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Pilates

Cadillac Seated Push-Through

The Cadillac Seated Push-Through is a seated Pilates exercise using a spring-loaded bar. It trains abdominal control as you round forward and return upright against spring resistance.

  • Intermediate
  • Compound
  • Moderate injury risk
  • Rest 45 sec

How to do it

  1. Sit tall facing the push-through bar with your legs extended toward the uprights.
  2. Grasp the bar evenly with an overhand grip, about shoulder-width apart.
  3. Press the bar downward in front of you with your elbows slightly bent.
  4. Guide the bar forward between the uprights while rounding your spine over your legs.
  5. Bring the bar back along the same path at a controlled pace.
  6. Unroll your spine to sitting upright as the bar rises to its starting position.

Form cues

  • Exhale forward; inhale as you return.
  • Keep both sitting bones heavy.
  • Keep your shoulders away from your ears.

Common mistakes

  • Collapsing over the legsKeep your abdomen gently drawn inward to support a long, rounded curve rather than sinking toward your thighs.
  • Leaning backward on the returnFinish with your ribs above your pelvis instead of pulling your torso behind your hips.
  • Forcing straight kneesBend your knees slightly if tightness behind your thighs prevents a comfortable upright starting position.

Safety

A released spring-loaded bar can rebound into your face or upper body. Excessive resistance or forced forward rounding can strain your shoulders or back.

  • Have a qualified Pilates instructor configure the top-sprung bar and supervise you while learning.
  • Check spring clips, bar attachments, and any manufacturer-required safety restraints before starting.
  • Maintain a secure grip until the bar is stationary in its resting position.
  • End the set if you cannot control the spring return without jerking.

If forward bending causes back pain or you have been advised to limit spinal flexion, ask a physiotherapist about a smaller-range or neutral-spine alternative.

Muscles worked

Front

Primary muscles

  • Abs

Secondary muscles

  • Hip Flexors
  • Obliques

Equipment

  • Pilates Cadillac

Sets and reps

Sets
1–2
Target
5–8 reps
Rest
45 sec

Use a spring setting that lets you move smoothly through a comfortable range.