Reformer Pilates
Illustration of Side Kick Circles on the Pilates reformer

Exercise

Side Kick Circles

Beginner

Side-lying circular leg pattern that combines hip mobility with trunk stability.

Setup instructions

Lie on your side in a long line with head supported and waist lifted. Extend the top leg to hip height with a flexed foot. Keep the hips stacked before beginning the circle.

Breathing cues

Inhale through the front of the circle. Exhale on the return.

Movement steps

  1. 1Inhale to circle the top leg forward and up in a controlled arc.
  2. 2Exhale to complete the circle back to the start.
  3. 3Keep the circle size modest and the trunk quiet.
  4. 4Reverse direction and switch sides.

Common mistakes

Making circles too large; rocking the pelvis; losing foot flexion; collapsing the waist.

Safety notes

Start with small circles. Stop if hip clicking or low-back discomfort appears.

Connections

Muscles worked

Equipment needed

FAQs

  • Is Side Kick Circles beginner-friendly?

    Yes, when circles stay small and the pelvis remains stable.

  • What muscles does Side Kick Circles work?

    Hip stabilisers guide the circle; the core keeps the trunk aligned.

  • What is Side Kick Circles good for?

    It improves controlled hip mobility and side-lying stability.

  • How big should the circles be?

    Small enough to keep the hips stacked and the waist lifted throughout.