- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- 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 4 on the Ladder Barrel
Stretches or Ballet Stretches on the Pilates Ladder Barrel are a building block to Stretches with the Fuzzies on the Cadillac. While Joseph Pilates didn’t call them Ballet Stretches he did have a method to the madness, the order in which you do each variation. You can do all or parts of the Stretches. Or you can leave out what you’re not ready for yet. Part 4 of the Stretches Side is by far one of the most challenging. And it’s ok if it takes you years to build up to it. It’s also ok if you get to it and you just envision yourself doing it.
Focus on the lift from your center instead of the lift of your leg!
It’s best to do this after you do at least part 2 and 3 of Stretches Side. Ideally parts 1, 2 and 3! Not only will you have all the connections you need. You’ll have the mobility and strength. After you finish the 3rd side to side of part 3 reset your shoulders over your hips, over your heel. Root down through your standing leg, square off your hips and reach tall through the crown of your head. Ideally, the arms are helping you lift tall and not helping you attempt the action.
Reaching out through the barrel leg using the muscles around the hip (especially the glutes, hamstrings, etc.) lift the leg up and down 3x.
After the 3rd lift turn the standing leg as you turn towards the ladder, bend the barrel knee and begin to set up for the Stretches Back.
Skipping Stretches back? On the third lift sweep the leg forward off the barrel and place it next to your standing leg. Turn around 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!
