Barrels are among the oldest pieces of Pilates apparatus, and among the most useful. They support the spine in curved positions, open the front of the body and add challenge to abdominal and side work. They are also one of the few pieces that work without springs.
Studios usually choose between three types: the ladder barrel, the step barrel and a simple wedge. The step barrel is a close relative of the spine corrector, and the two names are often used for similar pieces. This article compares them and suggests how to combine them.
A short history
The barrels are the one type of Pilates apparatus that does not use spring resistance. They support the spine against gravity and are associated with breath capacity, flexibility and posture. Joseph Pilates’ first barrel is said to have been made from a beer keg.
The ladder barrel
The ladder barrel is the largest. It combines a padded barrel with a short ladder, joined by a sliding base that adjusts the distance between them for the client’s height. It encourages the spine into extension and flexion to improve range of movement, and it can also be used for abdominal and oblique work.
As an example, the Round Fit Studio Pro Ladder Barrel is 135 cm long, 65 cm wide and 97 cm high, in laminated and solid ash, with five fixed rungs and one movable rung.
Strengths: – The largest range of positions and exercises. – The ladder gives a stable anchor for feet and hands. – Adjustable to each client.
Limits: – Heavy and large, so it usually stays in one place. – Suits one client at a time.
Best for: private sessions, duets and teacher training.
The step barrel
The step barrel is a smaller, half-round unit with a built-in step. It belongs to the same family as the spine corrector, which has a less dramatic curve than the barrel and so a more limited range of movement. That makes it suitable for beginners, people with injuries and pregnant clients. It is used mainly to assist spinal movement and abdominal work.
The Round Fit Studio Pro Step Barrel, for instance, is 82 cm long, 44 cm wide and 33 cm high, and weighs 9 kg. It has side handles, a carry handle and attachment points for resistance bands.
Strengths: – Portable: one person can carry it. – Several can be used in a group mat class. – Gentler curve, suitable for a wide range of clients.
Limits: – Less range than a ladder barrel. – Needs storage when not in use.
Best for: mat classes, small-group work and clinical sessions.
The wedge
A wedge is a simple padded incline. It supports the body at an angle for back extension, stretching, core and balance work. The Round Fit Studio Pro Big Wedge, for example, is 97 cm long, 60 cm wide and rises from 5 to 36 cm, with a memory foam filling, a non-slip cover and side hooks for resistance bands. Wedges are useful in mat classes, hotels and clinics where space is short.
Best for: mat classes, gentle work and rooms that need to change use quickly.
How studios combine them
A common pattern is:
- One ladder barrel in the private room.
- Several step barrels or wedges for group mat classes, enough for one per client in the largest class.
A studio with no private room might skip the ladder barrel and use step barrels on the reformer or the mat. A clinic might use a ladder barrel and one or two spine correctors.
Practical checks
Can instructors move them? Portable barrels will be lifted and carried many times a week. The UK Health and Safety Executive’s manual handling risk filters note that acceptable weights are reduced when handling is done with arms extended, or at high or low levels. Check the weight of the barrel and where it will be stored.
Where will they live? Step barrels and wedges need storage off the floor between classes. Low shelving keeps them at a comfortable lifting height. The HSE notes that most trips are caused by obstructions in walkways.
Does the upholstery suit your cleaning? Barrels are in full-body contact with clients. Check the cover against the products you use.
Do they match? Barrels in the same timber and finish as the reformers make the studio feel designed as one.
Summary
| Ladder barrel | Step barrel | Wedge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium | Small |
| Portable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Range of work | Widest | Moderate | Gentle |
| Typical use | Private sessions | Mat and group | Mat, clinics, hotels |
See all barrels in our Pilates collection, or tell us how you teach.
