Reformer exercise · Beginner

Side-Lying with Ball under the Ribs on the Long Box

Side-Lying with Ball under the Ribs on the Long Box is a beginner-level reformer exercise with the long box and a Pilates ball that mainly works the core, legs and glutes. 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-Sophie Wernicke, certified Pilates instructor · Updated

Spring Setting and Key Facts

Springs
1× light
Reps
6–8 reps per variation
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Reformer, Long box, Pilates ball
Body area
Core, Legs, Glutes
Muscles
Obliques, Abductors, Glutes
Video tutorial
in the member area
Teach this in a ready-made class?The free plan: a 50-min reformer class with springs, cues and teaching mode.
Get 2 free classes

Starting Position

The long box on the Reformer, footbar down. Lying on your side, the ball under the ribs. The bottom leg bent, the top leg long. The bottom arm bent behind the head toward the headrest, the other hand set on the box in front of the body.

Step-by-Step Flow

  1. Lean over the ball and come back up.
  2. Bring the elbow and the opposite knee together.
  3. Small pulses with the long leg.

Cues for Teaching

  • The ball supports you, the waist still does the work.
  • The top leg stays long and at hip height.
  • As elbow and knee meet, the rib cage turns, not just the elbow.

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 Side-Lying with Ball under the Ribs on the Long BoxWith videoWith video in the plan “Band & Ball: Bridge, Lunge & Long Box Series”The whole exercise on video, step by step, with springs and cues. The video plays inside the plan.Go to the plan →

Pilates Plans

A whole reformer class, fully planned.

Get the free plan: class outline, every exercise with springs, set-up and cues, and a step-by-step teaching mode. Enter your email and open it right away, even on your phone.

By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.