- Difficulty: Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Reformer (I love using the Contrology Reformer.)
- Reps: 3-5 each side
- Warning: May not be suitable for some back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Tic Toc on the Reformer
Tic Toc on the Pilates Reformer. While it comes after Corkscrew in the Pilates Reformer order, it’s a great exercise to learn before you learn the Corkscrew. It’s excellent for training your body the twist and reach you need in your Corkscrew, your range of motion and where it all comes from. Then, as you connect to your center, twist and stretch here, you can take your Tic Toc lessons and go into your Corkscrew on the Reformer. Once you’re ready, enjoy the Corkscrew flow and then take your time doing your Tic Toc. It’s not just a stretch. You’ll want to call upon your strength but enjoy the twist!
Reach the top leg as long as the bottom leg. Press your shoulders down.
With 2 heavy springs on the Reformer, laying on your back, reach your legs up to the sky. Reach your arms above your head and grab the handles connected to your shoulder blocks. Your elbows will press wide to the side. However, be sure to not just let them hang out or to cause your shoulder blades to pinch together. You want to maintain a wide back, allow your sternum to soften and connect your arms to your back. This will help you stabilize your upper back so that you can twist from the right place.
Hugging your legs tight together, take your legs to one side as you look to the opposite side. You’ll feel your top hip left but reach that sides rib cage towards the carriage. From your center bring both legs back to the top, look up and then switch. Repeat 3-5x each side. Maintain the top legs length is as long as the bottom leg. Your legs will want to shift inside your hip sockets and that would be your legs swinging/dropping rather than reaching. Time your head turns with your leg reaches. It’s as if you are wringing your waist out. You may have to speed up your legs but slow down your head.
Be sure to check out more of my online Pilates Reformer exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Reformer training!