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Arm Series: Up/Down on the Small Barrel

Home  »  Pilates Small Barrel Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Arm Series: Up/Down on the Small Barrel
  • July 2, 2024
arm series updown on the small barrel online pilates classes
  • Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
  • Equipment Needed: Small Barrel (I love using the Small Barrel.)
  • Reps: 3 sets
  • Warning: May not be ideal for some shoulder, back or neck issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Arm Series: Up/Down on the Small Barrel

Small Barrel exercises in Pilates are key for supporting your posture and building your upper back extension. The Pilates Arm Series on the Small Barrel is often more accessible then the Pilates Spine Corrector. Up/Down is the 2nd part of the Arm Series on the Pilates Small Barrel. It combines the reach of Swimming and Chest Expansion and teaches your backbend.

Reach your arms only as far as you stay connected to the barrel!

Typically done from Circles by reaching your arms up to the ceiling after the final rep. Weights and palms facing forward. If reseting sit with back to the barrel. Hips close or touching the barrel depending on the length of the spine and flexibility. Round back and then over the barrel. Aiming for shoulders to be on top of the arch. Neck long, head on barrel. Breathe your ribs into the barrel. and work your back to the shape of the Small Barrel.

Reach one straight arm up and overhead. Only as far as you can keep the length in your waist in both sides and ribs connected to the barrel. Lower the other arm by your side. Reach as low as your shoulder can remain on the barrel. Find the Swimming and Swan overhead and Chest Expansion in the bottom arm. Switch your arms and repeat.

Going well? Transition into Hug. Need a break? Set the weights down and use your hands to roll up to sitting.

If going well reach the arms forward and transition into Swimming.

Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Small Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Small Barrel training!

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, a 2nd generation certified Pilates teacher, breathwork, habits and mindset coach, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorials, where you can also find weekly Pilates classes and workshops. Teaching Pilates since 2008, she has run multiple studios, has trained hundreds of people to become teachers themselves and has taught thousands of students around the world. When not teaching from her studio in Las Vegas, Lesley she’s hosting her podcast Be It Till You See it or traveling the world leading Pilates retreats. Connect with Lesley on Instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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