Of all the different workouts I do, Pilates workouts have quickly become my favorite over the past few months. I’ve been dabbling in this practice for about nine years, but I’ve never been able to stick to it consistently. And (as we all know) when it comes to fitness, consistency is key.That’s why, when MC UK When senior health editor Allie Head asked me to write a review of a Pilates ring, I jumped at the chance.
You see, these days I can’t go a few days without going to a Pilates class – whether it’s online (most of the time) or IRL. I’ve long been a fan of Reformer’s Pilates and his classes, where the deep stretches are perfect for tight hip flexors (grateful, running, spinning), unstable alignment, and less than ideal flexibility. I feel that there is.
However, I had never thought of including equipment in my at-home Pilates training until now. I thought they were all heavy and expensive, like the home reformer Pilates machines that are currently popular. But Pilates his ring is not. Pilates rings start from around £7.99 and can help you increase the intensity of your home workouts and enjoy the many benefits of Pilates.
So here’s a question. Could this little kit really add value on the mat? I couldn’t wait to find out.Read on to find out how I succeeded – and while you’re here, read my guide to the best Pilates exercises for beginners to find out the truth behind the claims that Pilates can transform your body One of the things you might be interested in knowing if and how MC UKShe tried out a Pilates slider workout for two weeks and health writers loved it. Don’t miss our guides to the best Pilates wear, the best Pilates tops, grippy socks and unitards, and the best ankle and wrist weights.
My honest Pilates ring review? I have some thoughts
What is a Pilates ring?
A Pilates ring, also known as a magic circle or Pilates circle, is essentially a hollow circular ring with a padded handle (think padded handle).
“The Pilates magic circle, or ring of fire (as I call it in class), is a small, light metal or plastic ring with a foam pad on each side, about 13 inches in diameter.” instructor and founder of Pilates explains. East of Eden, Abbie McLachlan. “It can be used to add an extra challenge to Pilates exercises on a mat or reformer, offering a variety of benefits and being used in a variety of ways, which is great for such a small and inexpensive piece of equipment.”
Lightweight and small in size, Pilates rings can be used to enhance or modify and assist movement. It’s also a space-saving way to recreate the movements with equipment at home, mimicking the resistance feel of a reformer (because you have the space). It’s a complete reformer machine, right?)
What are the benefits of using a Pilates ring?
Pilates rings may look harmless, but they’re small but mighty when it comes to benefits, and they pack a decent punch. Before starting the challenge, I asked McLachlan what he expected.
1. Add intensity to your movements
“There are many benefits to adding magic circles to your Pilates workout,” says McLachlan. MC UK. “This increases the intensity of the exercise even more. For example, try between your inner thighs to work your adductors, or your outer thighs if you want to work your abductors. .”
If you’ve ever experienced the infamous Pilates shake, using a Pilates ring on something like a dead bug or fire hydrant will increase the resistance and make the shake even louder.
2. Provide feedback on your practice
One of the (few) downsides to working out at home is that unless you’re a seasoned pro, it’s hard to tell if you’re performing the movements correctly. Consider Pilates becoming a virtual coach.
“Circles help you establish better posture,” says McLachlan. “Plus, you can get valuable feedback on specific exercises. If you’re finding it difficult to align, try using the rings to keep you level. For example, during reformer lunges, Placing one hand on the ring on the outside of your bent leg will help keep your hips level.
@amandablauerpilates ♬ Punto 40 – Rau Alejandro & Baby Rasta
3. It requires coordination and balance.
As if Pilates techniques weren’t enough, smart use of rings can help you work even harder the muscles that are most important for stabilization.
“If you want to challenge your coordination and balance during your practice, try extending your arms in front or behind you while training your legs,” advises McLachlan. “Whether on the mat or on the reformer, it adds an extra challenge to your balance while also building core strength.”
Will I see results within 2 weeks?
So far so tempting, but will I really notice a difference within two weeks? Experts are optimistic that I very likely will too.
“If you use the ring every day, there’s a good chance you’ll see results within two weeks,” says Pilates coach Stacey Weeks. “This is one of the most beneficial pieces of kit you can use at home. After two weeks of daily use, you’ll start to get stronger, more flexible, and start to see some form.”
