Pilates
Cadillac Standing Arms Facing Tower
Cadillac Standing Arms Facing Tower is a Pilates spring-resistance exercise in which you pull handles toward your hips. It trains your upper back while you keep your trunk steady against the spring tension.
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Low injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- Stand facing the tower with your feet hip-width apart, holding one arm-spring handle in each hand.
- Step back until the springs have light tension with your arms reaching forward at shoulder height.
- Pull the handles down toward your hips with a slight, fixed bend in your elbows.
- Return the handles forward to shoulder height.
Form cues
- Keep your neck long.
- Keep wrists in line with forearms.
- Exhale through the pull.
Common mistakes
- Rocking your torsoKeep your ribs over your pelvis rather than leaning backward to move the handles.
- Turning the pull into a rowMove from your shoulders instead of bending your elbows farther as you pull.
- Letting the springs snap backResist the return so the handles travel smoothly without accelerating toward the tower.
Safety
Excessive spring tension can pull you off balance or strain your shoulders during the return. An unsecured spring attachment can release unexpectedly.
- Have a qualified Pilates professional establish suitable upper attachment points and matched arm-spring resistance before your first session.
- Check that spring clips are fully closed and handles are secure before each set.
- Use a stable, nonslip standing surface with the spring paths clear.
- End the set if your feet shift or you cannot control the spring pull.
If you have shoulder pain or difficulty balancing, get guidance on a supported or lighter-resistance version before attempting this standing exercise.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Pilates Cadillac
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 8–12 reps
- Rest
- 1 min
Use light spring resistance while learning; bodyweight logging does not reflect the spring tension.