The Pilates Circle is an eye-catching Pilates contraption that lives up to its name. Also known as the Pilates Magic Circle or the Pilates Ring, it is a small ring made of tempered steel. It is flexible yet sturdy enough to be squeezed without breaking apart.
The product is equipped with padded hand grips and the ring creates resistance when it is squeezed. Although attached with handgrips, the rings can also be used to exercise the thighs and the ankles. Using the ring becomes more challenging if the user pushes the handgrips closer together. You will most likely spot the Magic Rings in any Pilates studio.
You’ll be surprised at how many exercises can be performed with the Pilates Circle. Instructors in professional Pilates studios use the Pilates Circle to increase the difficulty and intensity of many Pilates exercises.
Using the Magic Rings will help tone the arms, shoulders, chest, thighs, glutes, and calves. The Pilates Ring is generally low-cost, so you can use it at home to deliver fast results. However, the user must realize that the Magic Circle is not merely intended to challenge the user and increase the difficulty of the workout.
Don’t be tempted to break the circle. The Pilates Circle is also intended to help the user be aware of the muscles used in a workout. Since Pilates is all about alignment and positioning, this can be the tool to assist the user in assuming the right posture.
The Pilates Circle is also a perfect travel companion. It is not bulky at all but it is definitely heavy-duty exercise equipment. Most on-the-go users would opt for the rubber Magic Ring, although the conventional metal ring is still light and portable enough.
You can position the pads of the Pilates Circle either inside or outside the circle. Most users would add to both sides to increase the versatility of the exercise gadget.
The ideal exercise with the Pilates Circle is the inner thigh pulse. This exercise tones the abductor muscles or inner thighs, which is one of the most difficult muscles to target. Start by lying on your back and bending your knees. Your feet should be flat on the floor.
Put the Pilates Circle between your thighs, preferably an inch above your knees. Place the handles on the side of the ring that’s against your thighs. Press your legs together against the ring while tightening your abdominal muscles. Keep the lower back flat on the floor. Relax your thigh muscles and repeat the process, until you reach 100-150 repetitions.