Side to Side on the Pilates Reformer Short Box is probably one of the most frustrating, unsexy, non-stretchy of all the exercises. And that is because it's not about how far you can bend to one side. It's about how long you can stay as you go UP and OVER. It requires strength and focus as well as exploration and curiosity. When doing Side to Side on the Short Box be careful that you don't just go as far as you usually do. See if you have any more juice and strength in you. And, even though it feels soo yummy to bend down and over keep that length and space!

Coming from Flat Back on the Short Box keep all the same setups from the Round and the Flat. Make sure your strap is taut and that you are pulling the bar apart from your upper back strength. Press the strap apart from your outer hips and not your knees. Sit as tall as you can with your hips over your shoulders. Pull your front ribs in and make sure your upper back is nice and wide. Arms in line with ears and look straight ahead.

As you begin continue reaching your legs apart and away from you. Sitting tall lift your upper body UP and OVER. Go as far as you can keep pressing your legs apart and you are not hip hiking, sinking or shrinking on one side. Then lift UP and back to sitting tall. Repeat on the other side. Then continue for 2-3 sets. Great set up for the Twist and Reach. Notice if your arms are going further than your spine. Try to keep your arms by your ears and the distance between your head and your arms the same. It will be great practice for the Twist and Reach as well.