Breathing on the Pilates Cadillac is one of the most useful exercises! Since we do everything in the studio to help us do the Mat work better Breathing provides information that teaches the body many things. Breathing not only incorporates breath, a Pilates principle, it also teaches coordination, strength, and length. This exercise requires that you work your whole body together as one unit. Something we need to learn in order to advance our practice. Breathing also reveals if we are ready for exercises such as Short Spine, Overhead, Roll Over, Jackknife and other exercises where we must lift our hips up.

To set yourself up for the Breathing move your trapeze to your wingspan. This should place the strap somewhere hovering around mid-shin. Then when you place your feet in the strap the trapeze will be straight up and down. Your head should be about a hands distance from the edge of the mat. If you are new you can hook your feet around the strap. But, as you practice begin to hug the heels together and release the hook.

Your hands are holding the Roll Back Bar as wide as you can. Simultaneously you will press the bar down and lift your hips up. Hold this position for 5 counts and then lower your hips and return the bar. Repeat this 3-5 times. Inhale as you lift your hips and press the bar down. Hold your breath for five counts and exhales as you return. If you are new to Breathing start off with just the legs, then just the arms and then adding the two parts together. You want to feel as if you are pressing down from your back with wide collarbones. Maintain width across your chest. It's easy to hyper-extend the knees here. Maintain length and feel the hamstrings and seat press your hips up.