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Single Leg Elephant on the Reformer

Home  »  Pilates Reformer Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Single Leg Elephant on the Reformer
  • August 2, 2019
Elephant Single Leg on the Reformer - Online Pilates Classes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Equipment Needed: Reformer (I love using the Contrology Reformer.)
  • Reps: 3-5x
  • Warning: May not be suitable for some back issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Single Leg Elephant on the Reformer

Elephant on the Pilates Reformer is such a great exercise for teaching you how to find your two-way stretch and not lose it while you are opening and closing the springs. And, once you’ve got that theory under control, you can challenge your two-way stretch and help prepare you for more advanced exercises by doing Single Leg Elephant. There are many variations to the Single Leg Elephant including ones that have you doing external rotation and arabesques. All single-leg variations are welcome. I love to do the one you’ll see here because it helps you with Single Leg Tendon Stretch with your leg back and Tree among other exercises.

Keep your 100s curl in your ribs and reach from your seat to your feet.

Generally done after you have completed a few reps of the Elephant on two heavy springs or one heavy and one medium spring. Take one leg back through your shoulder rests and lift it only as high as you can maintain the lift in your upper abs and center. The leg you are standing on will want to take most of the weight feel as if you are reaching your hip away from your shoulders. The hip of the leg behind you will want to open up. Maintaining a square pelvis, use your center to hold your back leg up.

Press the carriage out with your standing leg and pull it in from your heel, seat, and center. Repeat 3-5x and then switch. I love to think about maintaining my hundreds curl in my ribs and a strong reach from my seat into my feet. My back leg is reaching only as high as it keeps me connected. This will help you when you go to do your Tree or Tendon Stretch on the Reformer leg to the side or behind. If you find you have a weak side repeat the weak side again. Then go ahead and try your Tree or Tendon Stretch!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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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.

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On the Mat, grab your Pilates pole or a Swiffer handle and a ball.
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And the Wunda Chair: no added props

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

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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,
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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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

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Let‘s feel our center deeply!

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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.

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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!!!

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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
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See you in class,
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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.

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    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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    No props needed.

    See ya in class,
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    ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

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