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Mixed Apparatus: Wunda Chair & Tower Pilates
Pilates isn’t just about the Reformer, but the other equipment really is where it all comes together. Mixed apparatus sessions combine different pieces of studio equipment most commonly, the reformer, tower and Wunda chair to create a more complete, tailored workout.
If you haven’t yet tried the other equipment and want to know more, keep reading!
Each apparatus challenges your body in a slightly different way. When they’re used together, you get a session that’s more varied, more specific to your goals, and often more effective than using one piece of equipment alone.
Mixed Apparatus: Wunda Chair & Tower Pilates FAQs
What is Wunda Chair Pilates?
Wunda Chair Pilates is a form of Pilates using a compact piece of equipment called a Pilates Chair. It uses springs and pedals to create resistance, helping you build strength, control, mobility, and balance, often with a strong focus on core and lower-body work.
Is Wunda Chair Pilates suitable for beginners?
Yes. A good instructor can scale exercises for beginners by adjusting spring settings, range of motion, and exercise choices. If you’re brand new to Pilates, we may recommend a 1:1 first (or a beginner session) so you feel confident with the equipment.
What are the benefits of Wunda Chair Pilates?
Common benefits include:
- Improved core strength and posture
- Stronger glutes and legs
- Better balance and coordination
- Increased mobility in hips, shoulders, and spine
- Support for rehab and injury prevention (when programmed appropriately)
How is it different from Reformer Pilates?
Both are Pilates equipment classes, but they feel different:
- Chair: more upright work, lots of standing/seated exercises, can feel more “athletic” and balance-focused
- Reformer: more lying/kneeling sequences with a moving carriage, often feels more supported
Many clients love doing both because they complement each other.
Is Wunda Chair Pilates good for back pain?
It can be, when taught by a qualified instructor and tailored to you. Chair work can strengthen the core and improve hip/upper back mobility, which often supports back comfort. If you have back pain, tell us when booking so we can adapt exercises safely.
Is it safe if I have an injury or I’m recovering from surgery?
Possibly, but it depends on your condition and stage of recovery. We may recommend:
- A 1:1 session first
- Clearance from your clinician (GP/physio/consultant) if needed
Always share relevant medical history before your first session.
Can I do Wunda Chair Pilates during pregnancy or postnatal?
Sometimes, yes, with appropriate modifications and depending on your trimester/postnatal stage and medical history. We’ll advise the safest option, and in many cases a private session is the best starting point.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable activewear you can move in. We recommend:
- Grip socks (or socks with grips)
- No zips or bulky clothing (can be uncomfortable on equipment)
Do I need to be “fit” to start?
No. Chair Pilates is about building strength and control progressively. You’ll work at your level, and the springs can be adjusted to make exercises more accessible or more challenging.
How hard is a Wunda Chair class?
It can range from gentle and technique-focused to very challenging. The chair is deceptively tough because it demands control, stability, and balance. Your instructor will scale it to your ability.
How often should I do Wunda Chair Pilates?
A common starting point is:
- 1x per week for steady progress
- 2x per week for faster strength and mobility gains
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Will I get sore afterwards?
You might feel muscle fatigue or mild soreness, especially in glutes, thighs, and core, if it’s new. This should feel like normal “worked muscles,” not sharp pain. If anything doesn’t feel right, tell your instructor immediately.
What if I have wrist/shoulder/knee issues?
We can usually modify. Chair Pilates offers lots of options to reduce load on wrists or knees and adjust shoulder range. The key is telling us in advance so we can plan smart modifications.
What is Tower Pilates?
Tower Pilates is a Pilates equipment session using a Tower (mounted frame which is attached to the reformer, which uses springs, bars and straps). The springs add resistance and support, helping you build strength, control, mobility and better posture.
Is Tower Pilates suitable for beginners?
Yes. Tower is very adaptable because resistance can be adjusted and many exercises can be supported. If you’re brand new to Pilates or returning after time off, we may recommend a beginner class or a 1:1 first so you feel confident with the equipment.
What are the benefits of Tower Pilates?
Clients often notice:
- Stronger core and improved posture
- Better mobility through the spine, hips and shoulders
- Increased full-body strength (glutes, legs, back and arms)
- Improved body awareness and control
- A low-impact workout that still feels challenging
How is Tower Pilates different from Reformer Pilates?
Both use springs, but they feel different:
- Tower: the equipment is fixed to the back of the reformer; we convert the reformer to a flat mat and with spring resistance, bars and straps.
- Reformer: you work on a moving carriage with spring resistance and straps.
Tower can feel more “mat-based” with added assistance/challenge from springs, while reformer adds movement via the carriage. Many people love doing both. And you would get more benefit from combining reformer with chair and tower to fully experience the pilates system.
Is Tower Pilates good for back pain?
It can be, especially because the Tower can support alignment and controlled strength work. That said, back pain is individual, please let us know what’s going on so we can offer the right modifications (or recommend a 1:1).
Can I do Tower Pilates if I have an injury?
This is where our expertise comes in, having Osteopath instructors, and highly qualified instructors at the studio allows us to be able to safely guide and help you with your injury. We would recommend a 1:1 session first and with the right programming, because the springs can assist or reduce load, Tower can be a great option for rehab-style strength and mobility. Please share any injuries, recent surgery, or conditions before class so we can advise the safest approach.
Is Tower Pilates safe during pregnancy or postnatal?
Sometimes, depending on your trimester/postnatal stage and medical history. Many exercises can be modified, but we may recommend a private session first for safety and confidence.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Tower Pilates is about building strength and control progressively. The session can be scaled to your level.
How hard is a Tower Pilates class?
It ranges from gentle and technique-focused to strong and athletic. Springs can make some movements easier (supported) and others more challenging (resisted). Your instructor will guide options throughout.
How often should I do Tower Pilates?
For most people:
- 1x per week = steady progress
- 2x per week = faster strength, mobility and technique improvements
Consistency beats intensity.
Will I be sore afterwards?
You may feel muscle fatigue or mild soreness, especially if you’re new to spring resistance. This should feel like normal training soreness, not sharp pain. If anything feels off, tell your instructor.
