Pilates Machine Side Split

Body WeightIntermediate

Perform the Pilates Machine Side Split to enhance your lateral strength and flexibility.

  1. Adjust the machine to a comfortable height.
  2. Stand on the platform with one foot on the foot bar and the other foot off the edge.
  3. Slowly slide the platform away from the foot bar, engaging your core.
  4. Return to the starting position with control.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching sides.

How to perform the Pilates Machine Side Split

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Pilates Machine Side Split using your body weight.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Build a free routine

Stage exercises here, then sign up to save them as a real Fitly routine — synced to web and mobile.

View staged routine (0)

Related exercises

0 exercises staged Save your routine — sign up free.