Reformer pilates terminology: a practical 50-term glossary

Reformer pilates terminologyis what feels most unfamiliar in the first few classes. When the instructor says “control the carriage”, “adjust the footbar” or “come to neutral pelvis”, these can sound like meaningless words to a new member. Yet most of the terms aren't technically complicated; they're simply the names of equipment parts and positions. This glossary was put together as a practical reference you can read before coming to class.

Equipment terms

• Reformer: The core piece of pilates equipment, with spring resistance and a sliding carriage.
• Carriage: The moving platform of the reformer that slides back and forth. In Turkish it's also called “kızak”.
• Footbar: A height-adjustable bar used to support the feet or hands.
• Shoulder rests: Supports that hold the shoulders in place during supine exercises.
• Springs: Colour-coded elements that provide the resistance.
• Straps: Straps attached to the carriage, used for arm and leg work.
• Loop / handle: The loop or handle at the end of the straps.
• Headrest: Head support; adjusted according to neck position.
• Box: A rectangular support used in various exercises; it can be used in short or long orientation.
• Jumpboard: A platform that replaces the footbar, used for jumping exercises.
• Magic circle: An elastic resistance ring; used for arm and leg squeezing exercises.
• Platform extender: An accessory that extends the surface of the carriage.

Position and alignment terms

• Neutral pelvis: The neutral position of the pelvis; the lower back is neither overly arched nor flat.
• Imprint: A position in which the lower back gently moves towards the mat and the pelvis tilts slightly backwards.
• Neutral spine: Alignment in which the spine's natural curves are maintained.
• C-curve: A position in which the spine is rounded in a controlled way.
• Table top: A leg position with the knees bent at 90 degrees and the thighs vertical.
• Pilates stance: A foot stance with the heels together and the toes turned slightly out.
• Powerhouse: The body's centre; the deep abdominal, back, hip and pelvic floor muscles as a whole.
• Scapular stabilization: Keeping the shoulder blades controlled during movement.
• Ribcage connection: Keeping the ribcage aligned over the pelvis.

Exercise names

Foot and leg work

• Footwork: A series of basic foot exercises performed on the footbar.
• Toes / arches / heels: Different foot positions in the footwork series.
• Running: A footwork variation in which the heels are alternately lowered and lifted.
• Frog: A leg exercise in the straps in which the knees bend and extend.
• Leg circles: A movement in which the legs draw circles in the straps.
• Side-lying leg series: Hip exercises in a side-lying position.

Core work

• Hundred: A classic core exercise with rhythmic breathing and arm pumping.
• Coordination: A combination in which arm and leg movements are matched with the breath.
• Short spine: A movement in the straps in which the spine rolls in a controlled way.
• Bridging: The bridge series; hip lift variations.
• Teaser: Advanced; balance and core control in a V position.

Arm work

• Arms supine series: An arm series performed lying on your back with the straps.
• Chest expansion: A seated movement in which the arms are pulled back, opening the chest.
• Arms pulling straps: A movement that works the posterior chain in a prone position.
• Hug a tree: A seated movement in which the arms are brought together in front.

Stabilisation and stretching

• Long stretch: A movement in which the carriage is controlled in a plank-like position.
• Down stretch / up stretch: Variations of the long stretch series.
• Elephant: A stabilisation exercise with the hips lifted, lengthening the posterior chain.
• Knee stretch series: Core control exercises in a kneeling position.
• Mermaid: A stretch that lengthens the side line of the trunk.
• Stomach massage: A seated series combining the legs and trunk.
• Short box series: Core exercises performed sitting on the box.

Class flow terms

• Warm-up: The breathing and preparation section.
• Flow: Smooth transitions between movements; one of the core principles of pilates.
• Transition: Moving from one exercise to the next and changing the setup.
• Modification: A version of an exercise adapted to the individual, usually more accessible.
• Progression: A more challenging version of an exercise.
• Cueing: The instructor's verbal guidance.
• Spotting: The instructor providing physical support or correction.

Pilates principles

The classical principles the method is based on are concepts frequently referred to in class:

• Concentration: Performing every movement mindfully.
• Control: Muscular control instead of momentum.
• Centering: Initiating movement from the body's centre.
• Flow: Seamless transitions between movements.
• Precision: Accuracy of range of motion and alignment.
• Breathing: Breath matched with movement, never held.

Common cues and what they mean

• “Draw the ribs down”: Align your ribcage with your pelvis.
• “Shoulders away from your ears”: Reduce tension in your upper shoulder muscles.
• “Let your tailbone get heavy”: Bring your pelvis to neutral and reduce the arch in your lower back.
• “Keep the carriage quiet”: The carriage shouldn't bang against the frame; a sign of control.
• “Lengthen as you exhale”: Exhale during the effort phase of the movement.
• “Reach through your heels”: Actively lengthen the line of your legs.
• “Keep your neck long”: Maintain neck alignment without dropping your chin to your chest.

Coming to your first class

You don't need to memorise these terms; the instructor demonstrates every exercise. Still, knowing a few basic terms (carriage, footbar, neutral pelvis, imprint) makes your first class flow noticeably more smoothly. Don't hesitate to ask when you don't understand a cue; it's a habit that improves the quality of the class.

Conclusion

Although reformer pilates terminology may look unfamiliar at first, it consists largely of the names of equipment parts and positions. Knowing basic terms such as carriage, footbar, spring settings, neutral pelvis and imprint helps you arrive at class better prepared. The rest settles in naturally within a few classes.