Shortbox Side Bends

Exploring 30 Modifications for Shortbox Side Bends: A Foundation Exercise from the Reformer Pilates Expansion Card Deck

The Shortbox Side Bends exercise is a classic Pilates move that focuses on improving lateral spinal flexibility, core strength, and overall balance. This exercise is a staple in the Foundation category of the Reformer Pilates Expansion Card Deck—an expansion of the popular Reformer Pilates Deck which includes 48 foundational and intermediate exercises.

The Reformer Pilates Expansion Card Deck is crafted to take Pilates practitioners through a more varied and in-depth exploration of reformer movements, perfect for building up strength, flexibility, and skill level. Each card in the deck introduces a core movement with clear instructions and variations, making it easy to adapt for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

For Shortbox Side Bends, the instructions are straightforward: sit on the reformer box with your feet secured under the straps, bend your elbows with hands behind your head, and engage your core as you side-bend right on an exhale, keeping the opposite hip grounded. Inhale back to the centre, and repeat on the opposite side.

Below, we will explore 30 variations for this move, divided by skill level, to deepen your Pilates practice and keep it interesting.

10 Beginner Modifications for Shortbox Side Bends On Reformer

Beginner Modification 1: Hands on Hips
Place your hands on your hips for stability and balance.

Beginner Modification 2: Single Arm Overhead
Extend one arm overhead, keeping the other hand on your hip.

Beginner Modification 3: Feet on Reformer Platform
Position your feet on the platform rather than under straps to reduce intensity.

Beginner Modification 4: Use a Foam Pad
Sit on a foam pad for additional stability if you feel wobbly on the box.

Beginner Modification 5: Keep Knees Bent
Bend your knees to maintain better balance and core engagement.

Beginner Modification 6: Side Bend with Arm Support
Place one hand on the box for extra support while bending.

Beginner Modification 7: Seated on Mat, Feet Flat
Perform this exercise seated on the mat with feet flat, omitting the reformer.

Beginner Modification 8: Small Range of Motion
Use a smaller range of motion, focusing on engaging the obliques.

Beginner Modification 9: Hold a Light Resistance Band
Hold a resistance band in both hands to gently engage the arms.

Beginner Modification 10: Hands Crossed on Chest
Cross hands over the chest rather than behind the head for extra support.

10 Intermediate Modifications for Shortbox Side Bends On Reformer

Intermediate Modification 1: Extend Both Arms Overhead
Keep both arms extended overhead, increasing shoulder and core engagement.

Intermediate Modification 2: Place a Light Weight Behind Head
Hold a small weight behind your head for extra resistance.

Intermediate Modification 3: Small Rotation at Bottom of Side Bend
Add a gentle twist at the bottom of each side bend, activating more core muscles.

Intermediate Modification 4: Extend Legs Fully in Front
Straighten your legs in front of you for more core challenge.

Intermediate Modification 5: Arms Extended Diagonally
Stretch both arms out diagonally as you bend, deepening the reach.

Intermediate Modification 6: Add a Resistance Band Around Waist
Wrap a band around your waist for feedback and core resistance.

Intermediate Modification 7: Focus on Slow, Controlled Movements
Slow down the side bends, holding for two breaths at the bottom.

Intermediate Modification 8: Hold a Medicine Ball Overhead
Hold a light medicine ball overhead for added upper body engagement.

Intermediate Modification 9: Side Bend with One Arm Raised
Raise one arm as you bend to challenge stability.

Intermediate Modification 10: Engage Glutes for Stability
Tighten the glutes as you bend, maintaining a stable lower body.

10 Advanced Modifications for Shortbox Side Bends On Reformer

Advanced Modification 1: Full Lateral Extension
Reach your arm all the way to the floor on each side bend for maximum range.

Advanced Modification 2: Twist at Bottom and Return
Add a deep twist at the bottom of each bend, returning to centre before lifting.

Advanced Modification 3: Single Leg Extended
Extend one leg out and keep the other under the strap for balance.

Advanced Modification 4: Hold a Dumbbell Behind Head
Hold a heavier dumbbell behind your head to increase resistance.

Advanced Modification 5: Alternating Arm Reaches with Weights
Hold a small weight in each hand, alternating reaches with each bend.

Advanced Modification 6: Extend Both Legs Off Box
Lift both legs off the box, balancing solely on your glutes.

Advanced Modification 7: Add a Resistance Band to Hands
Hold a resistance band in both hands, extending arms as you bend.

Advanced Modification 8: Perform with a Bosu Ball Underneath
Sit on a Bosu ball placed on the box for an intense balance challenge.

Advanced Modification 9: Engage in Small Pulses
At the end of each bend, add three small pulses to engage obliques further.

Advanced Modification 10: Weighted Bar Overhead
Hold a weighted bar overhead, stabilising core and shoulders as you bend.

George’s Conclusion and the Reformer Pilates Card Deck

Shortbox Side Bends are a wonderful foundational exercise for developing core strength, lateral spinal flexibility, and improved balance. The 30 modifications listed here offer options for every level, allowing anyone to explore this movement safely and progressively.

For those who want to delve deeper into reformer Pilates or discover other foundational and advanced exercises, the Reformer Pilates Card Deck is an invaluable resource. With exercises clearly divided by skill level and purpose, this deck provides practitioners with both variety and structure in their workouts.

To take things a step further, the Reformer Pilates Expansion Card Deck expands upon these exercises that can add even more versatility to your routine. Having both decks gives you a comprehensive Pilates toolset that can elevate your practice, whether you’re a beginner seeking confidence or an advanced practitioner wanting to refine your skills.