Also known as the Wunda Chair or Stability Chair, the Pilates Chair is said to be the foundation of a broad range of advanced Pilates exercise. Joseph Pilates developed this chair to target muscle groups that were not easily engaged with existing Pilates equipment. This versatile piece allows you to perform exercises while seated on top of the chair, lying on the floor, standing straight up, lunging forward or doing push-up like movements.
The chair includes a wooden base, a cushioned seat, a moving pedal and a spring system to provide resistance. The pedal is either manufactured as one whole piece or as two independently moving pedals. The springs supply resistance to the movement of the pedals and can be adjusted to provide light, medium or heavy resistance. Many chairs also offer removable handles that adjust to accommodate varying heights and exercise options.
The Pilates Chair is a compact, multifunctional exercise tool. It not only stretches your spine and strengthens your core, but teaches you superior balance and control. The exercise versatility ranges from beginner movements to advanced, three-dimensional exercises.
What to Look for
The primary features to consider when purchasing a Pilates Chair are its pedal and spring system features and its ability to accommodate accessories. Look for a Pilates Chair that offers different spring positions to enable various levels of exercise. The chair may have one single or two individual pedals. With independently moving pedals, you have the advantage of working each side of your body at different levels of resistance. If you are recovering from an injury or trying to improve the balance of your musculature, you will find independently moving pedals especially valuable. Look for a dual pedal system that has the option to lock together to form one pedal. This system offers you the greatest variability in exercise options.
Another feature that will add great value to your chair system is side poles, or handles. The side poles allow you to progress your routine to a more advanced level. Look for removable and adjustable side poles with upholstered handles that attach or detach with ease, yet lock into place securely to ensure safety during advanced exercises.
Common Pitfalls
While the exercise versatility of the Pilates Chair does encompass a broad range, Pilates enthusiasts frequently underestimate the difficulty of the majority of the suggested exercises on this piece of equipment. Many of the exercises available to Chair users are innovative and unique, so if you have not been trained to use the chair in a Pilates studio, you will likely need the guidance of the manufacturer's DVD and instruction booklet. Additionally, you may benefit from building a strong Pilates foundation on the mat and the Reformer prior to beginning Chair work.
Member Comments