- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Leg Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3 sets of 6
- Warning: Not ideal for some knee issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Scissors with Leg Springs on the Cadillac
During Leg Springs on the Pilates Cadillac or Tower have a special control exercise called Scissors. Scissors with the Leg Springs will teach you how to reach your legs while keeping one leg still and moving another. While a necessary exercise on its own, Scissors with Leg Springs will also benefit your Swimming, Leg Pulls, Side Kicks, and more. While this exercise is called Scissors it’s important that you are not “swishing” your legs past each other. One leg moves while the other is still and vice versa. Have fun with this one when you’re ready try the Big Scissors or try it on the Spine Corrector.
Move your legs and springs from the backside of your legs and center.
Typically done after Circles in the Leg Springs Series on the Cadillac or Tower. If already set up and doing Circles you can frog out and begin your scissors. However, if starting from Scissors lay on your back with your head towards the Leg Springs at least a hands distance from the edge of the mat. As you get stronger work your arms towards straight. Both feet are in your foot straps, knees bent in, heels together and toes apart. Gaze straight up to the ceiling throughout the exercise.
Frog your legs out to the high diagonal and hold. Moving only one leg at a time reach into your strap and lower your leg a little bit. Then lower the other leg. Alternate up to 6 “steps,” 3 on each side. Then walk back up to start and hug your legs together at the top. Repeat. After 3 sets of six hug the heels together at the top and Frog your legs back in. If you are feeling this in the back of your knees or in your calves it’s a sign you are not working from your hamstrings and glutes. Check that your ankles or knees are not hyperextended.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!