Pilates Reformer Gluteus Workout
Pilates Reformer gluteus workout
The Pilates Reformer offers numerous possibilities for gluteus activation and workouts.
What are the gluteus muscles?
Three muscles make up the gluteal muscle group. The deepest is the Gluteus minimus, overlapped by the Gluteus medius and finally, superficially covered by the Gluteus Maximus muscle.
Their actions are individually unique, but they work together in concert to stabilise and move the hip joint into extension. The deeper layers, the medius and minimus work to stabilise the hip joint, abduct the hip and assist in medial rotation, flexion and some fibres extension. So, side splits with tension is a great example of how these two muscles work.
The larger gluteus maximus forms what you can see as your buttocks. This muscle is a prime hip extensor and lateral rotator and assists in abduction as well.
Side splits on the reformer adding hip extension with a flex band resistance forces to engage all the fibres of the gluteal muscles, as the movement is abduction and hip extension.
By adding a posterior rotation/tilt of the hip along with the added resistance of the flex band encourages the hip to further extend to its end inner range of hip extension, thus adding a greater challenge for the client.
Pilates Reformer gluteus workout
In this video, Side Splits is shown on the reformer from a neutral stance with an anterior to posterior pull to increase gluteus activation.
Additional cues are to tuck the tailbone underneath to increase a posterior rotation or tilt of the pelvis.
Various variations can be added to this exercise, such as Plie in, and Plie out or skating from the classical repertoire.
To find out how to do this, book into our of our group classes or schedule your Pilates personal session today.
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Blog written by Carlo Yanez
Registered Osteopath B.A.(Hons.), B.Ost.(Hons)
Fully certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor