How To: The Long Back Stretch

Instructor: Kristine Chaussard

Level: All Levels

Focus :

The Long Back Stretch focuses predominantly on the triceps, posterior deltoids, and lats; light core and glutes.

Equipment Needed :

Reformer.

Exercise Level Rating :

This exercise is considered an intermediate – advanced level exercise. But this tutorial is FOR EVERYONE! 😉

The Course of this Class :

The long back stretch is a funny name, I’m not sure I find the stretch in it, but more the strengthening of the back line. We will work through the set up and then the body positioning; finally, we will cover the two variations of this classical reformer exercise. If you lack upper body strength, other exercises which can help you build strength before coming to this one are your: Bridge (emphasize the press down of the arms with the rise up of the hips); and the Roll Over (same emphasize the press down of the arms into the ground or carriage in order to lift the torso off the ground essentially). This will teach your body the importance of engaging through your upper back and tricep muscles in order to push the torso up or forwards creating more space between arms behind you and torso. We’ll walk through it today.

Pilates depends on certain technical foundations, understanding these better will set you up for success in your practice; protect you from injuring yourself; as well as teach you the best alignment your body can achieve! Plus, practicing with the right form, you’ll get A TON more out of the exercise, your level will increase quickly if you stick to it, and so will your results!