This has to be one of our favorite ways to teach the segmental articulation of the spine! Not only is this an incredibly supported posture to work in, but it just feels so wonderful. From the gentle pull of the springs to the contrast that it creates, it allows the clients to slow down and really understand the idea of “one vertebrae at a time.” This is a wonderful tool to work with because it allows the client to take supportive pauses to find breath and opposition as you cue. Spine Stretch in the Reformer Well truly illustrates what articulation should feel like, not just what it should look like.
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What a great way to teach the essence of this exercise! My newbie clients often struggle with the difference between spine stretch forward and a simple hinge at the waist. This is a great way for them to “feel” my cuing. Thanks for the post.
Thank you so much for sharing and making it feel like I am there.:)
Great exercise, thank you. Did you use a red spring or blue? You mentioned light spring, but I believe it will depend on the strength and connection of the client right?
In this exercises we used a blue (light) spring. And you are correct about needing to change the tension depending on your client’s flexibility, connection to their movement, and awareness. I often bump up the tension by using the spring buttons, or for men I will use a red spring (medium/heavy). Very often, I will use more than one spring tension with a client too! I will start off with a heavier spring to open the back body, create traction, and give a sense where the exercise is supposed to go, and how it feels. Then from there I will lighten the spring to have the client re create the feeling and movement on their own. Hope this gives you some ideas!