The Cadillac (also known as the trapeze table) is a piece of large Pilates equipment . This equipment in its original form was designed and built by Joseph Pilates himself so that he could help his clients to rehabilitate.
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This Cadillac in its modern-day form is a high, firm, leather clad couch surrounded by a metal frame. The frame has various hooks along its poles which allow attachment points for the springs that Joseph Pilates used for his exercises.
The metal springs come in different lengths and with different amounts of tension. These springs can be used to create resistance – just like you might with weights, or cable machines in the gym. The springs can also be used provide support as they can carry the weight of the arms and legs during various exercises.
In addition to the frame, the Cadillac is usually equipped with a bar that can swing – known as the push thru bar or the tower bar. There is also a sliding bar that moves across the top which can be used as another attachment point for springs.
There is another attachment known as the trapeze which can be suspended from here, which is suspended by heavy springs and is strong enough to support the body weight or the weight of the legs.
Finally, the signature addition to the cadillac is a pair of sheepskin cuffs – known as ‘fluffies’, which can be used to support wrists or ankles and be used for various exercises or to help support various body positions.
Looking back at how Joseph Pilates originally started using his methods to help rehabilitate others we can see how the Cadillac design naturally evolved from his early makeshift machinery. German born Pilates was interned during the first world war in a prisoner of war camp on the Isle of Man. Whilst here, the story goes that Joseph attached springs that he found lying around the site to bed frames of the injured and sick inmates.
Pilates used the springs to help the other prisoners exercise whilst still bedbound, making him an early pioneer of physical rehabilitation!
There are many features of the cadillac that distinguish it from other exercise equipment and make it beneficial for all types of Pilates exercises.
One that it has a high base – which makes it easier to get on and off for those with mobility issues or injuries compared to getting on the floor or the reformer.
The base of the cadillac has just enough padding and a hard wearing surface, which makes it more suitable for doing exercises than, say, a bed.
Another is that it is wide and stable, which makes it supportive and easier to maneuver on, such as when rolling over.
The frame not only has lots of different hook attachments but also sliding bars which give an infinite number of possibilities for where to attach the spring resistance. This means exercises can be modified to suit every individual and many different exercises.
Another feature is that the frame is extremely strong and sturdy, meaning that a whole person’s body weight can be supported off the bars, making it brilliant for more challenging exercises. This means that whilst the Cadillac is very suitable for beginners, or people with injuries and mobility problems, it is also more than capable of providing challenging exercises for a healthy or athletic population.
Still wondering about the car? We’re not sure either but one Pilates enthusiast, Reiner Grootenhuis, writes that since the Cadillac was the luxury brand of car at the time of Joseph Pilates teaching, one of his students dubbed the equipment the cadillac as a nod to its comfortable, luxurious nature.
The Teaser exercise in its original form is a mat-based exercise for the abdominals. The original Teaser sees you coming from lying flat, to sweeping the arms around and lifting the arms and legs up to balance, unsupported, on the back of the pelvis (called the sacrum). The Teaser on the cadillac is a supported ut nonetheless challenging variation of this exercise. The cadillac variation of Teaser utilizes the push through bar to assist the upper body to lift up into the abdominal curl part of the exercise. This gives a wonderful feeling of freedom in the movement, and also helps to add an element of shoulder mobility to the exercise. Holding the bar supports you so you can focus on variations of the leg position, to challenge your lower abdominals further.
The hanging exercise on the Cadillac has several benefits. With this exercise there is no equivalent on the mat – as the bars are needed to support the weight of the body in this position. The hanging exercise is an advanced exercise requiring lots of upper body and grip strength. One variation focuses on grip and arm strength, particularly the biceps (seen in this picture). The other focuses on flexibility – lengthening through the front of the body to create an impressive back bend, whilst needing strength in the hamstrings and the back muscles to get there.
The ‘Breathing’ exercise on the Cadillac is a spinal mobility exercise which gently works the back, gluteal and back of thigh muscles. Using the trapeze attachment, the heels press down into the strap, whilst the arms pull down onto the dowel. This creates a full body experience to float up into a long bridge. As you come down, you can imagine draping the spine back onto the bed, thinking of elongating the spine for a decompressive experience.
The Pilates cadillac is wonderful and versatile piece of equipment that truly enriches movement learning. It gives infinite variety to the exercises that you can learn and so elevates your Pilates journey to the next level.
