- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Push Thru Bar (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5 each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for any low back, shoulder or neck issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Reverse Monkey with Push Thru Bar on the Cadillac
Reverse Monkey on the Pilates Cadillac is also available on the Pilates Tower. It’s a very tricky exercise as it requires pace but control. Go too fast and the bar pushes you around. Go too slow and the bar pushes you around. There are two ways to get into this exercise but most often you’ll do it after Shoulder Roll Down on the Cadillac. It makes for a good transition. Reverse Monkey is a fun way to challenge your connections. It’s not one of those exercises you’ll “perfect.” It’s an exercise that will challenge what you currently know. Have fun with it!
Reach legs into the Push Thru Bar as you round up and over your legs.
After you hook your Push Thru bar with the top spring, there are two ways to get into Reverse Monkey. The first, sit on the mat facing the Push Thru bar, pull it down and place your feet on the center of the bar, heels together and toes apart. Hands-on the bar outside of your feet. The second way is from Shoulder Roll Down. After you’ve completed your sets reaching your feet into the bar do a Roll Up. Then carefully bend your knees to bring the bar closer to you. Place your hands on the bar before moving your feet towards the center. Heels together and toes apart.
Round back as you reach your feet into the bar and then stretch your legs towards straight without letting go of the bar. Then bending your knees, elbows and back and round up and over to reach the bar towards the poles. Repeat! If you get stuck trying to go from the top to the poles it’s ok. You’ll want to try to use your arms. But really, the more you reach your legs into the bar from your center the more control you’ll have. The reach from your legs and center will also help you control the bar as you round back.
Be extremely careful when setting up and transitioning because the bar can slip out of your control.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!
