Yoga props are one of the best investments if you want to make challenging poses accessible, or if you want to switch things up a bit in your practice.
Today, we will talk about a lesser-known prop – yoga rings. Also known as pilates rings or magic circles, they are perfect for those who want to challenge their muscles more during their practice.
*Note: Yoga rings are not the same prop as the yoga wheel. If you are interested in yoga wheels, read this article.
What Is A Yoga Ring?
A yoga ring is a round yoga prop similar to a hula-hoop, but much smaller.
It was first introduced in the world of Pilates, but yogis have seen it can also aid them in their practice.
The ring is primarily intended to add resistance and increase muscle activation. However, it can also be used to support you in some poses and to help you move deeper in stretches.
The simple nature of the tool allows you to experiment with it in many different ways. Usually, it has handles that allow you to hold it between your thighs, ankles, knees, and more.
Overall, it is a fantastic tool to activate or stretch the muscles that are dormant or difficult to activate with bodyweight exercise only.
8 The Best Yoga Rings
1. Balanced Body Nonslip Pilates Magic Circle
This yoga ring was inspired by the original design by Joseph Pilates1 Joseph Pilates. (2020, December 24). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Pilates, the founder of Pilates.
Just like the original version, it is made with steel, but the rubberized coating and ergonomic handles make it more comfortable to use.
The brand especially encourages using the rings to tone the waist, legs, and arms, although it can be used for many exercises.
The ring is sturdier than most others on the market and is a great piece of equipment if you are looking for something that will last long.Pros:
- Sturdy & high quality
- Follows the original design by Joseph Pilates
- A 14.5-inch diameter is multifunctional and works great for most exercises
Cons:
- Expensive
2. ProBody Pilates Magic Circle
If this is your first time trying yoga rings, the Magic Circle by ProBody may be a good choice for you.
The ring comes with a guide to a variety of exercises you can do with it, so you can try these out right away. The reviewers also say it works great for stretching and releasing muscles at home.
It comes with a carrying case so you can take it with you to the gym or an outdoor yoga routine. The grips are water resistant so you can sweat without worry, and there are five colors you can choose from.
The ring is made of foam, which increases comfort of use but some say they would prefer more resistance for muscle toning.
Pros
- Several color options
- Comes with a carry case and exercise sheet
- Great for stretching and physical therapy
Cons
- Some would prefer more resistance
3. Stott Pilates Fitness Circle Pro Exercise Ring
This is another yoga ring which is inspired by the original Magic Circle design. Just like the original, it is made from metal and doesn’t have padding or coating like most yoga rings these days.
It is also quite heavy. With all this in mind, we would recommend this ring to those who are looking for a more challenging workout, and want a durable and reliable piece of equipment.
There are grips on both the internal and external sides of the ring, which allow you to be more creative with your workouts, for example, you can do both adduction and abduction movements.
Pros
- Ideal for a challenging workout
- Durable steel construction
- Inner and outer grips
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners
4. URBNFit Pilates Ring Fitness Circle
This pilates ring is more compact than the others on our list, measuring 12 inches in diameter.
The interior is made with fiberglass, so the ring won’t bend much, giving you ample resistance. This also makes it durable.
However, the ring is comfortable to use thanks to the rubber sleeve, so it won’t feel too hard on your body. The foam pads further cushion your moves and are sweat-resistant.
It is available in three colors and comes with a useful instruction manual with exercises.
Pros:
- Durable fiberglass construction
- Multiple color options
- Good amount of resistance
Cons:
- Some would prefer the classic 14-diameter
5. Gaiam Pilates Ring
The longstanding yoga brand Gaiam also has its take on the yoga ring. This one is a bestseller on Amazon, offering a durable build, non-slip foam handles, and an accessible price.
You’ll get a downloadable exercise guide with the ring so you can get started right away.
The ring has a larger diameter than most, measuring 15”. It is sturdy but lightweight and comfortable to use.
Pros:
- Secure grip
- Great value
- Lightweight and durable
Cons:
- If you have a smaller frame the diameter may be too wide for you
6. ProsourceFit Pilates Resistance Ring
This yoga ring is made from steel, offering great durability and resistance.
It measures 14 inches in diameter and has soft foam handles for more comfort and improved ease of use.
There are four different color options, and the ring is more budget-friendly than other metal rings on this list. It works great for both resistance training and stretching.
Pros:
- Good amount of resistance
- Great value for money
- Four color options
Cons:
- Steel makes it heavy
7. Yxilee Pilates Ring Set
We love this set because it includes a yoga ring but also a yoga strap, gym bag, grip socks, and resistance bands, giving you more options to experiment with your workouts.
The included workout guide will help you discover everything you can do with the set, so you can use it straight out of the box.
The ring itself comes with foam padding for comfort but offers ample resistance. The handles are made with non-slip materials for a firm grip.
Overall, a fantastic set to jumpstart your at-home workout sessions.
Pros:
- Includes tons of extra equipment for your workouts
- Fantastic value for money
- The ring is padded and comfortable
Cons:
- Not for those who only want a yoga ring
8. Trideer Pilates Ring
The Trideer ring has a smaller 12-inch diameter, perfect if you want to use it for both your arms and legs. The smaller diameter increases resistance for many workouts.
The small size and light weight make this ring a good option if you want something you can take with you to the gym.
It works well for both stretching and strengthening exercises and offers a good amount of tension to challenge your workouts.
Pros:
- A smaller diameter is more suitable for petite users
- Non-slip handles
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Some users don’t like the cracking sound the ring makes when in use
5 Yoga Ring Tips
You can experiment with a yoga ring in whichever way you’d like, but here are some tips that will make your exercise the most effective:
- Activate your core – keep your lower back and abs engaged while doing yoga ring exercises. This will stabilize you in the pose and also increase core strength and muscle activation.
- Controlled movements – when you are squeezing and releasing the ring do it slowly and with control. If you release using momentum, your muscles won’t work nearly as much.
- Breathe – maintain a conscious breath like in any yoga practice, to maintain control and good form. Inhale when you prepare, and exhale when you do maximum effort (e.g. inhale when releasing, exhale when squeezing)
- Adjust the resistance – the difficulty of an exercise will depend on how hard you squeeze the ring. Find a level that challenges you but doesn’t strain you or compromise your form.
- Avoid the joints – don’t place the rings directly on joints or bony areas, like your knees or ankles. Support your contact points on a yoga mat.
Exercises You Can Do With A Yoga Ring
You can use a yoga ring with many yoga poses, but here are a couple of examples.
You can do the Bridge Pose, holding the ring between your inner thighs. This will activate your inner thighs and core more, making the pose more challenging.
In the same pose, you can hold the ring between your palms to activate your triceps more.
You can also do the Chair Pose with a ring between your thighs to challenge more muscle groups.
The same position of the rings can increase tension in your core workouts like the Boat Pose – and you can also hold it between your palms for an additional challenge.
Wrapping Up
If you want to increase resistance, deepen your stretches, or improve your alignment in workouts, yoga rings are a great prop for you.
They are inexpensive pieces of equipment that can be used in a variety of ways, and can also aid in rehabilitation. I think it is a particularly good option if you are also doing Pilates or other workouts along with yoga.
We hope our guide helped you find the perfect yoga ring for you.
And if you’re keen on getting more props for your yoga routine, these other guides may help:
