On the reformer, what should you do for a student who is 5'9", very stiff, and has back pain?

For a student who is 5'9", experiencing stiffness, and has back pain, moving the reformer out one gear is beneficial as it increases the range of motion and overall accessibility during exercises. This adjustment allows the student to engage in movements more comfortably and can help alleviate some of the tension associated with stiffness.

When a reformer is set out further, it effectively creates additional space and reduces the strain on the back, offering a gentler experience for someone who is dealing with back pain. It encourages proper alignment and support, which is vital for someone who might struggle with stiffness and discomfort.

While the other choices might seem viable, they do not address the specific needs of the student. For instance, putting the headrest down when lying supine may not provide the necessary support for the spine. Adding extra springs can increase resistance, which might be too challenging for someone very stiff and in pain, while reducing springs could make the exercises too easy and not provide adequate support. Therefore, moving the reformer out one gear optimally balances support with movement for this particular student's situation.