Reformer exercise · Beginner

Knee to the End & Arms Overhead

Knee to the End & Arms Overhead is a beginner-level reformer exercise with the short box and a Pilates ball that mainly works the glutes, core and shoulders. Spring setting: 1× light. 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
Reps
8–10 reps per variation
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Reformer, Short box, Pilates ball
Body area
Glutes, Core, Shoulders
Muscles
Glutes, Core, Shoulders
Video tutorial
in the member area
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Starting Position

The short box on the Reformer, the left knee on the carriage, the right foot on the platform, the footbar down, the ball in front of the chest, facing left.

Step-by-Step Flow

  1. Extend the right leg.
  2. Add: slide the left knee toward the end and bring the arms overhead.
  3. Pulses.

Cues for Teaching

  • The standing leg stays long and quiet while the carriage does the work.
  • The arms only go up once the knee is already travelling.
  • Keep the pulses small — hold the tension, don’t bounce.

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 Knee to the End & Arms OverheadWith videoWith video in the plan “Reformer for Beginners: All on One Spring”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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