Pilates Barrels: Unlocking Their Full Potential

Pilates barrels are often underutilized yet incredibly versatile pieces of equipment. Whether you're working with a Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel, or Pilates Arc, these tools offer targeted support and challenge for improving strength, flexibility, and control. This article with Lesley Logan explores how Pilates barrels can transform your practice, from correcting imbalances to mastering challenging exercises.

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Why Pilates Barrels?

When I first started teaching I noticed most Spine Correctors were under a Cadillac or resting against a wall gathering some dust. From time to time they'd get pulled out to use for an Arm Series or even as a prop for someone who needed help curling up. Yet in my training manuals there were so many exercises you could do! In fact, the more I nerded out on my Spine Corrector and other Barrels, the more I realized that many exercises we struggle with… there was a Barrel for that!

Struggling with extension? The Arm Series on the Spine Corrector should be your best friend!

Pelvis tipping back and forth when you move your legs? The Leg Series on the Spine Corrector or Small Barrel has plenty of variations to help you figure out where to move from.

Short Box on the Reformer gripping your hip flexors? The Ladder Barrel wants to help!

What exercises are you struggling with? There really is a Barrel exercise or three that can set you up for the exercises you want to do.

Add to that the fun story Jay Grimes, my teacher and one of Joe Pilates students, told me: When a client comes in flustered or stressed, the Arm Series on the Spine Corrector was a great place to start. Why? Because it's a breathing exercise that helps connect a client's mind, body, and breath. By the time they're done with the Hug then they're ready to hit their Mat or Reformer!

It's so easy in Pilates to lean into one apparatus more than another. I mean, when's the last time you did an exercise you didn't like? I tell my clients, “If you don't like an exercise, it's because you need it.” Jay would tell us, “If someone doesn't like an exercise, they should do it twice.”

When I set out to create the Barrels Flashcards as the 5th deck in the OnlinePilatesClasses.com series (there will be 6 decks total), I wanted to make sure that every exercise was represented. And, that every Pilates level could explore the exercises right for them.

Most people are told exercises can be done on a Spine Corrector or Small Barrel but not always shown, so it was important to me that the Spine Corrector and Small Barrel had their own separate cards. The Ladder Barrel is most known for its Stretches series, but there are so many ways to use it! And, if you know the proper way to measure the Ladder Barrel for your body, then you can get the most out of it. Which is why we were intentional on the "How to Use this Deck" card. You'll see the way to measure for any body.

The C-Shaper is also included in the Barrels deck. I know it's not a common piece of Pilates equipment. But if the Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, and Ladder Barrel teach extension the best, the C Shaper teaches flexion the best. After all, it's literally the inverse curve of the Ladder Barrel!

Benefits of Using Pilates Barrels

1. Support for Challenging Movements

But, really, when we encounter exercises we aren't loving or are struggling with, it is because we are missing a connection. We don't yet have the strength. And, so it's not really another cue that we need… It's often that we need to train our body with another exercise. If you're constantly using your neck for Swan instead of your upper back, having the barrel behind your spine helps you understand where to articulate. You get feedback!

The thing about all the Barrels is that they can be what you need them to be. They can teach you or challenge you. They can be the workout or part of the workout. And the more you play with the exercises on them, leaving out what you're not ready for, the more the rest of your practice will benefit!

Now, I know it is easy to look at the Barrels included in this deck and think they're not like yours. Or that they're classical and so they won't work for you. But, every OPC flashcard deck is edited by a non-classical teacher and a non-Pilates practitioner. In fact, the non-Pilates editor reached out to buy her own Spine Corrector after reviewing the cards!

Got an Arc? You'll be able to use this deck! You'll see you can use the step or remove it. Don't have a C-Shaper? That's ok! It's only a dozen of the 114+ cards in the deck and someday you'll come across someone's dusty C-Shaper and you'll be able to use it!

2. Versatility in Workouts

This deck is designed to help you use the Pilates system to support your practice and your clients’ practice. It’s designed to move you around your Pilates studio and warm up or cool down on the Barrel apparatus with ease and curiosity.

Other fun features to check out are that each card has a QR code that takes you to the video of the exercise. Then, on the other side of the card, you've got the Set Up, Action and other complementary Barrel exercises. You also have related Mat and Reformer exercises so you don't have to guess at how all the exercises can work together. Plus a quick tip from me!

Put cards out in different stations for clients to enjoy a circuit class. Or, pull them out to plan a client session, or even yours! Take a picture of the cards and you've got a visual of the planned workout!

Get this beast of a deck (it really is the largest we'll ever make) at OnlinePilatesClasses.com or in Australia @PilatesNerdDownUnder or in Canada @b.pilatesandfitness where you will find all 5 of our Flashcard decks (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs and Barrels).

Why Every Studio Should Dust Off Their Pilates Barrels

Pilates barrels aren't just for storage or occasional use—they're transformative tools that deepen your connection to movement. With a little creativity and guidance, they can breathe new life into your practice.

Whether you're teaching clients or exploring solo, the benefits of Pilates barrels are undeniable. From the Spine Corrector to the Ladder Barrel, there's a barrel for every challenge and every body.

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Lesley Logan, a 2nd generation certified Pilates teacher, breathwork, habits and mindset coach, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorials, where you can also find weekly Pilates classes and workshops. Teaching Pilates since 2008, she has run multiple studios, has trained hundreds of people to become teachers themselves and has taught thousands of students around the world. When not teaching from her studio in Las Vegas, Lesley she’s hosting her podcast Be It Till You See it or traveling the world leading Pilates retreats. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.


FAQs

1. What are Pilates barrels used for?
They help improve flexibility, strength, alignment, and support challenging movements.

2. Which Pilates barrel is best for beginners?
The Spine Corrector or Small Barrel is ideal for beginners due to its supportive design.

3. Can Pilates barrels be used at home?
Yes! Compact options like the Pilates Arc and Small Barrel are perfect for home workouts.

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