- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Arm Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5x
- Warning: Not ideal for some neck issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Coordination on the Cadillac
Coordination on the Pilates Cadillac can also be done on a Tower. All you need is arm springs. It’s a great place to practice Coordination because sometimes people struggle with the straps and the carriage. They think they are pressing their arms but really they are throwing them. This causes the carriage to bounce and them to get pushed around by the springs. Taking them to the arm springs on the Cadillac is a great place to teach Coordination. However, due to the differences in the springs it is harder to stay curled up against these springs so be mindful of how to set them up.
Keep your elbows into your sides and mat as you press them straight.
Set up laying on your back with your head towards your arm springs. Start off closer to the arm springs than you might think. If it’s too easy you can always move further away. Curl your head and chest up keeping your chin off your chest. Feel the tips of your shoulder blades lightly touching the mat. Squeeze your elbows into your sides and bend your knees into your chest, heels together, toes and knees apart. Press your whole hand into the handle, especially the pinky side of your hand.
Press your arms and legs to straight simultaneously. Hold your arms and hands to the mat as you open your legs quickly and close them. Squeeze the heels tight together and bend your knees in without dropping your head and chest. Repeat 3-5x. As you press your arms to straight be mindful that your elbows do not lift off the mat or slide out to the side. Keep them in one place. Feel as if you are doing Chest Expansion while curled up for the Hundred. As you bend your knees in continue to curl up and not let the body lean back and rest. Then go and try it on the Reformer.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!