Here’s How to Use a Pilates Ring in Your Workouts
A Pilates ring, also called a magic circle, is a great prop to incorporate into your workouts. It’s super versatile and its circular shape with padded edges can be held between your arms, thighs, knees, or ankles to target specific areas. Think of it like a resistance band that has a little more structure to it.
While squeezing or pushing the circle together might not seem like it’s doing much, you’ll definitely feel a burn in your muscles after you’re done. It’s a lightweight yet mighty tool that allows you to get a bit more sweat out of your Pilates session. You’ll feel sore in places you’d never expect because it’ll hit all those tiny muscles that normally don’t get much love in other workouts.
What Is a Pilates Ring?
A Pilates ring is a circular, hollow ring that is light to carry. It typically has soft handles on the outside to provide a more secure and comfortable grip between your hands or your legs. It’s also conveniently portable and not hard on your wallet, as most range between $10 to $20.
Also, no one wants to lug dumbbells or heavy equipment around. It’s a perfect tool to pack if you want to squeeze in a resistance workout on the go or on vacation.
How to Use a Pilates Ring
Hold the Pilates ring between your hands to work your arms, squeezing it as far in as you can and release. You can also target your core by pressing the ring between your thighs while leaning back until you feel your abs light up.
Pressing the circle between your legs also targets your inner and outer thighs and glutes when you squeeze it together in small, pulsing movements.
Want to put the Pilates ring into practice? Check out these 12 Pilates ring exercises for beginners that’ll work your whole body — courtesy of Alo Moves’ instructor Tela Anderson. Once you’re done with these exercises, you’ll be convinced that a magic circle is the one fitness tool that's missing from your arsenal.
Prefer to work out with an instructor? Check out Tela Anderson’s Pilates Magic Circle Challenge class on Alo Moves. Start your free 14-day trial today.
