Leg Stretches Back on the Ladder Barrel

Thigh Stretch or Leg Stretches Back is the third part of what is often called the Ballet Stretches on the Pilates Ladder Barrel. It’s also the easiest one to cheat on and miss the good benefits. In fact, most people when they stretch their quads or thighs tend to let their knee drift to the side or their lower back dips forward and they miss the stretch through the front of the hip. And, they also miss out on what is great about the standing leg. Many people tend to hang out in their hips as they stretch the other leg. But, when you understand how to do the Leg Stretches Back correctly you get the best stretch and the greatest strength in your legs.

Work your legs towards each other as you lift your hip points up!

Typically done after Leg Stretches Side by turning your body, hips and standing leg around to face the ladder as you bend your barrel leg and let the top of your foot slide on the barrel. Stop with your knee aligned with your standing leg.

Bend and straighten your standing leg to find the strength 2-3x. Lift your frontal hip points and lift your chest over your hips. Hug your bent knee towards your standing leg. Once you’ve found your strength and your bent leg working in continue to lift tall and breathe. Feel your abdominals pull in and find more lift in your center. Hold this for a few cycles of breathing.

When done sweep the leg down and complete the series on the other side.

Yes, you can just do the thigh stretch. You would step inside the barrel facing the ladder and place one foot up on the barrel. And repeat the same action on both sides.

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