A new independently-owned pilates studio in Chelsea is among the first London facilities to offer classes using the MVe chair from Peak Pilates' distributor Star Trac.

The S.A.L.T. club - which stands for "strengthen, align, lengthen, tone" - opened this spring and founder and managing director Jackie Stapleton invested £70,000 to fit out the studio, which focuses on traditional and classical Pilates.

Stapleton said: "Balance and stability is at the core of every Pilates class, so we knew we wanted to offer something a little different, to challenge people's perceptions of Pilates, as well as their body and mind, which is why we invested in the MVeTM chairs."

Launched in the UK last year, the MVeTM (Maximum Versatility Exercise) chair has been designed with a bigger base for improved stability, while the spring system is a simple pull pin device. It is taller than other Pilates chairs, making it easier for taller clients to use.

S.A.L.T is also the first training centre for Peak Pilates in London, enabling other fitness instructors in the region to attend certified training courses to become qualified MVe chair instructors.

Following the successful introduction of the MVeTM chair class concept in London, there are plans to offer a corporate package, with onsite training using MVeTM chairs designed to help improve posture, concentration and productivity. Additional S.A.L.T. studios across London are also planned within the next five years.