Pull Up on the Wunda Chair

The Pull Up is one of my absolute favorites because it teaches you the down reach you need in every Pilates exercise. Drop a spring if you need a challenge.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • June 7, 2020
Home  »  Pilates Wunda Chair Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Pull Up on the Wunda Chair
pull up on the wunda chair online pilates classes
Table of Contents
pull up on the wunda chair online pilates classes
  • Difficulty: Beginner | Intermediate
  • Equipment Needed: Wunda Chair (I love using the Balanced Body Wunda Chair.)
  • Reps: 5-8
  • Warning: May not be ideal for some wrist/shoulder injuries.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Pull Up on the Wunda Chair

The Pilates Wunda Chair was one of the first pieces of home gym equipment. While it looks like a simple apparatus the options are endless. You can sit on it, lay on it, stand on it, be on the floor or on your side. And it really does help you with your entire Pilates practice. The Pull Up on the Wunda Chair is one of my absolute favorites because it will teach you the down reach you need in every Pilates exercise. Plus, it’s super fun to do! You’ll feel like a gymnast. And, if it gets easy then you just take off a spring or a limb.

As the pedal goes up you reach down, as the pedal goes down you lift up.

With one top and one bottom spring on place both hands to the back edge of the chair shoulder distance apart. Press the pedal down with one foot and then step your other foot on. Place the balls of your feet on the pedal a couple inches apart and your heels hug tightly together as they lift up. Lean your shoulders over your wrists and reach your tailbone for your heels. Let your head hang between your arms. It’s tempting to tuck your chin but don’t do that. Reaching down through your legs, lift up a lot in your center.

Without leaning forward past your wrists, reach from your back into your hands and your legs to lift the pedal up. Then reach into the pedal and lower it to an inch or so off the floor and repeat 3-5x. It’s easy to “ride” the springs up and down so be mindful to not shift your weight forward and back. As the pedal goes up you reach down as the pedal goes down you lift up. And, if it’s easy change to one middle and one bottom or two bottoms or even no springs! It’s an exercise that continues to challenge you and your practice.


Be sure to check out more of my Wunda Chair workout videos. I want to help you continue your Pilates Wunda Chair training!

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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2 comments

  1. Buenas tardes:
    ¿Puedes recomendarme una rutina de ejercicios para fortalecer piernas y glúteos??
    En casa tengo una high chair
    Y ¿qué muelles debo utilizar en los ejercicios??
    Gracias

    1. Yes, you can do the Standing Leg Press Downs. There are 3, front, side, and cross over. You can find them in my “free tutorials” under Wunda Chair and High Chair. Also, my workshop that you can purchase here on the site “connecting to your seat” has many exercises you can use to learn how to connect to you buttocks and thighs. Great question. xx~LL

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No props on the Reformer.

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>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

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>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

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>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

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>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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