This was the Superstar Reformer that Romana gave to a select few of her students—the order of the workout was written on a Gold Card. Many of the exercises and variations here are advised only for those who work at a Super Advanced level but even simply watching this inspiring demonstration will show you how far the work can go. Some of the rarely seen exercises here include: Side sit ups with Leg Extended, Long Stretch w/No Springs, One-Leg Elephant w/Front Dip, Stomach Massage w/Arms Back Hands Clasped, Headstands, Semi-Circle Bar Up, Thigh Stretch Backbend, Twist w/Bar Up No Springs, Grasshopper, Knee Stretches w/Kicks, Star, Big Splits (aka Grande Splits), Gondola, High Bridge 2 Springs, and Russian Squats. For info on training with Kathi visit: KathiRossNash.com.
I have a question about Stomach Massage 2. My teacher has been encouraging me forward towards the edge of the carriage and its horrible but I love it (you know!) as the only thing you can do is lift. In the second stomach massage I take it the arms are lifted behind you not so much as a challenge but because you simply can not reach that far back to the shoulder blocks when you are that far forward on the carriage without rounding the lower back so much you lose all the lift and therefore one of the goals of the exercise?
As I was taught by all of my first generation teachers , he goal was tailbone off the edge for both stomach massage and teaser on the long box. This oppositional curve is seen th ightout the work. Look at the thread of the massage series. Stomach massage hands back and the knees stretches are the same exercise. Th baiting on the heels with th chest open has been lost. Do you remember Blowsoms position? It is also the same from rolling like a balls progression to open leg rocker- round to round lower back and open chest. I think this new straight thing is a right against the sinking we see in the rounding as appossed to a lift
Thank you. As always helping me to see the bigger picture. I do remember Blossom’s position and the air turning blue when I pointed out her spring setting was a little off!
Oh my goodness! Watched this for inspiration and to see some stunning Pilates and you both more than delivered. Will not be trying many of these until my teacher introduces them for me but its so useful to see the full expression of these exercises and the super advanced ones. In awe of both of you!
Loved this! My intended #SystemPractice for March 2017. Especially loved and appreciated Michael for the occasional comic relief. Much respect to both of you.
Thank you Kathi for sharing this about the reformer. I really studied your position (setup) on the reformer and it has helped immensely with the super advanced moves that I’ve been practicing. So again, thank you for sharing.
P.S. your comment at 25:00 mark is spot on — you are twenty if your spine is supple! Ha!
Ok, that was awesome. And just when I thought I had seen your every trick, you nailed it with the long straps returning to their home position. What a deft piece of Pilates business that was! You and Michael are unstoppable. Wish me luck that I don’t shatter the mirrors in my studio when I try that thing with the straps – or just with my High Bridge – LOL. glad this is occurring to me NOW, actually…love you both 🙂
Loved it! Very inspirational Kathy. I always like the little bits of historical information you add in to the workouts. Thank for sharing your knowledge.
May I ask Kathi a few questions please – again!
1. Who were the six Teachers given this prestigious GOLD CARD REFORMER award by Romana in 2001?
2. The inspiration I took from this was that much can be taken to the Mat…True/False?
Kathi, I have never tried those Big Splits, can you teach me please? They looked like so much fun! And P.S….those single leg Russian squats, don’t worry about teaching me those, I’ll practice on my own. 🙂
What Others Are Saying
23 Comments
This is SO amazing and inspirational to watch!
Can’t wait to meet you at your workshop in Brazil next month Kathi! ❤️
Glorious!
Like the old days!
I have a question about Stomach Massage 2. My teacher has been encouraging me forward towards the edge of the carriage and its horrible but I love it (you know!) as the only thing you can do is lift. In the second stomach massage I take it the arms are lifted behind you not so much as a challenge but because you simply can not reach that far back to the shoulder blocks when you are that far forward on the carriage without rounding the lower back so much you lose all the lift and therefore one of the goals of the exercise?
As I was taught by all of my first generation teachers , he goal was tailbone off the edge for both stomach massage and teaser on the long box. This oppositional curve is seen th ightout the work. Look at the thread of the massage series. Stomach massage hands back and the knees stretches are the same exercise. Th baiting on the heels with th chest open has been lost. Do you remember Blowsoms position? It is also the same from rolling like a balls progression to open leg rocker- round to round lower back and open chest. I think this new straight thing is a right against the sinking we see in the rounding as appossed to a lift
Thank you. As always helping me to see the bigger picture. I do remember Blossom’s position and the air turning blue when I pointed out her spring setting was a little off!
My favorite workout yet!!! Thank you, Kathi!
Oh my goodness! Watched this for inspiration and to see some stunning Pilates and you both more than delivered. Will not be trying many of these until my teacher introduces them for me but its so useful to see the full expression of these exercises and the super advanced ones. In awe of both of you!
Loved this! My intended #SystemPractice for March 2017. Especially loved and appreciated Michael for the occasional comic relief. Much respect to both of you.
Hi Kathi! We met at the Masters Rock the Rockies in Colorado…2010 maybe? Loved you there and love you here! So glad I can take your classes here!
Thank you! and yes what a great time I had there! I met so many wonderful teachers that trip!
Thank you Kathi for sharing this about the reformer. I really studied your position (setup) on the reformer and it has helped immensely with the super advanced moves that I’ve been practicing. So again, thank you for sharing.
P.S. your comment at 25:00 mark is spot on — you are twenty if your spine is supple! Ha!
When Pilates becomes an Olympic sport, I think we have found our gold medalists! Bravo!
Kathy, you’re a beast! xo- Dead Bug
circle? Please. Insane!!! love it!!
Ok, that was awesome. And just when I thought I had seen your every trick, you nailed it with the long straps returning to their home position. What a deft piece of Pilates business that was! You and Michael are unstoppable. Wish me luck that I don’t shatter the mirrors in my studio when I try that thing with the straps – or just with my High Bridge – LOL. glad this is occurring to me NOW, actually…love you both 🙂
Kathi, you are such an inspiration and so beautiful to watch. Thank you for this video
Thank you!!!
Just beautiful watching both of you. Totally inspiring!
Brilliant!!! Great energy!!! Well done Michael,keeping up with’ superwoman’ kathi!!
Loved it! Very inspirational Kathy. I always like the little bits of historical information you add in to the workouts. Thank for sharing your knowledge.
Mr Johnson – Outstanding piece of work.
May I ask Kathi a few questions please – again!
1. Who were the six Teachers given this prestigious GOLD CARD REFORMER award by Romana in 2001?
2. The inspiration I took from this was that much can be taken to the Mat…True/False?
Thank you for sharing this work.
Kathi, I have never tried those Big Splits, can you teach me please? They looked like so much fun! And P.S….those single leg Russian squats, don’t worry about teaching me those, I’ll practice on my own. 🙂