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What kind of workouts can I use the Pilates ring for?
Now that you’ve got your ring, you’re ready to get started. So we asked experts for advice on how to incorporate rings into your regular Pilates practice. And there’s good news too. Easy to add to any session.
“You can add a magic circle to every Pilates session if you wish,” advises McLachlan. “Even better, Pilates is a low-impact workout that doesn’t require as much recovery between sessions and can be done more often than other forms of exercise.”
A very versatile piece of kit, this ring is perfect for incorporating into classic Pilates movements such as the Hundred (my personal favorite), back extensions, chest extensions, and leg circles.
I have been using the Pilates ring for 2 weeks – here is my honest review
1st week
I usually do my Pilates workout on Mondays, so I started my first day by searching for a 10-minute Pilates ring workout. There are tons of great (free!) Pilates workouts online that you can do at home. He figured 10 minutes was a good amount of time to ease himself, so he focused on form and technique, working the inner thighs with leg squeezes (holding the ring between your thighs) and Pilates rollups (holding the ring between your front shoulders). I trained my core by holding it at a high height. my) and back, lying in front with arms outstretched (upright circle with one pad on the mat).
First of all, let me say that this challenge was a humbling experience for me. I was pretty confident in my strength and fitness level, so I naively thought I’d be able to smoothly move from move to move and complete each rep like a pro.Reader, that’s a big deal. do not have what happened. Normally, with the ring, I’m pretty comfortable and happy working through sets of 10, but I was having a hard time hitting his 3 reps. Who would have thought something so small could be so effective?
Yes, I’m an expert. “There’s a reason it’s known as the Ring of Fire,” Weeks reassured me. With this in mind, I vowed to go back to basics and choose a beginner class for my next session. Realizing that Pilates is small, technical movements that target small muscle groups, I adopted a less-is-more approach for the rest of the week. And once I left my ego at the door, I started to feel like I could really do this.
I included ring-based mat work in my weekly reformer class. I didn’t necessarily feel like I had trained hard (in other words, I wasn’t drenched in sweat), but my muscles could tell. At least DOMS doesn’t lie. I immediately experienced pain.
Anna uses a Pilates ring during a two-week challenge
(Image credit: Anna Barter)
2nd week
Frustratingly, I started the second week with a nasty recurring injury to my left hip while running over the weekend. I’m not sure how my body will react to practice. Luckily, I’m in one-on-one classes, so I’m confident I won’t do anything that will make the problem worse. And that night, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my lower back felt somewhat looser. It still hurts.
However, I also tweaked intercostal space Muscles (muscles between the ribs) – Waking up in the middle of the night with sharp pain in your ribs is not ideal, so seek professional advice.
McLachlan suggests using the ring to aid in stretching, rather than specifically for training. This is a great idea. “You can also use the ring to do some nice stretches,” she told me. “Lie on your back with the balls of your feet against a ring to ease your hamstrings, or move one leg out to the side or across your body to stretch your adductors and IT band.”
As someone who recently learned (the hard way) the importance of stretching after a workout, this is music to my ears. I spend the rest of the week listening to my body and how it feels instead of trying to force myself to achieve it. training.
Should I continue using the Pilates ring?
That’s a yes for me – in fact, I went out and purchased it – proof of how effective I believe it is. Whether you’re a runner, a yogi, or just looking to recover from an injury, magic circles are truly magical. But watch out for yourself – not your ego, amigo.
You can purchase MC UK’s popular Pilates kit here
Adanora Ultimate Stirrup Leggings
Get it from us – these are an absolute dream to work out with. Soft, squat-resistant and perfectly stretchy, they’re similar to the Adanola Ultimate Leggings, but with a Pilates-inspired twist on the stirrup leg shape.
This great value set has everything you need to start practicing Pilates, including balls, rings, and resistance bands. You may never have to go to an IRL class again.
sweaty betty barre gripper socks
Are you sliding around during your workout? Try Sweaty Betty’s slip-resistant socks. Designed for ballet, it’s equally suitable for Pilates, yoga, and more.
