Ahhh, the ever fun and extra omph, The Magic Circle!!! I used to have a client in the certifying studio call it "The Magic Torture Exercise". After using it once in a session, that is how she referred to it and of her own free will, would ask for the torture! We can also call it "the Ring of Fire". My clients today ask me "where's the magic?". It's a great piece of apparatus to enhance your workout! Studios that teach mat classes will often have a specific Magic Circle Mat, which is usually a little more expensive than a regular mat class. Or, if you have a teacher who really loves you, they'll just pepper it into your class (insert devilish smirk).

The Magic Circle was an apparatus that Joseph Pilates invented. We had the original ones that he made in Drago's, the certifying studio in Manhattan. The original circles didn't look intimidating until you picked one up. Then thoughts of "what the f%$@ am I going to do with this?" ran through your head! The ring part was metal, about an inch wide. It looked thin but was very strong and not easily bendable. There were two wooden handles on the outside only. If anyone if familiar with what a Magic Circle looks like nowadays, there's a stark difference. Magic Circles made today are soft and fluffy looking, in comparison. First of all, the metal isn't that strong. It's more buoyant than its predecessor. And the metal is covered in some soft, durable plastic. It has handles on the inside AND the outside that are made of foam. Yes, nice floofy foam.

Now, many different companies make this apparatus. The one I always suggest first is Gratz. That being said, they are all basically the same now, and I would suggest purchasing the best price possible. There's a teeny bopper store called "5 Below" that has a reasonable workout section, and they also sell Magic Circles. Everything in the store is five dollars! But if you're a traditionalist or authentic driven, go with Gratz. I also happen to like the one Balanced Body makes. They come in three "band" strengths and are a little more expensive.  I find the medium, two band strength closest to the feeling of the original circles. Although, I don't think I have felt their three-band version, so I can't say unequivocally.

So, what's so "magic" about this circle anyway? It's usually used to amp up your mat workout and to give you a challenge. It's definitely more for intermediate work. That being said, I've also given it to beginners. It's to kick up or enhance your Powerhouse work. It can be used either between the hands or between the ankles, depending on what area needs focus. It's always used from your Powerhouse out though your extremities. Besides adding Magic Circle to your mat there are also a sitting leg series, a standing legs series and an arm series that is usually done standing in your stance. I recently saw the Magic Circle used to teach The Wall. I never learned it that way, and I really appreciated the thought process. It's not traditional and yet so basic. Loved it!

What are your adventures with The Magic Circle? Have you yet to try? Any stories or questions? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out and share! Until next time,

Love, Light and Blessings my friends!

Julia XO