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Pilateras

Repertoire

The Movement Repertoire

A growing catalogue of exercises for the Pilateras reformer, tower reformer, PiWall and studio apparatus — with the muscles each one works, what it gives you, and how demanding it is.

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Teaser - Navasana - Hanging Leg Raise
Difficulty: 5/5 — Very advanced PiWall

Teaser - Navasana - Hanging Leg Raise

In Pilates: It is a suspended, anti-gravity version of the "Teaser" exercise, which is performed on the mat and is one of the most challenging movements for the core region. Furthermore, it bears a direct resemblance to the "Hanging Leg Lifts" series performed by hanging from the upper bars of the Cadillac (Trapeze Table) apparatus. In Yoga: Visually and in terms of muscle activation, the logic behind the use of the hip and abdominal muscles is the exact same as in Navasana (Boat Pose). It is a suspended and more accessible adaptation of gymnastics-based yoga asanas like Brahmacharyasana (L-Sit) or Tolasana (Scale Pose), where the legs are held in the air by pushing the floor with the hands. In General Fitness: It is the classic "Hanging Leg Raise" performed on a pull-up bar; however, because the wall support here prevents swinging (the use of momentum), it is executed in a much stricter and more isolated form.

Works  This movement is a high-level test of strength and endurance, requiring the upper body to remain suspended while locking the lower body in the air against gravity: · Core Muscles · Iliopsoas and Quadriceps (Hip Flexors and Front Thighs) · Back and Grip Muscles

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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.