If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.
The Pilates, or “Wunda” chair may look small and unassuming (essentially like a wooden box topped with padded leather), but it’s actually known to be the most challenging of all Pilates equipment. This is due to its small surface area, which can make performing exercises more strenuous.
Pilates chairs are designed to fit in tight spaces and can be used in a number of different ways to build strength in your legs, shoulders and core. With one compact fitness tool, you can basically get a full-body workout. Plus, they;’re also made to double as a lounging chairs when you’re done with your reps.
Typically standing just over 2 feet tall, these chairs feature a padded seat on top and a pedal that’s attached to one side of the box by springs, which allows you to adjust the pedal tension to suit your level of difficulty. It’ll either have two or four springs, with the latter allowing for a greater range of resistance. Offering incredible versatility, you can use the device for a range of standing and sitting positions while pushing the pedal with your hands or feet.
Depending on the model, your chair may come with a single pedal or a split-pedal design. Split-pedal chairs, which tend to be more common in newer models, are more versatile as you can perform a wider range of motions using both your feet and arms individually. Some chairs also incorporate upright handles on the sides that let you do additional upper body exercises.
If you’re in the market for a pilates chair to take your home gym to the next level, we’ve got you covered. Here, we did some research and rounded up the best options money can buy.
Read up on each and choose your favorite.
Balanced Body EXO Chair
A major pro of the Exo chair is that it’s offered in a single and split-pedal version. Both come fully assembled, feature eight resistance levels that are easy to adjust, and weigh just under 40 pounds for convenient lifting. The split-pedal chair comes with a dowel, which lets you transform it into a single pedal version if you so desire.
Life’s A Beach Pilates PRO Chair
This chair, which comes in six vibrant colors to choose from, offers two basic resistance levels. It features a sturdy steel frame that can hold up to 300 pounds, a vinyl padded seat and a split-pedal system. Another highlight of this chair is that it’s conveniently collapsible, which makes it easy to store when not in use. The company also sells padded handles you can add for comfort.
Stott Merrithew Split-Pedal Pilates Chair
This stable split-pedal model is designed with adjustable handles that can be used to perform various exercises such as lunges and dips. The handles are also easily removable. And If you prefer a single pedal system, you can easily lock the pedals together. While this option is on the heavier side, it comes with roll-on wheels to make repositioning or moving it around seamless.
Elina Pilates Elite Wood Stability Chair
This one also comes with removable handles that you can also adjust, split pedals that can be locked together and wheels at the back for easier portability. Unlike the others on our list, this chair features four springs: two medium strength and two heavy. Each can be set to four different positions. The seat cover is made of very strong, non-slip leather and both the seat and handles are covered in cushy EVA foam.
Wunder Pilates A1 Pro
With the A1 Pro, you get a split-pedal design that can be converted into a single pedal model. Overall, it’s easily adjustable with non-slip handles and an ultra-sturdy oak wood construction. It comes with four springs in two strengths that can each be positioned in four different ways to achieve a wide range of resistance levels.
Peak Pilates MVe Fitness Chair
This sleek metal chair is the only one on our list with a single pedal design, but the pedal is wider for an increased arc and range of motion. The frame is built to be lightweight and agile so you can move it around, but strong enough to support a full range of body types.
AeroPilates Precision Pilates Chair
This chair has adjustable, padded handles, allowing for a greater range of exercises. It also includes an adjustable two-spring resistance, dual split and single-pedal system, soft cushioning on the seat and anti-skid legs for stability.
Yihome Pilates Chair
There’s nothing flimsy about this 70-pound oak chair topped with soft cushioning and smooth leather. Plus, it comes with two springs that can be adjusted to eight resistance levels and two resistance bands for executing additional exercises.
