Walk into any studio offering Pilates classes in Dubai today, and you will likely see more than one piece of equipment on the floor. The Reformer is the best fit if you want adjustable, full-body resistance work, the Wunda Chair is the better choice if your goal is balance and core control in a small footprint, and the Cadillac suits anyone who wants supported, precise movement across multiple planes. All three were designed by Joseph Pilates for the same method, but they challenge the body in different ways, and knowing the difference makes it much easier to choose the right Pilates classes in Dubai for your goals.
At The PAD Pilates & Dance, we offer all three pieces of equipment as part of our Pilates classes in Dubai, alongside class formats like the Bodhi, Aerial Pilates, and Cardiolates. Founded in 2018 by Shaazia Qureishi and Abbas Kanchwala, our studio in The Greens was built so that clients recovering from injury and clients training for performance can find the right piece of equipment for where they are right now.
What the Reformer offers:
The Reformer is a sliding carriage connected to a frame by springs, which create adjustable resistance as you push and pull against it. It is the most versatile of the three, supporting a wide range of exercises across the whole body, and its adjustable resistance makes it accessible for complete beginners while still challenging advanced practitioners. Most people trying pilates classes in Dubai for the first time start here, since it closely resembles what a typical class looks like.
What the Wunda Chair offers:
The Wunda Chair looks deceptively simple: a wooden box with a padded seat and one or two pedals attached to springs beneath it. Because the cushion is smaller than on a Reformer or Cadillac, you rely far more on your own core strength for balance, which makes the Chair especially effective for building stability and revealing movement patterns you can sometimes hide on larger equipment. Some models use a split-pedal design, which is particularly useful for rehabilitation, since it lets an instructor safely challenge one side of the body at a time. It is also a compact option for smaller studio spaces.
What the Cadillac offers:
The Cadillac, sometimes called the Trapeze Table, resembles a large bed frame with bars, springs, and a trapeze overhead. It is the most supportive of the three pieces of equipment, using ropes, pulleys, and a suspended frame to guide the body through precise, controlled positions. This makes it especially useful for posture work, spinal health, and rehabilitation, and it tends to offer the greatest variety of exercises on a single piece of equipment. Clients recovering from injury or managing limited mobility often find the Cadillac’s support makes movements accessible that would otherwise feel out of reach.
Equipment | Best for | Support level | Typical use case |
Reformer | Full-body, adjustable resistance | Moderate | General fitness, most beginners |
Wunda Chair | Balance, core control, small spaces | Low | Rehab, stability training |
Cadillac | Precision, posture, multi-plane work | High | Rehabilitation, detailed strength work |
How to choose between them:
The right starting point usually comes down to your goal rather than your experience level. If you want a well-rounded, full-body workout with resistance that scales as you improve, the Reformer is the natural entry point into Pilates classes in Dubai. If your priority is improving balance or building core strength without relying on momentum, the Wunda Chair will challenge you in ways a larger machine will not. If you are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or want more support while you build strength, the Cadillac’s frame and pulley system offer the most controlled environment.
Many clients do not choose just one. A well-rounded Pilates class in Dubai will often rotate between all three, using the Reformer for general conditioning, the Chair for targeted stability work, and the Cadillac for detailed, supported strength building.
What's available at The PAD:
The PAD offers the Reformer, the Wunda Chair, and the Cadillac as part of our Pilates classes in Dubai, alongside the MOTR for rotational and cardio work. Group classes are capped at a small number of participants, so instructors can guide you toward the right piece of equipment rather than defaulting to whatever is available that day. Shaazia Qureishi, a certified Fletcher Pilates instructor, works closely with clients managing injuries or limitations to determine which apparatus supports their specific goals, and private sessions are available for anyone who wants a programme built entirely around their body.
Did you know: the Cadillac gets its name from being the largest and most elaborate piece of Pilates apparatus, much like the car brand was once shorthand for the top of its category. Joseph Pilates originally built the Wunda Chair for clients to take home to their summer houses, which is part of why it remains the most compact of the three.
Getting started
Choosing between the Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac is less about picking the “best” machine and more about matching the equipment to what your body needs right now. The right Pilates classes in Dubai will let you move between all three as your goals change, with an instructor guiding that progression rather than leaving you to guess.
Book a session at The PAD and let our instructors help you find the right equipment for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most people start on the Reformer since it offers the broadest range of exercises, and an instructor can recommend the Wunda Chair or Cadillac once your goals become clearer.
It can feel more intense because the smaller surface area demands more balance and core engagement, even though the movements themselves are often simpler.
No. While the Cadillac is widely used in rehabilitation settings because of its support and precision, it also offers strength and mobility work suited to experienced practitioners.
Yes, all three pieces of equipment can be adapted to a beginner’s level. What matters most is working with a certified instructor who can adjust resistance and support to match your starting point.
Most studios, including The PAD, recommend starting with a Reformer class or a private assessment so an instructor can identify your goals before recommending the Wunda Chair or Cadillac.