One of the weird and wonderful things you’ll find at The Pilates Playground at Kings Cross is ‘The Wunda Chair’. I know what you’re thinking – what the heck is that? We picked the brains of Frame Pilates Instructor Peter Clerkin to give us the 411 on what it is and why we should all haul ass to the Playground to use it.
Let’s start with a brief history lesson…
The Wunda chair is a piece of equipment invented by Joseph Pilates, where from 1920, until his death in 1960s, he ran ‘Joe’s gym’ the first Pilates studio in New York City.
‘The chair’ was designed as an armchair also (that’s where the chair part of its name comes from) when not being used for exercise, which was very useful for New Yorker Pilates devotee residents, living in small apartments.
The chair looks like furniture from the era it was invented, sturdy, robust and uncomfortable! The modern iteration is not much different, the main part is a box shaped chair with padding on top and a pedal attached below connecting the main part with the springs.
Most importantly, what are the benefits?
Because of the design of the chair you’ll be less supported than you would be on the Reformer. This challenges body awareness, balance and stability. Working on the Wunda Chair will up your Reformer Pilates game.
It’s an efficient way to work the whole body in minimal time. Great for building leg and arm strength and targeting the core (powerhouse) muscles.
It can really help runners, cyclists and athletes to enhance their performance by building both strength and mobility in the lower and upper body.
The Wunda Chair is ideal for anyone working to rehab an injury as it allows progression or modification based on the specific needs of the individual.
Ready to get started? Book in a complimentary consultation with one of our expert Pilates instructors by emailing PT@moveyourframe.com