In structuring a reformer session, which element should come before stability-focused sequences?

• A. Cooling breath-focused wrap-up.
• B. Mobility-based warm-up (footwork).
• C. Spinal articulation sequences.
• D. Heavy resistance leg presses.

Answer: (B)

Starting with mobility-focused preparation, such as footwork on the reformer, sets the body up for stable, controlled movement. Footwork primes the ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis, and helps establish a neutral spine as you move through ranges you’ll later challenge with stability work. This mobility work increases joint range, warms the tissues, and tunes neuromuscular patterns so you can perform stability-focused sequences with proper alignment and less risk of compensations. If you go straight into stability work without this prep, restricted motion or misalignment can limit control and make stabilizing patterns harder or less effective. The other options belong in different parts of a session: cooling breath work is best saved for a cooldown; heavy resistance leg presses are more demanding and should come after foundational mobility and stability; and spinal articulation sequences are mobility work but typically follow a general mobility warm-up, whereas footwork provides a broader, preparatory base for stability sequences.