The Pilates Cadillac
An Introduction to the Trapeze Table for Effective Pilates Workouts
May 4, 2009
The basis of a complete Pilates workout is the Reformer and Mat work, but the Cadillac provides a range of additional exercises to target specific needs. It's affectionately known as the "dessert table" for its ability to round out a workout.
Structure
The Cadillac looks like a four-poster massage table. At one end, its poles have attachments for arm springs, leg springs and a Roll-Down Bar. At the other end, as well as arm spring attachments, there is a wooden Push-Thru Bar - a rectangular frame that swings between the poles and can be sprung from above or below. The Push-Thru Bar has a safety chain to prevent it from snapping down and causing injury.
Between the upright poles are the horizontal bars of the Cadillac, used for balance during standing exercises, and for hanging and pull-up exercises. The signature trapeze hangs from a sliding cross-bar that usually sits at one end of the horizontal bars. The trapeze is mostly used for aerial exercises and stretches. At the other end of the Cadillac are a pair of fuzzy hanging straps, used for stretches and, as the name suggests, for hanging upside down.
The mat, or bed, can be used for regular mat work as well as working with the springs; it has a belly strap for securing feet or legs for extra stability.
Key Exercises
Exercises that can be performed on the Reformer can often be done using the Cadillac springs - common choices are the Rowing series, the Hundred, and the Chest Expansion. The leg springs provide strong resistance with a series of leg circles, inner thigh beats, and bicycling movements.
The Push-Thru Bar assists with the Teaser, a challenging mat and Reformer exercise, by guiding the body and adding springs to lift the spine.
The Cadillac also has a range of unique exercises, like the Hanging Pull Ups. The student holds onto the horizontal bars, jumps his feet onto the trapeze, lifts the spine into a backbend, and then comes into a straight line to do three pull-ups.
It's possible to do a full Pilates workout using the Cadillac, but more commonly the instructor will choose a few exercises and stretches to benefit the student's individual needs.
Availability
All major Pilates equipment manufacturers make a Cadillac. Among the most trusted manufacturers are Gratz Industries, Balanced Body, Peak Pilates, and Stott Pilates.
All the features of a full Cadillac except for the trapeze, horizontal bars and fuzzies are also available in the space-saving Wall Unit, which enables many studios to offer group classes using the arm and leg springs and Push-Thru and Roll Down Bars.
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