Pilates Machine Overhead
The Pilates Machine Overhead targets your upper body and core stability. This exercise enhances shoulder mobility and strengthens the back.
- Start by sitting on the Pilates machine with your feet securely placed on the footbar.
- Grasp the straps with both hands, arms extended overhead.
- Engage your core and slowly lower the arms back while maintaining control.
- Return to the starting position, keeping your movements smooth and steady.
How to perform the Pilates Machine Overhead
- Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Pilates Machine Overhead using your body weight.
- Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your primary working muscles.
- Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.
Coaching cues
- Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
- Drive force through your working muscles rather than momentum.
- Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.
Common mistakes
- Using too much weight and losing positional control.
- Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
- Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.
Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.
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