The Power of the Wunda Chair
By David Belio
Since I started my training in Pilates, I have always been particularly drawn to the Wunda Chair. Yes, the Reformer is the main piece of the Pilates Method, but there are many other apparatuses. That’s why it’s essential to have a fully equipped studio with Gratz, the company that today provides all the apparatuses with the utmost fidelity to the originals created by Joseph Pilates.
Why the Wunda Chair Is Often Overlooked
Sometimes the Wunda Chair gets relegated or slightly neglected for reasons such as needing a certain skill level, being very challenging, or because the instructor doesn’t have or hasn’t acquired extensive knowledge about it. However, in my experience, there are ways to gradually introduce exercises until achieving a complete workout on it.
A Brief History of the Wunda Chair
Joseph Pilates built his apparatuses in a small workshop in the basement of the building where he had his studio. The Wunda Chair has a dual functionality; on one hand, it is an armchair, and by flipping it over and adding some springs, it becomes a gym apparatus for home use. Students who could not regularly attend the studio had no excuse not to train anymore; after purchasing the Wunda, they had a "two-in-one."
According to some accounts, Joe was inspired to create it by a box used by Chinese acrobats he met while working in a circus in England. The first one he built had a notable difference, it only had one spring instead of two, like the current models. But like all Pilates apparatuses, it was modified and redesigned by him until they were almost identical to those manufactured by Gratz. The first patent for this apparatus was filed in the US on August 29, 1931.
Full-Body Benefits of the Wunda Chair
I am truly passionate about the Wunda Chair, as I have learned to progress on it by integrating my whole body into the execution of the exercises.
The benefits of using the Wunda are numerous:
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Strengthens feet, knees, hips, legs, back, shoulders, arms, and neck.
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Lengthens and increases flexibility of the entire body, especially the back.
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Works on the control of the whole body and the stability of the back.
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Trains balance and timing in executing the exercises.
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Focuses on and aligns the entire body.
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A great apparatus to physically prepare students for certain exercises before introducing them to the Reformer.
Pilates Teaching Tips
Don't forget to have fun teaching and ensure your student sees the exercises you propose as achievable, enjoyable, and progressive:
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Instructions should be clear; press the pedal to lengthen while maintaining the posture.
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The main key is to use your entire body to perform the exercise calmly, focusing on what you are doing while always listening to the instructor.
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Use a slow rhythm at first so that students build strength and maintain posture, then try to give a natural rhythm to the movement.
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The most common mistakes are letting the ankles drop or not stabilizing them well, as they usually have never used their feet to lengthen, another of Joseph Pilates' brilliant ideas of using the whole body to perform an exercise.
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In the Wunda, just like in the Reformer, we can use the springs to assist or challenge our students, depending on their height, weight, and experience with it.
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Initially, introduce one or two exercises after the Reformer, Mat, and Cadillac routine, focusing on what the student needs most and gradually varying them as a session finale while introducing more exercises.
Integrating the Wunda Chair into Your Practice
As a teacher, train and practice regularly on the Wunda Chair, and you will see how your personal practice on the other apparatuses will improve; it strengthens you and helps you understand the wonder of this genius, Joseph Pilates. Remember that it was created for home use, so not everything has to be perfect but rather achievable; with practice, you will gain confidence and skill.
A Wunda Chair Combo to Try
I’m sharing a Combo I received from a great teacher; now, play, have fun, and don’t see it as a task to accomplish today but as a progression that grows.
Start with Pumping. Add Going Up Front and Going Up Side. Replace them with Front Balance Control and Side Balance Control when you achieve good balance. Add Tendon Stretch and Pull Up. Finally, Pull Up One Arm. I look forward to your comments—GO FOR IT!
WUNDA COMBO
- Pumping Standing (Right leg on floor)
- Front Balance Control (Right leg on top)
- Side Balance Control (Right leg on top)
- Tendon Stretch
- Pull Up
- Pull Up One Arm
- Side Balance Control (Left leg on top)
- Front Balance Control (Left leg on top)
- Pumping Standing (Left leg on floor)
Watch an example of the Combo on the Wunda here.
About David
David Belio is a Pilates trainer trained by leading international schools including Romana’s Pilates International and Peak Pilates, and currently trains with Javier Velázquez.
David has been teaching Pilates since 2002. He opened his home studio in 2012, and in 2018, fully equipped it with Gratz apparatus. In January 2021, he opened ContrologyClubZgz, expanding his studio with even more Gratz equipment.
His passion is teaching students to move better, using his expertise in Pilates to help them become strong and flexible.