Tower with the Guillotine

Tower on the Guillotine is typically done after Footwork on the Guillotine. However, you can also start your Guillotine work with Tower or any exercise that you need for your Pilates practice. The Tower on the Guillotine is what Tower on the Cadillac is trying to mimic. It’s a great place to work imbalances as well as a wonderful place to understand the overhead exercise reach one needs. If this exercise goes well, try the Single Leg Tower variation. It’s integral for balancing imbalances.

Continue to push into the springs as you bend your knees!

If already on the Guillotine slide until bar is over neck or collarbones. If mounting for first Guillotine exercise mount with controlled summersault or can also mount by standing in front of the Guillotine with back to the bar. Squat down as you would for the Mat and roll back under the bar. Essentially, you want to get on your back with bar over your neck. Bend knees into chest and place balls of feet parallel and a hips distance apart. Arms can be holding handles on the side or pressed against the vertical poles. Gaze up.

Maintaining parallel and pointed feet press legs to straight and then using center and legs roll hips up as you reach the bar up as high as you can. Roll up only as high as your shoulder girdle. Hold here and then bend and straighten legs evenly 3x. Straighten legs after the last rep and as you reach into the bar roll your spine down to the mat. The more you work the bar up as you roll down the better. Both legs need to work evenly so the bar doesn’t get stuck.

Repeat for a total of 3 sets

If going well, transition into Single Leg Tower.

Be sure to check out more of my Guillotine workout videos. I want to help you continue your Guillotine training!