Pilates fans love the low-impact workout they get from performing graceful moves that focus on building core strength and flexibility. Pilates requires little to no equipment and can be done anywhere that you have a yoga mat handy. But for those looking to improve their Pilates performance and get even more from their workout, a Pilates ring can help. A Pilates ring, also known as the Pilates Magic Circle, is a Pilates accessory that can help intensify your workout. Read more to learn what a Pilates ring can do for you and where to find the best Pilates rings on the market.
What Is a Pilates Ring?
A Pilates ring is a lightweight, flexible ring or circle made of durable plastic. It’s a piece of workout equipment that adds resistance to your Pilates exercises. It has two padded handles on either side of the ring for your hands to grip while using. By pushing on the Pilates ring or squeezing it between your hands or legs, you create resistance for your muscles. Most Pilates ring exercises work well between your palms, arms, calves, and inner thighs. A Pilates ring is easy to use for anybody at any fitness level. It’s a Pilates accessory that enhances your workout and can easily be transported from home to gym.
Benefits of a Pilates Ring
Improves Strength
Pilates is a workout regimen that focuses on flexibility and core strength. It incorporates body weight exercises to help strengthen and elongate muscles. Therefore, you are limited by how much resistance you can obtain during a Pilates workout. A Pilates ring provides additional resistance that can make your workout more intense. Amping up the intensity and resistance during your workout helps build muscle strength. Strong muscles are essential for maintaining strong bones, preventing injury, and improving your strength for everyday activities.
Improves Balance
During certain core exercises, the Pilates ring can be used to provide extra resistance. The extra resistance forces you to balance, thereby engaging your core muscles. A Pilates magic circle forces you to work on your stability and build stronger core muscles. Strong core muscles are essential for protecting your lower back and improving your posture. By incorporating a Pilates magic circle into your Pilates routine, you’ll benefit your whole body.
Increase Heart Strength
Because a Pilates ring adds more resistance to your workout, you’ll work up more of a sweat. Cardio is any form of exercise that gets your heart rate pumping. By performing Pilates at a fast pace and increasing the intensity with a Pilates ring, you’ll get more of a cardio workout. Cardio is beneficial for keeping your heart healthy and can decrease your risk of heart disease and other health problems. Intensify your Pilates workout by using a Pilates magic circle to get your heart rate up.
Lightweight and Portable
Compared to most other workout equipment, the Pilates ring is lightweight (most weigh under a pound) and compact enough to take anywhere. You can easily store it or take it with you on the go while traveling. A lightweight, portable resistance ring is perfect for maintaining your workout routine when you’re on vacation or out of town. You’re able to get a full-body workout without having to be in the gym.
What Exercises Can You Perform With a Pilates Ring?
Arm Squeeze
To target your upper body, mainly your biceps, shoulders, and back, try the arm squeeze. Stand or sit holding the Pilates ring in front of you with your elbows bent out to the side at shoulder level. Your palms should be facing each other on either of the padded handles. Use your palms, arms, and chest muscles to squeeze the Pilates ring as hard as you are able. Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions and sets.
Inner Thigh Press
Lie on your yoga mat with your knees bent and feet pressed flat on the ground. Place the Pilates magic circle in between your thighs so that it fits comfortably. From here, use your inner thigh muscles to press inward and bring your knees as close together as possible. Make sure your feet stay on the ground the entire movement. Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions and sets.
Outer Thigh Press
Start by lying on your side with your head either lying on your arm or propped up on your elbow. The Pilates magic circle should be propped up by your lying leg, which will be inside the ring near the calf. Your upper leg will be on the outside of the ring with your lower calf resting on the padded handle. From here, press your upper leg down onto the Pilates ring. You should feel the resistance in your inner thigh muscle and possibly your glutes. Repeat the exercise for your desired number of reps and sets.
Pilates Ring Sit-Up
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on your mat. Holding the Pilates ring out in front of you with straight arms, slowly lift your head and shoulders off the ground. Use your core muscles to lift your torso off the ground until you are in a seated position. Lift your arms and the Pilates ring up above your head as you come up. Slowly lower down into the starting position and repeat the exercise for the desired number of reps and sets.
