- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Roll Back Bar (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5x
- Warning: Not ideal for some neck and shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Side Sit Ups V2 with Roll Back Bar on the Cadillac
Side Sit ups on the Pilates Cadillac is one of the best ways to challenge your side body. There are two versions of Side Sit Ups on the Cadillac that you can do and they both can be done on a Tower as well. This version will help challenge and strengthen your Side Bend on the Mat and also teach your hips some information they need for your Side Kicks. Plus a big challenge for your arm-back connection. If you’ve been struggling to keep your arm on your back, then this exercise will reveal it and give you a chance to practice it.
Reach through both legs from seat and connect your arm to your back.
-Lesley Logan
Sitting on one hip with your feet towards your vertical poles. Make sure your Roll Back Bar is connected to the higher setting. Place your top leg on the pole behind your hips at the level of your hips. Place your bottom leg on the pole in front of your hips. Start with your knees bent, place the balls of your feet on the poles and then grab the center of the bar with your top arm. Press your legs to straight from your hamstring and glute connection. Lay down on your side with your bottom arm stretched out over head.
The easier version of this is to keep your bottom arm stretched out, palm down on the mat as you side bend up and down. If you are ready for more of a challenge turn your bottom arm palm up and lift your arm with you as you side bend up and reach out and down. Repeat 3-5x each side. If you find you have a weaker side I would repeat the weaker side again. If you want to add on to this exercise place the bottom hand behind your head and lift up. Then maintain your lift as you twist your bottom elbow to your top arm 3-5x. Make sure you keep your knees straight the entire time.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!