Reverse Horseback on the Reformer
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Reverse Horseback on the Pilates Reformer is not often seen or done. But, it's pretty incredible for helping you feel the lift you need in your center, the stretch and strength you need in your upper back and the amount your legs can help. It's easy to get caught up on the choreography. However, the more you focus on whats not moving supporting your lift the more lift and length you'll find. Then when you spin this Reverse Horseback around to try Horseback on the Reformer you will be able to feel where you should be working from and where you can let go of.
Hug the box with inner thighs, find the longest flexion in your spine.
With one spring on sit on your long box facing away from your springs. Straighten your legs out and hug your box with your inner thighs. Be mindful that you do not externally rotate too much. In fact, you want to consider keeping your legs as parallel as possible. Hold your handles in your hands like you would for Rowing 1, Into the Sternum. Be mindful that your shoulders on connected to your back and not lifting up into your ears. It's easy to use your biceps and neck here but you want your arms to connect to your back.
Round back like you would for Rowing 1. Open the arms out to the side and lift your upper body up and over the box. Hug your legs tight together to anchor yourself to your box. Press your arms back and reach your straight arms towards each other to counterbalance your lift up and over your box. Then circle your arms around and over the well. Return to your start position and repeat 3-5x. Your goal is not to lift up off the box nor is it to sit down on the box. You are aiming for the longest flexion possible and maintaining your legs as high as you can.
Be sure to check out more of my online Pilates Reformer exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Reformer training!
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