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If you’ve ever walked into Archer Pilates and spotted a large, elevated table surrounded by a metal frame with springs, bars, and straps—you’ve just met the Pilates Cadillac. This uniquely versatile piece of equipment might look a little intimidating at first, but it’s actually one of the most powerful tools in the Pilates world for building strength, flexibility, and alignment.
In this post, we’ll explore exactly what the Pilates Cadillac is, where it came from, its amazing benefits, and how we use it in our Archer Pilates studio to support clients of all levels.
The Pilates Cadillac—also known as the Trapeze Table—is a large, elevated platform with a sturdy frame that extends above and around it. Attached to the frame are springs, bars, straps, and loops that can be adjusted for a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups.
It’s called a “Cadillac” because it’s like the luxury vehicle of Pilates equipment—highly versatile, supportive, and designed for total-body training. Whether you’re doing gentle stretches or advanced acrobatics, the Cadillac meets you where you are and takes your Pilates practice to the next level.
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The Cadillac was created by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method, during World War I. He began his work rehabilitating injured soldiers by attaching springs to hospital beds to help them build strength and recover more quickly. This innovation eventually evolved into what we now know as the Pilates Cadillac—a staple in many Pilates studios around the world, including Archer Pilates.
Joseph Pilates believed in equipment that both supports and challenges the body, allowing practitioners to develop deep core control, precise movement, and full-body strength—and the Cadillac embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Great question—and one we get often at Archer Pilates!
While the Pilates Tower and Pilates Cadillac share some similarities, they are not the same. The Tower is essentially a wall-mounted or Reformer-attached version of the Cadillac without the overhead frame or trapeze bar. It includes a vertical frame with springs, a roll-down bar, and arm/leg springs, making it ideal for many Cadillac-based movements—but with a smaller footprint.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Feature Cadillac Tower Full frame/trapeze Yes No Overhead bar/hanging work Yes No Spring resistance Yes (multiple points) Yes (on vertical plane only) Table included Yes (raised, cushioned mat) No (usually attached to Reformer or wall) Space requirement Larger More compactWhile both are powerful tools in Pilates, the Cadillac offers a greater range of movement options, including inversions, overhead suspension work, and acrobatic exercises. At Archer Pilates, we use both based on our clients’ needs, goals, and space preferences—but the Cadillac is the most comprehensive apparatus for full-body movement, support, and challenge.
At Archer Pilates, we love using the Cadillac because of its versatility and accessibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced mover, there’s something on the Cadillac for you. Here are just a few of its standout benefits:
1. Full-Body Strengthening
The Cadillac allows you to target virtually every muscle group. From upper body and arms, to core, glutes, and legs, the resistance from the springs helps build strength with control and precision.
2. Gentle Support for Injury Rehabilitation
Because it was originally designed for rehabilitation, the Cadillac is perfect for clients recovering from injury or surgery. It offers support and assistance, making it easier to build strength safely and gradually.
3. Deep Core Activation
Many Cadillac exercises focus on core stabilization, which improves posture, balance, and overall body mechanics. You’ll engage deep abdominal muscles while moving through a wide range of motion.
4. Flexibility and Mobility
Using the bars and straps, we can help you increase flexibility in the spine, hips, shoulders, and legs—with support that allows for deeper, more effective stretches.
5. Advanced Movement Possibilities
While beginners can enjoy supported movement on the Cadillac, it also offers incredible options for advanced students, including dynamic hanging exercises, inversions, and acrobatic flows that challenge strength, coordination, and control.
At Archer Pilates, we offer private sessions and small-group classes that incorporate Cadillac work for clients of all fitness levels. Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to expand your practice, the Cadillac provides an exciting and supportive way to train your body.
Our highly trained instructors guide you through customized programs using the Cadillac to help you:
We also integrate Cadillac work into rehab-focused sessions and prenatal/postnatal Pilates, thanks to its adaptability and safety features.
The short answer: Yes!
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, seeking better posture, recovering from an injury, or simply wanting to take your Pilates journey further, the Cadillac is a powerful tool that meets you where you are.
If you’re curious about how the Pilates Cadillac can benefit your unique body, we’d love to show you at Archer Pilates.
At Archer Pilates, our mission is to help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free. Come experience the luxury and versatility of the Pilates Cadillac for yourself. Book a private session with one of our expert instructors, or ask about adding Cadillac work to your
Let the Cadillac at Archer Pilates elevate your Pilates practice to new heights!
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