The Pilates Leg Stretches (Romana called them the Ballet Stretches) on the Ladder Barrel, Cadillac, Guillotine and Swedish Bars are some of the most effective in Pilates but also difficult to teach properly. Kathi takes a 17-year old ballerina (her daughter Zoe) through the series on three different apparatus to show how they can accommodate varying levels of flexibility. You’ll notice that certain apparatus—the Ladder Barrel is an example—lend more support for a tight or instable body whereas practicing the stretches on the Cadillac requires a much higher level of stability and flexibility. This session will help you understand how to apply these marvelous stretches to the body you are working with. For info on training with Kathi visit: KathiRossNash.com.
What a lovely rubberband too! I’m a (mature) student starting to understand the equipment and the “threads” – coud you tell me what Clara’s stretches are please?
Love ballet! I did the beginning of this mat class with a mat and my stair railing. Loved watching your daughter- she must be a beautiful ballet dancer. Could you do another class of ballet stretches at a bar? I can use my stair railing!!
Traditionally I use the back of the ladder barrel or the Swedish bars to do my stretches but you can do the exact same sequence on a ballet bar. It would be lovely!!!
Could you define and clarify “Clara’s Stretches?” What muscles are trained? How do you partner with your client? What are the touch cues and verbal cues? What specifically are you monitoring? What makes these stretches unique? Thank you very much.
Impressive and well done! Love seeing the variety and the cueing. Not to mention Zoe allows us to see correction. Does she always do as she’s told? : ) This is the first time I’ve seen the Swedish Bars shown which is how I came to the video. I would love to see more exercises using it! Thanks Kathy!
Haha! Better Zoe than me! And yes, please add the bars but I will watch your videos even if you don’t : ) Love the progressions on a variety of apparatus.
Thank you for sharing the IT Band stretch on the Barrel. I do this exercise on the floor, but, it is more challenging for the knee of the bent leg, whereas, when elevated it does not compromise the kness and really gets into the tight spot, especially when you soften the supporting leg. I improvised by using a table!
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Thank you again Kathi and great work, Zoe!
What a lovely rubberband too! I’m a (mature) student starting to understand the equipment and the “threads” – coud you tell me what Clara’s stretches are please?
Love ballet! I did the beginning of this mat class with a mat and my stair railing. Loved watching your daughter- she must be a beautiful ballet dancer. Could you do another class of ballet stretches at a bar? I can use my stair railing!!
Traditionally I use the back of the ladder barrel or the Swedish bars to do my stretches but you can do the exact same sequence on a ballet bar. It would be lovely!!!
Clara’s stretches will be on a new lesson on pilatesology very soon!
Could you define and clarify “Clara’s Stretches?” What muscles are trained? How do you partner with your client? What are the touch cues and verbal cues? What specifically are you monitoring? What makes these stretches unique? Thank you very much.
Thanks for the class. One question : when is better doing these stretches? At the beginning , during or at the end of lesson ? Ciao m
Best to always stretch at the end of the work out when the body if fully primed
Happy stretching!
Impressive and well done! Love seeing the variety and the cueing. Not to mention Zoe allows us to see correction. Does she always do as she’s told? : ) This is the first time I’ve seen the Swedish Bars shown which is how I came to the video. I would love to see more exercises using it! Thanks Kathy!
I will try to do that next time! there actually is some wonderful exercises on the bars!
BTW Zoe ONLY listens when a camera is on… may need to hire a crew to follow her LOL!
Haha! Better Zoe than me! And yes, please add the bars but I will watch your videos even if you don’t : ) Love the progressions on a variety of apparatus.
Thank you for sharing the IT Band stretch on the Barrel. I do this exercise on the floor, but, it is more challenging for the knee of the bent leg, whereas, when elevated it does not compromise the kness and really gets into the tight spot, especially when you soften the supporting leg. I improvised by using a table!
Love that !
Beautifully done!
Thank you so much!
Beautiful flexibility Zoe! Thank you for showing so many options all over the place Kathi 🙂
Thanks!! so fun playing with a rubberband!