- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel and Weights (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3-5 each direction
- Warning: May not be ideal for those with neck, shoulder or back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Arm Series: Circles on the Ladder Barrel
Pilates aims to connect our arms to our back. There are exercises that teach this connection well like the Arm Circles. When you do Arm Circles on the Pilates Ladder Barrel it takes the extension of a notch or two. Ideally, your Ladder Barrel and Spine Corrector are similar shapes. If they are then using the Ladder Barrel helps you feel like you’re almost in wheel. However, this version of Arm Circles might be too advanced for your practice. If so, use the step side of the Spine Corrector and build yourself and your practice up.
Work your arms from your back, focus on strength over stretch.
Step inside the Ladder Barrel and place your hips lower then the apex and both feet on the ladder. Choose the level of the rungs that feels best for your body. Hold onto a light weight (1-2lb) in each hand and backbend over the barrel. Arches of feet reaching into the ladder from the back of the legs. Reach arms straight up to the ceiling. Neck is long.
Maintaining connection of your hips and back on the barrel begin to circle your arms up overhead, open, down to the hips and back up again. Repeat the circle and then reverse directions. If going well transition into Up/Down.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!