Pilates Pilates Reformer Training 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Reformer Jump Board is used for:
- Resistance arm exercises
- Cardiovascular jumping and plyometric exercises in a supine or standing position (Correct answer)
- Stretching the hip flexors
- Isometric leg pressing only
Correct answer: Cardiovascular jumping and plyometric exercises in a supine or standing position
The Jump Board replaces the footbar with a vertical platform, allowing clients to perform jumping exercises in a supine position for cardiovascular and lower extremity power training.
Question 2: When performing Standing Side Splits on the Reformer, the primary muscles targeted are:
- Hip flexors and spinal extensors
- Hip abductors, adductors, and stabilizing muscles of the standing leg (Correct answer)
- Gastrocnemius and soleus
- Shoulder external rotators
Correct answer: Hip abductors, adductors, and stabilizing muscles of the standing leg
Standing Side Splits targets the hip abductors as the carriage leg moves out and the adductors as it returns, while the standing leg develops single-leg stability.
Question 3: The Reformer Tendon Stretch exercise is classified as which level?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced (Correct answer)
- Rehabilitation only
Correct answer: Advanced
The Tendon Stretch is an advanced Reformer exercise requiring significant hamstring flexibility, core control, and balance to perform safely.
Question 4: In Reformer arm work using the straps, which spring weight is typically recommended for beginners?
- Full heavy spring tension
- Light to moderate spring tension (one light spring or one standard spring) (Correct answer)
- No springs at all
- Maximum spring combination available
Correct answer: Light to moderate spring tension (one light spring or one standard spring)
Beginners performing arm work with straps typically use light to moderate spring tension to allow proper technique and shoulder mechanics without overloading the joints.
Question 5: What is the 'carriage return' concept in Reformer exercise design?
- Moving the carriage back toward the springs under eccentric muscle control (Correct answer)
- A spring-loaded automatic reset of the carriage
- The instructor manually resetting the carriage
- A warm-up protocol for the beginning of a session
Correct answer: Moving the carriage back toward the springs under eccentric muscle control
Carriage return refers to the client controlling the carriage as it moves back toward the springs under eccentric contraction, which is often where the therapeutic work occurs.
Question 6: The Reformer Kneeling Arm Series with straps primarily develops:
- Hip flexor strength exclusively
- Shoulder stability, thoracic mobility, and core integration in a high-kneeling position (Correct answer)
- Ankle dorsiflexion flexibility
- Lumbar extension strength only
Correct answer: Shoulder stability, thoracic mobility, and core integration in a high-kneeling position
The Kneeling Arm Series challenges shoulder stability and thoracic mobility while requiring deep core engagement to maintain a stable high-kneeling position.
Pilates Pilates Reformer Training 3
The Reformer Jump Board is used for: