I’m Sold on the Benefits of Pilates Rings for Levelling Up Home Workouts – 6 I Have My Eye On
It’s time to get familiar with the "Magic O"
It's come to my attention that Pilates rings are a brilliant way to level up your home workouts. It’s undeniable that Pilates has taken the world by storm in recent years, and you can see the appeal. If the low-impact, high-reward effect of the workout wasn’t enough to draw you in, the chic Pilates outfits and mental wellbeing boost are sure to.
The practice has become so popular, in fact, that studios are steadily increasing their Pilates offering. So what's so great about the sweat session, then? In short, how effective it promises to be, without being high impact. You see, I injured my ankle a few years ago, which meant I could no longer bank my trusty runs or HIIT sessions. Nope - I had to slow my workouts way down, and Pilates offered *just* the right level of intensity without damaging my still-delicate joints. Incorporating a Pilates ring into my workout seems like the natural next step in boosting my practice (and at under £20 for the most part, it's an affordable addition), but this funny-looking tool takes some getting used to.
Of course, investing in kit for your home workouts isn't essential, but will make the whole experience more enjoyable (not to mention effective). We've rounded up the best Pilates leggings, longline bras, Pilates tops, unitards and grippy Pilates socks to wear for your session, and next up? Pilates tools to make your workout go that one step further in the comfort of your own home, such as home Pilates kits, Reformer machines, Pilates bars, Pilates sliders, ankle weights and, of course, Pilates rings.
Below, I get the expert take of Sabrina Kelly, Head of Pilates at MoreYoga, as she shares what exactly a Pilates ring is and how to use it. Below that, I've done all the hard work for you and rounded up the most highly-rated Pilates ring options currently available to shop. You are very welcome.
Pilates rings: Quick shopping links
- ProBody Pilates Ring | £21.95 at Amazon
- Phoenix Fitness Pilates Ring | £11.99 at Amazon
- URBNFit Pilates Ring | £34.30 at Amazon
- Fitness Mad Pilates Ring | £13.98 at Amazon (save 44%)
- Align Pilates Pro Pilates Ring | £43.99 at Align Pilates
- CampTeck Pilates Ring | £11.59 at Amazon
What is a Pilates ring?
Joseph Pilates (yes, the inventor of Pilates, the practice) also created the Pilates ring. “Also known as the Magic O, the Pilates ring is a circle made from various materials, with dual grips on either side for stability” Kelly tells me. “The circle is used to push against and squeeze, creating resistance in a Pilates workout. This small prop is particularly beneficial for Pilates mat work, supporting and intensifying your workout.”
How does a Pilates ring improve your workout?
Kelly points out that there are a number of benefits to adding a Pilates ring to your workout, which she’s listed below:
- Helps to engage muscles in and around the pelvis including the pelvic floor, deep abdominals, glutes, and inner thighs.
- Is great for core strength.
- Is great for toning and sculpting muscles.
- Is stabilising for hypermobility.
- Helps to improve balance in standing Pilates exercises.
- Increases the burn and up-levels a workout.
Shop the best Pilates rings:
1. Most highly-rated Pilates ring
This Pilates ring has a 4.5-star rating from an impressive 9,303 reviews, so we can assume it's a pretty popular model. The mid-range price point is attractive, and I'm a fan of the handy travel bag it comes with. It features dual-sided padded non-slip handles and a lightweight yet super strong frame which customers praise for its high quality. Oh, and it comes with a handy poster which shows you some example exercises you can practice with your Pilates ring.
2. Best affordable Pilates ring
If you're after an entry-level, low-commitment Pilates ring to get you started, look no further. At £11.99, it's extremely affordable for beginners - but that doesn't mean it scrimps on quality. With a 4.3-star rating from over 600 reviews, customers love how great value for money this model is, finding it easy to use - but perhaps slightly less sturdy than pricier rings.
3. Best lightweight Pilates ring
This Pilates ring is unique in that it has an inflatable design, which makes it super lightweight and easy to transport. Whether you're planning on taking it on holiday or to the gym, the compact design is super portable. The foam padding and grippy handles will make it incredibly comfortable to use too.
4. Best Pilates ring for beginners
Kelly has named this Pilates ring her ultimate choice for beginners thanks to the rubber material used. It's on the pricier side, but rest assured that this Pilates ring comes expert-approved. The thick foam padding ensures a comfortable grip, and the 14inch size is perfect for working out all areas of the body.
5. Best Pilates ring for pros
Are you a little more advanced in your Pilates practice? You could probably do with a sprung steel Pilates ring, which Kelly says offers increased resistance for a more intense workout. This one from Align Pilates is her model of choice.
6. Best colourful Pilates ring
If you're after a fun, no-frills design, this colourful option from CampTeck is perfect. It's just over £10, so super affordable, and offers light to medium resistance to your Pilates workout. I'm a fan of the purple colour, but it also comes in a sleek black - IMO, it looks far more expensive than it actually is.
How to choose the best Pilates ring?
According to Kelly, the type of Pilates ring you choose depends on how advanced you are in your practice. There are two types of rings to choose from. “For beginners, the rubber-like material is best,” she says, and for advanced Pilates movers, “the sprung steel is great for extra strength and a more intense workout”.
