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Reformer basics: footwork

Pilates / Popular

Toes, arches, heels and tendon stretch on the reformer.

What coaches agree on

  • Initiate and control the press by engaging the back of your thighs and seat.
  • Keep your knees, ankles, and toes aligned and tracking in the same direction throughout the movement.
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  • Press evenly through both legs, and if one leg is doing less work than the other, deliberately focus more effort into it.

Common mistakes

  • Losing a neutral spine by tucking the pelvis under or letting the lower back arch and lift off the carriage.
  • Rolling onto the outer edges of the feet or gripping with the toes instead of pressing evenly across the whole foot.
  • Letting the heels drop or drift instead of staying planted, which lets momentum do the work instead of the legs.