Cadillacs for Pilates

Pilates Cadillacs

The Pilates Cadillac is a raised horizontal table surrounded by a four-poster frame on which bars, straps, springs and levers are fixed. The reason it looks the way it does is that Joseph Pilates originally used the design on war veterans, so it does resemble something like a hospital bed. Models vary according to what they offer but a standard Cadillac will include a push through bar, a roll down bar, a cross bar, arm springs, leg springs, and thigh and ankle cuffs.

You can perform over 200 different exercises on the Pilates Cadillac reformer to challenge your core abdominals, spinal flexibility, shoulder and back, and the whole body. Runners often find the Cadillac very useful as it can lengthen and strengthen the hamstrings. The spine also really benefits as it really targets the muscles that support the spine. In fact, you can isolate almost every muscle group on the machine.

Using the Cadillac is an excellent way to break down the different movements our body makes into small sections to then restore the correct movement pattern.

Parts of the Cadillac

• The push through bar helps with foot work, leg work, core and stretching.
• The leg/arm spring focuses on the extremities, helping to correct imbalances in the legs and arms. This can prove really beneficial to swimmers, runners and athletes.
• The standing spring focuses on functional movements working on the upper and lower body alongside the core. This will really help your standing balance and can be great for tennis players and golfers.
• The carriage allows you to perform exercises with spring resistance, including squats, calf raises and more. If you fix the carriage using a mat convertor, you can then sit on the mat and use the pulleys and ropes from the frame for a wide range of exercises.

Cadillacs vs reformers

The main difference between a Cadillac and a reformer is that the Cadillac Pilates machine offers more choice of exercises. A Cadillac uses a reformer as its base (unless it's a wall-mounted tower) and offers the opportunity for hanging exercises. This allows for full body integration, back extension and strengthening, shoulder and arm strengthening and core stability.

Beginners can use the Cadillac right through to experts as it is adjustable to suit different levels. One of the other benefits of the Cadillac is that it can be used either sitting, standing or lying, so whatever your preference, the flexibility is here.

Finding the right Pilates Cadillac

The obvious thing to say here is that the Cadillac is a big piece of equipment so do make sure it will fit into your space. Most models are almost seven feet high so check all measurements really carefully.

Look for a solid quality frame, some are made from chrome, but you can also get hold of those made from full stainless steel which will last longer. The better the frame, the less chipping, pitting and corrosion you will experience. But most importantly, you need to feel that the Pilates Cadillac is sturdy and safe for you to exercise on it, particularly when you are performing acrobatic hanging exercises.

Upholstery that can be wiped down is another advantage. You also want to be able to adjust the table and check that your body will fit on it. Confirm that all the moveable parts can be manoeuvred easily.

You want non-slip grips on all bars, a safety chain on the push through bar and a variety of springs that allow you to adjust the resistance. Some models also colour code their springs so that you can easily recognise different levels when you are working out and want to adjust quickly.

Another thing to bear in mind is what comes with the Pilates Cadillac, as some models supply a wide range of accessories. If you also own a reformer then you’ll need to see what kind of Cadillac machine would be compatible.

Shop the full range of Pilates Cadillacs for sale at GymEquipment.co.uk and get free UK delivery on orders over £100.