Chairs & Barrels

Pilates Chair or Barrel – Which Piece of Equipment Is Right for Your Workout?

The choice between a chair and a barrel depends on your fitness goals. Pilates chairs, such as the EXO® Chair or Wunda Chair, primarily build strength and stability through their spring resistance system, while barrels promote spinal mobility and backbends. For a well-rounded home studio, it’s best to combine both types of equipment.

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a CenterLine® Chair—its sturdy frame design provides greater stability as you learn the movements. Advanced users appreciate the EXO® Chair for its compact design and precise spring adjustment. The Combo Chair combines multiple exercise options in a single piece of equipment and is perfect if you want to save space.

The various chair models differ mainly in their pedal systems. Single-pedal chairs feature a single continuous pedal for symmetrical movements, while split-pedal models allow for independent training of each side of the body. The Wunda Chair is considered a classic thanks to its traditional design, while the EXO® series stands out for its modern spring system.

Balanced Body Pilates equipment for over 35 years and has set standards that are now recognized throughout the industry. The company works directly with Pilates experts and tests every piece of equipment in real-world training situations before it is released to the market.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilates Chairs & Barrels

Yes, Pilates chairs are also suitable for beginners. Start with basic exercises like tricep dips or seated leg presses. The spring settings can be adjusted to match your strength level.

A chair requires about 1.2 by 0.6 meters of floor space. Allow for about 50 cm of clearance all around for the exercises. Most models are about 65 cm tall.

The Split Pedal allows for unilateral training and helps identify strength imbalances between the left and right sides of the body. The Single Pedal is better suited for symmetrical full-body exercises and is more beginner-friendly.

The springs determine the resistance. Balanced Body stainless steel springs in various strengths—from light (yellow) to very heavy (purple). Each chair has a different number of spring positions.

The Barrel primarily targets spinal mobility and backward bending. It perfectly complements strength training on the Chair and is particularly beneficial for people with a rounded back or muscle tension.

The investment ranges from CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,500. With regular use, a Chair will last at least 15 years—so the cost per workout is very low.

We offer free shipping on all Chairs & Barrels throughout Switzerland. You can test the equipment before purchasing at our showroom in Niederlenz, AG. 14-day return policy for online orders.