The ladder barrel is an original piece of Pilates apparatus created by Joe Pilates, which was inspired by an empty beer keg. The ladder barrel is the biggest in the family of barrels, which include the Spine Corrector and Baby Arc, the BOSU and foam roller. This piece of apparatus is only found in specialist Pilates studios like Wellcentred – and we only have one, so you may have to wait your turn!
As the name suggests, there are two main components to the ladder barrel. The first is the wooden ladder with rungs for either the feet or the hands to connect with. The second is the barrel, which is padded and covered in vinyl for comfort and hygiene.
The position of the barrel can be adjusted along the tracks underneath by adjusting the bolts to stay in place. We recommend you wait for the instructor to adjust the position as required – although we may sometimes need your help to loosen the bolts.
[ess_grid alias=”ladderbarrel”][/ess_grid]
Why and when do we use it?
The ladder barrel has many uses and many exercises done on the floor, the reformer or the Wunda Chair have a version on the ladder barrel. There are also various stretches and releases that work particularly well on or over the barrel because of its height and stability. There are some advanced exercises that are really only possible on the ladder barrel (eg back walkovers) and some that are much more comfortable than the reformer option (eg hoseback riding and the Swan). The fact that it is curved is particularly useful for getting your spine to move through its ideal range of motion: curving forwards, backwards and sideways, with and without resistence (usually gravity). The height off the ground allows us more options to position you for your movement – either by making it harder (and scarier) or providing higher support for your body to make a movement more attainable.
The curved surface supports the spine and encourages it to move more evenly. The ladder provides a barre for standing work.
Wellcentred Pilates think the ladder barrel is essential for getting the most out of the Pilates method, and we love including exercises in our sessions.
Want to see what the ladder barrel can offer you? Then why not come and have an initial assesssment with Wellcentred Pilates. Click here for more details
