The Cadillac/Reformer is a combination of two pieces of versatile Pilates apparatus: the Cadillac and the Reformer.
It brings the benefit of both these pieces of apparatus in one slightly large and cumbersome package!
The Cadillac offers a supported space for mat work as well as coming with a multitude of add-ons including a push through bar, trapeze bar, and these fluffy things that are not handcuffs but will always be referred to as fluffy handcuffs.
It can easily be turned into a fully functioning Reformer with the additional benefits of a tower. This can make balance work more accessible especially things like lunging.
1:1s
I have a Cadillac/Reformer combo in my home studio in West Bridgford which gives me the best of both worlds!
The Cadillac/Reformer stands higher than the average Reformer which makes it more comfortable to get on and off it especially if you struggle getting down to the floor or have any injuries that restrict your range of movement.
The flat, padded table of the Cadillac provides a stable and supported surface to perform exercises on. I can more easily conduct biomechanical assessments for clients and observe muscular imbalances.
The tower includes all the usual bells and whistles including leg and arm springs, a push through bar, trapeze bar, and pull down bar. The frame itself can be used with the Reformer to help with balance and provide additional support for standing exercises.
With a few quick changes the Cadillac can be turned into a Reformer. It functions like any other Reformer except being a bit taller and attached to a metal frame. The springs and straps offer support and challenge making the Reformer ideal for every body and their respective goals.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or rehabilitating an injury, the Cadillac/Reformer can provide a safe and effective way to work the body. 1:1s using this piece of apparatus will be tailored completely to you and your goals.
Depending on what you enjoy and what your goals are, your sessions may use the Reformer more or the Cadillac or a bit of both. Any preferences over what you enjoy more will obviously be taken into account!
History of the Cadillac/Reformer
Joseph Pilates created many apparatus to complement his system of Contrology. The Cadillac is one of these pieces. It is by far the largest and most ambitious of all of his apparatus. In his original studio, there was a room that Pilates kept for his private clients with special problems.
The room contained a massage table with a metal frame attached to it. Springs and bars could be attached to the frame at different heights. Known as the table with a trapeze this is often seen as the precursor to the Cadillac.
Another theory is that the Cadillac itself was a precursor to the Bednasium. This is not a piece of apparatus you see in studios now! It was a V-shaped bed that could be folded out into a flat surface. Like the table with a trapeze it had hangers that springs and bars could be attached to.
According to one source, the Cadillac was named such by a client of Pilates as it was as luxuriously and well engineered as the luxury motor car.
As the Cadillac was so large and took up so much room it was not always suitable for a studio to own. At some point, because I can’t find a date, someone had the idea to combine the Cadillac and Reformer into one piece of equipment.
The flat surface of the Cadillac could be removed to reveal the Reformer carriage, springs, and attachments. Within minutes it could be transformed into a fully functioning Reformer with a tower.
Though not originally created by Joseph Pilates, I don’t think he would mind especially if it gets people moving.
Body Align Pilates 