Chair, Ladder Barrel & Spine Corrector

The Wunda Chair

The Wunda chair was developed in the 1940s as the prototype for a piece of equipment for the home. Many enthusiasts say this was the original “home gym”. In addition to performing as exercise equipment, the original chair doubled as a piece of furniture.  The Wunda chair was developed to assure consistent symmetry while strengthening and toning the body.

The exercises performed on the Wunda chair are considered to be very challenging as it highlights both the bodies’ imbalances and weaknesses. Allowing for upright positions during many of the exercises the Wunda chair requires more trunk stabilization than both the reformer and Cadillac.

The chair increases balance and control of the body making it great for both advanced clientele and athletes.  Adjustable spring resistance is the key to challenging clients with this piece of equipment. This apparatus activates the lower back, buttocks, shoulder, transverses abdominals and pelvic region and heightens neuromuscular coordination.

However, because many exercises are upright it is also a great piece of equipment for clients that are pregnant or those dealing with any type of vertigo. From a rehabilitation perspective, the Pilates Wunda chair is particularly effective for stretching and re-balancing muscles that have been strained or injured.  It offers a whole range of activities that stretch the body including the spine and hamstrings, the core, legs, feet, calves, Achilles tendon, gluteal muscles, and arms.

The Wunda chair is a versatile exercise machine, but most of the movements performed are short in range not allowing full range of motion. There are plenty of accessories that help create more range of motion if needed. As long as you are aware of any possible shortcomings and allow for modifications the chair is a must have for every studio!

The “Chair” is a completely versatile and wonderful addition to any Pilates studio and can stand alone as an efficient piece of equipment that delivers strength and flexibility.

The Ladder Barrel

The ladder barrel is a Pilates apparatus that is composed of two sections joined together. The barrel and ladder make up the two pieces of this piece of equipment, and the unique shape make it perfect to assist clients in gaining abdominal strength increased flexibility in the spine.

The ladder barrel quite simply delivers high levels of strength and  flexibility, a joy to do Pilates exercises on!

The Spine Corrector

The spine corrector is a small, versatile and valuable piece of equipment for any sized studio. The spine corrector can also be referred to as the Arc or step barrel that is commonly used in conjunction with a Pilates mat session. The arc’s curved surface, deep valley to the step ledge, handholds on the sides of the arc make modifications of mat exercises onto the arc challenging and fun to do.

Each exercise performed on the arc resembles a Pilates mat exercise that increases the flexibility factor for spine, hips and shoulder work. The handholds help create stability and prevents the arc from slipping away while performing exercises.

The arc is uniquely designed to allow entire spinal extension in a healthy spine while being completely supported throughout the exercise. A major precaution is that the ease of going into an inversion is allowed by the arc. Always be aware that inversions are a contraindication for students with disc and neck issues, pregnancy, and high blood pressure.

The arc is very affordable, versatile and can be used as a single piece of equipment or in combination with mat exercises or other pieces of Pilates equipment.

Pilates Career Institute presents its Combo Chair/Barrel/Arc Pilates training in the following format:

  • Chair/Barrel/Arc wear and care
  • Chair/Barrel/Arc Pilates Exercises
  • Contraindications, Modifications and Precautions
  • Diverse sequential exercise choice group class training
  • Student Teaching Hours and Self Practice
  • 50 Question Multiple Choice Test

Changes happens through movement and movement heals.

– Joseph H Pilates