Pilates Machine Chest Expansion
Kneeling tall on a reformer holding the straps in front, draw the straight arms down and back past the hips, then return them to the front.
How to do it
Setup
Kneeling tall on the carriage, a strap in each hand, the straight arms reaching forward and down toward the anchor.
Steps
- Pull the straight arms back until the hands pass the hips.
- Hold for a beat with the chest open and the shoulders down.
- Let the arms return to the front slowly.
Common mistakes
Leaning back to pull the straps further: keep the body upright from the knees. Bending the elbows: the arms stay straight. Shrugging as the arms pass the hips: shoulders down, neck long.
Breathing
Exhale pulling back, inhale returning.
