Candlestick Beats on the Cadillac

Candlestick Beats on the Cadillac

Candlestick Beats, also just known as Beats on the Pilates Cadillac does require a Cadillac. Since there are several “beats” you can do I call this Candlestick Beats to distinguish it from Leg Springs Beats. You do not need to have your Trapeze set up for this exercise. However, it’s typically in place for other exercises you would do before this one. However, if doing Beats as a transition out of an exercise like Candlestick, Hanging Pull Ups or Splits then you may want to hook the Trapeze part out of the way. Building up to this exercise is key to feeling successful.

Always beat the legs from center while arms are connected to the back.

As I mentioned Beats is typically done after one of the many Candlestick variations. However, I will describe how you can do it as a stand-alone move, and then once you feel confident enough play with placing it as a transition out of Candlestick, Hanging Pull Ups, Candlestick Swan, and Splits.

Standing in the center of your Cadillac place your hands on the bars. Stretch your legs out long on the mat and then when ready with your arms connected to your back lift your legs up parallel to the mat and beat them open and close. With control lower them down. Once that is going well try doing the Pull-Up Prep as a way into it. Pull both knees into your chest, if possible with bent arms but can also be straight as long as connected to your back. Stretch both legs out to the level of your hips and then beat the legs open and close. Then with control pull the knees into your chest and lower legs down to the mat. When ready as you come out of any of the other exercises using the Trapeze reach those legs out to pause the dismount beat and then with control lower all the way down.

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