jo.com's Full Review: Stamina Pilates Magic Circle
Although I have taken Pilates classes for quite some time my previous instructors never used accessories or props. We now belong to PowerHouse gym. One of the Pilates instructors uses props for almost every exercise she does. There are two types of rings that are available for our use. I reviewed the
Yoga and Pilates Ring by Stamina. Other companies such as Power Systems make them as well. I am reviewing the Pilates Magic Circle by Stamina. Not really a coincidence but I took a class this morning called Having a Ball. It uses the Stability Ball but the instructor also uses this Magic Circle a lot. I will give you one a couple of the exercises we did this morning.
About Pilates:
I think it will be helpful to have some information in order to understand the Magic Circle.
Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) is something like a cross between yoga, stretching and calisthenics. Pilates:
Pilates is a body mind exercise system developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates approximately 80 years ago. Born to a Greek father and German mother, Joseph was a sickly child. He suffered from Rheumatic Heart Disease and other afflictions. In order to strengthen himself, he became physically active.
While Pilates helps with flexibility, posture and strength, it is not much of a cardio or strength training workout, so it should be an add-on to a regular routine.
What makes Pilates different from Yoga is that it is more dynamic. In many moves, you hold your torso in place while moving your limbs in different directions, which challenges your balance, core strength, stability and flexibility. You will hear instructors talk about transverse muscles. Working on these muscles is the basics of Pilates. Transversus Abdominals run across the abdomen in an east to west direction. We also work the rectus abdominus which run north to south and the oblique abdominals which are two layers run diagonally across the abdomen.
What is the Magic Circle?
Joseph Pilates himself invented the circle. It was not made of the same material as our modern ones but the concept of building core strength, flexibility and balance were the same. Of course it looked a bit different than our modern day ones but the versatility and the ability to take anywhere remain the same. The Magic Circle provides resistance when I would not have it otherwise and gives me the ability to improve muscle strength. Pilates does not get easier, I just get stronger.
The Magic Circle because of its design is considered a bit more advanced than the Yoga and Pilates Circle. It is not quite as flexible as the Yoga and Pilates Circle and it does not have the padded grips. Instead the Magic Circle is made of steel and covered with a synthetic rubber coating. The coating is soft but this is certainly less flexible thus more difficult that the Yoga and Pilates Ring. I have found them to be really durable. They do not break even when flexed frequently. I think it would break if you ran over it with your car. It is not that durable.
Other than the material of the Magic Circle itself its grips also differs from the Yoga and Pilates Circle. The grips are made of molded plastic. There are advantages and disadvantages to these grips. First they are not as comfortable as the soft cushioning of the Yoga and Pilates Circle to hold. They do not hurt and gloves are not needed but it feels very different. The grip is curved and is on both sides of the Magic Circle. So essentially you have 4 pieces of grip on the Circle. The good news is that it is molded thus curved on both sides. What this does it make the Magic Circle easier, in my opinion, to grip, especially when you are using your legs or are in a position where you have to slip the Circle on while bending over. This is called the Downward Dog position in Yoga but in Pilates we do this and put the ring between our shins for resistance and stretching at the same time.
The Magic Circle is 14 inches in diameter and costs $30.
It weighs less than 2 pounds. That is $10 more than the Yoga and Pilates Circle. The Magic Circle is particularly helpful for inner thighs, arms and chest but in class we use it in a whole host of ways.
Ok Personal Trainer, Perform Some Magic:
I have listed several exercises in my review of the Yoga and Pilates Circle. The Magic Circle is considered a more advanced prop so the following will be more difficult than those listed in my previous review.
Sit on the floor or a mat with the Magic Ring in front of your. Each hand will hold each grip. Raise the Circle in front of you and squeeze as you lift your legs slightly and hold in your abdominal muscles. If this is too difficult just raise one leg at a time.
Lie across a stability ball with your abdomen right on it. Put your feet through the inside of the Magic Circle so your shins are pressing against the grips. Keep your hands on the floor and your head tilted down so you are not straining your neck. Lift your legs slightly and hold. If you can do this, the after you lift them bend them while squeezing the Magic Ring.
My Final Thoughts:
The Magic Ring is portable and well made. Virtually all body parts can be worked. It will help your with your core (transverse muscle) stability and control, improve flexibility and challenge your core strength. As I said we use it in other toning/conditioning classes. You can travel with it or just keep it under your bed or couch and bring it out when you are watching television and practice some of your core movements that you will learn with the video that comes with this.
Stamina warranties this product for 90 days.
If you can get to a Pilates class or any class that uses the Magic Ring I would highly recommend it. I hope this has been helpful to you. Feel free to leave a comment, question or e-mail me privately.
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