Oh, So This Is How To Use A Pilates Chair

As someone who loves a Pilates reformer (it's more of a love-hate relationship, TBH) but doesn't live near a studio that offers classes, I've thought about getting one to use at home. As soon as I explored that option, though, I quickly realize how large of a footprint full-size Pilates machines make (yikes, it's a lot!). If you can relate, let me introduce you to the lesser-known but smaller cousin of my fave piece of exercise equipment—the Pilates chair.

Yes, a chair may sound less exciting than a reformer, but the Pilates chair was created by Joseph Pilates himself, according to Clara Baini, founder of Good Day Pilates. "The chair is a great piece of equipment to have at home as it is much smaller than a reformer but offers the challenge of springs unlike mat Pilates," says Baini. "It has a seat, a pedal, and springs, which determine the amount of resistance you’re working with—some also offer a split pedal, a seat back, and handles for balance."

Although a chair implies lots of sitting, Baini says you can use it to do all sorts of exercises that require kneeling, standing, sitting, and lying down. "The challenge of the chair is the size of the seat," says Baini. "Because it's small, it creates a challenge for your deep, stabilizing muscles with a smaller base of support than a reformer or regular mat. It’s all about controlling the resistance in both directions so your muscles are always on tension and you’ll get the most out of your workout.

Plus, she says, "you can always add an extra challenge with props like hand weights or ankle weights as you progress."

Keep reading for 10 of the best Pilates Chairs you can find online right now. The Pilates chairs below are top rated on Amazon and some are recommended by Pilates instructors, like Baini.