Mat Exercises: Ab Series on the Ladder Barrel

Adding Mat exercises to the top of the Ladder Barrel adds a challenge to your practices proprioceptions, balance and keeps you connecting your mind and body. It’s easy to sometimes go through the motions when it comes to your ab series. Doing the Ab Series on top of the Pilates Ladder Barrel isn’t where you will learn these exercises. And should only be done here if your Mat practice is advanced. The raised apex of the barrel adds an extra challenge.

Focus on connections as you play with range of movement in each exercise.

Laying on top of the Ladder Barrel apex. With your tailbone to one end and the tips of your shoulder blades to the other end. Pull your knees into your chest and curl your head and chest up. This will be your start and stop position. Sit up whenever you need in between exercises.

Single Leg Stretch: Hold one leg in, stretch the other leg out. Pull on it two times then switch. Repeat.

Double Leg Stretch: One hand on each shin, heels together, toes apart. Reach your arms overhead as you stretch your legs to the high diagonal. Circle the arms around as you pull the knees in. Repeat.

Single Straight Leg Stretch: Straighten both legs up, hold one leg as close to the ankle as you can. Reach the other leg away. Pull on that leg two times. Switch legs and repeat.

Double Straight Leg Stretch: Both hands behind the head or hold the edge of the barrel. Hug heels together and lower the straight legs as low as you can and then pull both legs up. Repeat

Criss Cross: Hands behind the head, elbows wide, pull one knee into your chest as you straighten the other leg out. Twist to the knee then switch legs and repeat.

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