When life ebbs and flows and my clients or I experience new changes in our bodies, the Small Barrel is one of the tools I reach for, allowing Pilates to continue meeting us where we’re at.
This is one of my favorite things about the Pilates method. As a long-time mover, I have felt the ebbs and flows of life bring change to my body. Sometimes, these are good changes, and sometimes, they are out of left field, but the one constant thing is that Pilates is always there for me in whatever way I need it. I love how I can adjust my practice and choice of apparatus based on what my body needs that day. So, I was overjoyed when Contrology came out with the Small Barrel!
The barrels in the Pilates method can often be the apparatuses that collect the most dust in the studio, which is so sad considering how we spend more time in front of devices, impacting our posture and spine health. Barrels directly help with thoracic extension, but they also can be used in many other ways. They can be supportive-a bridge or a gateway to discovering connections. They can also be used to challenge a student- an elevated variation to change up a flow. However, bodies come in unique proportions and presentations, and sometimes, the dimensions of a traditional spine corrector are not appropriate for every frame.
I am 5’4″, and depending on the exercise, I often find myself right in between the spine corrector and the Small Barrel. Having the choice between the two has opened more doors of exploration in my practice and that of my clients. I work with a handful of very petite clients between 4’9″ and 5’1, and a traditional spine corrector is too big for them. The Small Barrel allows us to introduce exercises into their practice that we might have otherwise had to skip simply due to the dimensions of the equipment against the size of their body.
We can now work through the arm series on the Small Barrel and really feel the opening in their thoracic spine. Their neck can elongate, and they can simultaneously experience the barrel’s stretch and support as they flow through the movements. We can also work through the leg series on the Small Barrel, and they can truly feel their arm-back connection. Before, the traditional spine corrector was too large for the inversion position, and other small barrels were too wide for them to feel their backs. The density of the foam also provides crucial feedback for how their back is connecting and releasing. They can better sense areas of tightness and get curious about why that is.
I have also found the Small Barrel to be a great piece for pregnant clients, offering them the support they need in various exercises to help them stay safe and connected. Many of my older clients also benefit from the Small Barrel. With their spines often less mobile than younger clients, some with various cervical and lumbar issues, the Small Barrel can be used in place of a wedge pillow to give them support as they work through exercises from their modified supine position.
The Small Barrel helps me bring the full spectrum of Pilates to my clients, no matter their size or situation. When life ebbs and flows and my clients or I experience new changes in our bodies, the Small Barrel is one of the tools I reach for to allow Pilates to continue meeting us where we’re at.
Megan has over 20 years of teaching experience including dance, gymnastics and Pilates for adults, adolescents, and children. She is the owner of State Street Pilates in Redlands, CA. A forever student, Megan is currently in a 15-month bridge program with 2nd generation Pilates Teacher, Karen Frischmann. Wherever she teaches, Megan’s desire is to create a welcoming space that fosters curiosity and education to help people feel strong and confident and go beyond the surface of physical fitness.
