is all about uniform development; equalling out both sides of the body by building strength and creating flexibility. It’s why we love this practice so much!

It also helps us with stability and balance, physically and mentally, so let’s make this month about you! Focus on yourself all month long and check in with yourself, and your body, during each workout.

We’ll be giving you some great variations to help you explore the asymmetrical aspects of different exercises. And, of course, we’ll give you some tips on how to balance it all out!

Props needed:
Mat - dish towel
Reformer - 1 Arm Weight (1-2 pounds), Box, Non-slipping pad, Pole
Tower - no props - just the tower pieces
Chair - gondola pole, box and mat

See ya in class,
xx-LL

OPEN YOUR HEART

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Raise your hand if you also tend to push out your ribs, bring the shoulders down or go into an arched back instead of opening the chest from a strong middle. You're not alone! This week, we're focusing on a strong arm-back connection to open up our chest, shoulders and neck and to get true length in our spine.

See you in class,
Yasmin

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Theraband (old leggings), Foam Roller (or Ball, Bolster, Small Barrel, Blanket), Wall or pillow, and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Pole, Non-slippy pad, Box and a reformer!

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

TO POINT OR TO FLEX

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

To Point or To Flex - That is the question! Recently on a call with some new OPC members, one person asked when should we point? When to flex? Does it make a difference?

And the truth is if you're new I'm super thrilled you showed up and you did what you could. If you flexed when you should point it's gonna be ok. However, yes there is a method behind the point and flex madness, and this week we are going to focus on our feet! When should we flex, when should we point and how much is too much?!?!

Whether you start on the Mat or the Reformer we'll start with a Thera-Band!

See ya in class,
xx-LL

TO POINT OR TO FLEX

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

To Point or To Flex - That is the question! Recently on a call with some new OPC members, one person asked when should we point? When to flex? Does it make a difference?

And the truth is if you're new I'm super thrilled you showed up and you did what you could. If you flexed when you should point it's gonna be ok. However, yes there is a method behind the point and flex madness, and this week we are going to focus on our feet! When should we flex, when should we point and how much is too much?!?!

Whether you start on the Mat or the Reformer we'll start with a Thera-Band!

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Thera-Band and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Thera-Band and a reformer!

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

BIG CIRCLES, LITTLE CIRCLES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are quite a few circles within the exercises of Pilates. We will do most of them and then add some in where we can! Most of these circles are working from your center and also working the hips, glutes and inner thighs. The Magic Circle will also be added into the workout to add a bit of challenge. Lets have a little fun with some big circles and little circles!

See you in class,
Mindi

ANXIETY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we are overwhelmed with life sometimes we don't do the things that will help us feel better. Pilates is one of those things! In fact, when you're feeling anxious moving your body can be one of the best things you do to calm your nervous system, connect to yourself and clear your mind.

In the mat work we'll begin standing so if you only can do a few minutes of moving during a day you have a mini workout in one. Then we'll move to the floor.

No props needed on Mat or Reformer.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

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.

WALKING ON THE SUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Let’s get those legs up in the air!

Leg Circles, Roll Over, Short Spine, Frogs, High Scissors are all exercises that be difficult for some of us because of the leg position. Let’s find ways to stretch, strengthen and modify those “legs up” exercises so we can make them our own!

Please have a small ball or pillow for both the Mat & Reformer classes.

See you in class,
Tami

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