When you change the spring setting on Standing Push Thru 2 on the Pilates Cadillac, also known as Standing Push Thru with Spring from Below it changes everything. You go from a light challenge of standing your strength and controlling the movement from your center to needing strength and control. This exercise will really teach the reach and strength you need in exercises like Rowing 2, Bicep Curls on the Cadillac, Handstand on the Ladder Barrel and more. This exercise will be tempting to add more muscle than you need. Instead of sacrificing your center do the best you can with the strength you have. Remain grounded in your feet and strong in your center.

Standing outside of the Cadillac with the Push Thru Bar, attach your safety chain or strap first. Then add a spring from below. Stand where you did when you had a spring from above. Have your heels together, toes apart, and grab the bar with your palms facing up. Again, maintain the pinky side of the hand on the bar throughout. Make sure you have weight in all four corners of your feet. And that you are not leaning into your heels or locking your knees out.

Begin by lifting the bar up and overhead. Opening the spring at the beginning is the hardest part. You are going to want to lean back or forward to do this. Instead, focus on lifting the bar from where your arms connect to your back. And then, when you return the bar back to start make sure that the spring doesn't push you around. Control the spring back to close but before you relax repeat 3-5x. It's easier to do the 2nd and 3rd if you don't "rest" at the bottom. Notice where you lose or want to lose the connection of your hand to the bar. After you complete this exercise go and do your Rowing 2 on the Reformer or on the Cadillac.