- Difficulty: Beginner
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3-5
- Warning: May not be suitable for some low back or hip issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Stretches Front 2 on the Ladder Barrel
Front Stretches or Ballet Stretches Front on the Ladder Barrel in Pilates can easily be seen as a flexibility exercise. However, the equal balance of strength needed for the Stretches might surprise you. There are 3 major versions of the Stretches on the Pilates Ladder Barrel – Front, Side, and Back. Part one of the Front series is a hip stretch. A great way to work your way into the next part and what most people think of when they think of Stretches Front. The Straight Leg. Work the full body strength in this exercise and you will open up exercises like Tree, Control Balance, and more!
Work the strength over the stretch and you’ll gain more flexibility!
Typically done after the hip stretch (part 1) by straightening the leg. If skipping the hip stretch stand inside the barrel with the back to the ladder. Heels together and toes slightly apart. Take one leg and sweep it across your midline and place the leg onto the barrel with a pointed foot. Bend and straighten the standing leg 1-3x to find the strength in your standing leg. Arms long and behind the ladder with wide shoulders. Lift tall through the center and work the leg into the barrel (not the back of the knee down) to activate the back of both legs.
Reach down through your standing leg and tall through the crown of your head and round up and over the straight leg. Think Tree or Spine Stretch Forward. It’s less about how far forward your chest goes on your leg. And more about the lift in the waist and the longest round shape you can make. Lift tall and then reach your heart up and find the longest extension in your upper back. Repeat 2-3x.
If going well and you can feel the strength in your standing leg and the one you’re bending over try part 3 the splits/slide. Or you can transition into Stretches Side. If skipping Stretches Side or Back sweep your leg across your midline to lower it down and switch sides.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!
