Equipment Feature: The Pilates Chair
Joseph Pilates designed the “wunda chair” for double duty to function as both a piece of exercise equipment and when not in use, living room furniture. He created the chair as a small, compact option to fit comfortably into tiny NYC apartments or summer homes for clients to be able to continue their Pilates practice away from his city studio.
His original design consisted of a seat, pedal, and springs. At The Pilates Rx we love using our Balanced Body combo chair. The combo chair is a modern adaptation of Joseph Pilates’ wunda chair. The combo chair comes with adjustable arm handles, 2 spring tensions (light/ heavy) and various rungs to adjust tension (up to 110#!), and a split pedal allowing the right and left side to move independently of each other to further challenge rotational and reciprocal movements.
Because the chair is often lesser known than the reformer and cadillac and due to its smaller surface area the chair may feel intimidating. Its smaller footprint means less points of contact (compared to reformer, cadillac, etc) and therefore more stability and balance challenge. The chair is adaptable and versatile and we love using it with all our clients. Here are just some of the benefits of training on the chair for some of our specific programs and memberships:
The RX/Physical Therapy: This chair is a great option for rehabilitation when advancing towards functional movement training with the goal of restoring strength and function of the musculoskeletal system. Functional movement training involves retraining your nervous and musculoskeletal system to improve your body mechanics and ergonomics to rehabilitate and to prevent future injury. Going Up Front, is an advanced chair exercise that integrates core and pelvic stability, lower body strength, and balance.
For The Moms/Prenatal: For our “For the Moms” clients the chair is an excellent option to continue to exercise in safe positions for pregnancy beyond your 2nd trimester as most supine (laying on your back) exercises from the other pieces of equipment can be adapted to seated or standing with the chair. The chair can be used for safe modifications and to continue to challenge you in your workouts as pregnancy advances.
Sports Performance: The chair is also an excellent option for athletes to build core stability, upper body strength, and lower body strength and power to enhance sport performance. Training sessions are tailored towards your sports unique demands. Take for instance gymnasts, handstand is an advanced chair exercise developing body control, balance, scapular stability, strong arms and shoulders, and energy through your back legs.
Come in and give the chair a try, or schedule a free discovery call with us today to learn more!
