A Comprehensive Guide on the Pilates Chair — Absolute Boutique Fitness (Thailand)

From traditional mat exercises to dynamic reformer workouts, there exists many types of practices in the world of Pilates. Among these, the Pilates Chair stands out as a versatile and effective tool for enhancing strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. While the idea of using specialized equipment in Pilates workouts may seem intimidating at first, understanding its mechanics opens up a world of benefits to be explored. From its usage to its advantages, we explore the Pilates chair and how it can change your Pilates workouts for the better.

People using a Pilates chair during a Pilates group glass — *People using the Pilates chair during a Pilates group class.*

What is a Pilates Chair?

The Pilates Chair is an original invention from the mind of the father of Pilates, Joseph Pilates. It goes by many names. It has been called a Wunda Chair or a Combo chair. The ‘chair’ is an exercise tool typically designed as a box constructed of wood with a padded seat and handles or springs attached for resistance. It is intended to support a wide range of exercises that target various muscle groups, including the core, arms, legs, and back. Its versatility makes it suitable to use for both beginner and advanced practitioners. By simply adjusting the resistance levels, you can customize your workouts according to your fitness levels and goals.

*Pilates Chair at our premium fitness studio in Bangkok.*

How a Pilates Chair Works

Designed to improve your balance and coordination, the Pilates Chair can be used seated or standing. The beauty of this tool is that you can adjust it according to your needs and adapt it to various workout routines. The chair serves to add resistance to traditional pilates workouts, particularly through use of the narrow seat and built-in springs of the machine. The narrow seat prompts engagement of your core muscles, while mastering control of the springs as you maintain proper form in a limited space helps strengthen your core and improve your balance. This enables you to challenge your body and keep your fitness routine dynamic and stimulating over time. With just one piece of equipment, you can explore endless possibilities of an array of routines.

Different Uses For a Pilates Chair

You can use a Pilates Chair for more than just fitness. With its incredible versatility, the tool has also been used for injury rehabilitation and improving sports performance. For recovery, it helps clients practice standing movements and progress from basic to advanced exercises. Its design, with handles, provides support for beginners and those with injuries, ensuring safety during workouts. Conversely, its distinctive design provides an excellent challenge for athletes such as footballers or runners aiming to build arm and leg strength. You can use the handles to practice acrobatic movements or do push-ups, effectively helping you with your upper arm strength and mobility.

*Group Pilates class practicing a horizontal position on the Pilates chair.*

The Benefits of Using a Pilates Chair

For those seeking to improve their fitness and overall well-being, there are many benefits to using a Pilates chair.

1. Core Strength & Stability: Many exercises performed on the Pilates chair mimic everyday motions, making it a very useful tool in improving your core strength and overall stability. Over time, this will lead to improved ease of movement and lowers your risk for injury in the future. The controlled movements performed on the chair help to lengthen and stretch muscles, promoting a greater range of motion in the body that can make daily activities feel more effortless.

2. Balance and Coordination: As individuals engage in various exercises on the Pilates chair, they must focus on maintaining proper form, stability, and control. By regularly challenging your body to engage different muscle groups at once and control their movements, your balance and bodily coordination will improve over time.

3. Calorie Burn: Due to the resistance and challenge that the Pilates chair provides, performing a workout with it burns much more calories compared to doing a regular Pilates workout or using the traditional Pilates reformer machine. Since Pilates exercises on the chair primarily focus on strength, stability, and muscle engagement, the slow and controlled movements allow for a higher impact of calories burned.

*Fitness instructor guiding members on proper form during a Pilates class.*

Explore Our Group Pilates Chair Classes at Absolute Boutique Fitness

Building on the success of its Pilates Group Reformer Experience introduced in 2010, Absolute Boutique Fitness is the first in Bangkok to set a new standard with our Pilates Chair group classes. With a mix of basic and advanced exercises, it's a fresh take on core training, offering a full-body workout for sculpting and toning the body. You'll find 2 locations offering our specialized group Pilates chair classes at our Gaysorn Amarin and Vanit Village Ari branches. Take advantage of our various fitness promotions and start the journey towards a healthier you.