A Wunder Chair, or Wunda Chair as it is also known, is a piece of exercise equipment used for Pilates movements. The Wunder Chair was originally designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s to serve as a comfortable living room chair and exercise machine, according to PilatesChair.com. The Wunder Chair has since been modified to include more exercises and is made from wood with a padded seat and spring-loaded platform.
Heels Up and Down
One of the main points of performing Pilates exercise is to use your core and maintain posture. The heel work on the Wunder Chair requires you to sit facing forward on the seat, with your arms bent and out to the sides at shoulder level. With your back straight and abdominals tight, pulse your feet up and down on the platform.
One-arm Push-up
Balance and stability are basic elements of Pilates exercise. To perform a modified one-arm push-up on the Wunder Chair, turn your body sideways on the floor in front of the chair. Assume a push-up position, with the platform even with either arm. Place your hand on the platform and pump it up and down, while maintaining your position.
Swan Lying on the Floor
The swan on the floor exercise requires you to keep your head and neck tall and body in alignment. Lie on the floor facing the Wunder Chair. Extend your hands and place them on the platform in front of you. Pump the platform up and down, while keeping your body straight. Lift your feet slightly off the floor for an even greater effect.
Swan See Saw
The see saw move on the Wunder Chair requires you to lay your pelvis on the padded seat, facing outward. Reach down and place your hands on the platform, and extend your legs straight out behind you. Begin to rock like a see saw, pushing the platform down each time you rock forward. Your body remains relaxed but taut throughout.
Reversed Double Pumps
Double-arm reverse pumps on the Wunder Chair platform work your triceps muscles at the back of your arms. Increase the tension on the platform if necessary. To perform the exercise, sit on the floor in front of the chair, directly in front of the platform facing away. Reach back and place your palms on the platform behind you. Your arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle, and you pump the platform up and down, feeling the tension in your triceps.
Leg Forward Frog Pumps
The frog pumping exercise is more advanced. Face the seat, and place your hands on top. Hold your body weight up, so your waist is even with the edge of the seat. Place the balls of your feet on the platform, and pump your legs up and down.
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