7 Best Rated Pilates Chairs for Full-Body Workouts – In-Depth Reviewed

A practice that has been around for about a century and has become increasingly popular due to the large number of celebrities that take it up and promote it for its results, Pilates has basically become a household name. Accessibility is a strong point since Pilates can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their age, gender, fitness level, or size. What makes it so versatile stands in the fact that there are over 600 exercises and variations that compose it (Winsor Pilates is one of these variations, the creator, Mari Winsor, tweaking the regular routines to personalize them and create new exercises), so you can find enough exercises to put together routines that are accessible for you regardless of your physical limitations.

There is even scientific evidence when it comes to Pilates benefits, evidence that backs Pilates as a tool for rehabilitation for chronic and acute injuries. Physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons around the world accept and recommend Pilates for rehabilitation since this practice does indeed enhance the recovery process. To give you a better idea of how healthy it is to do Pilates, here are some science and research-backed facts related to this practice:

• Helps with back and neck pain: Pilates comprises a lot of spinal stabilization exercises. In turn, these ranges of movement help improve back pain and function.
• Injury rehabilitation assistance: An hour of Pilates per week counts as 10 hours of physiotherapy when it comes to flexibility increase. This alone shows how powerful of a tool Pilates can be for rehabilitation. It helps patients regain their strength and mobility gradually so that their condition won’t be worsened but rather ameliorated.
• Relieves lumbopelvic pain: Back pain is usually associated with weakness in the deeper abdominal muscles. Since Pilates amps the strength and endurance of these muscles, stretching the lumbar spine in the range of movements, joint compression is decreased and low back pain is smoothened.
• Helps with musculoskeletal conditions: Some of the conditions for which Pilates has been proven to be efficient include scoliosis, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, meniscectomy rehabilitation, and joint replacement rehabilitation, to name a few.

Whether you prefer to go to classes or do it at home, Pilates is an activity that you must take up since it boosts your health while helping you tone and look better. If you prefer the convenience of working out from home, especially given the current conditions with the Covid-19 pandemic, you need special equipment to get the best results. One of the few equipment pieces created by Joseph Pilates himself, the chair is a space-saving option as opposed to the reformer, so it comes in handy for home workouts better, and you can do a wide range of exercises using it.

A Pilates chair is composed of the seat, a pedal, and the springs that determine the resistance you will be dealing with when working out. What makes it a challenging piece of equipment is the small surface of the seat that implies you will practice stability quite intensely when using it. If you want to give Pilates a go and you prefer this space-saving equipment to do exercises on, we are here to help you figure out exactly what you should buy. In the following, we will review and rank the best Pilates chairs at the moment, comparing them to make your work easier when it comes to settling on a specific product.

Top Rated 7 Pilates Chairs Comparison

Photo	Product	Weight Capacity	Adjustable Resistance	System	Build Material	Padded Seat	Handles	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Merrithew STOTT Pilates Split-Pedal Stability Chair	350 pounds		Single and split-pedal	Double-steel frame, wood		Detachable, adjustable	Lifetime for the frame and related welding, 90 days for the upholstery, 2 years for the other components	Check Price
Best with Handles	2. Wunder Pilates A1 Pro	N/A		Dual single- and split-pedal	Aluminum alloy, oak wood		Removable, adjustable	1 year	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Peak Pilates MVe Fitness Chair	300 pounds		Single-pedal	Aluminum		Not included, but can be added	2 years for the frame, 60 days for the upholstery, 1 year for the other components	Check Price
Best for the Money	4. Moxxi Pilates Fitness Chair	250 pounds		Split-pedal	Steel			3 years	Check Price
	5. ProForm Pilates Studio Chair PFBE19618	250 pounds		Split-pedal	Steel			90 days	Check Price
Best for Seniors	6. AeroPilates Precision Pilates Chair	300 pounds		Dual single- and split-pedal	Steel		Adjustable, padded	3 years for the frame, 90 days for parts	Check Price
	7. Life’s A Beach Pilates PRO Chair	300 pounds		Split-pedal	Steel		Removable	6 months	Check Price

1. Merrithew STOTT Pilates Split-Pedal Stability Chair

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Merrithew is a household name among Pilates practitioners. There’s no instructor who hasn’t heard about this name, and a lot of venues have their equipment. It’s all for a good reason too since the Pilates instruments this brand releases are among the most durable. Their asking price is usually a bit up as opposed to competitors, but seeing how you receive the best value there is, the investment is definitely worth it.

Split the Pedals If You Want

One of the neatest features of the Merrithew STOTT Pilates chair is that the pedals can be connected or split in two. Since there’s the extra split-pedal option, you can increase the exercises and variations you perform with the equipment for better and faster results. Don’t fret that the movement of the pedals might feel too mechanic because the pedals glide very smoothly. They won’t even bump into each other over time as it happens with less qualitative products over time, even at lower heights. What helps it maintain this smooth gliding is that it features two spring trees for each of the pedals. Speaking of, the spring trees can be attached at 3 different heights, so you adjust their tensions as you prefer.

