’I’m A Pilates Instructor—This Exercise Ring Keeps Me Toned and Strong'

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If this year could be defined by one exercise, I'd say it's safe to call it the year of Pilates. And if you're a fan of the low-impact workout, you've probably already heard of Pilates rings. Commonly referred to as a magic circle, this piece of equipment is a structured, circular resistance band. They're super easy to use anywhere and are more affordable than snagging a Pilates reformer for your home gym. Plus, they can level up just about any Pilates exercise.

What are Pilates rings designed to do? "They add resistance, which makes your muscles work harder, and create instability, allowing you to engage your core," says Alysia Pope Ehret, a certified Pilates instructor. As Ehret puts it, your core is the "powerhouse" of any Pilates workout, and a ring allows you to target your abs.

Best Pilates Rings

But, don't get it twisted—Pilates rings can be used for any muscle group. "The ring's simplicity means you can use it for several exercises, from squats and upper body exercises to legs and core exercises," says Erica Walters, a certified Pilates instructor and studio owner. "Hold it between the muscle groups you want to exercise, squeeze, and release." It's a simple way to tone up and add strength work to your fitness regime, but the first step is knowing what size and materials are best given it can affect resistance and how moves are executed.

What to consider

Size

A Pilates ring that is 14 to 15 inches is usually the standard size for most people, but it all comes down to your height and personal preference. Petite women may find a smaller Pilates ring accommodates their size better, but ultimately everyone can use the standard size to execute moves. Too large Pilates rings may get in the way of movement, which will not make the exercise effective.

If you prefer a much smaller ring, it's important to note it's not technically considered a Pilates ring. "They are fitness accessories better suited for yoga or stretching exercises," says Walters. "These props are made of hard plastic and can't be used for resistance training."

Material

Pilates rings are mostly made with foam, silicone, or steel. Each material offers different resistance and weight, so it's important to determine your skill level and strength threshold. For context, resistance is how your muscles contract and react to force during a workout. Generally, silicone and foam Pilates rings will be best for beginners or intermediate levels seeking light to medium resistance. Another perk of silicone is it's odor-resistant while foam can easily be cleaned—no one wants smelly equipment! Our top pick, the Balanced Body Pilates Ring, is made of steel and should be reserved for advanced users (or need a challenge!).

How We Chose

To find the best Pilates rings, Women's Health fitness commerce editor Nicolette Accardi researched highly rated options. Our team also consulted certified Pilates instructors to find the best Pilates rings for every preference, from size to materials. Read on for our guide on the best Pilates rings to get ripped (one could hope!).

Pilates Ring

Have you heard that saying when something isn't broken, don't fix it!? The same goes for the original Pilates ring. After sifting through plenty of Pilates rings, our team decided the Balanced Body Pilates Ring is the best given it's identical to the OG made by Joesph Pilates (a true king).

It's made of hardcore steel but has a luxury upgrade with a rubberized coating and slender handle design. It's more designed for advanced Pilates queens given it has a steel build and high resistance.

The 15-inch Pilates ring can handle a variety of exercise, but is most efficient for moves aimed at toning and slimming the waist, arms, and legs given the high resistance. Testers describe it as sturdy, challenging, and high-quality, which is everything you could want!

Read more: Best Pilates Reformers

Pilates Ring

At just under $15, the lightweight Gaiam Pilates Ring has us whipped. Despite its bargain price tag, it's no shock it's a bestseller on Amazon. We're wooed by its non-slip foam handles, downloadable exercise guide, and flexible resistance when compressed. It's proof a low price doesn't skimp on quality.

It shares the same aesthetic and size as our favorite ProBody Pilates Magic Circle. But, it's more optimal for beginners or intermediate levels since it's made of medium-resistance foam.

Testers say its foam and resistance are light enough for pelvic floor exercises and recovery. Summer Hall, a certified Pilates instructor, recommends doing a move called the teaser.

"One must inhale the pelvic floor and belly button in and up to roll up to the position while squeezing the magic circle with their feet," says Hall. This move will work not only the pelvic floor, but the core, inner thighs, and glutes, she says. We love a four-in-one toning session!

Magic Circle

We love that the 14-inch ProBody Pilates Magic Circle is beginner-friendly and is used by Ehret for at-home workouts. It's made with lightweight foam and sweat-resistant padded handles for easy maneuvering. But, it still has enough resistance for a challenge.

It features a sheet of helpful exercises if you're a complete newb to Pilates, one being a glute bridge. Hall says this move focuses on building glute and outer thigh strength, which is "required for many higher-level exercises." Coupled with its light to medium resistance, you'll be using a steel Pilates ring in no time.

Toning Pilates Ring

If toning up is on your radar, the 14-inch BetterMe Pilates Ring is constructed for optimal resistance without the added weight of steel (like the Balanced Body Pilates ring). Its foam is lightweight yet stiff for a tougher workout—similar to the Gaiam Pilates Ring. There are padded handles for easy gripping when busting a move, too.

Testers say it's challenging enough that they feel the burn, although it could use a bit more flexibility. Plus, the pastel color palette is an added brownie point! It's also important to note the brand warns to go easy when applying pressure to maintain longevity.

Pilates Ring

The UrbnFit Pilates Ring is one of the smallest models we've seen at only 12 inches. It's best for users who can't get a full range of motion with regular-sized Pilates rings or often use one to stretch.

It's also made with sweat-resistant foam and features hand grips—like the ProBody Pilates Magic Circle. One main difference, though, is this one is coated with fiberglass to prevent cracking. That means it can withstand all your moves from thigh squeezes to stretching for years.

It's highly rated at an affordable price (and a bestseller on Amazon!) with testers highlighting its durability, resistance, and compact size. Some also say it's stiff, which means the resistance might be too much for beginners.

Meet The Experts

• Alysia Pope Ehret is a certified Pilates instructor based in Los Angeles, California.

• Erica Walters is a certified Pilates instructor and owner of Pilates Fit Studio in Pewee Valley, Kentucky.

• Summer Hall is a certified Pilates instructor and founder of Pilates Centered in Boca Raton, Florida.

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