What modification cue is appropriate for limited hamstring flexibility during leg presses on the reformer?

What modification cue is appropriate for limited hamstring flexibility during leg presses on the reformer?

• A. Increase range, straighten knees, and hold your breath.
• B. Decrease range, bend knees more, keep neutral spine, and use a support strap or headrest if needed.
• C. Keep the range the same and push through the pain.
• D. Stand on the reformer and perform a squat.

Answer: (B)

When hamstrings are limited, the cue focuses on protecting the back and controlling the movement by shortening the movement and maintaining proper alignment. Decreasing the range by bending the knees more reduces the amount of hamstring stretch during the press, so you can work the legs without forcing the hamstrings to lengthen beyond what's comfortable. Keeping the spine in a neutral position helps preserve the natural lower-back curve and prevents compensations that can occur when the pelvis tilts or the back rounds. Using a support strap or headrest as needed gives you extra stability and helps you hold that neutral alignment throughout the exercise. Taken together, this approach allows you to engage the quadriceps and glutes safely within a comfortable ROM, reducing strain and promoting control. Avoid increasing the range or pushing through pain, which can overload tight hamstrings and compromise spinal alignment. Standing on the reformer or maintaining the same range while forcing effort can also lead to unsafe mechanics.

When hamstrings are limited, the cue focuses on protecting the back and controlling the movement by shortening the movement and maintaining proper alignment. Decreasing the range by bending the knees more reduces the amount of hamstring stretch during the press, so you can work the legs without forcing the hamstrings to lengthen beyond what's comfortable. Keeping the spine in a neutral position helps preserve the natural lower-back curve and prevents compensations that can occur when the pelvis tilts or the back rounds. Using a support strap or headrest as needed gives you extra stability and helps you hold that neutral alignment throughout the exercise. Taken together, this approach allows you to engage the quadriceps and glutes safely within a comfortable ROM, reducing strain and promoting control.

Avoid increasing the range or pushing through pain, which can overload tight hamstrings and compromise spinal alignment. Standing on the reformer or maintaining the same range while forcing effort can also lead to unsafe mechanics.