Pilates Pilates Reformer Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Reformer Elephant exercise, the client stands on the carriage and the primary movement is:
- Hip extension by pressing the carriage away with the feet
- Spinal flexion with the carriage pushed away and drawn back using the hamstrings and abdominals (Correct answer)
- Lateral flexion of the spine
- Shoulder protraction and retraction only
Correct answer: Spinal flexion with the carriage pushed away and drawn back using the hamstrings and abdominals
Elephant involves standing on the carriage in a forward fold, pressing the carriage out with the feet while maintaining spinal flexion and using hamstrings to pull the carriage back.
Question 2: What does the headrest position on the Reformer affect?
- Spring tension and carriage resistance
- Cervical spine alignment and comfort during supine exercises (Correct answer)
- The range of motion of the footbar
- The height of the shoulder rests
Correct answer: Cervical spine alignment and comfort during supine exercises
The Reformer headrest can be adjusted up or down to support the cervical spine in a neutral or comfortable position during supine exercises.
Question 3: The Long Stretch Series on the Reformer is performed in which position?
- Seated facing the footbar
- A plank position with hands on the footbar and feet on the headrest platform (Correct answer)
- Lying supine with feet in the straps
- Kneeling upright on the carriage
Correct answer: A plank position with hands on the footbar and feet on the headrest platform
The Long Stretch Series is performed in a plank position with hands on the footbar and feet on the headrest platform, challenging full-body stability and core engagement.
Question 4: How many springs are typically included on a standard Pilates Reformer?
- 2 springs
- 3 springs
- 4 to 5 springs (Correct answer)
- 8 springs
Correct answer: 4 to 5 springs
A standard Reformer typically has 4 to 5 springs of varying weights (heavy and light) that can be combined to create a wide range of resistance levels.
Question 5: In the Reformer Stomach Massage series, the client is positioned:
- Prone on the carriage with feet in straps
- Seated on the carriage in a C-curve with feet on the footbar (Correct answer)
- Standing on the platform facing away
- Lying supine with hands on the shoulder rests
Correct answer: Seated on the carriage in a C-curve with feet on the footbar
Stomach Massage is performed seated on the carriage with the spine in a C-curve, feet on the footbar, and hands on the carriage edge, combining core work with leg pressing.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the shoulder rests on the Reformer?
- They are grip handles for the hands during arm exercises
- They prevent the client from sliding into the springs when the carriage is pushed away (Correct answer)
- They adjust the spring tension mechanically
- They are used only for kneeling exercises
Correct answer: They prevent the client from sliding into the springs when the carriage is pushed away
Shoulder rests (or shoulder blocks) are padded stops that prevent the client's shoulders from sliding back into the springs when the carriage moves away from the footbar.
Pilates Pilates Reformer Training 2
In the Reformer Elephant exercise, the client stands on the carriage and the primary movement is: