- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Small Barrel (I love using the Small Barrel.)
- Reps: 5 in each direction
- Warning: May not be ideal for some hip or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Series: Circles on the Small Barrel
Pilates Leg Series on the Pilates Small Barrel teaches unique movements and connections you need to do other Pilates exercises while opening up the front of your hips and working your glutes. Circles is one of the first exercises you will do in the Leg Series on the Small Barrel or Spine Corrector. Focus less on how big you can make the circles and more on where you are circling from. Each rep is a chance to go bigger from the connections you made. Do as many in the Leg Series as you are ready for and that supports your Pilates practice.
It’s easy to circle towards you. Use back of legs to support circles.
If you did Frogs first you’re already set up! Laying on the mat with the barrel in front of your hips bring your knees into your chest and lift your hips up as if doing rolling like a ball and pull the barrel under your hips. Aiming for hips to be on top of the arch. Hold the handles with your hands and widen your upper back on the mat. Eyes gaze to ceiling, neck long. Heels hug together, toes and knees apart.
Maintaining your reach into your shoulders into the mat and the position of your pelvis on the barrel reach your legs to straight towards the high diagonal. Open the legs a shoulder distance apart, circle the legs down, together and hug them back up to the ceiling. Repeat the circles and then reverse direction.
When even hug heels together and Frog back in. If going well continue with other Leg Series exercises you need. When done end with Rolling In and Out.
It’s tempting to make the biggest circles you can. But, focus on circling the legs from without disturbing your pelvis placement.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Small Barrel exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Small Barrel training!
