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Pilateras

Repertoire

PiWall Repertoire

Every movement in the catalogue that can be performed on the PiWall.

9 movements

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Urdhva Dhanurasana - Hanging Backbend
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Urdhva Dhanurasana - Hanging Backbend

In Yoga: Fundamentally, it is an assisted version of the Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel/Full Bridge Pose) and Setu Bandhasana (Half Bridge Pose). Compared to the bridge pose performed on the floor bearing full weight on the wrists and shoulders, the straps allow gravity to pull the upper body down while the hips are pushed up. In Pilates: It is mechanically and in terms of spinal angle quite similar to the "Hanging Backbend" performed on the Cadillac (Trapeze Table) or the advanced "Semi-Circle" and bridging series on the Reformer.

Works  This movement actively engages the posterior chain while stretching the anterior chain of the body: · Gluteus Maximus (Glutes) and Hamstrings · Erector Spinae (Spinal Erectors) · Back and Arm Muscles (Latissimus Dorsi, Biceps, Deltoids)

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Feet in Straps - Urdhva Prasarita Padasana
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Feet in Straps - Urdhva Prasarita Padasana

In Pilates: This movement belongs directly to the Pilates repertoire. It is a wall-adapted version of the well-known "Feet in Straps" series (specifically Leg Lowers/Lifts or Leg Circles) performed on the Reformer. Furthermore, it shares the exact same mechanics as the "Leg Springs" exercise series performed on the Pilates Cadillac or Springboard. In Yoga: It is similar to Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Supine Double Leg Lifts/Lowers), which is performed lying flat on the back on a mat, raising and lowering the legs completely straight. However, while gravity is the only source of resistance in yoga, this version involves dynamic resistance created by the springs.

Works  Because this movement requires keeping the spine and pelvis stable (lumbo-pelvic stabilization) while moving the lower body, it is an excellent core exercise: · Core Muscles · Hamstrings and Gluteus Maximus (Glutes) · Iliopsoas and Quadriceps (Hip Flexors and Front Thighs)

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Standing Chest Press - Virabhadrasana III
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Standing Chest Press - Virabhadrasana III

In Pilates: It exactly resembles the "Standing Chest Press" movement performed facing away from the wall on the Cadillac (Trapeze Table) or Springboard. However, resting the back leg against the wall and hinging the torso forward on a single leg (hip hinge) makes this movement just as complicated as the asymmetrical "Standing Lunge" on the Reformer or Wunda Chair balance series. In Yoga: In terms of the lower body's position, the forward alignment of the torso, and the element of balancing on one leg, it is very similar to the Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III) pose. While in yoga the arms are extended forward without support, here there is the action of pushing against the resistance of the springs. The bent back knee also resembles the foundation of Natarajasana (Dancer Pose) preparatory poses.

Works  This movement practically divides the body in two; while the upper body performs a dynamic push, the lower body and core region try to keep the body as still as a statue: · Chest and Arm Muscles (Pushing Force) · Core Muscles · Grounded Leg (Active Stabilizers)

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Balasana (Child's Pose) - Rolling Like a Ball
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Balasana (Child's Pose) - Rolling Like a Ball

In Yoga: It is a gravity-surrendered, supported, and inverted version of the traditional mat yoga poses Balasana (Child's Pose) or Karnapidasana (Ear Pressure Pose). It is very similar to the deep resting suspensions (hanging tuck) in Iyengar (Rope) yoga and Aerial Yoga. In Pilates: In terms of spinal mechanics, it is a completely passive and weightless version of the spinal flexion found in the starting position of the "Rolling Like a Ball" or "Open Leg Rocker" movements on the mat. It is a tucked-in variation of the inverted hanging stretches performed with "Fuzzy" suspension straps on the Cadillac.

Works  This posture is based on creating a deep stretch and fascial release by surrendering the body to gravity, rather than producing active power (concentric contraction). However, some muscles are engaged to hold the body in this form: · Stretching and Lengthening Muscles (Primary Target) · Mildly Active Muscles

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Standing Split - Hanging Splits
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Standing Split - Hanging Splits

In Yoga: It is a tremendous gravity adaptation of the Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana (Standing Split) pose, inverted and supported by wall straps. It also exactly resembles the inverted suspension and stretching sequences performed using a wall and ropes (plumb lines) in Iyengar yoga. In Pilates: It is a much deeper, standing, and wall-adapted variation of the "Hanging Splits" performed with "Fuzzy" suspension straps on the Cadillac apparatus, or the "Control Balance" movement on the mat.

