Kneeling Bicep Curls on the Cadillac

Kneeling Bicep Curls on the Pilates Cadillac are less like a bicep curl at the gym and more like a test of your Pilates control. You can also do Kneeling Bicep Curls on a Tower. From the outside, they look like a simple pull, press, resist and repeat. But, on the inside, your center and seat will be working harder than anything in your arms. Your upper back will learn where to reach and your chest will realize it doesn’t need to work here. In Pilates, there are many exercises that have you standing on your knees. Learning how to reach through your knees from your seat and hold strong in your core as you move the bar will help you in other Pilates exercises.

Hug your legs towards each other for more connection and support.

-Lesley Logan

Be sure to set up your safety chain before adding a spring from the bottom to your Push Thru Bar. Kneel facing the bar closer to it than you think. Your arms should be straight when you grip the bar palms up. Pressing your knees into the mat about a hips distance part, be sure your hips are over your knees and your shoulders are over your hips. Press your shins down into the mat too. This will help activate your hamstrings and seat. I like to hug my legs towards each other even though they are apart.

To begin, pull and press the bar up and then away. Be sure that you do not lean forward and lean into the bar. Then as you bend your elbows resist the bar down and repeat 5-8x. It will be easy to allow the springs to close the bar and straighten your arms. But, try to continue to reach up into the bar as it lowers. It’s easy to do this in your elbows and chest. But, to get the full benefits of this exercise and help you with other Pilates exercises like Kneeling Arm circles, Teaser and Horseback reach from your upper back muscles and then resist.

Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!