- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Leg Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5 in each direction
- Warning: May not be suitable for some neck, shoulder or back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Airplane on the Cadillac
Are you ready to fly? Airplane on the Pilates Cadillac (or you can also do it on a Tower) is an exercise that will allow you to feel the strength of your body and also like you are a gymnast! This exercise does require that you can go up onto your shoulders and demands that you have a reach out from your center into your hands and through your feet. There are two different directions, and you may find doing the Rolling Stomach Massage, Leg Springs and Tower help teach you how to do this exercise without dropping flat onto your back. When you first learn this exercise it is ok to do just the first direction.
From the naked eye, you will be coming down in one piece.
Laying on your back with your leg springs straps on your feet, place your hands on the vertical poles just slightly above your shoulders and almost straight. It’s easy to lock your elbows here and use your shoulders and biceps, so place yourself in a spot where you can “reach” from your back. It’s integral that you maintain this reach from your back throughout the movement. If you bend your elbows at any point you may not be able to maintain your reach. Bring your heels together, toes apart and bend your knees into your chest to start.
Roll your hips up over your shoulders and maintain the curve in the back of your neck. Reach your legs straight up to the sky and then stretch your legs across the room and “catch” the springs. As you lower your whole body toward the mat, continue to lengthen your spine. From the naked eye, you will be coming down in one piece. But, you will still be taking your long spine along the mat and not arching your back. Once back on the mat drag your heels towards your seat and repeat 2 more times in that direction. If all goes well, add in the reverse. Straighten your legs along the mat and lift up! You should be in one piece and come all the way feet over hips, hips over shoulders, and maintain your connection as you pull your knees to your chest and roll down. Repeat 2 more times.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!
