Single Leg Tendon Stretch on the Reformer

Single Leg Tendon Stretch on the Reformer

Single Leg Tendon Stretch on the Pilates Reformer to the Side and to the Back are not just an excellent way to challenge your Tendon Stretch. These variations will challenge your stamina, your strength and some of the more fundamental exercises like the Elephant and Tree on the Reformer! Yep, those exercises you wonder why you have to do…well they help you do this one. You can absolutely practice these exercises on the Wunda Chair. If you don’t have a Wunda Chair, no problem. Let’s talk preps and Single Leg Tendon Stretch that you can do on the Reformer. Which one will you like?

Reach down through your legs and up through your abs without leaning.

With the same two heavy springs on for your Tendon Stretch usually you would transition from two legs to one leg. Ideally, you would be doing your Tendon Stretch with great rhythm and control and then hop your right hand between your legs and go out and in 3x with your right leg to the side. Then, move the leg behind the Reformer and do 3 more. Pull that leg around as you continue to move and hop switch to the left leg being out to the side. Repeat 3x to the side and back.

But, what if you can’t?

Try this prep: Get off your Reformer, come around to the foot bar side of your Reformer, turn your back to it. Fold forward. Grab the foot bar with your right hand between your legs palm up. Place your left-hand palm down outside your left leg. Without leaning or looking forward, lift your right leg to the side. You will feel your left inner and outer thigh work really hard to make this happen. Lower and lift your right leg without leaning 5-10x. Then, switch your hands and legs. This prep allows you to strengthen your standing leg hip so that when you are doing the full Tendon Stretch series on the Reformer you won’t lean off your strength.

Be sure to check out more of my online Pilates Reformer exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Reformer training!