What is a Wunda Chair?

The Wunda Chair was created in 1945 by Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates method. It was one of the first apparatus to have springs which were attached to a pedal. The Wunda Chair was invented by Joe as the first functional home-gym apparatus, as it is able to convert into a regular chair.

The patent filed Feb 3, 1930 and issued on August 30, 1932 resembles a recliner. The chair could be rotated so the backrest was on the floor, you would then sit on the part your legs would have folded over and press down on a foot rest supported by springs.

Many exercises can be performed in a variety of positions:
Footwork - Pressing down on the pedal with your feet while sitting on the chair.


Going Up Front - Stepping up from the pedal onto the seat, like climbing stairs.


Push Down - Standing facing the chair, bending forward, and pressing down on the pedal with your hands.


Pull Ups - Standing on the pedal with hands on the back edge of the seat and slowly bringing your legs up with the pedal.


Push Ups- Laying in plank position with your feet on the pedal for added resistance.


and the list goes on...You truly can get a total body workout using the Wunda Chair.

Other versions of the Chair include:
The Electric Chair, which has back support and handles that are sometimes removable.
The Baby Chair, which also has back support, but the springs are by the shoulders with handles attached, and there is no pedal.
The Split Pedal Chair, which has two pedals that move independently.

Accessories: Some teachers will use the long box from the Reformer. Others use a moonbox or even handles that attach to the springs. Beginners can use a block of wood or cushion stopper under the pedal to keep it from going all the way down.

The chair, like the other apparatus', boasts a variety of exercises that work the Four S's of Pilates: Strength, Stability, Stretch and Stamina!