Pilates Ring Exercises: A Simple Magic Circle Routine

The Pilates ring, or magic circle, adds gentle resistance to your mat work so you feel your muscles working harder. It is light, portable and folds away. Here is a simple routine to target the inner thighs, arms, chest and core.

What a Pilates ring does

Pressing against the ring engages the target muscles more deeply. You control how hard you press, so it suits every level.

Six Pilates ring exercises

1. Inner thigh squeeze

1. Lie on your back, ring between your thighs, knees bent.
2. Press in slowly, then release with control.

2. Chest press

1. Hold the ring between your palms at chest height.
2. Press in, hold, then ease off.

3. Seated core press

1. Sit tall, ring between the palms.
2. Press in as you brace your core.

4. Standing outer thigh

1. Place the ring around your ankles.
2. Press one leg out to the side, then return.

5. Bridge with ring

1. Ring between the thighs, lift into a bridge.
2. Keep gentle pressure on the ring throughout.

6. Overhead press

1. Hold the ring overhead between the palms.
2. Press in to work the arms and shoulders.

Tips

Move slowly and control the release. Keep the pressure light while you learn, then build up.

Shop the kit

• Foldable Pilates Ring the ring used in this guide
• Pilates Ball for core and stability work
• Cork Yoga Block to support and deepen stretches

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