- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel and Pole (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 1-3 sets
- Warning: Not ideal for those with neck or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Short Box Series: Side to Side on the Ladder Barrel
Short Box Side to Side is one of the most elusive Pilates exercises. Do you lean? Is there a bend? Where are you moving from? Practicing your Side to Side on the Pilates Ladder Barrel is a great place to feel all the components. The apex of the barrel provides feedback on where the weight of your body is on your hips. The rungs help you work the reach of the legs, something hard to learn on the Reformer Short Box. And, then you can find that long side bend on each side to prep you for Twist & Reach. When you’ve got the hang of it get back on your Reformer.
Work the lift of the bottom side by pulling up to go over, arms follow.
Typically done from Short Box Flat. The same set up as the Flat Back sit tall on the apex with arms reaching overhead holding wide on the pole. Maintaining the lift of your back and without shifting your weight or your ribs lift up and over to one side. Then up and over to the other side. Repeat 2-3x each side.
Work the longest side bend on both sides. It’s so tempting to sink on one side to “stretch” the other side. But the more you work the lift and bend the more strength you’ll get.
From here transition to Twist & Reach.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!