The Levitation Series on the GYROTONIC® Ladder strengthens the entire posterior chain — back muscles, glutes, and supporting stabilizers — through controlled resistance and bodyweight positioning. The name “Levitation” comes from lifting the torso against gravity, creating dynamic back strength and extension. These exercises build functional posterior chain power that supports athletic movement, improves posture, and prevents low back pain. From foundational levels to advanced progressions, the Levitation Series delivers comprehensive back strengthening and spinal health development.
A back lift exercise like this is something you’d see in a traditional gym setting. There is a piece called a Roman Chair and you can do a lift like we do in the Leviation Series on the GYROTONIC® Ladder. But what you’ll almost never see is adding a second spinal range of motion to the back lift. In Gyrotonic training on the Ladder and Archway, you can add spirals, like in this exercise, as well as side bends and circumduction.
When you’re doing Levitation exercises on the Ladder you’re strengthening your posterior chain: primarily your back muscles and your glutes. And it’s called “levitation” because you’re floating up against gravity. Then wouldn’t using a strap be a little bit of a cheat?
It could but it isn’t in this case.
I recently recorded several exercises in the Levitation series and as I was selecting which exercises to use, I looked back at old syllabi to see if I was forgetting any really cool ones. I was. I haven’t done Snake in years and I remembered how much I’ve always liked this.
While it looks kind of intense, using the arms like this actually allow me to increase my back bend. I can get higher than with my arms on the sides of the Ladder or hands clasped behind my head. I suppose its the physics of changing the lever length. It’s also a great exercise for opening your chest and the front of the shoulders.