- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Arm Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3 in each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for some neck issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Backstroke on the Cadillac
Backstroke on the Pilates Cadillac is not where you traditionally do this exercise. But, it is possible to do this exercise on the Cadillac or Tower as a great place to practice this exercise on a more stable piece of equipment. However, because the springs are higher on the Cadillac than on the Reformer, it will also feel more difficult. So, this exercise can be either a teaching tool or a great challenge to your practice. When you’re done, make sure to hop on your Reformer afterward and see what parts of your Backstroke improved from playing with it on your Cadillac.
Press your whole hand into the handle as you circle your arms around.
Laying on your back with your head towards your arm springs, set yourself up around a hands distance from the edge. You can always scoot forward or backward to make it easier or harder. Bend your knees into your chest and hold your handles over your head. Curl your head and chest up. Hug your heels tight together and use your center to pull your knees into your chest.
Reach your arms and legs up to the sky, circle your arms and legs around until your legs are hovering off the mat and your arms are reaching over your legs. Reach your arms from your back and hug your outer hips in. Without dropping your chest, bend your arms and knees in and repeat 2-5x and then reverse. Reach your arms and legs out long in front of you. Open your arms and legs and circle them up to the ceiling. Bend everything in without dropping your chest and repeat 2-5x. Because the Cadillac is not the Reformer you’re going to lose tension in different places. It’s your challenge to create the tension throughout the exercise.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!
