Handstand on the Ladder Barrel

Handstands are not just for Yoga! You can do them in Pilates to and the Handstand on the Ladder Barrel will get your heart pumping. It’s easy to think that you’re just throwing yourself up into a Handstand but 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.

-Lesley Logan

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 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!