Should I get a Cadillac or Tower?

A Cadillac and Tower decision might not seem like a big deal. However, before you make the investment you want to consider a few things like space, goals, and if you’re using it just for you or for teaching. And then there are the combo options to consider. Let’s dive into how to choose the right piece of equipment for you.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • September 14, 2022
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Should I get a Cadillac or Tower - Online Pilates Classes
Should I get a Cadillac or Tower - Online Pilates Classes

Purchasing Pilates equipment can be a big decision. There are lots of things to consider when you are purchasing Pilates equipment. A Cadillac and Tower decision might not seem like a big deal. However, before you make the investment, you want to consider a few things like space, goals, and if you’re using it just for you or for teaching. And then there are the combo options to consider. Let’s dive into how to choose the right piece of equipment for you.

How much space do you have?

A Cadillac requires more height than most towers. You’ll always want to measure before you buy. However, depending on your height and the height of your space, your ceilings might limit your options. I personally do have a Contrology Cadillac in my house. My ceilings are about 8 ft tall. I can fit (just barely) standing on my Cadillac. If you’re taller or your ceilings are lower, then you may want to inquire about a Wall Unit Tower.

While a Wall Unit does lose some of the Cadillac exercises, it’s a great purchase if you’re putting yours in a small space or a multi-purpose room. The high mat can lift up and rest against your Tower when you’re not working out.

Take some measurements and then consider the answers to the following questions.

What are you using this equipment for?

If it’s for your personal use and your space is small then a Wall Unit is amazing. However, if you do have more room, the Cadillac will allow you to do ALL the exercises. You don’t miss out on the HangingStretchesCandlestick and more.

For those teaching on the equipment, then you want to consider how many people you’re wanting to teach at one time and space. In my old studio, I would have 3-4 people working out at the same time on different pieces of equipment. I loved that they had access to all the exercises available on the Cadillac.

However, if your space is small and you’re wanting to have more equipment options in a small space, you may be considering combo equipment. You can hear more about all the types of combo equipment here in this video.

When it comes to the Cadillac/Tower there are a couple of combo options. You can get a Reformer with a Tower attached. I love this one by Contrology. This option allows you to have both pieces of equipment in a smaller space. The downside is that you do have to take it apart or put it back together when switching from the Reformer to the Tower or vice versa.

There is also a Cadillac with a Reformer. This option may sound lovely because you get the full Cadillac and Reformer. However, the poles of the Cadillac do affect your range of motion in your Reformer exercises. And, you will feel much higher off the ground when doing Reformer exercises which can feel scary.

If possible, try working out on the combo equipment you’re going to buy and make sure it’s easy for you to make the changes from one to the other. If the mat that covers the Reformer is too heavy, that’s going to affect you making the switches and using both pieces to their fullest.

Final Question to consider, who are you teaching?

If you’re teaching a population that requires a higher piece of equipment, then the Cadillac combo or a Cadillac may be the better choice. A wall unit would be too low.

Maybe you’re doing more class-based teaching. Then you’ll want to consider the size of your room and how many people you want to teach. You don’t necessarily need 5 of everything. You can teach classes with 4+ people with just 1 or 2 of each piece.

I know this is a lot of info and you may be wondering why we haven’t discussed the price. And the truth is. I don’t want you buying based on price. That may mean you need to seek out a used version of what you’re looking for or saving up for it. I’d rather you purchase the piece you know you want than buy something based on how cheap it is. Your Cadillac or Tower will last you decades if you get a good quality one. And, the resale value of these pieces is really good.

So first focus on what you need the equipment for and how big your space is.

Let me know which piece you choose!

xx~LL

PS. All equipment linked in this blog includes our affiliate links. If you have to call in to place your order, make sure you highlight our Balanced Body/Contrology affiliate link (Affiliate ID=765682PR) at the start of the call so if you qualify for a discount you can get it.

PPS. If you love the Cadillac or Tower check out our flashcards here. And, workout with us on yours at OPC where every month we drop a new Cadillac/Tower workout in our Full Studio membership.

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.

2 comments

  1. This blog on whether to choose a Cadillac or a Tower for your Pilates practice is incredibly helpful! Deciding between the two can be a bit challenging, as both offer unique benefits and variations to enhance your workouts. The comprehensive breakdown provided here sheds light on the key differences, functionalities, and exercises associated with each apparatus. It’s great to see the pros and cons laid out in such a clear and informative manner, helping readers make an informed decision based on their specific needs and goals. Ultimately, whether you opt for a Cadillac or a Tower, both offer endless possibilities for challenging and versatile Pilates workouts. It’s fantastic that we have the opportunity to incorporate these apparatuses into our home or studio practice and take our Pilates journey to new heights. Thank you for this insightful blog that will undoubtedly guide many in making the right choice for their Pilates setup.

