Pilates Cadillac or Trapeze Table

It’s very important to keep the hips in a neutral position while performing this sequence. There should be a continuos flow to keep the engagement of the hips on the lower portion of the trunk. The arms should be holding on to the parallel bars of the trapeze to help compensate the body weight and the resistance coming on to the upper trunk from springs and body motion. This exercise is wonderful to do and very exhausting too!

Arabesque / Elephant on the Pilates Reformer

An arabesque panche (definition):  in which the raised leg is at an angle much greater than 90 degrees. The body bends forward to counterbalance the back leg. This ballet pose requires tremendous balance as well as flexibility. 

When putting these two exercises together on the reformer focus is on coordination, balance and strength. At the top of the extension on the arabesque panche I bend my knee to enhance the stretch on the hamstring  of the supporting leg as well as to increase the  flexibility on the hip flexor of the opposite leg.

I love doing this variation on the reformer. Combining the contraction of the elephant exercise with the extension of an arabesque panche helps to enhance the work  on your core and hamstrings. And you get that extra bonus for combining them both!!!