Reformer exercise · Beginner

Bird Dog in the Well, Downward Dog & Plank

Bird Dog in the Well, Downward Dog & Plank is a beginner-level reformer exercise that mainly works the glutes, core and shoulders. Spring setting: 1× light. Below you'll find the starting position, the flow in 7 steps and the cues to teach it in class.

From the reformer classes of Marie Wernicke, certified Pilates instructor · Updated

Spring Setting and Key Facts

Springs
1× light
Reps
8–10 reps per variation
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Reformer
Body area
Glutes, Core, Shoulders
Muscles
Glutes, Core, Shoulders
Video tutorial
in the member area
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Starting Position

Standing in the well at the end of the Reformer, both hands on the shoulder blocks, the left leg bent in and then extended long behind you.

Step-by-Step Flow

  1. Reach the right arm long forward while the left leg reaches long back, then draw knee and elbow together under the body.
  2. Reach the right arm forward and the left leg back and move them slowly and with control up and down.
  3. Pulses up and down.
  4. Reach the left arm forward as well, lift the upper body, draw the right knee in front of the chest and go low again, upper body toward the floor.
  5. Downward dog: both hands on the headrest.
  6. Plank: draw each knee in toward the chest.
  7. Other leg.

Cues for Teaching

  • Arm and leg reach long in opposite directions.
  • The pelvis stays square — the hip of the long leg doesn’t open up.
  • In downward dog, actively press the heels down.

Featured in These Classes

This exercise is part of a ready-made reformer class plan with class outline, springs and cues:

Preview from the video for Bird Dog in the Well, Downward Dog & PlankWith videoWith video in the plan “Reformer for Beginners: Starting in the Well”The whole exercise on video, step by step, with springs and cues. The video plays inside the plan.Go to the plan →

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