Like the Pilates Reformer, the Pilates Chair is an original piece of equipment developed by Joseph Pilates. The chair has numerous iterations made by various companies, but the original Pilates chair comes in two basic designs. One, called the “Low” or “wunda” chair, was Joseph Pilate’s invention for home workouts. It is a simple two-sided box with resistance springs below. Originally, it converted from exercise equipment in to a piece of furniture, either a chair or an occasional table, the perfect combination for New York apartments.

Although the “wunda” chair has changed over the years, its effectiveness has remained constant. According to Studio Blue instructor Tami Sousa, the simple looking equipment provides less support than some other pieces of equipment. Not only does this make movements more challenging, it tests prioception, our awareness of the how different parts of the body move and relate to one another. In other words, the chair affects body awareness, and realigns the body mind connection.

The “Wunda” Chair work is ideal for exercises that require more stability, control and proprioception. While everyone gets a great workout from the “Wunda” Chair, it can be especially effective for problems afflicting one side of the body, for example, knee and ankle injuries.

The second Pilates Chair is called the “High” or “Electric” Chair. Unlike the “Wunda” Chair which has no back, the High Chair includes a back support and handles, and looks a bit like a movie version of the electric chair. Its back gives support, and helps guide the knees during standing movements. The handles, used together with the spring-loaded foot pedals, allow the user to increase or decrease the support and resistance as needed. High Chair workouts are effective for those suffering from back, knee, and ankle injuries, or those who have no previous exercise experience

Studio Blue offers a full range of Pilates equipment including the Pilates Chair. In addition, the studio has several reformers, the Pilates Cadillac (or Trapeze Table,) Barrels, Springboards, large and small balls, Magic Circles, resistance bands, weights and a large variety of various paraphernalia.

To schedule a Pilates Chair session, contact Studio Blue at www.studiobluepdx.com