- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Cadillac or Tower, Standing Arm Springs (I love using the Contrology Cadillac.)
- Reps: 3-5 side in each direction
- Warning: Not ideal for some shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Side Arm with Standing Arm Springs on the Cadillac
Side Arm in the Pilates Standing Arm Springs on the Pilates Cadillac or Tower is one of those sneaky challenging exercises. When you first set up for Side Arms with your Standing Arm Spring you’ll think it’s going to be easy to do. After all the spring starts pretty slack. And then you get moving. And all of a sudden you can feel how the entire body needs to work as a whole to make this happen. Use Side Arm if you have asymmetries in your body and try to do the side that needs more support and connections first, then the strong side and then back to the first side.
The challenge is keeping muscles working even when no spring tension.
Stand with your side to the Arm Springs. Hold the handle with your inside arm. The further you start away from the poles the harder this exercise will be. Start around the same place you did Shave or Hug. And move in or out as needed. Heels together and toes slightly apart. Outside arm is hugging into the body. Pinky side of the hand pressing into the handle.
Without leaning bend your elbow and pull the spring into your body as high as you can without lifting your shoulder. Then slide the handle down your body and then back out towards the Cadillac or Tower. Repeat and then reverse. When done switch sides. Most likely the spring will lose tension when you are opening your arm and even when you’re bending your elbow. That’s ok! Focus on maintaining the connections even when you do not have tension on your spring so you are ready for it when the spring is open. Notice if you’re leaning to one side while working. Remain shoulders over hips over knees and feet.
Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Cadillac exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Cadillac training!