- Difficulty: Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Reformer (I love using the Contrology Reformer.)
- Reps: 3-5
- Warning: Not Ideal for some back and shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Rowing 5: Shave on the Reformer
Shave on the Pilates Reformer is also known as Rowing 5 and you usually learn it alongside Rowing 6, Hug. But, while it comes at the end of the Rowing series, it’s one of the more possible of the Rowing exercises to do. So you should learn it before Rowing 1-4. However, just because it’s more possible doesn’t mean it’s easier. Shave requires you to work your legs so that you can lift tall. And I know you want to make this a tricep exercise. But, you need to focus on moving your arms from your back. If it goes well, do one arm at a time.
Challenge these Rowing exercises and sit away from the shoulder blocks.
-Lesley Logan
Sitting on the carriage with your hips touching the shoulder blocks cross your legs and press the sides of your feet down into the carriage. If you’re tight in the hips it may be difficult to sit like this. The more you engage your outer hips the easier this position becomes. Holding the handles across your palms reach your hands behind your head. Press your index finger and thumbs together. Palms face your head the entire time. Elbows are wide but shoulder blades are not squeezing together.
Keeping your palms facing your head, forward, reach your arms up to the high diagonal. Go as far as you can keep your index fingers and thumbs together. Bend your elbows wide and close the springs. Repeat 3-5x. If going well, do this one arm at a time.
Press your knees down towards the carriage to help you ground down against the weight of the springs. As you move through your exercise notice when you are overcompensating by leaning too far forward or letting your ribs pop out. Its ok if the arms do not get to straight. Focus on reaching from your back and maintaining connection to the handle.
Be sure to check out more of my online Pilates Reformer exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Reformer training!