Top 8 Pilates Ring
Ready to try out a Pilates ring for yourself? Check out the selection below for our picks of the top 8 Pilates rings:
ProBody Pilates Ring
The ProBody pilates ring is a lightweight and portable Pilates magic circle. It comes with a carrying pouch for transporting from home to gym or Pilates class. The circle lies flat and adds very little volume in your gym bag. The ProBody Pilates ring measures 14 inches in diameter, which is the standard measurements for a Pilates magic circle. It’s made from plastic laminate that’s protected with a soft foam cover. The ring features sweat resistant padded handles on both the inside and outside of the ring. All padded handles are form-molded to fit comfortably in your palms and against your body during exercises. ProBody brand advertises their product as being unbreakable and promises a full money back guarantee if your Pilates ring breaks after purchase. The ProBody Pilates ring is available in multiple colors.
MANTRA Sports Pilates Ring Circle
Get a more intense Pilates workout with MANTRA Sport’s Pilates ring magic circle. It’s designed by professional Pilates instructors who ensured the ring to be studio strength. The standard 14-inch ring provides optimal tension for strengthening and toning stubborn areas of the body. Made from premium fiberglass, the MANTRA Pilates ring is 30% lighter than rings that feature steel parts. The dual EVA padded handles on the inner and outer sides of the ring offer a non-slip grip during various balance exercises. It comes with a double strap carry bag for transporting your Pilates ring to the office, gym, or during travel. Your purchase of the ring includes a colorful workout guide that shows you over 30 different exercises with descriptions on how to perform them with your ring. The MANTRA Pilates magic circle is available in three colors: black, orange, and turquoise.
RitFit Pilates Ring
RitFit Pilates ring is designed for superior comfort and function. The ring is made from lightweight, durable EVA fiberglass material with enhanced elasticity. Meaning, it won’t break and will maintain its shape after strenuous use. The ring is sleeved in soft and cushioned rubber for a sleeker feel during use. The padded handles on both the inside and outside of the ring provide cushion and comfort while you perform exercises. The foam handles are non-slip for extra safety and stability during your workout. RitFit’s pilates ring comes with its own carry case for easy transport. Its standard 14-inch diameter makes it easy to store or travel with. With your purchase you will receive an E-book guide with instructions on how to do various exercises with your Pilates magic circle. RitFit believes in their product and therefore offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure you are happy with your purchase. The RitFit Pilates ring is available in four colors: black, pink, blue, or purple.
URBNFit Pilates Ring
The URBNFit Pilates ring is a compact and versatile way to sculpt your full body. The 12-inch ring is smaller than the standard 14-15 inch diameter Pilates ring design. A smaller ring is sometimes difficult to find for this reason. However, your Pilates magic circle should measure in proportion to your height and shoulder width. Shorter individuals will benefit from a smaller, 12-inch ring. URBNFit uses lightweight, durable fiberglass material coated in a rubber sleeve. The strong materials are made to withstand the test of time without cracking or losing its shape. It features sweat resistant, non-slip foam padded handles on both sides of the ring. URBNFit Pilates ring is available in three colors: black, pink, and teal.
ProsourceFit Pilates Resistance Ring
The 14-inch total body conditioning resistance ring from ProsourceFit makes an excellent addition to your home gym Pilates setup. The durable design of the ring ensures it will withstand pressure and heavy use while maintaining its shape and form. Made from strong steel, its heavier than most lightweight rings made of fiberglass. The steel circle frame is covered in sleek rubber and features dual sided, foam padded handles. The non-slip, sweat resistant material makes this ring easy to clean and maintain. Use the Pilates magic circle for strengthening your pelvic muscles, toning your core, or improving your balance and posture. The ProsourceFit resistance ring is great for users undergoing physical rehab or beginners looking to slowly improve their strength. The resistance ring is available in multiple colors.
