- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3
- Warning: May not be suitable for those with hip issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Stretches Side 2 on the Ladder Barrel
Pilates Ballet Stretches has 3 different versions you can focus on. You can do the entire series or just the parts your body needs and build your practice up. Joseph Pilates did not call this series Ballet Stretches. The Stretches Side has some complications due to most people’s hip flexibility or mobility. The first part is a great tool for creating that mobility. But many skip it and start with part 2 the straight leg version. Stretches Side Part 2 on the Pilates Ladder Barrel is just as much about strength as it is stretch. If you need, stand on a booster so that you can square your hips.
Reach your arms from your upper back to help find length in your waist.
Typically you will transition from Stretches Front by sliding the leg across the barrel. If coming from Stretches Side part 1 you’re already set up with your standing leg. Slide your bent leg to straight. Lift tall in your center and if needed bend and straighten your standing leg to find the strength of the standing leg and help the barrel leg hip drop and square off.
The outside arm reaches up to the ceiling. The inside arm reaches toward the ladder. Pressing down with the back of your leg and reaching down through the standing leg side bend up and over your leg. Lift up and then switch your arms and side bend up and over the ladder. Repeat 2-3x
If going well transition into part 3. Skipping part 3 you can transition to Stretches Back. Or you can sweep the leg forward and off the barrel turn around and repeat on the other side.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!