    1. Yay! My day is made. Thank you so much for reading this and sharing how helpful it was. It is amazing the time we live in that we have access to so many options and then choose what works best for us. xx~LL

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Swan & Swimming on the mat - online Pilates classes

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

WE GOT THE BEAT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright loves, while we don't often talk about Grasshopper on the Mat or Reformer it is something we can beat those heels together on. And, another great way to challenge our connections. This week we are going to focus on our midline. And we are going to find different ways to show that we got that beat!

On the Mat have a magic circle or ball nearby to find our midline connections. On the Reformer have a ball nearby for some warm ups.

See you in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a Magic Circle or ball and a mat!

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

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

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

WANNA BE A BALLER?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week's workout is 30 minute reformer and mat with the small Pilates ball! Get ready to work! The ball adds a stability challenge on the reformer and spices up the classic, essential exercises. You'll also get extra outer hip recruitment, inner thigh work and more glute activation by adding in the ball. I hope you have a great time with this fun workout and feel like a baller afterwards!

If you do not have a small Pilates ball you can use a rolled up bath towel.

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a Pilates ball or rolled up bath towel and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a Pilates ball or rolled up bath towel and a reformer!

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

ROW WITH ME NOW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Rowing exercises are quite challenging on the Reformer. They can be done on the mat as well. But if you're missing the connections they can be all choreography and no core. So, this week we'll be focusing on the Mat how the Mat exercises prep us for a fabulous Rowing. And on the Reformer how they warm us up but then reveal themselves throughout the session.

Basically, you're rowing even when you're not!

On the Mat, you'll want 1 or 2 lb weights. Over the Reformer if you're new to rowing have them on the side.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1 or 2 lb weights and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1 or 2 lb weights and a reformer!

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

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

While I never saw that movie growing up I was thinking about back bends. And how to build up to them. Now, if you're like LL I'm off back extension. Do not worry. This class will still have tall backs, side bends, twists and flexion of course. So skip what you can't do.

Whatever level of extension you can do we are going to take it and make it longer! And for some of my super flexy people, it might feel like you're not gumby anymore. However, we will create the strongest back bends ever! Always.

Props needed on the mat a bolster or a small barrel. On the Reformer we won't need a prop but we will be using our shortbox to focus on extension.

See ya in class!

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a bolster or a small barrel and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, shortbox 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.

STUDIO 54!

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

Tami is turning 54 this month! And we are going to bring the best that Studio 54 had to offer to all of our month-long classes. The only rules for that iconic club were:

1. Be Your Grandest Self
2. Have Fun
3. No polyester Shirts!

Doesn’t that sound just like just like OPC?

*Note: I’m thinking the focus is on being grand…finding ways to expand our range of movement throughout the exercises, on all the equipment and the Mat.

Let’s be our grandest as we expand our range of motion on the Wunda! We’ll be using variations of the Pull Up (a very centering exercise) to power us up & out to a special full range exercise at the end! To all the October babies A Happy Birthday Indeed!

Wunda Chair prop: Please bring a pair of light weights (1-3lbs) to class!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

DE-RANGED

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

We spend a lot of time in life looking ahead to what’s next and/or working towards something instead of celebrating where we are in the current moment. We forget to look back and see how far we’ve come.

It got the OPC crew thinking about how we tend to do this with our Pilates practice, too. We are always working towards something…the nemesis exercise, a higher lift in an exercise, a longer reach, a stronger connection, etc.

How about we spend some time this month celebrating where we are each day? And maybe we even take ourselves back a touch and become a bit De-RANGED from our current practice?

“De-Ranged” meaning we reduce our range of motion and observe what happens. Reducing our range may help us gain some insights about ourselves we can use to take our practice farther this month and into the beyond.

This month, we are challenging ourselves and YOU to take a look at where you are while you decrease your range and see if you learn something about yourself - without ANY judgment!

Try asking yourself some of the questions below throughout your practice:

  • Is this making the exercise more or less challenging?
  • Is this making things more or less stable?
  • Am I finding a connection a bit more easily or is it harder?
  • Am I finding a muscle that is trying to take over the exercise?
  • Am I finding I have to focus more to get a muscle to engage/connect?
  • Am I finding an area that is a bit tight and needs a little more stretch?

Feel free to share your reflections and ask us questions this month if you are wondering what any of this means in your body!

Props needed:
For the Cadillac, have a 2x4 (Kuna board) and the long box (from the reformer)

For the Reformer: small ball, resistance band, and small weights. Resistance band will be optional and is only for 1 exercise.

For the Chair, just you and your Wunda chair.

For the Mat, thera band and weights.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