Pilates has a wide range of equipment that can be used for exercise, such as the Reformer Pilates, Cadillac Pilates, Wunda Chair, and many more. The Wunda Chair is one of the Pilates apparatuses created by Joseph Pilates in 1945.
The Wunda Chair is a bench-shaped Pilates apparatus or machine equipped with a pedal or foot pad and springs. This chair works similarly to the Pilates Reformer, as both have springs to add resistance during exercise.
However, exercises using the Wunda Chair involve slightly different movements compared to those using the Pilates Reformer. Some examples of Pilates movements that can be done with the Wunda Chair include:
Pikes
Pikes are a Pilates movement that can be performed with the Wunda Chair. This movement is excellent for training the abdominal muscles, and it is also recommended for women who have recently given birth. In addition to the abdomen, pikes are also good for relieving back pain, especially due to lordosis, a spinal abnormality where the spine curves too far forward.
Pikes exercises are very beneficial as they perfectly curve the body, activating and stretching the muscles. Pikes offer a different way to work the abdominal muscles, making it more interesting and challenging for you.
This exercise is suitable for: Postpartum women, people experiencing hip flexor/quadriceps tightness, people with lordosis, people experiencing back pain.
Read also: How to Choose the Right Pilates Class for Beginners
Prone series
Some exercises using the Wunda Chair require prone movements. However, don't worry, you will still feel comfortable while doing them.
The prone series is a Pilates movement that requires you to lie face down. This movement is excellent for office workers who often experience neck pain due to spending too much time in front of a laptop or computer.
This exercise can also strengthen your upper and middle back muscles if you do it regularly. For those with a herniated disc, an injury where the spinal disc ruptures and parts of it protrude, regular prone series exercises with this Pilates equipment may be beneficial.
This exercise is suitable for: People with herniated discs, office workers.
Footwork series
Footwork exercises with the Wunda Chair involve pressing the foot pad with your feet while sitting on the chair. This exercise is excellent for rehabilitation for those experiencing knee pain. It can also strengthen the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscles. Strong VMO muscles can help stabilize the knee.
Footwork exercises using the Wunda Chair are said to be more effective than footwork exercises with the Pilates Reformer. This is because the range of motion on the Wunda Chair is smaller, making it more effective for training the VMO muscles.
Not only that, footwork exercises using this Pilates equipment can also help train the abdominal muscles. This is because when performing the footwork series, you need to stabilize your body in a seated position, and you must engage your abdominal muscles for this movement to be more optimal.
This exercise is suitable for: People looking to increase VMO strength, recovering from knee injuries in athletes, dancers, cyclists, and swimmers.
Read more: Here are 10 Benefits of Reformer Pilates for the Body
Ankle strengthener
Exercises using the Wunda Chair are also good for addressing shin pain or other issues in the lower leg. Regular exercise can help with rehabilitation for several injuries, such as unstable ankles, Achilles tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, or for those experiencing sprained ankles.
This Pilates equipment can also assist with several excellent exercises for strengthening the ankle muscles and inner calves. When we perform common calf exercises, usually the affected muscle is the large gastrocnemius muscle.
However, exercises using this Pilates equipment can target smaller muscles such as the Tibialis Posterior, Peroneal, and Soleus.
Exercises that target small muscles are very beneficial, especially in the rehabilitation process for injuries or when you have a sprained ankle. This exercise is suitable for: Rehabilitation for various lower leg problems and shin pain.
Read also: Complete Pilates Equipment Price List for Beginners & Pros
Benefits of Pilates
Whether with a Pilates Reformer, Cadillac Pilates, Wunda Chair, or even just a mat, Pilates is excellent for strengthening all body muscles, especially the core. Pilates exercises are also good for improving posture and increasing body flexibility.
A 2018 study conducted on 90 participants and published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation proved the benefits of Pilates for the body.
Participants who practiced Pilates three times a week for one hour over eight consecutive weeks showed improvements in balance, stability, and body mobility. This was even better than participants who practiced yoga.
Not only for physical health, but Pilates also has a positive impact on mental health. A 2018 meta-analysis of eight studies on Pilates found that this exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and also increase energy.
Therefore, for those interested in Pilates, fulfill all your needs with SVRG. We provide a wide selection of Pilates machines that can help you practice effectively. Besides personal use, these Pilates machines can also be used for commercial purposes, such as opening a Pilates studio.
The more people who regularly do Pilates, the better, right? Come on, buy all your needs at SVRG!
