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Short Box Series: Round Back

Classical Repertoire Core Integration
round spine
Schematic — Short Box Series: Round Back

Apparatus Setup

Reformer

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

Target Muscles

Transverse Abdominis (Primary)Rectus Abdominis (Secondary)Obliques (Secondary)

Setup Instructions

Sit tall on the short box with feet strapped securely, pelvis tucked slightly in a C-curve, arms crossed over chest.

Execution Instructions

Inhale to prepare, exhale to articulate back halfway toward the carriage, then return up over the pelvis with control.

Teaching Cues

Form

"Maintain the curve in your spine like you are leaning over a beach ball."

Breath

"Exhale to curl back, inhale to return up over the pelvis."

Articulation

"Round through the spine one vertebra at a time — no hinging from the hips."

Modifications & Progressions

Hands Under Thighs (Regression)

Support the trunk by placing the hands under the thighs to reduce the load on the abdominals.

Arms Extended (Progression)

Reach the arms forward long to lengthen the lever and deepen the curl.