Works  By utilizing gravity and the support of the wall, this exercise creates intense contraction (strength) in one half of the body while providing a deep fascial elongation (flexibility) in the other half: · Gluteus Maximus (Glutes) · Gastrocnemius and Soleus (Calves) · Back and Arm Muscles

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Phalakasana - Long Stretch
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Phalakasana - Long Stretch

In Yoga: Fundamentally, it is an adapted, standing, angled version of Phalakasana (Plank Pose) against gravity. At the same time, because the arms extend upward and forward, it can be considered a resisted form of Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute Pose) or a practice of Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III) where the feet remain on the ground. In Pilates: It is the exact standing equivalent of the famous "Long Stretch" series performed on the Reformer or "The Lean" posture on the Wunda Chair. The goal is to keep the body stable and unbending "like a board" (plank).

Works  While the strap supports the hips, the entire posterior chain of the body works with a tremendous isometric (static) contraction to prevent the upper torso from falling forward (toward the ground) due to gravity: · Erector Spinae (Spinal Erectors) · Gluteus Maximus (Glutes) and Hamstrings · Deltoids (Shoulders) and Trapezius

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Bridge Pose - Shoulder Bridge
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Bridge Pose - Shoulder Bridge

In Yoga: It is a hybrid version of the Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) and Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand) poses performed using a wall. Additionally, it can be considered a variation of the wall-supported Eka Pada Setu Bandhasana (One-Legged Bridge Pose) practice that deepens the hip angle. In Pilates: It is very similar to the "Bicycle" or "Scissors" series performed in the "Shoulder Bridge" position on the mat. It is the equivalent of the "Bottoms Up" on the Reformer or the asymmetrical bridge movements performed by pushing the pedal with one leg on the Wunda Chair, adapted here with gravity and wall resistance.

Works  This movement requires an asymmetrical (unilateral) pushing force in the lower body while demanding balance and stabilization in the core region: · Gluteus Maximus (Glutes) and Hamstrings · Core Muscles · Iliopsoas and Quadriceps (Hip Flexors and Front Thighs)

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Control Balance - Eka Pada Halasana (One-Legged Plow Pose)
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Control Balance - Eka Pada Halasana (One-Legged Plow Pose)

In Pilates: It is a wall-adapted version of the advanced "Control Balance" or "Scissors" movements from the mat series. In this balancing movement, which is performed unsupported in classical Pilates, the wall bar stabilizes one leg, maximizing the stretching dimension of the exercise. It is also quite similar to the mechanics of the inverted stretch (Tower/Monkey) series performed with the help of the "Push-Through Bar" on the Cadillac. In Yoga: It is a perfect combination of the Eka Pada Halasana (One-Legged Plow Pose) and Eka Pada Sarvangasana (One-Legged Shoulderstand) poses. The leg that is held in the air in classical yoga is supported by the bar here, while the other leg is extended behind the head into a Plow form.

Works  This movement creates an intense stretch (elongation) in one half of the body while demanding a strong isometric (static) contraction in the core region to remain suspended in the air: · Maximum Stretching Muscles (Focal Point) · Active Stabilizers (Upper Leg) · Core Muscles

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Ustrasana (Camel Pose) - Thigh Stretch
Difficulty: 3/5 — Intermediate PiWall

Ustrasana (Camel Pose) - Thigh Stretch

In Yoga: It is a supported hybrid of the Ustrasana (Camel Pose) and the advanced Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose). These deep backbends, normally performed by reaching for the heels or directly to the feet with the hands, are executed safely here by suspending the torso upward and backward with the support of straps. Raising the lower legs into the air also brings the mechanics of Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) into a kneeling position. In Pilates: It is a much more advanced variation of the "Thigh Stretch" exercise performed on the Cadillac or Reformer, with the addition of spinal extension (backbend) and shoulder opening.

Works  This movement provides a tremendous stretch and elongation in the anterior chain of the body while demanding an active contraction and grip in the posterior chain: · Stretching and Lengthening Muscles (Anterior Chain) · Actively Working Muscles (Posterior Chain)

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How the difficulty scale works

Every movement is rated from 1 to 5 on its biomechanical demands: core activation, upper-body strength, and the balance and flexibility it asks for.

Very easy
Fully supported, passive stretches performed on the floor.
Easy
Basic pulling, pushing and stretching from a stable base — seated, kneeling, or standing with support.
Intermediate
Exercises calling for active balance, moderate flexibility, or genuine core control.
Advanced
Active inversions, plank and flight shapes carried on full body weight — high core activation, shoulder mobility, and spatial awareness.
Very advanced
Acrobatic and gymnastic shapes demanding elite upper-body and abdominal strength to hold body weight stable against gravity.