02/07/2025
Breaking News‼️
Fun fact: I once taught someone who told me he broke his arm doing this exercise in another studio.
And THAT kids, is why we teach Pilates as a system. If you build up the control and strength first, and learn the exercise on a stable surface, you’re less likely fall and break your face when you take it to the reformer.
Traditionally, chest expansion is first introduced in the classical arm weights series, and it can also be done on the Small Baby Arm Chair (the lightest springs in the studio) as well as the Cadillac (stronger springs, but stable surface) both standing and kneeling. We throw it into the mat/floor work sometimes too. (Love a good Thigh Stretch-Kneeling Chest Expansion combo in the mat, ammiright? 👏🏼🙌🏼)
If you are not sure if someone has the control and awareness to do kneeling on the reformer, leave it out.
I always spot newbies, and make sure they understand that it’s on the return that they are most likely to lose balance.
When they initially pull the arms back I tell them to go slow and keep my hand on their shoulder.
After they look right look left neck stretch, I tell them to pause. 🖐🏼
🗣️My speech goes something like this:
“If you move too quickly you could lose balance. If you fall forward, and break your face, we’re going to have to call an ambulance, go to the hospital, both of our weekends will be over - mine cause I’m traumatized and your because you’ll need reconstructive surgery. So go slow and if you ever feel like you’re gonna fall, sit back.”
🗣️ I still keep my hand on the shoulder until they experience a slight scare. Everyone does. And THEN they get it.
🗣️ I try to remind them every time we do the exercise, and get verbal confirmation that they feel balanced and safe.
Hope this helps.
