Squats with Push Thru Bar on the Cadillac

Squats with the Push Thru Bar on the Pilates Cadillac can really be called anything. It’s part of a few exercises you can do outside “the box” of the Cadillac. This particular classical Pilates exercise is not necessary for everyone and should be done with care and caution. It’s a great challenge for connecting your entire spine and working your “tall back.” It’s easy for our heads to lean too far forward or leaning back. In this exercise, you will feel how your head is on your spine and helps connect you to your center. Give this a try and then challenge your standing exercises.

Take your time and move with control, stand tall and breathe.

-Lesley Logan

Clear the space around the end of your Cadillac. Hook the Push Thru Bar up with a spring from the top. Standing tall facing the Push Thru Bar place your hands on the bar palms up. Place your chin on the center of the bar where there is a wide section. Double check you’re not leaning forward or back. Do not tense your jaw. Hug your heels together toes apart or stand parallel whichever you need to work more. Tailbone reach down but not under. Shoulders back but not squeezed.

Without pulling on the bar with your hands bend your knees and “squat” down. Feel your chin and bring the bar with you. Reaching down through your feet and press yourself to stand up and repeat 3-5x. If you find that you are moving your head and neck around. Take some time to reset. Find the right spot for you so that your head sits on your spine and only goes as low as you can control the spring. After try other standing or “tall back” exercises like Marching, Chest Expansion, and Arm Circles.

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