- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Small Barrel (I love using the Small Barrel.)
- Reps: 3 sets of 8
- Warning: May not be ideal for some hip or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Series: Beats on the Small Barrel
Small Barrel Beats in the Leg Series is similar to the Beats during Leg Springs on the Cadillac in Pilates. The difference is that you’re hips are elevated and you don’t have the support of the springs to reach into! But working these beats over the Pilates Small Barrel will help strengthen your body for High Scissors & Bicycle as well as other more dynamic exercises like Grasshopper on the Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel and Reformer. It’s not just about opening and closing your legs. It’s also about working the legs from your center to strengthen the connection of your legs to your entire body. If strength, height and flexibility allows when ready give this series a try on the Spine Corrector.
Work the open & close of the legs. Pull waist back as legs reach out!
Typically done from Walking Frog out to high diagonal. If resetting, laying on the mat with barrel in front of your hips hold the handles and bend knees into chest. Lift hips as if doing Rolling Like a Ball. Pull the barrel under your hips and place hips on the arch of the barrel. Pull your shoulders wide on the mat and gaze at the ceiling. Hug heels together, knees and toes apart and Frog out.
Holding your legs at the high diagonal open your legs as wide as your hips and quickly hug them closed. Repeat the open and close with zest for 8 beats. Hold the legs together on the 8th beat for 8 counts. Lower the legs a little to a new challenging level and repeat for 8 beats and hold for 8. If possible lower the legs one more time and repeat 8 beats and a hold for 8. Frog the legs back in.
If going well transition into Scissors and the rest of the series. Or transition into Rolling In and Out.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Small Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Small Barrel training!