April Apparatus of the Month Recap
Joseph Pilates designed the Small Arm Chair to refine posture, alignment, and upper body strength. Despite its compact size, this apparatus offers profound benefits by providing focused support that helps address muscular imbalances and promotes correct movement patterns.
Its relevance today speaks to its timeless design and enduring functionality. In Classical Pilates, the Small Arm Chair continues to be a vital tool for instructors and advanced practitioners alike. It’s especially valued for its ability to engage deep stabilizing muscles, cultivating intelligent, precise movement.
Honoring the Legacy of the Small Arm Chair
From challenging seasoned movers to fine-tuning alignment in foundational work, the Small Arm Chair stands as a lasting example of Joseph Pilates’ innovation. Its thoughtful design invites purposeful practice, helping practitioners embody control, strength, and integration through every exercise.
At Gratz, we’re proud to carry forward that inspiration. Our community continues to elevate the Small Arm Chair through creative teaching, beautiful demonstrations, and insightful reflections.
Thank you for celebrating this versatile piece of apparatus with us—and for sharing your stories, tips, and videos that showcase its power and potential with us on Instagram.
Community Highlights
Our Classical Pilates community brought April’s focus to life. Here are a few standout posts and reels shared with us:
Swakatee Series
Samantha Datz, Lead Teacher Trainer at Real Pilates and Wave Pilates Tampa, demonstrates this advanced series with grace and control. It’s a true showcase of coordination and deep upper body strength.
Horseback
Margarita brings dynamic lift and breath integration to the Horseback exercise, highlighting the Small Arm Chair’s capacity to teach full-body awareness.
Side Arm Press
Founder of Everybody Pilates, Amy Kellow focuses on back initiation and powerhouse connection, making each press deliberate and grounded.
T Exercise
At Uno Pilates, Rocio demonstrates how strength can be found in stillness. Her execution emphasizes upper back endurance and centered alignment.
Why You Need A Small Arm Chair In Your Pilates Studio
The Small Arm Chair builds powerful strength because it wakes up the small muscles that support the larger ones and restores complete function, power, and control.
Foundational Techniques on the Pilates Small Arm Chair
The Gratz Small Arm Chair reminds us of that great strength and transf
Coming Up in May: The Gratz Ladder Barrel
Alli Bowers from Heights Pilates, photo by Andrew Albright.
Perfect for forward bends, backbends, and advanced exercises like Horseback, the Ladder Barrel offers a new level of challenge and refinement for every mover.