Pilates Movement Monday The Tendon Stretch on the Wunda Chair

Focused and poised, a pilates practitioner executes a challenging Pilates movement on the Wunda Chair.

The Wunda Chair is a unique and versatile piece of Pilates equipment that challenges strength, control, and flexibility. Originally designed by Joseph Pilates, the chair was developed as a compact piece of apparatus that could also serve as functional furniture. The idea was that it could be used for exercise and then function as a regular chair in a small living space. Over time, it became an essential piece of Pilates equipment, offering a wide range of movements that demand precision and control.

One of the most challenging exercises on the Wunda Chair is the Tendon Stretch. This movement also appears on other pieces of apparatus, such as the reformer, and remains a true test of integration, requiring strength, flexibility, and balance. Unlike some movements that isolate specific muscle groups, the Tendon Stretch is an integrated exercise that relies on the entire body working together. The centre plays a crucial role in stabilising and controlling the movement, preventing excessive strain on any one area.

Flexibility is an important factor in this movement. The hamstrings and calves need a good range of motion, but flexibility alone is not enough. The movement requires a combination of strength and control to ensure that flexibility is used functionally rather than allowing gravity to take over. The positioning of the pelvis is key, as tilting too far forward or back will compromise the efficiency of the movement.

The springs on the Wunda Chair significantly influence the execution of the exercise. Heavier springs provide more assistance, pushing the body upwards and helping with control. Lighter springs create a greater challenge as they do not offer the same level of support, meaning the body has to work harder to resist being pulled down. This variation allows for different adaptations depending on the ability and needs of the client.

Breath plays an important role in the Tendon Stretch and can be used to support control and progression. When learning the movement, breathing out to lift can help with core engagement and provide a sense of stability. As control and strength improve, progressing to an inhale on the lift challenges the stability of the movement, as the diaphragm expands and the centre must work harder to maintain control.

The stability challenge in this exercise is key. The body must maintain balance while moving against the force of the springs, preventing excessive shifting of weight or loss of alignment. Controlling the descent is just as important as the lift, ensuring that the movement remains smooth and controlled rather than relying on momentum.

When performed correctly, the Tendon Stretch on the Wunda Chair is an excellent way to build strength, refine control, and develop a deeper understanding of movement integration. It is a reminder that Pilates is not just about individual muscles but about how the body moves as a connected system.