- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel and Weights (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3 sets of 3
- Warning: May not be ideal for some hip or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Horseback Jockey on the Ladder Barrel
Jockey on the Pilates Ladder Barrel is a great prep version of Horseback on the Ladder Barrel. And, let’s be honest, in Pilates, not many people love Horseback. Jockey is a great way to like Horseback, and develop the connection you need! And, the best part, you don’t have to be a jockey to try it! Learning Horseback isn’t easy. Jockey makes it possible to find more connections for some bodies. And, Jockey on the Ladder Barrel is the best place to practice those connections before hitting the Reformer!
Work longest round spine from center! Arms & legs deepen the connection.
Straddle your Ladder Barrel with your hips towards the back edge of one side. Legs bent and hugging the barrel. Feet pointed also hugging towards the barrel. Hands, holding light weights in the hip creases. Work your tailbone towards the barrel, it’s tempting to tilt back. The gaze starts ahead with the spine long.
As you reach your arms forward towards the high diagonal from your back, reach your tailbone towards your barrel, hug the barrel with your inner thighs, rounding your back as long as you can. Circle the arms up and around 3x with the pinky side of your hands up. After 3 pull the arms back into place and sit tall on the barrel. The hips may lift, and while someday you want the hips to lift we don’t want to sacrifice the long round spine to do so. Repeat. When you have the hang of it move onto Horseback with straight legs and eventually to the Reformer.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!