The Candlestick

The Candlestick aka Jack Knife on the Ladder Barrel is the culmination of skills including spinal mobility, dynamic stability, spatial awareness and upper body strength. The challenge is to keep an active connection between the upper body and both the ladder and barrel to maintain balance in the extension. To prepare for this inversion, practice sequentially articulating the spine with the entire back on the ladder barrel to provide feedback. You’ll also need to strengthen the posterior chain to lift and stabilize the tailbone.