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Should I get a Cadillac or Tower?

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • September 14, 2022
Home  »  Blog   »   Should I get a Cadillac or Tower?
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.

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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. By watching this video, you agree to our Terms and Conditions, which you can read here:https://opc.me/tc

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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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.

HAPPY FEET

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

During our lives, our feet carry us up to 100.000 miles (160.000 km)! I would say "Great job!". Unfortunately, we often don´t give them the attention they deserve. Joe Pilates saw the importance of foot strength and mobility and invented special appartuses and exercises like for example Foot Corrector and Footwork.

In this weeks classes on Mat and Reformer we are going to focus on integrating our feet in our routines. With strong feet that are mobile and stabilizing we gain a healthy posture, a better circulation and good connection to our Thass! Lets get started.

See you in class,
Yasmin

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, firm small ball (for example tennis ball), small towel and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle, 2 Yoga blocks (both not absolutely ncecessary!) and a reformer!

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


BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Wondering when to breathe in an exercise? If you're new to Pilates I don't love to overwhelm you with instructions on how to do an exercise, what to focus on AND when to breathe. So, if you're brand new please don't let the breath cues overwhelm you. Please just keep breathing. If you've been doing Pilates for a while, this week focus on your breath. Does it help you get more out of an exercise?

Also, if possible, breathe in and out through your nose.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BUILD IT UP

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

We are extra excited for this month’s theme: Build It Up! It’s the perfect theme to meet you where you are in your practice.

We’ll start each exercise by doing a few reps of a basic version of the exercise, then we’ll gradually build into the full expression by adding more pieces. We are giving you options to work on any version you feel confident with, so you can find the best version for your body this month. How cool is that?

Props needed:
Mat: No props needed
Reformer: Reformer box and pole
Tower: No props needed
Chair: Reformer box, foam roller is optional

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

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

Feeling strong enough to run up a hill is a great feeling…whether you have any intention of ever doing that or not! But it’s not just the legs that have to be strong for hill climbing. This month we’ll focus on how our core and upper body help our legs to power through any challenge!

Props needed:
Mat: Pole
Reformer: Weight & Ball
Tower/Cadillac: No props
Wunda Chair: Non-slipping pad, 1 yoga block, Mat (not necessary if the Wunda Chair stands on a carpet)

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

TREE HUGGERS UNITE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Tree & Hug a Tree are 2 of my favorite Pilates exercises! They both have fun variations, promote amazing posture, and help us feel more powerful every time we do them. Let’s increase our connections to these 2 faves!

You’ll need a Magic Circle. A ball or a pillow can be used as a substitute

See you in class,
Tami

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

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

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

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


TWIST AND SHOUT-LIFT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we get to twist in Pilates it's important to anchor the opposite side so that we can actually twist! Exercises like Saw, Spine Twist and Stomach Massage Twist - it's easy for a hip to go forward as you twist. This causes you to turn.

In Corkscrew and Single Leg Circles, it's easy to let the ribs or shoulders go with the legs which is less a turn and closer to a roll over on your side.

This week, we'll focus on the anchors and how to use them to get more out of the twist. And, when possible, think about where to lift in a twist so you're truly wringing yourself out. After all, Pilates is an internal shower - words from the Joe Pilates.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

TWIST AND SHOUT-LIFT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we get to twist in Pilates it's important to anchor the opposite side so that we can actually twist! Exercises like Saw, Spine Twist and Stomach Massage Twist - it's easy for a hip to go forward as you twist. This causes you to turn.

In Corkscrew and Single Leg Circles, it's easy to let the ribs or shoulders go with the legs which is less a turn and closer to a roll over on your side.

This week we'll focus on the anchors and how to use them to get more out of the twist. And, when possible, think about where to lift in a twist so you're truly wringing yourself out. After all, Pilates is an internal shower - words from the Joe Pilates.

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

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.


AROUND THE WORLD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are going to have a little fun with how we flow through our workout using a movement style referred to as “around the world”. We’ll stay as true as possible to the original order while we take an exercise from the center-side-back-side or side-center-side and each time we do that we’ll have traveled around the world. Have fun and see if you can challenge your stamina to go “around the world” as many time as I teach. It’s going to be ambitious but super fun!

Mat: No props
Reformer: Box and Rod

See you in class,
Megan

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Wondering when to breathe in an exercise? If you're new to Pilates I don't love to overwhelm you with instructions on how to do an exercise, what to focus on AND when to breathe. So, if you're brand new please don't let the breath cues overwhelm you. Please just keep breathing. If you've been doing Pilates for a while, this week focus on your breath. Does it help you get more out of an exercise?

Also, if possible, breathe in and out through your nose.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

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.


TREE HUGGERS UNITE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Tree & Hug a Tree are 2 of my favorite Pilates exercises! They both have fun variations, promote amazing posture, and help us feel more powerful every time we do them. Let’s increase our connections to these 2 faves!

You’ll need a Magic Circle. A ball or a pillow can be used as a substitute.

See you in class,
Tami

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