Is there an order to exercises on the Cadillac?

On the Cadillac or Tower, there technically isn’t an order. Which usually leads to the next question…how do you create a workout on the Cadillac if there isn’t an order?

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • September 7, 2022
Home  »  Blog   »   Is there an order to exercises on the Cadillac?
Is there an order to exercises on the Cadillac thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes
Is there an order to exercises on the Cadillac thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes

In Classical Pilates, there is an order to the exercises on the Mat and Reformer. While you can omit exercises that are not in your Mat practice yet, you start with the Hundred on the Mat and end with Push Ups. Or, on the Reformer with Footwork and end with something like Pelvic Lift or maybe even all the way to Russian Squats! But, on the Cadillac or Tower, there technically isn’t an order. Which usually leads to the next question…how do you create a workout on the Cadillac if there isn’t an order?

Great question! And something I struggled with as well when I first started teaching and learning the exercises on the Cadillac or Tower. Inside of the flashcards I made for the Cadillac/Tower I included a few workouts. And I too had to consider how would I order them to assist the person doing the work.

Here’s what I consider when creating a workout on the Cadillac or Tower

1) What do I/they need?

2) What would challenge them?

3) How can I flow exercises together to save on set-ups? Transitions are key!

4) Am I using it to warm up or to fine-tune my/their practice?

5) Body position-laying down, kneeling, on your stomach, etc.

1) What do I/They need?

The Cadillac was created to truly support and teach our bodies some key concepts and connections. While there are some very challenging exercises on the Cadillac there are a lot of exercises that help teach our bodies connections. If you’re struggling with the Arm/Back connection then choose Arm SpringsChest Expansion or Kneeling Side Bend. If you’re wanting to build up to Teaser on the Mat you’ll do Teaser with the Push Thru Bar.

2) What would challenge them?

After working out on the Mat or Reformer you’ll see where you/they can be challenged. Maybe Short Spine Massage is stronger and you’re wanting to add in Long Spine Massage soon. Then going to the Cadillac/Tower to do Leg Springs in the Air and Airplane is a great way to challenge the practice and set up for future sessions adding in Long Spine Massage.

3) How can I flow exercises together to save on set-ups? Transitions are key!

Because the Cadillac and Tower have so many options it’s easy to give people what they need. However, when planning a workout it saves time and makes it easier to connect to each exercise when you’re not going from doing one exercise on the Arm Springs. Then one with the Leg Springs. Then one with Push Thru Bar and then back to Leg Springs. When possible try to do all you want to do with the Arm Springs then the Push Thru Bar, etc.

4) Am I using it to warm up or to fine-tune my/their practice?

If starting out on the Cadillac or Tower, before going to your Mat or Reformer, what exercises would warm you up? Prepare yourself for what you are needing when you do the rest of your practice. For example, I would struggle with my Thass® connection. So, I would start with Roll Down with the Roll Back Bar. Then Single Leg Springs, Leg Springs and then maybe consider one more thing before going to the Reformer.

You wouldn’t want to warm up with exercises that are more challenging than your practice. You want to choose exercises that set you up for success.

If using the Cadillac to challenge, put it at the end of the workout and then you’ll know based on the exercises that were more possible that day choose exercises to challenge them.

5) Body position-laying down, kneeling, on your stomach etc.

Another way to make your Cadillac or Tower workout smooth, supportive and when necessary challenging is choosing exercises in an order that sets the body up. Think laying down on your back, to sitting, to kneeling to being on your stomach then to standing. Build the connections then challenge them.

The Cadillac and Tower are where you get to be creative! And as long as you’re basing it on the practice in front of you then whatever order you choose is good enough for that day. Our bodies and practice are different each day. So you may need to change up your plans as you go.

xx~LL

PS. If you’re looking for some workout suggestions you can find some in our Cadillac/Tower Flashcard deck. And, every month we release a new Cadillac/Tower workout in our Full Studio Membership based on a specific theme.

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are “affiliate links”, a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

bfcm opc pop up | Online Pilates Classes

No, thanks!

SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TINSEL AND TEASERS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

This week I want you to feel like you can do your very best with each exercise! Meet your body where it is, have fun and dont judge how it goes! There are always those exercises you aren’t sure about, but today you just have to go into it saying, I WILL SLEIGH this one! Lets do this!!

No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

Super STAR

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

If you hate doing Star, never wanted to try Star, or have no idea what Star is - these workouts are for YOU!!
If you love Star - I’d love to know why, but also - these workouts are for YOU!!

Throughout the Pilates method there aren’t many exercises where the side body is the main attraction, which is interesting because we need to use our side body to do some of the first exercises we learn. Rolling exercises, Roll Up, and Push Up/Planking - all need to call on your side body muscles to help you do the exercises.

Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