Is the Pilates Chair enough?
There is much confusion about whether the Pilates Chair can achieve the same benefits as the Pilates Reformer? Both are popular pieces of equipment used in a Pilates studio however in my opinion the Reformer on its own far out weighs the benefits of either the Mat or the Chair.
The Pilates Reformer uses a moving platform upon which you lie, pulling or pushing against variable levels of resistance. It offers a much more comprehensive full-body workout than the Chair which only targets very specific muscles.
The Reformer challenges you with over 300 hundred movements while the Chair offers maybe 25.
Unlike the Chair where you are vertical, the Reformer workout mimics everyday movements in the lying down position thus allowing deep stabilising muscles to get stronger and longer; improving functional strength and stability for all daily activities.
The resistance provided by the cords or springs on the Reformer both challenge sand supports your body, allowing for progressive muscle strengthening and dynamic lengthening of your muscles and targets muscles through both concentric and eccentric phases, enhancing muscle tone and strength.
Almost every Reformer exercises requires core stabilization, leading to improved core strength, stability, and posture and because you are moving through space you improve your balance, coordination and kinesthetics awareness. Each exercise emphasizes proper alignment, helping to address postural imbalances and reduces the risk of injuries.
The Reformer has been used for rehabilitation after injury and because of its symmetrical nature recognises your imbalances and corrects them. On the Chair or Mat you will continue to compensate where you are weak or imbalanced and it is easy to be unconsciously out of alignment.
Your Reformer accommodates a wide variety of exercises, from beginner to advanced levels and is suitable for individuals of different fitness backgrounds and ages where as the Chair is extremely challenging and is more suitable for the experienced and stronger Reformer user; other than in the case of the seated warmup footwork which I like to use for pregnant woman after 5 months or people who cannot lie on their back.
Like all Pilates equipment, both the Reformer and Chair emphasize the mind-body connection requiring focus, concentration, and controlled breathing, promoting mindfulness during workouts.
Joe Pilates developed the Chair for use in his tiny apartment since it has a smaller footprint and is more portable but he never intended for it to replace the Reformer which he had in his studio.
In conclusion both the Reformer and the Chair offer a low impact experience however I only use the Chair in conjunction with all the other equipment to achieve the same benefits as the reformer on its own. Add the Chair to your Pilates practice to challenge yourself but to choose between the two is impractical and not advised.
written by Marjolein Brugman
Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."