Take a Seat and Feel Stronger: Why Chair Pilates is for Everyone

When it comes to exercising, many think that it has to be intense, high impact and complicated in order for it to be effective. But it really doesn’t have to be that way. Chair Pilates is a gentle, welcoming way to move that’s truly for everyone:

• Those who want a gentler, supportive clas

• People who sit a lot and feel stiff or achy

• Anyone who prefers a low-impact approach

• Those recovering from injury or easing back into exercise

• Regular Pilates lovers curious to try something new

Chair Pilates is exactly what it says on the tin - Pilates on a chair. We still focus on the same fundamental principles of posture, breathing, core activation, control and mindful movement, we just apply them on a chair - which can be both a support and an interesting challenge.

You can stay seated for many of the exercises or use the chair to help with standing movements. It’s a wonderfully accessible option for anyone who finds getting down on the floor tricky, but it’s also a surprisingly different challenge if you already love Pilates.

The chair changes the way familiar movements feel, adding new balance work and helping you engage muscles in a slightly different way. It’s supportive when you need it, but it also keeps things interesting - even for regular Pilates practitioners.

SO what might tempt you to swap the mat for the chair? Well, Chair Pilates is:

• Accessible and welcoming - Whether you’re new to Pilates or returning after a break, Chair Pilates offers a comfortable, supported way to build strength and confidence.

  
  

• Gentle, Yet effective - Don’t be fooled by its simplicity, Chair Pilates is kind on the joints while still providing a fantastic workout for your core, posture, and overall strength.

  
  

• Perfect for daily life - Better posture, balance, and flexibility don’t just feel good in class, they make everyday movements like walking, reaching, and standing feel easier and lighter.

• A moment for Yourself - Like all Pilates, it’s as much about calming your mind as it is about moving your body. You’ll leave feeling centred, lighter, and proud of yourself.

  
  

• A fresh perspective for regular Pilates fans - If you already enjoy mat Pilates, you’ll be surprised at how different the exercises feel in this format! The chair adds variety and helps you focus on technique in a new way.

Here are four popular Pilates exercises and how they feel different when done on a chair:

Seated Spine Stretch Forward - On the mat, you’d sit with legs extended and hinge forward from the hips. On the chair, your feet stay grounded, making it more supportive and allowing you to focus on lengthening your spine without straining hamstrings or lower back.

Leg Lifts - Instead of lying on the floor, leg lifts are done seated. Lifting one leg at a time engages your core deeply while also challenging hip flexors in a way that’s controlled and joint-friendly. It’s brilliant for core strength and balance.

Seated Roll Down - Similar to the classic Pilates roll-down, but performed seated. You gently roll back against the support of the chair, engaging your abdominals while feeling safe and stable. It’s an excellent way to work your core without getting down on the floor.

Standing Side Leg Work (Using the Chair for Support) - Standing beside the chair for stability, you perform small, controlled leg lifts or circles. This challenges balance and works hips and outer thighs - plus holding lightly onto the chair allows for better alignment and focus on technique.

These simple adaptations make Pilates more approachable without losing its effectiveness - plus they add variety and a new sense of awareness to familiar moves

I’m so delighted to share that Chair Pilates will be on the timetable at Fryern Pavilion from September!

This will be such a lovely addition to the week: a friendly, welcoming class where you can enjoy the benefits of Pilates in a supported way, and perhaps need a change from the usual mat work.

It’s a beautiful opportunity to explore Pilates from a different angle and discover how effective (and enjoyable!) it feels when the chair becomes part of the practice. Come along this September, take a seat, and enjoy moving your body in a way that feels good.