- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3
- Warning: Not ideal for those with hip issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Stretches Side 1 on the Ladder Barrel
Stretches Side or Ballet Stretches Side on the Pilates Ladder Barrel is part of the Stretch Series. It can be done in parts as you need or as you build up to doing the full series. While it has “stretch” in the name the more you focus on the strength of the exercise the more it will support the rest of your Pilates practice and how your body feels as you do other things you enjoy in life. The first part of the Stretches Side is a hip stretch just like the Stretches Front. If this is not accessible in your hips yet it can be done using the ladder side. Or you can stand on a booster to create more accessibility.
It’s not about how far you side bend but how long you bend your sides.
Typically done from Stretches Front the barrel leg slides to the side of the barrel. Your standing leg turns out and moves to the back corner of the frame. Bend your barrel legs knee and place your foot on top of the barrel. Bend and straighten your standing leg to get your strength. Take your outside arm (ladder side) up to the ceiling and your inside arm can reach for the ladder.
Standing down through both legs and lifting up through your waist side bend up and over towards the barrel. Then lift back up and switch your arms as you side bend up and over the ladder. Repeat 2-3x.
If going well slide the leg to straight and transition into Stretch Side part 2 Straight Leg. Skipping the next step? You can transition into Stretches Back or you can 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!
