Modern RepertoireLateral Flexion & RotationCore Integration
Schematic — Reformer Star
Apparatus Setup
Reformer
Spring Tension1 Blue Spring
Footbar PositionMedium
Gear BarNormal
StopperNormal
HeadrestMedium
Target Muscles
Transverse Abdominis (Secondary)Gluteus Maximus (Secondary)Obliques (Primary)Gluteus Medius (Primary)
Setup Instructions
Lie on one side on the carriage with the bottom arm reaching toward the footbar, top foot in the strap and both legs extended long.
Execution Instructions
Exhale to lift the top leg toward the ceiling against the strap, inhale to lower with control. Keep the torso long and the supporting shoulder stacked over the hip.
Teaching Cues
Form
"Lift the top leg tall without tipping the torso — reach through the crown."
Alignment
"Keep the supporting shoulder stacked over the hip."
Control
"Lower the leg against the spring — no dropping."
Modifications & Progressions
Bent Bottom Knee (Regression)
Bend the bottom knee and lift the top leg to a smaller height for more support.
Both Legs Lift (Progression)
Lift the bottom leg to meet the top leg at hip height before lowering both together, adding oblique and adductor work.