Magic Circle Reviews

The Magic Circle (also called a Pilates Ring) is one of the original tools Joseph Pilates created to help connect to your center more easily. Like everything else in Pilates, the Ring is secondary to the powerhouse and is never the main point of any exercise.

Think of the Magic Circle as an eager assistant helping the powerhouse become more efficient in its job and helping you accomplish greater results. If you feel tension outside the powerhouse (neck tension), or you become more aware of the Ring than the center of your body, you are probably devoting too much of your strength to the ring and will miss out on some of the benefits of the exercise being taught. When used properly, you will find the ring a great tool for deepening your work.

All the Magic Circles we use in our studio are made by Balanced Body, but she suggests other brands as well.

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Ultra Fit Circle

Price approximately US $35
Outside diameter 15 inches

Pros
Instructional DVD included
Light weight ring encased in rubber for comfort - nice feature if magic circle slips from its position
Handles are easy to hang on to with hands or ankles
Easy to pack

Cons
If you have reason to buy several circles the inclusion of the DVD starts to seem like a lot of unnecessary packaging. It would be nice to have the option to not receive the DVD and perhaps lower the price

Note
This is the style of Magic Circle that Pilates Anytime uses in our classes.

Alternative manufacturers for this style Stamina Pilates Magic Circle and Stott Pilates Fitness Circle

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Flex Ring Toner

Price approximately US $60
Outside diamter 14.5 inches

Pros
Durable Steel spring encased in non slip surface
Weighted Ring (5.4lbs) allows for increased challenge
Option to add handles for more comfort

Cons
Weight of ring can encourage improper muscle recruitment
Thin handles also made of steel and can be uncomfortable to some (flex ring handles available for an additional US $12 to increase comfort)

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Spring Circle

Price approximately US $70
Outside diamter 16.5 inches

Pros
Closest to Joseph Pilates original Magic Circle
It is a good weight - between the Ultra Fit and the Flex Ring toner
Options for different levels of resistance (2, 3 and 4 Spring)
The Wooden handles are padded well for comfort

Cons
If the ring slips from your grip the metal can be uncomfortable if it hits you.

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Kristi has also filmed a review of Pilates Mats.