The Pilates Cadillac: Why You Should Give it A Try (No, Really!)
Even if you’ve never taken a class, most people are familiar with the concept of Pilates and have heard proponents wax poetic about its ability to increase strength and create long, lean muscles. But perhaps you’ve passed by a Pilates studio, glanced at the unfamiliar equipment inside and thought, What sort of torture device is that??
It’s easy to understand why—Pilates uses equipment not found in any other fitness arena. Today, we’re going to unpack the mystery of the Pilates Cadillac (likely one of those pieces of equipment that struck fear in your heart). We’ll share a bit of the history (mystery) behind this ingenious piece of equipment and give you 3 reasons why we think you should give it a try.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century as a way to help people who were recovering from injuries. Pilates focuses on posture, balance, and flexibility to improve overall fitness and well-being.
Isn’t a Cadillac for driving?
Not in the Pilates world. Cadillac is the name given to the piece of equipment invented by Pilates that is still used in many studios today. It resembles a four-poster bed (about the size of a twin mattress) that is raised off the floor and adorned with metal springs, ropes, and a trapeze bar.
Using a series of ropes and pulleys, the Cadillac places the body in a variety of suspended positions. This resistance can create rapid change in the muscles of the body, creating long, lean muscles while increasing core strength.
No one knows exactly what inspired Pilate’s creation of the Cadillac. Some say it was invented by Pilates to assist one of his clients in recovery following a mastectomy. Others suggest the use of a trapeze bar was inspired by Pilate’s own father who was an amateur gymnast.
Give me 3 reasons I should try working out on a Cadillac.
You got it.
- It works for everybody and “every body” – Workouts on the Cadillac can be modified to benefit a variety of people, from the elderly to those with limited mobility or who are recovering from an injury. Don’t let the look of the machine intimidate you—your instructor will know how to craft a workout that will work for your body and your needs.
- It’s great for clearing the mind—Like yoga, Pilates requires a mind/body connection. Working out on the Cadillac requires a concentrated focus that forces you to clear your mind and helps to reduce stress.
- You can work at your own pace—How quickly you progress in Pilates is entirely up to you. Working out on the Cadillac allows you to start at your own pace and build strength and flexibility at a rate that is comfortable for you.
And so…
Don’t let the somewhat medieval look of the Cadillac keep you from giving this revolutionary piece of equipment a try. If you’d like to book a private session with Robin to explore how the Cadillac can improve your health, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to schedule.
The Cadillac is proof positive that Joseph Pilates was a genius in the health and wellness field. Let us show you just amazing working out on the Cadillac can be!
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