What distinguishes a pelvic curl from a neutral bridge on the reformer?

• A. Pelvic curl uses more speed; neutral bridge slower.
• B. Pelvic curl emphasizes posterior tilt and spinal articulation with controlled vertebral sequencing; neutral bridge emphasizes stability with less articulation.
• C. Pelvic curl is performed with hips flexed; neutral bridge with extended legs.
• D. Pelvic curl relies on breath-holding; neutral bridge uses continuous breathing.

Answer: (B)

The main distinction is how the spine and pelvis move: pelvic curl emphasizes articulation and a posterior pelvic tilt that rolls the spine piece by piece, while the neutral bridge focuses on keeping the spine and pelvis stable with minimal spinal travel.

In a pelvic curl, you start with a strong posterior tilt of the pelvis to initiate rounding of the spine, and then you articulate the vertebrae sequentially as you curl up and down. This creates a controlled, segmental movement from the tailbone through the spine toward the shoulders, teaching precise control of spinal motion and sequencing.

In a neutral bridge, the pelvis is set in a neutral position and you lift the hips while maintaining that stability, with little to no ongoing reorganization of the spine. The emphasis is on keeping the spine aligned and the pelvis steady, rather than peeling the spine off the mat in segments.

So the defining difference is articulation versus stability: pelvic curl uses deliberate spinal sequencing with a posterior tilt, while neutral bridge prioritizes a stable spine and pelvis with less spinal movement.