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Pilates equipment

Pilates Cadillac

A closeup of a Pilates Instructor teaching two women on the pilates cadillac

The Pilates Cadillac is another favorite of ours at Pilates by Ness. This incredibly rehabilitative piece of Pilates Equipment was given its name by one of Joseph Pilates’ clients in the 1940’s. At the time the Cadillac of the General Motors brand was by far the most luxurious car of the first half of the 20th century. The Pilates Cadillac was just as comfortable and unique to movement as the car was to comfort and unique drivability.

For lack of a better explanation, this machine looks like a slightly taller massage table with a metal frame surrounding the entire table. It is also known as the ‘Trapeze Table’ in some cases or the ‘Cadillac’ of Pilates Equipment. There are pictures that suggest that the original version of Joseph Pilates’ machine was a hybrid using an old hospital bed as the mat portion. Its height and stable bed-like pads make this machine a favorite among the older generation. It is incredibly supportive and easy to maneuver on. At the end of each side of the table lives a tower, one side has a ‘push through’ bar and at the opposite end there is an adjustable slider bar. Along the top of the Pilates Cadillac, you will find another sliding bar that adjusts throughout the length of the table. The adjustability of all of these attachments contributes to the versatility of the machine. There are also a series of springs that attach to these bars, all of which have different tensions associated with them and some of them have different lengths. These springs can be sprung from above or below depending upon the exercise being taught. Some of our favorite exercises taught on this machine include; The Roll Down Series taught with the roll down bar, The Seated Push Through, The Hanging Series, Breathing, Hanging, Kneeling Cat, and many more.

A pilates instructor teaches two female clients Thigh Stretch on the Pilates Cadillac
Instructor cues student in Seated Push Through Circumduction

Benefits from using the Pilates Cadillac

Similar to most of the Pilates apparatuses the benefits are infinite. While working on the Pilates Cadillac you can expect to improve in all areas of the body whether it’s strength, flexibility, stability, functionality...you name it, you will likely see improvement! We like to refer to your Pilates practice as a great ‘mixer’ for your ‘exercise cocktail’, as it will help you achieve greater results in any other activity you enjoy. Exercises will be practiced using the various bars and spring tensions mentioned earlier. The machine’s bed-like mats are great for incorporating Joe’s original mat work sequence without having to move to the floor. This is not only helpful for any client who has a hard time getting to the floor but also for the instructor and their own body mechanics while teaching! We always try to ‘practice what we preach’ at Pilates by Ness!

You will quickly find that this machine is appropriate for all levels of Pilates movers but is extremely beneficial for those clients who are either at a slightly more beginner level or are perhaps suffering from greater limitations and injuries. However, the sky is the limit when it comes to most Pilates equipment and there are many exercises that require a great deal of strength and flexibility. We are the very proud owners of  3 Tower/Trapeze tables at Pilates by Ness giving our instructors the ability to instruct you and two of your favorite workout buddies in a Group Class. Keeping the number of people in our group classes to 3 people not only helps us keep the sessions tailored to the overall goals and needs of the movers but also keeps everyone as safe as possible. We look forward to sharing our love of this piece of equipment with you keeping all of your needs and goals in mind.

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