- Difficulty: Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Leg Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5 in each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for some shoulder or lower back issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Flying Eagle on the Cadillac
Flying Eagle on the Pilates Cadillac is one of my favorite ways to challenge my Pulling Straps, Breaststroke or Swan in my Pilates practice. You can also do Flying Eagle on a Tower. You can as long as the mat is raised. It will feel much better though on a Cadillac because you are not going to hit the floor. If you are looking to have some enjoyment for the Breaststroke on the Reformer, this is a good place to strengthen your arm-back connection. And it’s really a combo of the two Pulling straps. If the Leg springs are too challenging, try with arm springs and work your way up.
Reach your arms from your back and focus on the longest extension.
Lay on your stomach head towards your leg spring side of your Cadillac. Place your feet under the strap. It should be tight around your calves/ankles. Grab your foot loops and start with your arms in front of you outside the Cadillac and your tailbone reaching long, legs pressing down and together. It’s easy to make this about your shoulders. Remember it’s an entire body exercise so be sure not to “shoulder it” and if you need to use the handles from your arm springs to help you do that then switch until you’re ready to do the foot loops.
Reach your arms down towards the floor and back towards your hips as your heart goes up and forward. Make sure that you are not lifting your back before your arms reaching help you do this. Open your arms wide to the sides and then forward like you’re a superhero and then lower down and repeat 2-3x. To reverse you lift your arms up forward and then wide to the sides. Your heart will lift sooner and then you stretch your arms back to your hips as you stretch your spine long. Reach your arms down to the floor, continue to lengthen you spine and resist the urge to lower your chest until the last moment. Repeat 2-3x.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!