Reformer exercise · Beginner

Footwork with Band: Balls of the Feet & Leg Circles

Footwork with Band: Balls of the Feet & Leg Circles is a beginner-level reformer exercise with a resistance band that mainly works the legs, hips and core. Spring setting: 1× light + 1× medium. Below you'll find the starting position, the flow in 3 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 + 1× medium
Reps
8–10 reps per variation
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Reformer, Resistance band
Body area
Legs, Hips, Core
Muscles
Quadriceps, Calves, Hip abductors, Core
Video tutorial
in the member area
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Starting Position

Lying on your back on the carriage, the resistance band above the knees, the balls of the feet hip-width on the footbar, arms long by your sides.

Step-by-Step Flow

  1. Open the carriage and close it again.
  2. Hold the carriage open and lift and lower the long left leg.
  3. Hold the carriage open, stretch the left leg long toward the ceiling and draw circles.

Cues for Teaching

  • The heels stay at one height — don’t let them sink while the carriage is open.
  • The knees press lightly into the band so they don’t fall in.
  • Keep the circles small enough that the pelvis stays still.

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 Footwork with Band: Balls of the Feet & Leg CirclesWith videoWith video in the plan “Reformer for Beginners: Full-Body Band Flow”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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