Xena, my Small Barrel
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.
So, the first one up is the smallest barrel – my princess. Meet Xena, the Warrior Princess. I can hear her war cry as I type this 
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The Gratz small barrel is designed to meet Joseph Pilates’ specifications. The shallow height of the curve will accommodate tighter, less flexible bodies. Or folks with a limited range of motion. Or folks who are vertically challenged, or as I like to call myself – FUN-sized!
Most of the time, whatever body part is on the barrel is working means the opposite side of that body part is opening/stretching. Therefore, when you’re on your back, find the work/engagement/connection there to help open the front of the body. As an example: When practicing arm exercises, the barrel provides enough support to restore the spine’s natural curves, gets the shoulder blades on the ribcage, and opens the front of the chest.
Also, the straps on the sides of the barrel offer increased stability for leg exercises as you work your seat and thutts to open and stretch the front of the hips. So good when you’ve been sitting most of the day. Even side lying exercises, rather than resting on the barrel, work the side that’s touching the barrel to help open the top side even more. And after you’re done with one side, be sure to turn the other way to get the other side.
These are examples of how Xena can support a body to assist in opening the body. However, Xena can also challenge a body. Try a swan dive, swimming, grasshopper, or rocking exercises on Xena. Being on top of the small barrel just bumped it up a notch for those exercises in testing your balance.
The “Movement Heals” series continues with the next 2 barrel sizes I’ll be writing about in the next couple of months. The queen and king sizes. You’ll see how these barrels are similar, yet different. I love comparing and contrasting these barrels.