subject: The Pilates Magic Circle [print this page] If you find yourself running around in circles, always out of time for a workout, use the Magic Circle to stay in shape. The Magic Circle is the perfect answer to any workout blues. Small enough to fit into your travel bag, you get to keep this body-toning equipment in the comfort of your home for days when you just cannot make it to the gym. This is the most original solution to keeping fit no matter how busy you are or wherever it is that you are.
The flexible ring, which has two padded handles to ensure you do not end up with unsightly marks on your skin, provides firm resistance and is great for toning the muscles. Roughly the size of a car's steering wheel and under 1kg in weight, it can be packed easily when you travel.
For all fans of traditional Pilates, which involves matwork as well as machines such as the Reformer, the use of this fitness equipment is a must-have and a must-do. The Magic Circle gives your regular routine added resistance training (much like using weights), thus helping to pump up the intensity of your all regular Pilates workouts. It is very handy and it can give you the body results that you crave with little time to spare and in the privacy of your own home.
What do you know - the Magic Circle enhances all Pilates exercises by giving you the same benefits of your regular Pilates classes but by adding greater intensity and oomph to your series of workouts. You will enjoy developed balance and muscle control, a stronger powerhouse, a more defined chest, arms, legs and butt, better posture, and... "best of all, it strengthens areas that are the hardest to get at such as the pelvic floor muscles and the inner thighs".
Try the series of three Magic Circle exercises described here for a firmer, fitter you in under 3 minutes each day:
MAGIC CIRCLE ARMS
What it works: Arms, shoulders, chest
How to do it: Sit on the floor, legs crossed in front of you and upper body erect. Flexing the core region and pulling the shoulders down towards your hips, hold the Magic Circle in front of you with the palms of your hands on the handles and fingers extended. Exhale as you squeeze the Magic Circle in a few, short pulses. Inhale as you release. Repeat 10 times.
MAGIC CIRCLE LEGS
What it works: Hips, thighs
How to do it: Lie on your left side, body in a straight line from neck to feet, and lift your upper body off the floor by placing your left forearm on the floor. Stabilising yourself with both palms on the ground, hold the Magic Circle between your ankles and squeeze it as you exhale. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds and release as you inhale. Repeat 10 times on each side.
MAGIC CIRCLE BRIDGE
What it works: Core, buttocks
How to do it: Lie on your back, knees bent and feet placed hip-width apart. With your arms by your sides, hold the Magic Circle between your knees. As you exhale, flex the abdominal muscles and slowly lift your hips and then the lower back off the floor. Keep your neck and shoulders relaxed as your legs squeeze the Magic Circle. Exhale as you slowly return to the start position. Repeat five times.
