Pilates Props: What is a Pilates Magic Circle and How to Use It?

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What is a Pilates Magic Ring?

The Pilates Magic Circle, also known as a Pilates ring, fitness circle, or a resistance ring, is a versatile piece of equipment commonly utilized in Pilates workouts. Designed to enhance strength and flexibility, as well as provide support in certain exercises, this simple yet effective tool consists of a flexible ring made of durable materials, with padded grips that offer a comfortable hold during exercises. Let's explore a few key benefits to using a the magic circle:

Added Resistance

The Magic Circle can be used to add resistance to exercises to make them more challenging. This additional resistance helps in tone muscles and improve overall strength. One common example of this would be to place the ring in between your inner thighs and apply pressure to it.

Alignment and Stability Assistance

The Magic Circle is a great tool to support proper alignment and aid in stability. For example, placing the ring around your calves during footwork can help prevent your feet from pronating or placing one outer pad of the ring on your rib cage and the other on the floor during planks can provide feedback so that you stay properly lifted--it can also help support you in pushups.

Supported Stretching

Supportive stretching is a definitely a fan favorite use of the Magic Circle-- widely used as a tool to aid in stretching the backside of the legs, if you place the inside pad on the ball of your foot and hold the opposite side with your hands as you lengthen your leg, your hamstrings and calves will get that "oooooo ooooo ooooo" moment!

There are so many great and creative applications of the Pilates Magic Circle. Considering their overall application and affordability, it's a top tier tool to have to enhance your Pilates practice.