Thigh Stretch with Roll Back Bar on the Cadillac

Thigh Stretch on the Pilates Cadillac or Tower is an excellent place to learn, practice and challenge your Thigh Stretch. Especially if you are working towards the backbend that goes along with the Thigh Stretch. If you want to make the Thigh Stretch harder don’t back up after you do your Chest Expansion. To make it easier, back away a little more than suggested because the spring tension will add more support. If you are struggling to keep this out of your knees, make sure you keep reaching your knees down and hugging them towards each other. After you’ve connected to the Thigh Stretch here add in the Rolling In and Out.

Reach arms from back and knees down and towards each other. Lift tall.

-Lesley Logan

Typically you would set up for Thigh Stretch after you complete Chest Expansion. Simply move your knees back 2-4 inches. If you are setting up just for Thigh Stretch, then start facing the Roll Back Bar kneeling on the Cadillac. Start one arms distance away from the vertical poles and then move 2-4 inches away from there. Your knees and feet are a fist distance apart. Reach them down and towards each other to activate your inner thighs and outer hips. Hold the Roll Back Bar as wide as you can without locking your elbows or pulling your shoulders off your back.

Lean back with a flat back. Because your arms are connected to your back the bar and springs will follow you. Remain long and tall and lift back up. Repeat 3-5x. If you are noticing your back bending as you go, back or up shorten your range of motion and focus on staying long and tall, even “board” like. To advance this exercise lean back to where you know you can hold it. And then find a Swan like chest. Bending only your upper back. Then return back to a tall back before you lift yourself back up. Repeat 1-2x.

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