- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Small Barrel (I love using the Small Barrel.)
- Reps: 3-5
- Warning: May not be ideal for some hip or low back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Leg Series: Frog to V on the Small Barrel
Pilates Frog to V on the Pilates Small Barrel is an exercise my teacher Jay Grimes taught me. It’s more than a Frog. It challenges how we move our legs, from where we move our legs and the ability to work from strength and not to just hang out in flexibility. The barrel assists in supporting the hips so you can maintain a turnout while working your legs to a reach. And almost a hamstring curl to pull the legs in. Use this exercise to support your Crab, Seal, Shave and Hug.
Discover new connections for your Crab, Seal, Shave and Hug with this exercise!
Typically done from Bicycle. If resetting sit just in front of the apex of the barrel. One foot on the mat one leg out and round back into the mat. Hips on the apex. Pull your knees into your chest. Work the knees apart and the toes towards each other. Heels are apart. Gaze is to the ceiling. Its tempting to let the legs “hang.” Work the external rotation and hamstrings.
Maintaining your thighs exactly where they are reach your pointed feet out why to a “V.” Flex the ankles and then pull the heels into your thighs. Pull three times. Then reach the legs towards straight and point the feet. Pull pointed feet to your thighs and pull three times. Repeat.
When done hug the knees togerther and transition to Helicopter, Hip Twist or finish with 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!