Comfortable Padding for Longer Workouts

You won’t be able to follow through even with a 20-minute workout if you don’t feel comfortable while doing the exercises. Since it’s a chair, after all, you will sit on it for certain exercises. Other variations even have you laying on your back or abdomen on the seat’s surface. To make sure you won’t have a hard time following through with routines because of the seat’s surface, the Merrithew features a high-density foam padding that feels like a cushion. Even the flat pedals feature this comfy foam padding.

It’s All About the Handles

Most chair exercises involve the use of handles. What is most important with this Pilates instrument is for you to have the option to either take the handles off when you want to challenge your balance or you need more freedom of movement, or attach them for the routines that require their presence. Height adjustability is another important factor for the exercises you will perform and seeing how the Merrithew Pilates chair features 7 of them, the sky is the limit when it comes to your workout routines.

Merrithew STOTT Pilates Wunda Chair Test Feedback

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2. Wunder Pilates A1 Pro

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Just like the Merrithrew STOTT stability chair, this Wunder Pilates equipment lets you either use it as a single-pedal or a split-pedal system. This adds to the variation of exercises that you can perform with it, so even if it’s a bit up there in pricing, it’s perfectly justifiable given its design. Speaking of design, what impressed us a lot is that it is manufactured using aluminum alloy and oak wood. Strong to decay and high in density to grant a considerably large capacity, oak wood is likely the best material that could have been used to make this Pilates instrument.

Variety is the most important aspect for a Pilates workout routine, and knowing this, Wunder Pilates integrated several hooks that you can attach different gear to. Why limit to only basic routines when you can spice things up, right? As aforementioned, comfort is essential when exercising, and the same quality padding used by our top pick is present with the runner-up.

Moving on to one of the most important parts of the Pilates chair, the handle, we must admit that Wunda really kicks it out of the park from this point of view. It’s very wear-resistant so you don’t have to worry about longevity with this gear at all. You can adjust its height to suit your own and the routine you are about to take up. Moreover, since the handle is non-slip, safety is not an issue of concern. For these reasons, we crowned it as the best Pilates chair with handles.

To wrap it all up nicely, we must also mention that the manufacturer backs it against defects for the first year after you buy the Pilates equipment, so if by chance anything goes wrong with it, you won’t pay money out of your pocket for repairs or replacements.

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3. Peak Pilates MVe

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The Peak Pilates MVe wunda chair is one of the most sought-after for its simplistic design and the range of exercises that users can perform with it. It is a single-pedal model, but there’s a split-pedal option that Peak Pilates produces too, so you have an alternative from the same brand if you prefer this system instead.

What impresses most, however, is the width of the pedal. As opposed to the Merrithew STOTT Pilates Split-Pedal Stability Chair or the Wunder Pilates A1 Pro, the pedal of the MVe is wider than the seat. This opens up new possibilities when it comes to your workout routines since it increases your range of motion. Some of the exercises that you can take up due to this neat design trait are the side sit straddle or the side pull up.

It doesn’t feature handles, but you can add them (optional feature) to diversify your Pilates routines. The frame is made with durable anodized aluminum, which explained how this small-looking chair is actually able to sustain a user weighing up to 300 pounds. What makes it one of the most commonly used wunda chairs in gyms and venues where Pilates courses take place is the stackable design – you can put up to 5 chairs on top of each other. On the downside, it features only 2 springs that engage together, so there are only 4 spring settings to pick from. But this does make setting up the equipment much easier, so there’s an upside too.

Safety is a top concern with any physical activity, and Peak Pilates MVe scores high in this department since it features pedal stoppers. Two small cushions are on the sides of the frame, preventing the pedal from falling to the ground and potentially hurting your toes or fingers. Lastly, we mention that the warranty for this product is a highlight too since the frame is covered for 2 years, and the rest of the components except for the upholstery are backed for 1 year (assurance period for the upholstery is 60 days).

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4. Moxxi Pilates Fitness Chair

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If a total body workout at a fair price is what you seek, the Moxxi Pilates chair is right up your alley. With a total of 5 levels of resistance to pick from, it lets you gradually increase the intensity of the exercises at your own pace. This way, you will have an easier time rehabilitating from an injury, and you will get toned in a harmonious way without any danger of harm in the process if you just do this activity for health and appearance improvement only.

It can hold users weighing 250 pounds tops, which is indeed smaller than what our top picks can handle. On the bright side, it is likely the most interesting wunda chair we reviewed because of one simple design feature – the spinning chair. This increases your range of motion during exercises, amps the difficulty of your routines, and lets you work out your obliques unlike any other equipment. You can even lock the chair in two positions.

