You do not have to have a Pilates reformer to do reformer exercises. There are quite a few you can do on the mat. Yes, they are different without the reformer, but they are very effective. One of the best, I think, is the footwork (which is somewhat misnamed because it has as much to do with your whole powerhouse as your feet -- but the feet are important).
Without the footbar, you have to hold your legs up yourself -- hello abs! Then there is the control of bringing the in and out in space. That means the inner thighs have to really engage hold the midline. Plus, this exercise has an upper ab lift as well. Really, footwork on the mat is quite interesting and a great workout.
Do Reformer Footwork on the Mat
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photo (c)2010, Marguerite Ogle
