As I mentioned last 2 months, there are 3 different barrel sizes in Pilates apparatuses. Think of the curves of the barrels being identical, just different sizes. Think of them as small, medium, and large. Or I like a royalty size theme of princess, queen, and king. With that, these blogs will be tied closely together as I’ll be introducing each barrel in a different blog to give each its moment to shine.
This month I’m here to introduce you to the king size barrel, and I named her Kinsey. Who says a king can’t be a girl in my studio?
The Peak Pilates ladder barrel integrates the dimensions of Joseph Pilates’ original design, including ladder rung spacing and barrel contour. The exercises here are designed to strengthen, stretch, improve flexibility and mobility, just like other Pilates apparatuses. This apparatus can accommodate foundational stretches to advanced exercises.
Most of the time, whatever body part is on the barrel is working means the opposite side of that body part is opening/stretching. See if you can notice this the next time you’re working out on one. Belly side down means your upper and lower abs are engaged while opening your back. If you’re face up on the barrel, you’ll feel your back side working while stretching the front side. And if you’re on your side, both sides are lengthening, but is there a side working more than the other? Hmm… something to consider.
With the four supportive rungs, and the adjustable barrel that slides back and forth on the base to accommodate varying heights, you’ll be able to find the length of your spine, increase your flexibility, and improve your posture. When your hands are on the rungs, you’ll learn the reach from your back, or your feet are on the rungs, you’ll learn the reach from your center and seat.
Bonus accessory for my ladder barrel pictured above – a standing platform for me and other FUN-sized folks, or even just tighter bodies to stand on to get a leg up on the barrel for barrel stretches.
Need support working on some exercises that are difficult on other apparatuses? The ladder barrel is a good place for it. Take swan, grasshopper, or horseback on the reformer, which are challenging with the long box and a moving carriage. Work your form and practice it first on the ladder barrel that’s not moving. Besides, it’s kinder on the ladder barrel with those curves rather than the hard edges of a long box.
Ready for a challenge? Try a handstand. Or the jumping stomach exercise.
Want to really test your center and your balance? Try doing the hundred and the abdominal series of 5 on top of the ladder barrel length-wise on the apex! I’ve done it, and boy, is it a challenge to do and not fall off. Not ready for it here? That’s ok – try doing it on the other barrels. I will say it’s a wee bit kinder on Xena and Queen Bee, more accessible, definitely less scary. And if you fall, it’s not that far to the ground! It’s still hard work, and you’ll definitely feel the burn more so than on the mat.
The “Movement Heals” series ends next month with my final apparatus. I saved this G.O.A.T. for last. Any guesses on what this Pilates apparatus is?