Reformer Pilates
Illustration of Elephant on the Pilates reformer

Exercise

Elephant

IntermediateSaveSign in to save Elephant

Posterior chain and core control in a standing pike-like position.

Setup instructions

Stand on carriage facing footbar, heels against shoulder blocks, hands on bar.

Breathing cues

Inhale to prepare, exhale to move carriage, inhale to return.

Movement steps

  1. 1Keep rounded shape and press carriage out from hips.
  2. 2Return carriage by deepening abdominal support, not by dropping weight forward.

Common mistakes

Collapsing shoulders; overloading wrists; losing core engagement.

Safety notes

Limit range if hamstring tension is excessive.

Focus Areas & Conditions

Lower Back Discomfort

Suitability: Elephant teaches a supported hip hinge and hamstring length, which may help some people organise the pelvis before deeper flexion work.

Caution: Keep the spine long and knees soft. Stop if hamstring pulling turns into lower-back strain.

Variations

  • related: Long Stretch - Long stretch series progression from standing pike control.

Connections

Muscles worked

Goals supported

Equipment needed

FAQs

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