- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Leg Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3 in each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for neck or shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Airplane with Board with Leg Springs on the Cadillac
Using the Pilates Airplane Board with the Leg Springs on the Pilates Cadillac or Tower is an excellent way to learn Airplane. The board provides a “closed chain” option so that you can feel the sturdiness of the board to learn Airplane before only doing it with foot straps. The Airplane board will show which leg is lagging behind or overworking. You’ll see yourself leaning to one side or another. Use the board until you have the hang of the exercise and until you’re working evenly through your legs. Then ditch the board for using the straps.
Maintain gaze to ceiling and your board even throughout the exercise.
Hook your Airplane board on both leg springs. Lay on your back with your head towards the springs. Reach arms overhead into the vertical poles as close to straight as possible without locking the elbows. Hands should be slightly higher than the shoulders. Place both feet into the loops on the Airplane board. Feel your arms reaching from your upper back. Make sure feet are secure in their loops. Maintain your gaze to the ceiling throughout the exercise.
Bend your knees into your chest, roll your hips over your shoulders then reach your legs up to the ceiling. Standing on your shoulders while you reach your arms into the poles and your legs to the ceiling. Continue to reach your arms into the poles as you stretch your legs across the room and then lower your entire body and legs together. Feet and hips should land on the mat at the same time. Bend your knees and drag your feet along the mat before repeating. Then if going well reverse. Stretch the board and legs along the mat until legs are straight. Lift hips and legs simultaneously. Using your center pull your legs and hips over your shoulders then bend your knees and roll your spine down and repeat.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!