Ways to Use a Pilates Ring
A Pilates ring is a type of ring accessories that can be used for your Pilates workouts. There are many moves you can do with it, providing more variation in your workouts. Here are some different methods for using the Pilates ring.
Hold Onto the Ring For Roll-Ups
The Pilates ring is held in different ways in order to get a good workout from it. One good way is actually to hold onto to the ring. For example, if you are doing a typical Pilates roll-up where your legs are extended and lifted slightly, while you roll up the top part of your torso into a crunch, you would typically extend your arms up above your head. Instead of doing that, you can hold onto the ring with flat hands on either side of the handle as you lift your arms up.
Try Side Lifts With the Ring
This will work your abs and your legs for an excellent lower body workout. To do this exercise, lay on your side and place the Pilates ring between your ankles. You can now try to lift your legs with the ring in place up from the ground as much as possible. This may be a little hard to do in the beginning, but soon you will really feel the burn in your upper thighs and buttocks. You should also tighten your abs at the same time to work those abdominal muscles as well. Make sure you switch to the other side so that you work both legs evenly.
Use the Ring For Thigh Moves
This is a super easy thigh exercise you can do with your Pilates move, where it is going to work out more muscles than just your abdominals. You can lie on your back on the mat with your legs apart, putting the ring between your thighs. When you have it resting between your thighs, push them together slightly to pulsate, then release. Try to do this for about 10 reps, holding the last one for 10 seconds. Repeat as many times as you can. To also work your abs, hold your arms above your head and lift your body slightly to work your abdominal muscles at the same time.
The good thing is that these rings are usually sold with instructional booklets or DVDs that show you some different moves you can try out.
Best Pilates Ring Products