Pilates Cadillac London
A Pilates Cadillac or Trapeze Table is the piece of Pilates equipment featured in the photo above. Generally, when people think of Studio Pilates, they think of Reformer Pilates Marylebone. We have written the article below to answer some frequently asked questions, as it’s such an important piece of equipment with multiple benefits.
What is a Pilates Cadillac?
The Cadillac is supportive and a great piece of equipment to start your Pilates sessions in London. That said, you can also do some of the most challenging exercises on the Cadillac as well. It’s incredibly versatile, which is why we love it and use it in our reformer Pilates sessions. We will discuss how it works and why it is particularly beneficial for injury rehabilitation. What exercises can you perform on the Cadillac, and what muscle groups can it target?
How does a Pilates Cadillac work?
It was the first piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates in the 1940s, using a hospital bed for fellow inmates in an internment camp during World War I. The modern-day Pilates Cadillac have evolved to include a comfortable table with multiple attachment points for springs and bars to add resistance for exercises. There are also fluffy handles for hanging and stretching exercises. Numerous exercises can be performed using the Cadillac equipment.
How Many Times a Week Should I do Pilates?
We suggest 2, ideally 3, times per week to see results more quickly. The majority of people we see want to start Pilates because they have had negative experiences with other forms of exercise, have suffered injuries, or have heard that Pilates is beneficial from a friend. Pilates provides the foundation to support and excel in more demanding exercises. The NHS suggests exercising at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, so it depends on your current state of health, your goals, and what other exercises you are doing.
What Kind of Strength or Area of the Body Does Pilates Focus on?
Pilates always strengthens your core, glutes, pelvic floor, and diaphragm; however, it is truly a full-body workout. Studio Pilates sessions at Wellthy Clinic are truly bespoke, so it depends on the aims of the session (shoulder strengthening, improve core stability, increase upper back mobility, etc).
How do the Pilates Springs Work?
Springs of different tensions can either make the exercise harder, easier or focus on particular muscles depending on the aims of the session. The springs are attached to the loops on the Cadillac frame and bars. Exercises will be performed to strengthen, stretch and mobilise joints. Shoulder bridges, roll-downs, roll-backs, leg and arm circles are a few of the most common Cadillac exercises. You can use the Cadillac in various positions, including lying down, side lying, kneeling, standing to the side, or on the Cadillac. You can even hang from the bars with some of the advanced exercises! The springs can be lowered or raised for different heights and ability levels for clients.
Why is the Pilates Cadillac so beneficial for injury rehabilitation?
The Cadillac is ideal for Pilates rehab sessions, as it provides support. The solid table base makes it particularly useful for stability and strengthening exercises, such as single-leg stretches. It’s perfect for Beginners in Reformer Pilates, as the advantage of performing single-leg stretches on the Cadillac is that you can initially make the exercise easier by using foot straps with resistance to challenge your core, but build up the exercise difficulty slowly to support your recovery.
Cadillac Pilates Advanced Exercises
A Cadillac also allows some of the most advanced exercises. You can perform some of the most acrobatic exercises by hanging upside down and holding onto the metal frame. Excellent spinal mobility is achieved while working hard to control movements with strength and stability through these advanced exercises. Plus, they look amazing!
Conclusion
At our Wellthy Clinic in London, we offer private (one-on-one) and semi-private (two-to-one) Pilates Cadillac classes near you. We also offer Pilates classes for individuals over 60 and pregnancy Pilates. You can read about 10 benefits of Pilates on our blog.
Clinic Director, Osteopath and Pilates equipment Instructor who specialises in rehabilitation. Passionate about clients feeling better, stronger, and achieving their goals.