Reformer Push-Up

Modern Repertoire Intermediate Plank Sports ConditioningUpper Body & Arms

Full-body push-up on the footbar combining upper body strength with a long, stable plank line as the carriage travels.

Schematic — Reformer Push-Up Reformer · 1 medium or 1 strong spring · Footbar Down · Headrest Down

Teaching Precautions

Common precautions, not exhaustive. Screen every client and refer when in doubt.

Shoulder Impingement: Repeated loaded elbow flexion can irritate the shoulders. Widen the hands, limit depth, and skip if there is active shoulder pain.

Spring Tension 1 medium or 1 strong spring

Headrest Down

Transverse Abdominis (Secondary)Deltoids (Secondary)Triceps (Primary)Pectorals (Primary)Serratus Anterior (Secondary)

Face the footbar in a long plank with the hands on the footbar shoulder-width apart and the feet on the carriage, body in one line.

Inhale to bend the elbows and lower the chest toward the footbar, exhale to press the carriage away into full extension.
Keep a long line from head to heels.

Form

"Keep a long line from head to heels — no sagging or piking."

Alignment

"Draw the shoulders away from the ears and spread the fingers wide."

Breath

"Exhale to press the carriage away, inhale as you lower toward the footbar."

Lower the knees to the carriage to reduce the load through the shoulders and trunk.

Widen the hand placement, limit elbow bend, and stop below a pain-free depth.

Lift one foot off the carriage at the top of the press and hold it through the descent, alternating sides each rep.

Same category, or body position when the category is unique.