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 Hanging, Stretches, Candlestick 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.
