--- title: The Reformer Core Exercises You Need for Stronger Abs description: Discover reformer core exercises that go beyond classic planks. Build stronger abs, improve stability, and challenge your core with these Pilates moves. image: https://blog.flexiapilates.com/hubfs/Core%20Pike%20Workouts%20with%20Kelsey.webp --- [Skip to content](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/blogs/articles/reformer-core-exercises#main-content) [![](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flexia%20Primary%20Logo%202C-1.png?width=200&height=34&name=Flexia%20Primary%20Logo%202C-1.png)](https://flexiapilates.com) Search [Flexia Pilates](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/author/flexia-pilates) 8/8/22, 2:26 PM # The Reformer Core Exercises You Need for Stronger Abs Planks are great, but if they're all you do, they can get pretty boring. That's where reformer core exercises come in. Pilates ab exercises on the reformer are a fun and effective way to switch up your routine. Keep reading to discover our favorite reformer core exercises that can be done on the reformer or the mat to keep your workouts interesting and effective! ## Is reformer Pilates good for the core? Pilates on the reformer is one of the most effective ways to build core strength because it provides a full-body workout with core strength built into every exercise! ### Benefits of Practicing Reformer Core Exercises Regularly - Better posture - Improved balance - Less back pain - Better performance during activities such as running, tennis, and golf Given all it can help you with, reformer Pilates is one of the best things you can do for your health and fitness![Learn more about the benefits of reformer Pilates. ](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/blogs/articles/why-pilates-relieves-stress-improves-back-pain) ## Reformer Core Exercise Tutorial To kick up the heat, practice each of these exercises in the order listed to strengthen your abs in under 10 minutes! This sequence targets your abs while building whole-body strength. While this workout is designed to challenge your core, it also strengthens your shoulders and opens tight hamstrings. ### Setting Up Your Reformer for Core Exercises Step 1: Place your footbar in your preferred position and make sure that it is locked in. Step 2: Set your springs to one heavy spring－ This will be 1 Blue on Flexia. For spring conversions on another reformer, [check out our conversion list](https://support.flexiapilates.com/knowledge/do-the-flexia-springs-have-different-levels-of-resistance) and we’ll let you know what to use. Now let's get into the exercises! ## The 3 Best Pilates Reformer Core Workouts ### Reformer Core Exercise #1: Elephant ![](https://media1.giphy.com/media/sEbLPR1I5Nvzj1h4JU/giphy.gif)   Step your feet back to your shoulder blocks, and start with your hands about shoulder distance apart; feel as if you're in a downward-facing dog position. You may feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Lengthen through your spine, stabilize through your shoulder girdle. Inhale, kick your carriage open, just six to eight inches, exhale, draw the carriage back under you. Exhale, as you draw the carriage back under you. You want to feel your low core activate, turning on — lighting up. It's a super subtle connection, but we want to hone in on that. As you breathe, drop it in and connect. Repeat 8 times ### Reformer Core Exercise #2: Pike to Plank, aka Upstretch ![](https://media2.giphy.com/media/eNjPobNMFJ9us3n137/giphy.gif)   Same setup as elephant, but lift your heels halfway up your shoulder blocks. You may feel the core a bit more when you come up onto your toes, and it sort of takes the stretch out of the hamstrings and gets us to activate more core than we did in that initial elephant position. Let’s test it out: Inhale, open the carriage a few inches; Exhale to close the springs. Remember to keep your shoulder super stable, try not to let them shift forward and back as you move your legs. Let’s go for full plank now: Inhale, find your plank position, exhale, draw in, and close the carriage. As you kick back into plank, hinge around your hip joint. Repeat 8 times. ### Reformer Core Exercise #3: Floating Plank, aka Longstretch ![](https://media2.giphy.com/media/uf42Lp0Wkjciz5VNQ7/giphy.gif) Hold your plank and stabilize through your core, shoulders, and legs. Staying in that long plank position, float the carriage forward toward the stopper. Inhale, press the carriage away; Exhale, pull forward. Note: You may feel this a lot in your shoulders. If your shoulders feel unstable, you can add a light spring. If it feels heavy, swap for your 1 heavy spring, and move to a medium spring. We want to feel that core connection and shoulder stabilization throughout. Repeat 8 times. Want more Pilates reformer classes?[Check out this 20 minute free reformer workout on our YouTube Channel.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jhOuVIDtyw&t=10s) ## Get the benefits of reformer core exercises at home! If you don't have a reformer, each **Pilates ab exercise listed above can be done without Pilates equipment.** We recommend placing a box or bench under your hands and [sliders](https://www.verywellfit.com/best-exercise-sliders-5114890) under your feet. Conversely, you could use paper plates instead of sliders. Also, while there are benefits to all forms of exercise, you will get the best results from doing these on a reformer. For the best at-home workout, choose a reformer that meets your needs. To learn more about how to pick the right reformer, [check out our reformer buying guide](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/buying-guide-how-to-pick-the-best-pilates-reformer-for-home).  Additionally, [click here to learn more about our smart Pilates reformer](https://flexiapilates.com/pages/the-reformer) designed for in-home use. Or click here to [watch an honest review](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cilf_BP6k5E&t=5s) of the Flexia Reformer.  [Flexia Moves](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/tag/flexia-moves), [Tips & Tutorials](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/tag/tips-tutorials) ### Related Posts ##### [10 Minute Full-Body Workout: Strengthen and Lengthen with Pilates](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/10-minute-full-body-pilates-workout) 2/21/24, 5:00 AM ##### [Best arms Pilates replacements for gym exercises](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/best-arms-pilates-replacements-for-gym-exercises) 5/24/23, 10:42 AM ##### [Pilates for Back Pain: Benefits, Exercises & Tips](https://blog.flexiapilates.com/blogs/articles/pilates-for-back-pain) 6/14/23, 7:21 AM ### Reconnect with  ### what moves you. 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