A logo for body aligned pilates and wellness.
Body Aligned Pilates • August 3, 2016

Equipment Series: The Ladder Barrel 

What does Pilates have in common with beer?

(Well, that certainly got your attention!)

According to legend, Joseph Pilates used an empty beer keg to create his first Ladder Barrel. And he saved the metal rings from around the beer keg to use as the first Magic Circles (more on those in a later post). Who knew, right?

So as the name implies, the Ladder Barrel is made up of a cushioned barrel-shape. It faces a ladder made up of several rungs to allow you to secure your feet or hands. The base is adjustable so that it can accommodate most body sizes. This piece of equipment was designed to effectively engage the postural muscles as you move through several different planes in space, helping to align the spine.

There are some Pilates instructors who only utilize the Ladder Barrel at the end of sessions for stretching. But at Body Aligned if you hear, "Let's move to the barrel," don't necessarily think your session is over! We love how the Ladder Barrel can also be an extremely versatile piece of equipment for strengthening and stability, as well as for improving flexibility and stretch.

Ab work can be incredibly targeted when done on the Ladder Barrel. Side sit-ups are also very effective. Of course, back extension movements are a natural fit. You can either lie backwards over the barrel and gently extend your spine, or lie face down and use the barrel for stabilization as you lift your upper body into "Swan". And there's always the challenge of "Horseback" (it looks exactly like it sounds) to strengthen both the core and the legs. Ask about it! It's fun! The list of movements are endless.

But yes. At the end of the session, the Ladder Barrel will still be there to reward you for your hard work by providing a stable place to stretch out your hips and hamstrings. Increasing flexibility and mobility in these areas can help alleviate sciatica. That alone might make the Ladder Barrel your new best friend. (Plus stretching always just feels good!)

Contact us today to set up a private Pilates session so that one of our instructors can help you experience this fun and effective piece of equipment. For new clients, your first session is free! For complete details see our Pilates section.

By Natalie Mandeville January 23, 2025
Saturday, February 8th, 2025 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
A woman is doing exercises on a pilates machine in a gym.
By Natalie Mandeville November 7, 2024
Well, I had planned on taking the year off, but I changed my mind!
By Natalie Mandeville November 1, 2024
What is the purpose of a cold plunge? Cold plunge helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. The list of health benefits is much longer. How long should I stay in the cold plunge? A good target time is three minutes. How often is it safe to cold plunge? It is recommended to cold plunge two to three times per week for a total of 11 minutes per week for metabolism-boosting results. What is infrared heat? Infrared is radiated heat. It penetrates human tissue, producing a host of anti-aging and health benefits. How often should I use an infrared sauna? It is recommended three to four days per week, for a total of 57 minutes per week for metabolic results. How will I feel after using an infrared sauna? Usually, the same as you do post-workout. Within 30 minutes, you should experience a boost in energy and mood. This should also result in a restful night’s sleep. Many other health benefits ensue. Do I burn calories while sweating? By increasing your core temperature and inducing sweating, infrared saunas increase blood flow and heart rate and can burn 400-600 calories in just one 30-minute session. What is Contrast Therapy? Contrast therapy is a method of alternating between hot and cold environments to induce certain physiological responses. It involves two to three rotations between the cold plunge tub and infrared sauna. When new to contrast therapy, it is recommended to start slowly. Ease into it by limiting the time spent in the sauna and the cold plunge. You can gradually increase the duration as your body adapts. What should I wear for the infrared sauna, cold plunge or Contrast Therapy? Bathing suits, loose clothing or athletic wear are recommended. How should I prepare for my session? Hydrate prior to your session. Do I need to bring a towel? Towels are provided in the private room and for showering (although we do not recommend showering after any of our services). Will I be sharing the room with anyone? Only if you bring a friend! Our room is private, whether you book a sauna, cold plunge or Contrast Therapy appointment. What is the HaloRed booth? The HaloRed booth has roots in a NASA study that measured the effects of light waves on salt particles in the Earth's atmosphere. The translucent, multi-sided salt crystals in our HaloRed system work by refracting light, creating billions of micro-bursts of red light, making it the most powerful and effective red light therapy available worldwide. During each session, red light waves energize and heat salt particles, enhancing their dryness and effectiveness beyond traditional halotherapy, offering a dual-benefit therapy unmatched in efficacy. How often can I do Red Light therapy? No more than once every 24 hours. All you really need is 5-15 minutes per day. What are the EMF levels of the HaloRed? Our booth is engineered to have low EMFs. However, anything with electric current running through it is going to generate some electromagnetic field. At the recommended usage distance of 6+ inches, our devices emit no detectable levels of EMF. What is Salt Therapy/Halotherapy? Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy, is a fast-growing holistic approach that mimics the microclimate of a salt cave. When you breathe in the micro-sized salt particles, they are immediately transported to every part of the respiratory tract, even the smallest alveoli and bronchioles. Then, the dry salt molecules dissolve and attract small impurities — the reason why it is called “the toothbrush of the lungs.” Salt therapy may eliminate the root of inflammatory respiratory illnesses in the lower and the upper tract, such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, by destroying bacteria and restoring health and immunity. How often should I do Halotherapy for best results? The best results can be achieved when practiced regularly. The benefits are cumulative, so consistency and frequency are the key. People with chronic issues will benefit greatly from visiting salt rooms at least three to four times a week. What else should I know? Please refrain from using oils, creams, makeup and perfumes prior to your appointment. If needed, we have a shower you can use before your session. If you will be utilizing the cold plunge, bring a wet bag to carry your damp clothing after your session.
By Natalie Mandeville January 3, 2024
New Class, Starting January 9, 2024 For Four Weeks With Monika
a row of pilates machines are lined up in a Pilates studio
By Natalie Mandeville December 5, 2023
It’s almost time! Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Tampa will begin in January 2024. Are you still on the fence about joining? In my last two blog posts ( Is Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Right for You and Considering Body Aligned Pilates Teacher Training ), I shared the enthusiasm of recent graduates as applied to a career as a Pilates instructor. But you don’t have to plan to teach for this training to be a great fit. Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is equally beneficial to those who simply want to improve their practice — with no intention of teaching others. One of my past graduates recently told me about how Teacher Training has helped her become more aware of her own body and enhanced the classes she takes.
By Natalie Mandeville November 14, 2023
The fifth year of Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Tampa, Florida is fast approaching — in January 2024, to be precise. Have you been considering joining us? I’m Natalie Mandeville, owner of Body Aligned Pilates and Wellness. My Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is the perfect way to begin a fun, fulfilling career or simply improve your own personal practice. Imagine knowing how to precisely target specific muscle groups or modify movements to accommodate injuries and recovery. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about your body, then Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is for you — whether or not you plan to teach others. But don’t take my word for it. If you missed the first installment of candid graduate testimonials, please check out Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Right for You . But now, Let’s hear from another previous graduate:
Show More
Share by: