If you Google ‘magic circle’ without knowing what you’re looking for, the simple search might not clarify matters much.  You might end up reading about esoteric rituals or old folk tales, or even on auto parts pages, etc…but the real magic ring, the one that Yoga and Pilates trainers are looking for, works a different kind of spell…for health and fitness!

The magic circle, also called a Pilates ring, or a Winsor ring, is a simple flexible plastic structure.  What’s so magic about that, you ask?  Well…

The concept of the magic circle works on the basis of some fundamental strategies in how we deal with working the body’s various muscle groups.  Talking about terms like ‘ergonomics’ and ‘isometrics’ brings us closer to what magic circle or ring training is all about – it’s about centering the body and using balanced forces to get resistance and train muscle groups in subtle ways.

Using a magic circle or pilates ring is not like using free weights, and for the “Norse trainer” or, as some would say, the “macho man”, the appeal of tools like the magic circle might not be so obvious.  But for many who really want holistic training, an excursion into using more balance-based training options might turn out to be an improvement over hefting lots of weight with every workout.

Looking at pictures of a pilates enthusiast holding the ring like a steering wheel, or doing simple rotations, the beginner might ask: how exactly is this considered a workout?

The reason this works is that you don’t need a ton of resistance to work muscles; in fact, low-resistance activities often help many who are not at optimal fitness levels to work out in healthier ways than many weight machines accommodate.  Trainers ‘prescribe’ them to many who want to work their chest, arms, hips and thighs – exactly how much an individual works these muscle groups depends on the flexibility of the ring.  Magic pilates ring or circle work also helps to protect the back – just like the general practice of pilates, doing the correct, well-researched presses and exercises makes injury an improbable occurrence.  And besides, with the ‘magic’ pilates ring, you’ll never need a spotter to hold the bar for you!

Another pillar of pilates ring training is posture – different activities such as roll ups, seated presses and more keep the back and limbs at specific positions, and that means when you train in these activities, you’ll see an improvement in the aches and pains associated with poor posture, which can be really good for your back!

All of this leads up to the reason why they call it a “magic” circle…skeptics who take the plunge into ring exercises and other pilates principles often find that these simple workouts work wonders on a variety of bodily ills associated with blocked or improperly used muscles…and some free weights trainers even make the switch entirely to low-stress activities, choosing function and good feelings over bulky biceps.  Try some pilates ring training and see what works best for you!