- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Push Thru Bar (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5 of each variation
- Warning: Not ideal for some wrist, neck or shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Seated Push Thru Facing Out on the Cadillac
Working outside the “box” of the Cadillac is one of Pilates’ unique qualities. Seated Push Thru Facing Out looks easy from the pictures. But, the moment you feel that spring open you realize how you’ll need your entire body to do this Push Thru. While many Pilates Cadillac exercises can be done on the Tower. The Seated Push Thru Facing Out might not work on every tower. It does depend on where the Push Thru Bar attaches and if there is a mat or Reformer. So something to play with on a Cadillac first and then see if you can find the same connections on the Tower.
Press the bar with straight wrists, keep pinky side of hand on the bar.
Place the short box on the end of the Cadillac and hook the safety chain to the Push Thru Bar. Then place one heavy spring from below. Sit under the Push Thru Bar with your back to the Cadillac. You can sit away from the Cadillac. Or, if its helpful try sitting up against the back of the Cadillac. You decide which helps you have the most strength to your practice. Hold the bar with your palms facing out first. Knees bent, feet and legs hugging together or a fist distance apart and feet pressing down into the floor.
Without leaning forward or back or shrinking reach the bar forward and up from where your arms connect to your back. Bend your arms and resist the spring closed. It’s tempting to bend your wrists or if you have tight shoulders the pinky side of your hand may leave the bar. Focus on reaching the bar from your back and maintaining that full connection to the bar with your whole palm. After 3-5 flip your palms and repeat. You’ll see which shoulder is tighter. That hand will struggle to stay on the bar.
If going well try a single arm.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!
