We’re starting to offer more Pilates Reformer and Pilates Mat group classes in the Studio and one of the questions that has popped up a few times from clients interested in joining a more challenging class is;
“I can’t do the Teaser – is it okay if I still join?”
I’m not sure when the Teaser became the pinnacle exercise to determine strength, stamina and the ability to progress a Pilates workout.
But as a Pilates teacher who has worked with countless different bodies and capabilities over the last 30 years, I’m very reluctant to place emphasis on any of the advanced Pilates exercises as a means to determine a client’s strength and ability.
Not only because it can be frustrating for our clients but because it limits how Pilates is taught.
The Pilates Teaser, on any of the apparatuses or mat, is a beautiful, challenging and complex movement sequence.
It not only requires strength, flexibility and coordination; it demands the mobility of the spine, pelvis and hips to work together to pull the body up into the V shape and articulate it with control and engagement to the supine position.
It’s by no means accessible to every body type.
And if you’re one of those bodies (or you teach clients who have those bodies) that is 100% okay – really.
Because there are countless Pilates exercises that will improve your mobility and strength.
And if we dismantle the Teaser and focus instead on the various movements that make it what it is, the outcome is greater strength and awareness through movement functionality.
Not to mention, a pretty great selection of exercises for a complete Pilates workout.
Whether you’re a Pilates teacher or client, here is a breakdown of movement in the Teaser and some exercise choices to include into your workout to get the most out of what this classical exercise can offer:
Shoulder Girdle Connection:
In the Pilates Studio:
- Cadillac Lat Press Standing
- Reformer Mid Back Series
- Mat Breastroke
Abdominal Strength:
In the Pilates Studio:
- Mat Slow Double Leg Stretch
- Cadillac Sit Up Combo
- Reformer Coordination
Spinal Articulation:
In the Pilates Studio:
- Cadillac Roll Down
- Chair Cat Standing Front
- Reformer Up Stretch
Hip Flexor Strength:
In the Pilates Studio:
- Mat Double Leg Stretch
- Chair Forward Step Up
- Cadillac Squats
Hip Mobility:
In the Pilates Studio:
- Arc Barrel Supine Lower & Lift
- Reformer Stag
- Cadillac Leg Scissors
Knee Extension Strength:
In the Pilates Studio:
- Reformer Footwork
- Cadillac Leg Beats
- Ladder Barrel Swan Dive Prep