The Pilates Magic Circle

The Magic Circle goes by many names, including Fit Circle, Spring Circle, and Pilates Ring. If you ask some of my clients, however, they may call it the Circle of Death or the Torture Wheel. Most people have a love-hate relationship with this apparatus because it really makes you feel the burn. Once in a while the odd person will ask to include the circle into the class, causing most of the others to groan and sarcastically comment about how excited they are to use it. Still, much like all of Joseph Pilates’ apparatus, the Magic Circle will help improve your strength and control, and help you find deeper connections within your body. 

The Story of the Magic Circle

It’s often said (though unproven) that the inspiration for the Magic Circle was the band from a beer barrel. Rather, it was inspired by the tensometer, a device that Joseph Pilates patented in 1937 as an ‘Exercising Apparatus’. According to the patent, the tensometer was designed for “developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters.”

Further in the patent description, it states that a further feature of the tensometer “is in the provision of an exercising device that is broadly applicable substantially to all parts of the body and limbs by merely changing the contact elements in conformity with the location of application.”

Yes, it’s a little wordy, but it was written almost 100 years ago after all! Just like the apparatus that inspired it, the Magic Circle is also extremely versatile with a diverse range of uses in (or out) of your Pilates practice. 

The Magic Circle Today

You can find Magic Circles available all over the place, like Pilates equipment manufacturers, fitness stores, and Amazon. I even saw some in my grocery store last summer! They come in various sizes and are usually plastic, though some are made of metal. There are slight variations in style, and a huge range in pricing, so do your research before buying the first one you see. It’s a great piece of equipment though, because it takes up very little space while offering a lot of options to make use of it. 

How to Use the Magic Circle

In Pilates, we use the Magic Circle to add resistance and challenge your balance and control. You can hold it out in front of you, squeeze it between your legs or ankles, or place it on the floor to push down on in a variety of ways. It really increases the challenge of many exercises, which is why everyone groans when it comes out. The Magic Circle is guaranteed to help you find the burn! 

I’m one of those people who loves “the burn”, but I also love how this apparatus helps me to find better connections in my body. My roll-up and open leg rocker feel so much smoother when I incorporate the Magic Circle. As an instructor, I like to use it with clients to help them feel those connections but also to achieve things they may be struggling with. 

I was browsing Instagram to see how other teachers use the Magic Circle, and there is so much creativity! There are ways to incorporate it into workouts on the mat, reformer, and even the cadillac/tower. I also know a former professional hockey goalie who insists a Magic Circle is a must-have in any goalie’s hockey bag. It’s an excellent tool for everyone. 

A Surprising Way to Use the Magic Circle

A client of mine came to me with an odd Magic Circle story not too long ago. They had purchased a small reformer for at home from Marketplace, and the seller threw in a Magic Circle. When they went to pick up the equipment, the woman did an “aggressive” demonstration of pressing the Circle into the side and front of her head. My client wanted to know if she was crazy or if the exercises were for real. 

If you look up the Magic Circle on social media, you’ll find inspiration and a good laugh. There are lots of memes out there, including this one: “The Magic Circle hates you, too.” Whether you love the challenge or just love to hate it, there is no doubt the Magic Circle will test you time and again.