Stools
design
One of the key principles influencing the design of the Shen Tao line of stools is one of modularity, that each piece of equipment can be combined with other apparatus to expand the vocabulary of potential exercises. These stools can be used in combination with the Swivels, as well as the apparatus of the Cable Systems. Each of the three generations of Stools is height adjustable, accommodates adjustable back rests, as well as removable handles. They are comfortable to touch, easy to interact with, and speedy to adjust.
3rd gen stools
The 3rd Gen stool borrows from the design influences of the bench. The base is constructed from welded, quarter-inch steel plate and covered with 3/4” woodwork.
Adjusting the height of the stool is managed by two mechanisms. A 1 ¼” Acme threaded shaft, with a height adjustment wheel, controls the stool’s elevation. The elevation is secured by compressing
a brass locking collet. This dual system serves as a safety feature, preventing the stool from lowering if it is not locked securely. Once secured, the stool is stable and can support up to 1,000 pounds.
Quick-release fixtures are built into the seat to accommodate the backrest and handle accessories. The woodwork is made from red oak, sanded to 220 grits, and finished with five coats of hand-rubbed polyurethane. Each stool is padded with ¾” closed-cell neoprene and upholstered in a faux leather fabric.
The stool’s dimensions are 24” x 18” x 16”, and it weighs 36 lbs.
2nd gen stools
The 2nd Gen stool design is an exploration of circular and cylindrical design components. It is available in either oak, maple, walnut, or cherry.
The base consists of two concentric discs, each measuring 1 ½” thick. The height-adjustable vertical component can adjust from 18” to 28”. It is fabricated from telescoping 1 ½” aluminum tubing and utilizes the same speed rail fittings used in the
Pilates Cadillac.
The stool is equipped with removable handles and a backrest that can be installed or removed in seconds. The underside of the base is covered with non-slip rubber.
It stores and ships in a container measuring 17” x 17” x 6”, and has a weight of 18 lbs.
1st gen stools
The design of the 1st generation stool incorporates a wooden “foot” on each leg to increase the stability of the base. Like the third generation, the base is constructed from welded steel plate and covered with protective oak bumpers. The height of the seat can be adjusted from 16” to 26”. A locking, quick-release pin secures the stool height. The backrest and handle accessories are interchangeable with those of the 3rd Gen stool.
back rest
The Back Rest fits securely into a tongue-and-groove fixture built into the entire line of Shen Tao Stools, and Benches. The Back Rest is used in collaboration with the Cable Systems and is used to either stabilize the upper thoracic spine, or rest firmly against the breastbone. It is height adjustable with 8” of travel. The Back Rest is padded with ¾” closed-cell neoprene and upholstered with a black faux-leather fabric.
handles
These handles serve as an accessory to both Shen Tao Benches, and Stools. The handle section is fabricated from a solid bar of 1 1/8, 6061aluminum. A 3/8-inch steel shaft is press-fitted into the handle which is covered with a 1/8-inch rubber sleeve. Once threaded into place the Handles are stable and secure with no movement, or jiggle.
