Pilates
Cadillac Circle Saw
Cadillac Circle Saw is an advanced seated Pilates exercise using the push-through bar. It trains abdominal control through a flowing forward curve, rotation, and side bend.
- Advanced
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- Sit facing the push-through bar with your legs extended in a comfortable straddle.
- Grasp the bar with both hands about shoulder-width apart.
- Press the bar forward into a seated forward curve.
- Release one hand into a wide side reach.
- Rotate your chest toward your free arm.
- Circle your torso through a small side bend back into a centered forward curve.
- Replace your free hand on the bar.
- Guide the bar back to its starting position as you return upright.
Form cues
- Keep your gripping wrist straight.
- Reach long through your heels.
- Exhale into the forward curve.
Common mistakes
- Rolling onto one hipReduce the circle until you can keep both sitting bones grounded.
- Shrugging the supporting shoulderKeep space between your shoulder and ear throughout the one-handed phase.
- Forcing the spinal circleUse a smooth, comfortable arc rather than chasing a deeper bend or twist.
Safety
Losing your grip during the one-handed phase can let the spring-loaded bar recoil and strike you. Excessive spring tension or a forced spinal circle can strain your shoulder or back.
- Have a qualified Pilates instructor configure the springs and safety strap for this version and supervise your initial practice.
- Check that spring clips and bar attachments are secure before starting.
- Practice the two-handed bar movement before attempting the release.
- End the set if fatigue makes the bar difficult to control.
If you have back pain, osteoporosis, or shoulder instability, get guidance from a physiotherapist or doctor before attempting this exercise.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Pilates Cadillac
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 1–2
- Target
- 3–5 reps per side
- Rest
- 1 min
Alternate sides, counting each circle and return as one rep.