*NEW CLIENT SPECIAL* $65 Private Session* Schedule Here.
The original Spine Corrector was named the Step Barrel originally and was created (as the name suggests) to improve upon mobility in the spine but its benefits are endless. Although the name may seem intimidating it is a client favorite at Pilates by Ness. Throughout time, there have been major modifications to this piece of Pilates Equipment making it much more approachable.
If the name Spine Corrector sends a literal shiver down your spine the first time you read it or say it out loud, know that you are not alone. However, it couldn’t be further from something to be wary of! One of our favorite quotes from Joe himself states “If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.” We couldn’t agree more with this philosophy at our Denver Pilates Studio and it makes sense that Joe would create an apparatus to help support spine flexibility.
The version we use at our ‘Golden Triangle’ studio is the modern version of the original Step Barrel that Joe created. The original Step Barrel has a wooden frame with a padded, upholstered ‘seat’ and a high arc resembling that of a rainbow. The version we use at our studio is made out of foam with a detachable seat and has a smaller arc. This provides more versatility as it can be used in conjunction with the Pilates Reformer, the Cadillac, and the height of the arc is more gentle on the body. This newer version allows for three durable, lightweight exercise tools in one! When the seat is removed it becomes asymmetrical where there is now access to a steeper curve to adapt to any body type. It resembles that of a classic Step Barrel but the comfort level has increased by more than half! It also becomes the perfect tool to use as a wedge on the Pilates Reformer, to provide back support and extra stability for a variety of exercises. This also makes a perfect support system for pregnant women practicing Pre-Natal Pilates!
This is a great opportunity to talk about the effects of gravity in regard to the body. We obviously need gravity to keep us all from floating around everywhere but that means gravity is working against us as we move around in our day-to-day life. Because of this, we need to consistently work on posture to keep our bodies feeling lifted, and upright. The Spine Corrector offers a number of movements to let gravity work with us instead of against us. For example; imagine what it would feel like to drape your spine over the gentle arc of the barrel and just lay there for a few minutes...it may feel slightly uncomfortable at first but as your spine lays supported against the arc we allow gravity to do its job and assist us into spine extension (arching of the back).
Most of us have to sit for work and work on a computer for the majority of the day, this can become very tiresome, often leads to back pain, and allows our spines to get ‘stuck’ in excessive spine flexion (think slouching). With the versatility of the foam arc, we can use its gentle curvature to help reverse this common posture faux pas caused by our demanding lifestyles. Once we achieve the benefits of letting gravity work with us we can then challenge the strength of the spine extensors with exercises where it works against us. You will find increase body awareness and stamina when sitting at your desk which will make it easier to self-correct when your posture starts to suffer.
Other benefits that come from the Spine Corrector will include strengthening your abdominals and your obliques, inversions for the appropriate mover, balance, and axial elongation. As one of the more affordable pieces of Pilates equipment, it is a great investment to keep at your home to be able to practice throughout the week. Imagine how much quicker you will notice changes in your body if you have access to practicing on the arc every day!
