From the reformer classes of Spring Setting and Key Facts
- Springs
- 2× medium
- Reps
- 8–10 reps per variation
- Level
- Beginner
- Equipment
- Reformer, Pilates ball
- Muscles
- Rectus abdominis, Hip flexors, Inner thighs
- Video tutorial
- in the member area
Starting Position
Lying on your back, legs in tabletop, hands behind the head, ball between the knees.
Step-by-Step Flow
- Crunch.
- Hold the crunch and extend the legs into the diagonal, then draw them back into tabletop.
Cues for Teaching
- The head rests heavy in the hands — the pull comes from the abdominals, not the neck.
- Only extend the legs as far as the lower back stays on the carriage.
- The pressure on the ball stays the same throughout.
Featured in These Classes
This exercise is part of a ready-made reformer class plan with class outline, springs and cues:
With video in the plan “Reformer for Beginners: Ball Basics”The whole exercise on video, step by step, with springs and cues. The video plays inside the plan.Go to the plan →