inside the session
see moments of a private pilates class
Step in for a glimpse into real class moments at Pilates Practice Amsterdam.
What you’re seeing here is work in motion; focused, hands-on, and tailored to the individual. These photos show a section of a private class using one of our favourite pieces of equipment: the Cadillac.
what is the Cadillac?
Originally designed by Joseph Pilates during World War I to help bedridden patients regain mobility, the Cadillac has evolved into a versatile and powerful apparatus. With its elevated frame, spring resistance, and bars for support and traction, it allows for deeply supported and precisely targeted work.
shoulder mobility & mid-back activation
Have you noticed that when you tend to slouch, your mid-back rounds, your posture collapses, and you actually look — and feel — shorter? That compressed, hunched shape often comes with lower back stiffness and tightness around the shoulders. It’s a familiar posture for anyone spending long hours at a desk, living in the rush of daily life, stressed by responsibilities and neglecting in depth movement.
All our classes are designed to open up space where it's been lost. In this class you can witness glimpses of guided shoulder work, arm rotation, and deep spine mobilisation; it is a small example how we may begin to reverse those patterns. The Cadillac allows for loaded lower back flexion and extension while the tower setup supports shoulder release. That roundness in the upper back? It begins to unwind; not by forcing, but by reconnecting.
This is not a “feel the burn” moment. It’s the real work of repatterning how your body carries itself. Supported, specific, and incredibly satisfying.
This is where posture, strength, and fluidity meet. Welcome in!
we don’t just stretch—we activate, mobilise, and transform
This is intelligent, guided movement to reclaim your posture and confidence.
why shoulder rotation matters?
Deep internal and external rotation of the upper arms is not just about shoulder flexibility—it’s the gateway to unlocking your upper spine. When you rotate the arms thoughtfully and with control, you invite the shoulder blades to glide into a better position and create space across the collarbones. This subtle yet powerful action begins to coax movement back into the thoracic spine, often stuck from years of collapsing forward over desks and devices.
We use the Cadillac to support and challenge this process: straps, bars, and spring resistance allow us to isolate and activate underused muscles, giving your mid-back a chance to wake up and do its job again. The result? A shoulder girdle that sits effortlessly, a spine that lengthens, and a posture that feels natural—no forcing, no stiffness.
We’re not after picture-perfect poses—we’re after real changes in how your body moves and feels.
where movement truly begins
Cueing the mid-back requires precision and patience. It’s not just about getting movement—it’s about where the movement initiates. We guide your awareness away from your dominant areas (like the lower back or neck) and into that often-forgotten space between the shoulder blades. Through tactile feedback and clear verbal cues, we invite the thoracic spine to articulate—segment by segment—bringing breath and space where there's been tightness and bracing. With consistency, this not only improves posture but restores mobility to a region that holds so much unconscious tension from stress, emotion, and habit.
arm rotation, redefined
Arm rotation isn’t about moving your hands—it starts much deeper, in the shoulder girdle. We teach you how to access true internal and external rotation by initiating from the upper arm bone (humerus), encouraging the shoulder blade to glide and the collarbone to open. This rotation changes everything: it helps you access muscles you didn’t even know were asleep, improves alignment throughout the entire upper body, and allows your shoulder joints to function as they’re designed to—without strain. In this work, small details create major shifts.
from hesitation to transformation — you’ll be amazed at what your body can do
We know this might sound like a lot—especially if you’re just starting out. But we want to assure you: it’s not overwhelming, and you’ll be a faster learner than you think. The magic of Pilates is that it meets you exactly where you are. With clear guidance, hands-on support, and our full attention, you’ll feel the benefits firsthand and begin to surprise yourself with your progress.
We’re here to guide you through it all. We’ve done this for years, with all kinds of bodies, and we love our job. You’re in good hands. Come move with us!
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Yes, and here’s why: while the Reformer is excellent for full-body coordination and flow, the Cadillac offers something different — deeper, supported work that helps you access hard-to-reach areas like your mid-back, shoulders, and deep core. Its spring-loaded system and adjustable bars allow for highly individualized movement and postural corrections, ideal for improving mobility and alignment in a safe, guided way.
In many mainstream fitness-based studios, it's simply not possible to teach on the Cadillac due to space, logistics, or lack of training — so the focus is often on Reformer classes alone. While the Reformer is wonderful, limiting your Pilates experience to one apparatus restricts the depth and breadth of what this method truly offers. A well-rounded practice integrates both — and we are proud to make that accessible in our studio.
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The springs, bars, and straps on the Cadillac can be adjusted for any ability level. We guide you step-by-step so you feel supported and safe while learning the fundamentals of the famous cadillac pilates repertoire.
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Yes. By mobilising stiff thoracic vertebrae and opening the fronts of the shoulders, we reverse the hunched position that long hours at a computer create. Clients often feel taller and more open after just one session.
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Healthy arm rotation realigns the shoulder girdle, frees tight chest muscles, and wakes up the thoracic (mid-back) spine. When those elements work together, posture improves, breathing becomes easier, and neck and lower-back tension start to melt away.
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We tailor spring tension and range of motion to your comfort level. The Cadillac actually provides controlled assistance, allowing you to strengthen weak muscles and stabilise the joint without strain. Always let us know about any injury history so we can adapt the exercises.
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Many people feel a difference in posture and shoulder freedom right away, and deeper changes in strength and mobility typically appear within 5–10 consistent sessions. Regular practice cements these improvements into everyday movement.