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Modern Reformer Foundations

Beginner Foundations ⏱️ 45 mins 📋 9 Exercises

Plan Overview

A welcoming 45-minute beginner flow introducing footwork, core stability, and controlled articulation on the Reformer. Accessible regressions throughout so new students build confidence and alignment.

Sequence Flow

1
Footwork: Parallel V-Plie
Reps: 10 reps Tempo: 2:2 smooth
Transition: Heels together in V on footbar
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 2-3 Red Springs Footbar: High Gear: Normal Headrest: Up
⚠️ Caution: Osteoporosis / Osteopenia (Avoid loaded spinal flexion. Substitute with neutral spine variations.)
Focus Cue:

"Keep your knees tracking directly over the center of your toes."

2
Footwork: Single Leg
Reps: 8 each side Tempo: 2:2 smooth
Transition: Single leg on footbar, knee tracking over toes
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 1 Red or 1 Blue Spring Footbar: Medium Gear: Normal Headrest: Up
Focus Cue:

"Track the working heel and toe over the second toe the whole way out and back."

3
The Hundred
Reps: 100 pumps Tempo: Rhythmic breath
Transition: Feet flat on footbar, knees bent if needed
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 1-2 Blue or Yellow Springs Footbar: High Gear: Normal Headrest: Up
⚠️ Caution: Osteoporosis / Osteopenia (Avoid loaded spinal flexion. Substitute with neutral spine variations.)
Focus Cue:

"Inhale 2, 3, 4, 5, Exhale 2, 3, 4, 5. Pump from the back of the arms."

4
Pelvic Curl
Reps: 8 reps Tempo: 3:1 articulate
Transition: Articulate up and down one vertebra at a time
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 2 Red or 2 Red + 1 Blue Springs Footbar: Medium Gear: Normal Headrest: Up
Focus Cue:

"Peel spine off mat one bone at a time like a string of pearls."

5
Side-Lying Leg Lift
Reps: 10 each side Tempo: 2:2 steady
Transition: Side-lying on carriage, bottom leg resting on footbar
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 1 Blue Spring Footbar: Medium Gear: Normal Headrest: Medium
Focus Cue:

"Stack the shoulders and hips — no rolling forward or back."

6
Feet in Straps: Leg Press
Reps: 8 reps Tempo: 2:2 controlled
Transition: Lower footbar, attach long straps to feet
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 1 Red or 1 Blue Spring Footbar: Medium Gear: Normal Headrest: Medium
Focus Cue:

"Anchor the sacrum and keep the lower ribs soft as the legs extend."

7
Elephant
Reps: 8-10 reps Tempo: 3:1 controlled
Transition: Stand facing footbar, heels against shoulder rests
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 1-2 Red Springs Footbar: Down Gear: Normal Headrest: Down
⚠️ Caution: Osteoporosis / Osteopenia (Avoid loaded spinal flexion. Substitute with flat back hinge.)
Focus Cue:

"Imagine drawing your navel up and under your ribs as the carriage moves."

8
Feet in Straps: Leg Circles
Reps: 6 circles each Tempo: 2:2 smooth
Transition: Legs extended to ceiling, circle wide from the hips
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 2 Red Springs Footbar: High Gear: Normal Headrest: Up
Focus Cue:

"Only make circles as large as you can maintain a quiet, still pelvis."

9
Mermaid
Reps: 4 each side Tempo: 3:1 flowing
Transition: Sit side-saddle, shin against shoulder rest
Reformer ⚙️ Springs: 1 Red or 1 Blue Spring Footbar: High Gear: Normal Headrest: Up
⚠️ Caution: Shoulder Impingement (Limit arm range of motion on side-bend if pain occurs.)
Focus Cue:

"Keep both sitbones grounded into carriage mat throughout side-bend."