NAYOYA Pilates Ring
The NAYOYA Pilates ring weighs less than one pound and measures the standard 14-inch diameter. It comes with a drawstring carry bag for easy transport from your home to the gym. Use the NAYOYA resistance ring for strengthening your inner thigh muscles, working your upper body, and more. It features dual sided, foam padded handles that won’t slip while performing stability exercises. The lightweight Pilates toning ring is made from durable fiberglass that won’t break, even after strenuous use. With your purchase you’ll receive a YouTube video link to watch how to perform various exercises with your Pilates ring. The NAYOYA Pilates magic circle is available in one color and is best suited for those looking for light resistance.
Yogalo Pilates Ring and Ball Set
If you’re looking for a Pilates workout set that covers all your bases, the Yogalo Pilates Ring and Ball Set is what you need. The bundle includes a 14-inch Pilates ring, 9 inch inflated exercise ball, and 3 varying resistance bands. You’ll work your entire body and get the most intensity in your Pilates workout to work your whole body. The Pilates magic circle is made from lightweight, durable fiberglass that holds its form after multiple uses. The 360-degree foam padded handle grips fit comfortably in your hands during upper body exercises.
For intensifying your core workout, use the 9-inch PVC mini Pilates ball. It’s made from odorless PVC and comes with its own air pump for easy set up. Use the ball during your core workout to increase balance, stability, and improve overall control of your core muscles. Finally, the 3 varying resistance bands can be used for increasing your glute and leg strength. The resistance levels include light, medium, and heavy. You can build up your resistance over time and increase your strength as you progress. The resistance bands are lightweight, lie flat, and are easy to transport wherever you go.
Balanced Body Ultra-Fit Circle Pilates Ring
The Balanced Body Ultra-Fit Circle Pilates ring is a professional grade Pilates accessory made with quality standards. The ring is made from high-quality flexible plastic with a rubberized shell for durability and comfort. It features ergonomically designed dual sided, padded handles that make this ring easy and comfortable to hold. At 1.5 pounds, this Pilates magic circle weighs more than most comparable Pilates resistance circles. It is made for optimum resistance training as it is equivalent to a 3-band Spring Circle. You will get a more intense strength workout than with other Pilates rings and increase your heart rate more.
The higher resistance means you will be able to get a more intense workout, therefore burning more calories and fat. Choose from two different styles: the Ultra Fit or Mini Fit. The Ultra Fit is the standard 14-inch diameter ring that’s suitable for most people of every size. The Mini Fit is ideal for smaller users with narrow shoulders or beginners who prefer less intensity. Included with your purchase is a 15-minute training guide designed by an expert Pilates instructor. The guide demonstrates multiple exercises for use with your Pilates ring.
What To Look For in a Pilates Ring?
Quality of Strength
Make sure you read reviews for your Pilates magic circle before purchasing. Look for comments that mention the quality and durability of the ring. You will be placing a fair amount of your body weight on the ring, so it’s important it can withstand the pressure. Sturdy fiberglass and steel material are commonly used in the construction of Pilates rings as they are the most durable.
Size
You’ll also want to pay attention to the size of your Pilates ring. The standard diameter is 14 to 15 inches for most Pilates rings. For a person of average height and shoulder width, this should work just fine. However, if you are on the shorter side or have narrow shoulders, go smaller. Look for a Pilates ring that measures at 12 inches in diameter. You’ll be better able to perform exercises using the proper size ring for your body type.
Sweat Resistant Padded Handles
Whether you’re holding your Pilates circle or placing it against your other body parts, you want the handles to be comfortable. Sweat resistant, foam padded handles will ensure both comfort and safety. More padding will make using your ring more comfortable while sweat resistance will ensure safety. You don’t want to risk your hands slipping on your handle grips during an exercise. Slipping could lead to an ineffective workout and even injury.
The Takeaway
A Pilates ring can provide an extra element of resistance to your Pilates workout. It’s a convenient workout tool for intensifying your workout and creating more challenges. You’ll build more muscle, burn more calories, and improve your overall strength and stability. Look for a Pilates ring that is made with durable materials and has safety and functional features to ensure you get your best workout. Also, thanks to its lightweight and portable design you can bring your workout with you wherever you go!
