- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel and Pole (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3-5
- Warning: May not be ideal for those with neck, shoulder or back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Arm Series: Stretch with Bar on the Ladder Barrel
When you struggle to connect your arms to your back in Pilates closing the chain is super helpful. In the Pilates Arm Series on the Ladder Barrel (same as the Spine Corrector, Small Barrel) using a bar or weighted bar during the Stretch allows your arms to work evenly, equally and prepares your body for exercises like Swan, High Bridge and more. If the Pilates Ladder Barrel is too much extension try it on the Spine Corrector or Small Barrel.
Pull the bar wide with your arms as you work the bar in both directions.
Typically done from Arm Series Hug by rolling up replacing the weights with the bar and rolling back over the barrel. If setting up from scratch, place arches of feet on the lower rung or the one above it based on what feels best to your body. Grab your bar and extend your back over the barrel. The shoulders wide over the apex of the barrel. Arms reaching up, hands wide on the bar, wrists straight.
Reaching your legs into the rung work your arms up and overhead. Reach as far as you can maintain your connection to the barrel. Once you’re as far as you can reach with strength pulse the bar for an extra reach and then reach the bar up and forward towards your legs. Go as low as your shoulders remain open on the barrel. Repeat.
When done, let go of the bar, grab your head and roll up to sitting.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!