There are two small handles on the side, but if you want to perform exercises where you need to stretch your arms, you must separately acquire resistance bands. For added comfort, both the seat and the handles feature PU and foam. Since it’s a split-pedal model, it helps improve your agility and balance. It doesn’t take up much space and it only weighs 30 pounds, so relocation won’t be much hassle. In terms of backing, the company is quite generous, covering the product against defects for 3 years.

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5. ProForm Pilates Studio Chair PFBE19618

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Just like the Moxxi Pilates chair, the ProForm PFBE19618 has a 250-pound peak holding capacity too. While not as astounding as the 300-pound capacity of the Peak Pilates MVe or the 350-pound capacity of the Merrithew STOTT Pilates Chair, it’s more than enough considering the significantly lower asking price for this product as opposed to the aforementioned competitors.

You can choose to hook up the resistance bands or not depending on the workout routine you’re taking up. Since there are no physical handles standing out, it is a space-saving model. On the downside, some Pilates exercises won’t be available to you because of this important missing part.

It’s a split-pedal system, so you can rest assured knowing that your balance will significantly improve from the hefty workouts you’ll be doing on the ProForm wunda chair. Evidently, the resistance is adjustable, so you can gradually increase the difficulty of your routines over time to your own pace. It flaunts a folding design, which makes it a real space saver and a favorite of people who live in condos.

The seat is padded to ensure you sit comfortably while exercising. The chair weighs only 38 pounds, making relocation a cinch. With the package, you receive a DVD that you can use as guidance for your Pilates workouts. Woefully, the product scores badly in the warranty department since it’s backed against defects for only 90 days.

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6. AeroPilates Precision Pilates Chair

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If you are looking for a Pilates chair for seniors, this is your best option, hands down. What makes the AeroPilates Precision wunda chair our recommendation for the elderly stands in its high weight capacity (300 pounds, just like its more expensive competitors, the Peak Pilates MVe), padded handlebars and cushion that add comfort into the mix, and the anti-skid endcaps on the legs that keep it from slipping on the bare floor.

Assembling it is very easy, a task that you will be done with in 30 minutes tops if you closely follow the instructions. Its best feature is that you can switch from the single-pedal configuration to the split-pedal setup in an instant using the clip lock. Therefore, you can switch up your workouts and try out new exercises in a jiffy. Since this is a two-spring resistance equipment, it’s suited for beginners and seasoned Pilates practitioners alike.

The handlebars are adjustable, so you won’t have trouble setting the right height for you to follow through with routines comfortably. Two instructional workout videos are included free of charge, so you have the needed guidance to perform the routines without mistakes. Lastly, we mention that a 3-year warranty is provided for the frame, while the parts are covered for 90 days, which exceeds the industry standard.

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7. Life’s A Beach Pilates PRO Chair

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Another reasonably-priced wunda chair that impresses despite the low costs involved with acquiring it, the Life’s a Beach Pilates PRO is an option worth looking over twice before you decide. It has a 300-pound capacity, just like the AeroPilates Precision Pilates Chair and the Peak Pilates MVe. Therefore, even if you’re struggling with your weight, chances are that it can sustain you during workouts without any trouble.

It’s a split-pedal system that you can perform a lot of exercises with, so whether you want to tone your arms, legs, or both, it’s what you need. The spring system lets you set the resistance level you want, which makes it perfect for those who want to transition smoothly from the beginner level to expert Pilates practitioners.

The padding on the seat is comfy and will be easy on your joints when you have to sit with your knees on the seat during exercises. We especially like that it folds flat, so when you’re done using it and want to store it away to save space, you won’t have to look hard for a spot to put it no matter how small the available space is.

With the package, you receive 6 instructional DVDs for all skill levels, so you won’t ever be in danger of running out of ideas when it comes to your workout routines. The only real downside is that it’s backed against defects for only 6 months, less than the industry standard.

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Pilates Chair vs. Reformer

Pilates is one of the few practices that benefit both the body and the mind. The relaxation and distressing you enjoy when doing the exercises and following through with the motions put you in a state of peace. Needless to say, when it comes to toning, few other physical activities provide the same results like Pilates does. Add to these perks the fact that Pilates is suited for people of all ages, even for those who have been injured and seek rehabilitation, and it’s easy to see where its popularity comes from.

Aside from the basic mat exercises from where it all began, there are other routines that you can do using various equipment. Two of the most popular Pilates equipment are the reformer and the wunda chair. These are usually found in all venues where classes unfold for a good reason. But which is better and why? Let’s quickly compare the two to draw an adequate conclusion!

• A few words about the wunda chair: A space-saving equipment. Perform a wide variety of exercises with it. Adjust the resistance as you like to make the workout as difficult or lean as you prefer. It’s more fun since you can sit in more positions when you exercise.
• A few words about the reformer: Takes up a hefty amount of space. Is more comfortable to use and more beginner-friendly. Injuries are less likely to occur when you use it. You can do a lot of exercises with this piece of equipment.

