What is the purpose of the Hundred on the reformer and its basic breathing and arm positioning?

• A. To solely stretch the hamstrings.
• B. To warm up, coordinate breath with arm pumps; breathing pattern typically five-in and five-out, arms pump in line with breath.
• C. To challenge balance without breath.
• D. To increase cardiovascular endurance only.

Answer: (B)

Coordinating breath with a steady arm pump during the reformer Hundred sets up a controlled rhythm that warms the body and primes the torso for work. It teaches you to inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts while the arms make small pumps in time with the breath. Keeping the arms in line with the breath helps you maintain shoulder stability and engage the deep abdominal muscles as you breathe, so the spine and pelvis stay neutral rather than collapsing or overworking. This breathing pattern supports ribcage expansion on the inhale and a steady, controlled exhale that facilitates abdominal engagement and spinal support, preparing you for later moves. It’s about warm-up, breath-coordination, and establishing a reliable tempo and stability, not solely about stretching hamstrings, balancing without breath, or building endurance.