Although the mat and Reformer are a quintessential part of the Pilates repertoire, the auxiliary apparatus are just as essential. When it comes to opening the body, the Ladder Barrel might just be ahead of the curve.
“Teach the body in front of you” was a concept instilled in me early on by my teacher Kathryn Ross-Nash. She would tell me to look at Pilates as a system, which she coined “The Red Thread of Pilates,” where the exercises from the mat and the Reformer echo those on the auxiliary apparatus (e.g., the Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, etc.). And more importantly, that this system is the key to changing bodies.
The auxiliary apparatus, specifically, build, challenge or replace an exercise from the mat and the Reformer so that the student can better achieve the benefits of that exercise. Have a student who cannot fully open their hips in Front Splits on the Reformer? Why struggle to accomplish it there, when they can optimally execute the same exercise on another piece of apparatus better suited for their body?
Through precise and thoughtful exercise and apparatus selection, we can help the student feel confident in the work—and the teacher can feel more successful, too! Pilates is not a cookie-cutter workout, and to truly change bodies we need to always consider the student’s individual needs and goals, using more than just the mat and the Reformer.
When it comes to creating more openness in the body, I view the Ladder Barrel as an essential tool (though the other auxiliary apparatus work, too). The Ladder Barrel can be used in more ways than just for the traditional Swan or Leg-Stretch exercises, so let’s explore the assortment of fun “Pilates torture” on this versatile apparatus!
GENERAL GUIDELINES
BREATH Breathe naturally, focusing on expanding the rib cage along the barrel’s curve to open your upper and middle back (thoracic spine).
REPS 3–5
TIPS
Approach each exercise with length, using the oppositional energy of the two way stretch.
This story is from the July - August 2019 edition of Pilates Style.
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This story is from the July - August 2019 edition of Pilates Style.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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