07/02/2026
Stomach Massage on the Reformer
One of Joseph Pilates’ classical exercises — and one many people struggle to feel in the abs.
The secret?
👉 Breathing + control + speed.
Breath & tempo
• Inhale as you push the carriage away
• Exhale as you slowly return and bend the knees
• Quicker out, slower coming in
• Abs work to keep the spine still and stable
Variation 1: Round Back
• Deep C-curve
• Length through the spine
• Hands holding the sides of the carriage
Variation 2: Flat Back
• Neutral spine
• Hands on the shoulder blocks for support
Variation 3: Hands Off
• Arms lifted slightly above shoulder height
• Palms facing down
• Much more challenging
Variation 4: Oblique Twist
• Add rotation
• Even more abdominal control
👉 In variations 3 & 4, footwork is often removed
Just bend and straighten the legs — no heel lifts
Bonus: Variation 5
• Arms overhead for an extra challenge 💪 💪 💪 💪 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