Joseph Pilates invented several pieces of exercise equipment, including the Electric, Wunda and Arm chairs, during the early 1900s. Still in use today in Pilates studios and high-end fitness centers, his chairs use weighted springs to provide resistance for exercises that tone, strengthen and stretch every muscle in the body. The Pilates Guy, an equipment maintenance company with offices in New York and California, recommends several manufacturers of Pilates chairs based on the product satisfaction of their wide customer base.
Peak Pilates
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Peak Pilates began manufacturing Pilates equipment in 1996. It produces four Pilates chairs, including the MVe, the Wunda, the low, and the high/low combo chairs. The MVe chair is a group-fitness version of the classical Wunda chair that is lightweight and stackable. The 22-inch Peak Wunda chair follows Pilates' original specifications, making it usable as a living room chair as well as a piece of exercise equipment. Peak's low chair is similar to the Wunda unit, but without the option to use it as a piece of home furniture. The high/low combo chair converts from 22-inch to 26-inch height. Peak also offers handle, and single and split-pedal options for its low and combo chairs. As of 2011, expect to pay from $900 to $1,500 for a Peak Pilates chair.
Stott Pilates
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Stott Pilates has manufactured Pilates equipment since 1988. Stott manufactures one chair, called a stability chair, which has a 26-inch-high seat and a split pedal. The chair does not convert to a living room chair. Optional handles enable you to use the Stott chair for classical Electric chair exercises. You can perform most, but not all, classical Wunda chair exercises on this machine. As of 2011, expect to pay from $1,150 to $1,700 for a Stott Pilates chair.
Balanced Body
Based in Sacramento, California, Balanced Body has produced Pilates equipment since 1976. The company produces four chairs: the Wunda, the EXO, the combo and the Avalon chair. The 22-inch-high Wunda chair offers upgrades, like handles and a high-back system, which you can add over time as a budgeting choice. The EXO takes 40 percent less space and offers a single or split-pedal option. The 25-inch-high combo chair comes with both a single and a split pedal. You can perform all classical electric chair exercises and most classical Wunda chair exercises on this unit. The Avalon is a modern interpretation of Pilates' Arm chair. It enables all of the classical Arm chair exercises, as well as many classical ladder Barrel and Cadillac exercises. As of 2011, expect to pay from $750 to $2,900 for a Balanced Body chair.
Gratz Pilates
Based in New York City, Gratz Pilates is the original manufacturer of Joseph Pilates' designs, chosen by the inventor himself. The company produces a line of Pilates products that adhere to Pilates' original specifications, as well as producing versions with modern upgrades. Gratz produces four chairs, including the Electric, Wunda, combination Wunda and Arm chair models. The Gratz Electric chair comes with a single pedal, a high back and handles. The seat on this unit is 26 inches high. Its Wunda chair is 21 inches high with a single pedal. It converts to a living room chair. The Gratz combo chair package includes a standard Wunda with an add-on unit that includes a higher chair base and a high back. As of 2011, expect to pay from $1,000 to $2,250 for a Gratz Pilates chair.
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