Inside a Private Pilates Session: Why the Wunda Chair is Our Secret Weapon for Strength

At Balance Pilates, we love our Reformers, but sometimes the smallest piece of equipment packs the biggest punch.

If you have ever looked at the small, box-like apparatus in the corner of the studio and wondered what it does, let us introduce you to the Wunda Chair.

In a recent private session featuring Yael, we captured some advanced work that perfectly illustrates why this compact machine is crucial for building true, deep strength.

Small Footprint, Big Challenge

Don't let its size fool you. The Wunda Chair is often considerably more challenging than the Reformer because it offers a very small base of support.

Different from the Reformer

Unlike the Reformer, where your body is often supported while lying down, the Chair requires you to stabilize your entire torso against gravity and spring resistance while sitting or standing on a tiny surface. It demands that you find your center immediately.

The Instructor's Eye: Precision in Motion

In the videos and photo featured above, our student is demonstrating Advanced Level work. She is performing complex, single-leg movements that require immense balance and control.

Why do we focus on this in a private session? Because on the Wunda Chair, there is nowhere to hide.

The chair immediately reveals asymmetries in the body. If your left glute is slightly weaker than your right, the pedal will tilt awkwardly, or your torso will shift to compensate. In the video, you can hear the focus on precision with cues to maintain "two shoulders on the same plane" and to keep "lifting the chest up" even while the lower body is under tension.

A private instructor’s role is to spot these micro-compensations instantly. We ensure you are firing the deep stabilizer muscles—rather than just relying on momentum to push the pedal down. It’s not just about moving the spring; it’s about how you control the return.

Your Journey Starts at Level 1

Seeing our client perform a standing arabesque press on the chair might look intimidating. It requires significant pelvic stability, upper-body integration, and experience with eccentric loading.

But here is the most important thing to know: Nobody starts here.

This level of strength and balance is a journey. It is the result of consistent practice, building a solid foundation in Level 1 group pilates classes, and mastering the progressions in Level 2.

At Balance Pilates, our "small studio, big heart" philosophy means we meet you exactly where you are today. We use the same high-quality equipment and the same expert knowledge base to teach you the fundamentals of connection and alignment.

Are you ready to start your path toward this kind of strength?

We would love to guide you. Connect with us today to book your initial session, and let’s start building your foundation together in Level 1.

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