- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 2-3 cycles of breathing
- Warning: Not ideal for those with neck or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Mat Exercises: Swimming on the Ladder Barrel
While not typically done on the Ladder Barrel the Pilates Swimming exercise on the Ladder Barrel can be very revealing. On the Mat, many people struggle with rocking side to side as they swim. But, on the Pilates Ladder Barrel if you rock you could slide off. So, it forces you to find the length in your extension. Give it a try and then take what you learned back to your Mat practice.
Work the arms and legs higher each rep as you reach your tailbone long.
Laying your stomach on top of the apex. Hips at one end and chest at the other. Reach your pubic bone towards the apex, reach your arms forward like a superhero and your legs long behind you. Spin your inner thighs up so your legs are parallel.
Lift your arms, chest and legs higher while maintaining length through your lower back. Lift your right arm and your left leg higher. Then switch. Continue to “swim” your arms working the up!
When done step off to the side and counter stretch.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!
