- Difficulty: Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Arm Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5
- Warning: Not ideal for most neck and shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Rowing 6: Hug with Arm Springs on the Cadillac
Hug in Pilates is an easy exercise to cheat on whether you do it on the Reformer, Cadillac, Tower or Arm Chair. When doing Hug or Rowing 6 on your Cadillac or Tower it will challenge your ability to sit tall against the pull of the springs. Which makes it feel like a breeze when doing Hug on your Reformer. If needed you can do this exercise kneeling. However, in order to get the most out of your Hug on the Pilates Cadillac or Tower make sure that your entire palm is pressing on the handle, pinky side too!
Press pinky side of the hand into the handle while reaching from back.
Sitting with ankles crossed and back to the Arm Springs, place one handle in each hand. Usually, you will transition into this from Shave by opening the arms as you switch the cross of your legs. Arms should be wide to the side, palms facing each other, shoulders on your back. Because it’s so easy to make this a chest exercise double check your fingers are long and together, the pinky side of the hand is on the handle and the handles are straight up and down. Sit as tall as you can. It’s tempting to lean forward. If necessary you can do this exercise kneeling.
Reaching your arms from your back begin to “hug” your arms towards each other. Your elbows remain soft. It’s not important if your hands touch or not. The goal is to move your arms from your back in both directions. Once you’ve reached your arms from your back and as close to each other as you can begin to open your arms wide to the side. Repeat. If your shoulder blades are pinching each other and then coming apart pause…connect your arms to your back. You shouldn’t feel your shoulder blades protracting and retracting. Rather your shoulder blade tips will come towards each other and away.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!
