Reformer Pilates Box Exercises: How to Use the Box with Stability and Without Slipping
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The box is one of the most versatile accessories on the Reformer Pilates. Placed on the carriage, it lets you work seated, lying down, kneeling or standing, with variations for every level. It is also one of the places where lack of grip shows most: the surface of the box is smooth and, with sweat, it can become slippery. In this guide we look at what it is for, which exercises are done with it and how to keep a firm base.
What the box is and what it is used for
The box is a padded piece that sits on the Reformer carriage, usually behind the shoulder rests or along the platform. It raises the body, changes the angle of work and modifies the difficulty of exercises. You can check the name of each part in our guide to the parts of the Reformer.
Common box exercises
1. Seated series on the box
Sitting on the edge or centre, you work the trunk with flexion, extension and rotation movements, usually with the straps or a bar. The pelvis must stay steady on a surface that does not slide.
2. Prone series (swan, pulling straps, T)
Lying face down over the box with your chest supported, you work the back and shoulders with the straps. It is key that your body does not shift forwards or backwards as you pull. If you are interested in strap work for the arms, see reformer Pilates arm exercises.
3. Side-lying or supine series
The box can also change hip and trunk position in leg and mobility series, especially in intermediate variations.
4. Kneeling or standing series using the box as support
In some variations, the box acts as a raised platform for knees or feet. It is demanding for balance and calls for a secure support. For more, see kneeling exercises on the Reformer.
Why the box needs a good base
When you work on the box, your body is raised and support is reduced to a few points of contact. If these slip, you have to engage extra muscles to hold on, and you lose exercise precision. The three most common points are:
- Chest, abdomen or pelvis on the box: the padded surface is smooth and, with sweat or slippery clothing, the body tends to move.
- Hands on the bar or carriage: if they slip, the shoulder compensates.
- Feet on the platform or carriage: a small slide changes the whole exercise.
To understand better what helps prevent slipping, read what really prevents slipping in Reformer Pilates.
How to set up the box safely
- Check it is seated properly: the box must not move on the carriage when you lean on it.
- Place the towel first: spread it flat, without creases, over the area you will lean on.
- Adjust springs and straps with your instructor: especially if it is your first time working with the box.
- Start with simple variations: build control before increasing difficulty.
If you feel discomfort in your back, shoulders or neck during these exercises, check with your instructor or a healthcare professional.
Common mistakes when working with the box
- Letting the body slide on the box: you lose alignment and control.
- Compensating with tension: gripping with your hands or digging in your toes to avoid slipping.
- Loading the neck: movement should come from the trunk and back, not the head.
- Skipping the set-up: a badly placed box or towel changes the whole session.
A firm base on the box too
The Bellman Pilates Non-Slip Towel for Reformer Pilates offers 85% grip on both sides: one side fixes to the surface and the other holds your body, hands or feet. It comes in blue, pink and grey, is easy to take to class and can be washed at home. If your studio would like to offer it to its clients, see our proposal for boutique Reformer studios.