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Handstand on the Ladder Barrel

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  • June 16, 2019
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handstand on the ladder barrel online pilates classes

Handstand on the Ladder Barrel

Handstands are not just for Yoga! You can do them in Pilates too! The Handstand on the Pilates Ladder Barrel will get your heart pumping. It’s easy to think that you’re just throwing yourself up into a Handstand but you’re lifting yourself up and reaching yourself back down. It’s also a fun way to challenge your Jumping Stomach Massage on the Ladder Barrel. If you’re up for the challenge, grab your Ladder Barrel, place your hands and give this one a go! You’ll need a lot of control and strength as well as a lot of trust and fun!

Reach your hands into the frame, find your two-way stretch to begin.

Stand facing the barrel and then lay on top of it. Slide over so that your hands can go on the bottom frame of the barrel. Some people may find that placing their hands on the floor inside the frame is better. Try both! Your hands may need to be closer or further away from the frame – it depends on your shoulder flexibility, height etc. Reach your legs over the barrel like you are trying to touch the floor. And, reach your hands into the frame, find your two-way stretch before you begin.

Once you have your two-way stretch you should feel a strong lift in your center, a connection to your midline and seat and your arms reaching from your back. When you’re ready reach your legs so long, reach your hands into the frame and lift your legs out and up and over your shoulders! If you make it to a Handstand hold. Then when you’re ready reach your legs long and take yourself back down. Repeat a few times. Having a wall behind you in case you lose your center and your legs go over your shoulder is a good way to practice. But try not to use the wall. Try to stop before you hit the wall.


Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder 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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2 comments

  1. Hi- do you have tutorials on how to start prepping for handstands? This is something I am interested in for the ladder barrel. Thanks! Leslie

    1. Hey Leslie, I don’t but we can add some. The truth is that there isn’t really a prep for doing the handstand on the ladder barrel. Aside from a handstand at the wall. But if you’re not ready to “jump” up into your handstand yet then work one leg at a time. xx

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SSSSNAKE & TWIST

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

On the reformer, there’s an exercise called Snake, and another exercise called Snake & Twist. We’ll build our connections throughout our practice to those 2 exercises. You’ll see how many exercises in your practice are already preparing you for those exercises, or maybe what’s missing that you need.

On the mat, we’ll build up to the Side Bend exercise, and add some variations that are like the Snake exercise on the reformer, or the Snake & Twist exercise on the reformer.

See you in class,
Christine

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, foam roller for one exercise variation, so if you don’t have a foam roller, no worries. Repeat the Side Bend exercise, or any variation, or any exercise we’ve already practiced and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


STRETCH THE BODY'S TENDON

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

An exercise many are ready for but gets a little scary to do is the Tendon Stretch on the Reformer. Mat lovers I got you!! Its your Open Leg Rocker, Double Straight leg stretch and something special I've got for you!!!

No matter which class you take we are going to explore how we stretch from our heels to the crown of our head, our body's tendon! We'll also cover where to look in exercises

No props needed.

See you in class,
xx-LL

IT FEELS GOOD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

My teacher Jay will often say to me or others who study with him "I can feel how good that feels." Meaning, even though he's in a chair, on zoom and for the most part not doing some of the exercises we are doing anymore the way we are doing the exercises looks like it feels freaking awesome. And so this week I want us to focus less on perfection and more on are we enjoying our practice so much that someone else would want to join us. AKA its our q3 check in!

Grab your pen and paper so that after class you can write down what feels good. And what isn't (yet) and then share it with me in our group so we can be inspired to create classes to support your practice where it is.

Props needed on the Mat and Reformer are personal preference.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


SSSSNAKE & TWIST

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

On the reformer, there’s an exercise called Snake, and another exercise called Snake & Twist. We’ll build our connections throughout our practice to those 2 exercises. You’ll see how many exercises in your practice are already preparing you for those exercises, or maybe what’s missing that you need.

On the mat, we’ll build up to the Side Bend exercise, and add some variations that are like the Snake exercise on the reformer, or the Snake & Twist exercise on the reformer.

Mat Prop: Foam roller for one exercise variation, so if you don’t have a foam roller, no worries. Repeat the Side Bend exercise, or any variation, or any exercise we’ve already practiced.
Reformer: no props

See you in class,
Christine

BRIDGE OF LIGHT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Let's bring light into the darkness of the challenging Mat exercise "Shoulder Bridge", where the hands are on the hips and one leg is in the air.

The Shoulder Bridge Prep exercise with feet and hands down is one of my favorite exercises, especially when time is short, as it quickly connects you to your Thass and upper body stability as well as actively stretches the hip flexor. There is so much good in this exercise and now let's build up to the advanced version!

See you in class,
Yasmin

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Small Magic Circle or Ball, Pole, Box, Non-slippery pad and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


IT FEELS GOOD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

My teacher Jay will often say to me or others who study with him "I can feel how good that feels." Meaning, even though he's in a chair, on zoom and for the most part not doing some of the exercises we are doing anymore the way we are doing the exercises looks like it feels freaking awesome. And so this week I want us to focus less on perfection and more on are we enjoying our practice so much that someone else would want to join us. AKA its our q3 check in!

Grab your pen and paper so that after class you can write down what feels good. And what isn't (yet) and then share it with me in our group so we can be inspired to create classes to support your practice where it is.

Props needed on the Mat and Reformer are personal preference.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST

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In Pilates, we always focus on quality over quantity. That means paying attention to form, shape, control, and connection in every rep. It is not only about how we set up and start strong, it is also about how we finish.

This month, let’s bring awareness to finishing strong. Make your last rep just as strong as your first, maybe even saving the very best for last. Do not throw away those final moments of work. On equipment, the springs will tell you if you are in control. How quietly can you close them? When moving without springs, notice if there is a drop, plop, or lean. That feedback shows you how strong and connected you really are.

Start strong. Finish strong. You are strong.

Let’s save the best for last to wrap up 2025!

Props needed:
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Tower/Cadillac: no props
Wunda Chair: for 1 exercise (or go closer to the wall): reformer long box or a physio ball

See ya in class,
xx-LL

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, TOWER/CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Rolling Exercises are all over our Pilates practice! And from different positions! Sometimes we’re lying on our backs, standing or sitting. No matter what position we’re in, or what equipment we’re using, being able to roll through some or all of the spine helps us with flexibility, balance, and posture.

Props needed:
Mat: squishy ball or bolster and dowel
Reformer: pole, ball and grip pad
Tower: none
Chair: none

See ya in class,
xx-LL

SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

GETT'N LONG

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

One thing that many of us forget is 1) our neck is part of our spine 2) extension is still about the length!

Whether you're tight and feel like you're not getting anywhere or you're hypermobile and you can put your head on your feet, this week's workout is for you!

We'll be focusing on the length on your extension! On the Mat we'll be working how LONG we can get and maybe that means we are LOW. On the Reformer our Pull Straps will help us figure out length and lift and we'll see how we can take that into other extension.

Light weights needed or grab can's of food or water bottles

Let's get long! (read it like you're lil john)

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


BRIDGE OF LIGHT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Let's bring light into the darkness of the challenging Mat exercise "Shoulder Bridge", where the hands are on the hips and one leg is in the air.

The Shoulder Bridge Prep exercise with feet and hands down is one of my favorite exercises, especially when time is short, as it quickly connects you to your Thass and upper body stability as well as actively stretches the hip flexor. There is so much good in this exercise and now lets build up to the advanced version!

Props needed:
Mat - Magic Circle
Reformer - Small Magic Circle or Ball, Pole, Box, Non-slippery pad

See you in class,
Yasmin

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL