The Bottom Line
MVe stands for maximum versatility exercise, and Peak Pilates hit that mark with the MVe Pilates chair. Sleeker, lighter, and easier to store than traditional Pilates chairs, the MVe Pilates chair has a lot going for it.
The MVe is designed for studio, gym, and home use. Peak Pilates' redesign of this classic piece of Pilates equipment, and the teacher training program, are aimed at making chair workouts available in more mainstream settings.Read more about Pilates chairs
Pros
- Attractive, sleek design
- Open frame allows for more exercise options
- Large and stable feel
- Four easy-to-change tension levels
- Portable and stackable
Cons
- The MVe is not easy for all populations to lift.
- The legs of the base extend beyond the bulk of the chair, making them easy to trip over.
Description
- Open design powder coated aluminum frame: 23.5” H x 31” W x 37.5” L
- Manufacturer states that the chair weighs just over 30 lbs.
- Stackable -- up to 5 high
- 4 resistance levels available at one control
- List price: $699.00
Guide Review - The MVe -- The Redesigned Pilates Chair from Peak Pilates
My favorite thing about the MVe is how easy it is to change the spring tension. No more walking around to the back of the chair to add or remove springs; you choose one of four settings using a sliding control at the front of the chair. This one improvement truly enhances the flow of a workout.
I also like the open design and size of the MVe. I found that a few more inches of workspace made me more comfortable on the seat, especially for "lying down" exercises. The open frame, which allows you to wrap your legs around the frame for stability or slide them under for floor work, creates some new exercise options.
The pedal has a nice, quiet glide to it. I like that a lot. It's also longer than that of a traditional chair, which is good for side-bending and twisting exercises where flexibility in hand or foot placement is helpful. There is something different about the arc the pedal makes as it goes down. It seems to move a little further outward than most Pilates chairs. The pedal trajectory took some getting used to when doing legwork, but worked very well for me with some of the upper body work, accommodating the length of my torso better than some other chairs.
It is important to recognize that the MVe is spring-loaded exercise equipment, and the pedal action can be dangerous for the uninitiated. A chair pedal can pop up with a lot of force. So, you do need to have qualified training to use it safely and effectively. As with all Pilates equipment, the full benefits are to be found in the details of how you use it.
Classes are the way to learn to use the Pilates chair. Peak Pilates MVe teacher training courses, and follow-up DVDs, are making MVe workouts available at many gyms as well as Pilates studios. Start with a class, and then move on to an MVe of your own.
Compare Prices on the MVe Pilates Chair
