Relieve Spasms and Soreness in the Back
Many people find immediate relief from back pain by doing the long spine massage move on the Pilates reformer. You put your feet in the straps of the reformer and it gently lifts your legs and lower body up off of the reformer carriage beginning a luxurious, long spine massage....
Pilates Jump Board For Cardio & Weight Loss
I love seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces as they leave my Sebastopol studio after discovering that they can have fun, burn calories and be safe. The Pilates reformer has a "Jump Board" which is a flat board that can be attached to the base of the reformer in order to practice the classical ballet jumps. The benefits of practicing ballet...
The Elephant Stretch on the Pilates Reformer
Elephant Stretch = Pilates Hamstring Stretch The elephant stretch appears to be a very simple forward bend while the legs remain at a straight 90 degree angle. This position allows for the stretching of the hamstrings to occur as well as the release of tension in the lower back. In this photo I am standing on the carriage of the Pilates Reformer and have...
Relieving tight hamstrings using the “Jackknife” on a Reformer.
The photographs below shows two phases of moving into a Pilates Reformer move called "The Jackknife". This is a wonderful exercise that is considered a "Counter stretch" for tight hamstrings as well as tightness in the lower back that increases flexibility. It is generally used after you have performed a straight legged forward bend and other more basic hamstring stretches. [caption...
What is causing those tight hamstrings?
Tight hamstrings in the back of the legs most commonly originate from overuse and tightening of the hip flexors in the front of the thigh. The tight hip flexors pull the pelvis which in turn leaves the pelvis in a slight tilt. Further Complications In response to this tilt the lower back muscles tighten as they try to stabilize and compensate for...
Pilates Tendon Stretch for Tight Hamstrings
On the Pilates Reformer there is a famous sequence of exercises called the "Tendon Stretch". For the purposes of this blog I am discussing only the first move of the series which can be isolated out to relieve tight hamstrings. How to Begin You begin the move by standing with straight legs at the edge of the reformer carriage with your hands...
Stretching the Hamstrings on a Pilates Reformer
The most famous stretch for tight hamstrings on the Pilates reformer is called "Feet in Straps". This is a very pleasurable stretch and exercise that involves putting your feet through the loop handles of the reformer ropes and letting the resistance of the tight ropes pull and stretch your hamstrings as you maintain your legs straight up at a 90 degree angle. [caption...