So, which is better? The right answer is that both instruments are too valuable to be replaced. While the reformer is a bit friendlier and can become a bit tedious for long-time practitioners who have reached a high level, it does still provide the right level of resistance to help keep you in shape. For beginners, it’s the better option of the two seeing how lying vertically is the norm. On the other hand, this limits the reformer a bit.

The same can’t be said about the wunda chair, however. Sit, stand, suspend hover – the sky is the limit when it comes to the exercises you can take up and their difficulty level. What makes the Pilates chair more appealing for all-level practitioners is that it won’t ever get boring. You make your workouts as easy or difficult as you like, adjusting the resistance to your own limitations. Our advice, if you have the money and space for it, would be to acquire both since only by combining exercises on the chair and reformer, alongside a few other important instruments like the mat and exercise ball, can you truly say that your Pilates workout routine is complete.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Pilates might have started out as a mat-based collection of routines, but it evolved quite rapidly since equipment was introduced to add resistance to the workouts. The Pilates chair is one of the quintessential pieces of equipment because it lets you work with added resistance against the body. Joseph Pilates is the one who designed the wunda chair, and it’s almost unparalleled when it comes to helping users gain endurance. Particularly good for flexibility and stability exercises, it is an integral part of a lot of Pilates exercises.

We have previously reviewed the best this market offers already, so by this point, you are likely somewhat inclining towards making a certain choice. Before we end, we would like to recap a bit and go over some of the standout models and see what makes them great once more to maybe help you reach that final decision.

Best Pilates Chair for Sale: Merrithew STOTT Pilates Split-Pedal Stability Chair

A common presence in professional Pilates classes because of its durability and the hefty 350-pound capacity it flaunts, the Merrithew STOTT Pilates wunda chair is like no other. The double-steel frame makes it perfect for intense use without worrying about damage. You can adjust the height of the handle as you need. Or choose to take them off if the Pilates exercises you are about to perform require that you only use the seating space and nothing more.

This is a split-pedal model that gives you a hearty full upper- and lower-body workout. It is fitted with easy-roll wheels so that you reposition it with ease as you need. Another neat feature stands in the two heavy chair springs and the two light springs that let you play with the difficulty of your workout routines. For these reasons and more, it is the must-have Pilates equipment for practitioners of all ages and skill levels.

Editor’s Choice: Peak Pilates MVe Fitness Chair

When you first look at the MVe wunda chair, you will notice straight away that something is missing, namely the handles. These are optional, so if the exercises you want to do won’t involve using the handles, you don’t attach them and that’s it. It weighs only 47 pounds, another major plus since you can move it around more easily than you would any other of the products we reviewed here. It’s very sturdy despite the lightweight design, and it can accommodate users who weigh 300 pounds tops. Moreover, it features 2 springs that engage together, so there are 4 spring settings to pick from, which makes the setup simple too. For these reasons and more, the Peak Pilates MVe is the wunda chair that stole our hearts.

Best Pilates Chair for Seniors: AeroPilates Precision Pilates Chair

With anti-skid endcaps that ensure the chair sits in place when you exercise so that you won’t slip, a padded cushion that guarantees comfort, and comfy padded handlebars that come in handy for a range of exercises, including the popular front and side lunges or standing leg pumps, the AeroPilates Precision is the perfect wunda chair for seniors. Two workout videos are even included free of charge so that you won’t take chances and accidentally perform the exercise routines incorrectly. After all, you are taking up Pilates to strengthen your health and rehabilitate, not to worsen any condition or create new ones. To top it all off, the product comes at a great price that is accessible to a wider range of customers as opposed to our top-rated picks.

Best Pilates Chair with Handles: Wunder Pilates A1 Pro

Except for the ProForm PFBE19618 that doesn’t feature handles but that you can attach resistance bands to separately to enjoy a full workout routine, all our other wunda chairs have this specific feature. So, the question inevitably appears – what makes the handles of the Wunder Pilates A1 Pro better than the rest? The answer stands in their height adjustability range, as well as their sturdiness. This workout equipment even features multi-gear hooks, so you can expand the range of exercises you perform even more.

Best Pilates Chair for the Money: Moxxi Pilates Fitness Chair

Among the top-tier wunda chairs available for $500 or less, the Moxxi fitness chair is a prime example of stability and resistance. Although it’s not as expensive as its better-rated opponents, this doesn’t imply that it doesn’t do the trick for your workout routines just as well. On the contrary, due to the patented spin seat design, you target the core at more points and have a better range of motion than you do with any other chair. So, at a cheaper cost, the Moxxi wunda chair might actually give you a better workout than its more expensive counterparts ever could.