Reformer Pilates
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Illustration of Stomach Massage Reach on the Pilates reformer

Exercise

Stomach Massage Reach

Intermediate

Seated reformer footbar pumps with arms extended overhead for increased postural and shoulder challenge.

Setup instructions

Sit tall close to the footbar with feet on the bar. Lift both arms overhead with the ears between the arms. Lengthen through the spine and settle the shoulders away from the ears.

Breathing cues

Exhale to extend. Inhale to return.

Movement steps

  1. 1Exhale to press the carriage out through the legs, keeping the arms lifted.
  2. 2Inhale to bend the knees and draw the carriage in.
  3. 3Maintain the arm position without the ribs flaring or the shoulders shrugging.
  4. 4Repeat with control.

Common mistakes

Flaring the ribs on the press; shrugging the shoulders; leaning back; collapsing the chest on the return.

Safety notes

Use a lighter spring than flat back. Avoid if shoulder impingement or discomfort is present.

Connections

Equipment needed

Related exercises

FAQs

  • Is Stomach Massage Reach suitable for beginners?

    Stomach Massage Reach is an intermediate exercise best approached after Flat Back is well established. The overhead arm position adds shoulder and rib control challenges.

  • What muscles does Stomach Massage Reach work?

    The core works hard to prevent rib flare with the arms overhead. The upper back stabilises the shoulder position. The hamstrings and glutes drive the carriage as in earlier variations.

  • What is Stomach Massage Reach good for?

    Stomach Massage Reach challenges the ability to maintain overhead arm alignment without compensating through the ribs or low back. It develops integrated core-shoulder control in a seated reformer context.