- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Ladder Barrel (I love using the Balanced Body Ladder Barrel.)
- Reps: 3 each side
- Warning: Not ideal for those with neck, low back or hip issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Short Box Series: Tree on the Ladder Barrel
Short Box Tree on the Pilates Ladder Barrel is one of the best places to learn Tree on the Reformer. The barrel teaches your spine how to articulate into a full extension and organize what has to move first. It’s so tempting to do Tree and let the head overextend too early or too late. It’s also easy to lose the extension of the upper back and hang off the lower back. Using the barrel will help you see where you’re skipping a bone or two. Eventually, Tree on the Ladder Barrel will lead to the Back Walkover.
Hug outer hips towards each other to square hips as legs reach out!
Return to where you were for the Round Back. Hips slightly in front of the apex closer to ladder. Arch of one foot on the 2nd rung from the top. As you bring one knee into your chest. Hold behind the thigh and maintain the thigh close to your chest as you straighten and bend 1-3x then walk up to your ankle. Round forward as you pull your waist back to rock back. Walk down your leg, articulating your spine along the barrel and walk up your leg. Repeat 3x. If you can’t fully extend over the barrel go only as far as you can. Switch sides.
If you’re doing Back Walkover do it before switching sides.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Ladder Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Ladder Barrel training!