← Back to Library

Reformer Push-Up

Modern Repertoire Sports ConditioningUpper Body & Arms
lower + press
Schematic — Reformer Push-Up

⚠️ Clinical Contraindications

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

Apparatus Setup

Reformer

Spring Tension 1 Blue or 1 Red Spring
Footbar Position Down
Gear Bar Normal
Stopper Normal
Headrest Down

Target Muscles

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

Setup Instructions

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

Execution Instructions

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.

Teaching Cues

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."

Modifications & Progressions

Knees Down (Regression)

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

Shoulder Impingement (Injury Modification)

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