I tried this simple trick to replicate a Pilates Reformer class at home—and my core got a serious workout

Woman in gym leaning elbows on a foam roller in modified plank position.

I often use a foam roller to cool down after workouts, targeting the muscles that I've worked the hardest. But I realised recently that this bit of kit doesn't need to be limited to post-exercise routines—it can also help with strength training. 

The exercises in the Instagram reel below, created by Stef Williams, founder of the health and wellness app WeGLOW, show just how challenging foam roller workouts can be. The moves isolate your mid-body core muscles, while also putting your stability and balance to the test.