- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel and Weights (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3 sets
- Warning: May not be ideal for those with neck, shoulder or back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Arm Series: Up/Down on the Ladder Barrel
The strength and connection needed in our shoulders is often overlooked when it comes to doing Pilates. But the ability for you to do many Pilates exercises requires equal strength and stretch in the shoulder girdle. Using the Ladder Barrel or Spine Corrector can assist in finding the connections of your shoulders on your back and assist in stretching the part of your shoulder that is tight. If extension is elusive to your body use a light pair of weights to do your Arm Series on the Pilates Ladder Barrel. If the backbend is too much use the smaller side of your Spine Corrector instead.
Work the strength of the lower arm and the stretch of the upper arm.
Typically done from Arm Series Circles. Arches of feet on a rung, often the lower one, hips on the barrel and back bent over the barrel. With shoulders across the apex of the barrel. Neck long and head on the other side of the barrel. Arms reaching up to the ceiling, collarbones wide. One light weight (1-2lbs) in each hand. Reach one arm overhead and the other arm down towards your hip. Reaching your arms from your back switch the arms. Feel the “Chest Expansion” in the bottom arm and the “Swimming/Swan” of the arm overhead.
If going well, transition into Hug.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!
