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Feet in Straps: Side Splits

Modern Repertoire Hip & Posterior Chain
splits
Schematic — Feet in Straps: Side Splits

Apparatus Setup

Reformer

Spring Tension 1 Blue Spring
Footbar Position Medium
Gear Bar Normal
Stopper Normal
Headrest Medium

Target Muscles

Transverse Abdominis (Secondary)Obliques (Primary)Gluteus Medius (Secondary)Adductors (Primary)

Setup Instructions

Lie supine on the carriage with feet in the long straps, legs extended toward the ceiling with the heels together and toes softly turned out.

Execution Instructions

Exhale to open the legs wide into a V against the springs, inhale to draw them together with control. Keep the pelvis still and both legs long throughout.

Teaching Cues

Form

"Open from the hip sockets, not the lower back — keep the pelvis still."

Control

"Resist the springs as the legs close together."

Alignment

"Keep both legs long and the feet flexed throughout the V."

Modifications & Progressions

Smaller Opening (Regression)

Open the legs only to a comfortable V before closing, keeping the low back long.

Increased Resistance (Progression)

Move to a red spring or add a second spring for more adductor and control work.