Can you explain the different muscle focus' of each foot position? For example, are wide heels more of an inner thigh focus and parallel heels a quad and hamstring focus? Thanks!

Crystal clear explanation.

Thank you Vicky!

I have prominent ankle bones. Pressing my heels together can cause them to come together.To avoid it I have to supinate my feet. That of course throws my alignment off. Any thoughts on this? Does this happen to others?

Hi James --- this does happen to others and that fully adducted/ankles bones together isn't necessary for everyone.  If I could see you in person I'd make the assessment to give you a bit of space and look at your entire leg alignment from pelvis to feet, and the kneecaps being directly facing the ceiling.  That can mean the feet need to be a bit apart.  Let me know if you have any additional questions, but you're right -- alignment is key!

Thank you Amy for the refresher.  I am a one instructor studio so I use Pilates Anytime to remain focused on technic as well as inspired by other talented professionals.  You are all my mentors.  In Nov. 2017 I started my Pilates studio in the back corner (12x12 area) of a bicycle store.  I had just completed my Mat Pilates certification and I had three friends who trusted me enough to give Pilates a try.  I now have four reformers, have expanded to 300 square feet and have 15 regular clients.  Considering everything that has transpired in 2020 I find myself feeling very blessed.  It is my goals to keep my clients grounded in a strong foundation of movement as the new year begins.  Respectfully, Cat G

Catherine G  --- I love this story and BIG congratulations to you for your achievement, your growth and continued vision for yourself and your clients, BRAVO!  I find myself blessed too, each day, for a healthy body, for a community that really shows up for one another and for having a profession I love so much!  Cat, we're all in this together!  Thank you for being here!!

I am curious about the position of the footbar  -- the reformer setup states, "footbar is up". Does this mean the footbar is in the highest position or does it depend on the height of the client? Thanks. 

Hi Patricia C , great question and yes, it depends on the height of the person.  My student Kristi was set with the high bar as she's about 5 feet 3 inches tall.   A low bar will be useful also for someone who needs to connect more deeply into their posterior hip muscles to initiate the movement.