• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Di Hickman

discover how to live your yoga, and love life

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • My Yoga Journey
    • About Me
  • Virtual Yoga Classes
  • Connect
    • Press
      • Media Kit
  • Resources
    • Sign up
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • My Yoga Journey
  • Connect
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • My Yoga Journey
    • About Me
  • Virtual Yoga Classes
  • Connect
    • Press
      • Media Kit
  • Resources
    • Sign up
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Pilates Circle Abs & Thigh Workout

February 9, 2016 //  by Di Hickman//  29 Comments

So recently I got the chance to try out a Pilates Circle by Infinito. They sent me their pilates circle for free in exchange for a fair and honest review and I figured hey let’s kill two birds with one stone and make it a workout post for the blog! I’m all about multitasking. I’ll be totally honest and admit that pilates isn’t something I do a lot of. In fact it’s something I rarely do, and doing pilates workouts brings back flashbacks of pilates and PiYo training which were fun times, but I get more enjoyment out of lifting heavy. So why did I agree to do the review? Because I appreciate that I need to mix things up fitness wise and this might make me do more pilates workouts at home, travelling etc. Plus I get to do more workout posts like this for the blog, to provide content and information for all of you!

pilates circle workout

 

Pilates Circle Abs & Thigh Workout

Ok so first up you’re obviously going to need a pilates circle. These usually cost around $25 so are just the price of one drop in studio class so not that much of an investment for your home workouts. Plus you’ll pretty much have it forever. So use it! In this abs and thigh workout I’m using the pilates circle by Infinito. If you’re interested in purchasing one then check out their website.

For each exercise: Beginners complete around 10-12 reps, regular exercises maybe do around 15-20 reps. So the circle is going to be what makes all of these traditional pilates moves a little more intense. Your inner thighs especially will be feeling the burn so if that’s a new thing for you maybe just try 1 set of everything, if you’re used to pilates maybe do 3-4 sets.

Pilates Circle Glute Bridge

Start off the same as a regular glute bridge and lie back with knees bent and feet on floor, and place the circle between the inner thighs. The infinito pilates circle has a ergonomic design so the padded portion fits snugly into the inner thigh. Apply a little pressure onto the circle making the circle more of an oval. The lift and lower the hips.

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Glute Bridge Squeeze

As you finish your last rep of the glute bridge HOLD! Yeah stay up there, then add a little pulse to the circle to fire up the inner thighs a little more. A pulse is a little move, 2″ in and out. Don’t release the circle out too much, you want that constant pressure.

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Crunch

Stay in the same position as the beginning of the glute bridge then place the hands at the sides of the head. Crunch up the head and shoulders and reach through the circle. I like this as it gives you something to look and aim for. Right arm, and left arm counts as one rep!

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Inner Thigh Blaster

Honestly didn’t know what else to call these but they do fire up those inner thighs. Lying back with the knees over the hips and shins parallel to the floor place the circle between the inner thighs. Then squeeze the knees towards each other. * For a bonus round, you can HOLD in (like you did for the glute bridge squeeze) and then do a little set of pulses 2″ release in and out.

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Leg Drop

One of my favorite ab exercises made harder with what I lovingly call the circle of ab death. Lying back on the floor, place the circle between the ankles, extend the legs up to the ceiling and squeeze the circle. Keeping tension on the circle (and it might not be much initially) slowly lower and lift the legs, keeping the core engaged!

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Leg Rotation

Staying in the same position as the leg drop above, keep the pressure on the circle and simply rotate the legs around clockwise, then counterclockwise.  The size of the rotation will depend on your ability to CONTROL THE MOVEMENT. The hips need to stay anchored down on the floor.

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Leg Pull Apart

It’s time to give the inner thighs are break and work on the outer thighs. Lie on one side with the legs extended and the ankles between the circle. Push the legs into the circle, and try to lift the top leg up away from the bottom leg. The movement won’t be big! Don’t forget to repeat to the other side!

pilates circle workout

Pilates Circle Clam Squeeze

Anyone who’s done a mini resistance band workout will know the clam, this is the clam in reverse! Instead of opening the knees, you’re closing the legs. Lay on one size with the knees bent and feet together, placing the pilates circle between the inner thighs. Without moving the hips try and close the legs by pushing that top leg down to the floor. This one is a bit of an inner thigh killer so you may need a rest or reduce your reps. Don’t forget to repeat to the other side!

pilates circle workout

So what did I think of the pilates circle? All in all I really enjoyed using the pilates circle by Infinito. It’s using some muscles that I don’t usually use and having the ability to do the workout at home really means I can make the most of the time I do have and sneak in extra workouts. The Infinito pilates circle provided great pressure and was pretty comfortable, plus it means I can prep for classes at home now! And do workout videos for you guys. Hopefully I’ll get around to editing the footage for this workout and have that up on my youtube channel soon!

So do you have one of the pilates circles? Have you used one in a class before? Is it something you’d consider using? Let me know in the comments what you think of the workout, and any ideas for future workouts!

Disclosure: I received a pilates circle from infinito in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own as I keep shiz real yo!

Previous Post: «10 foam rolling tips 10 tips for foam rolling
Next Post: Snacking on Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bars featured manitoba harvest hemp heart bar»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. keri

    February 17, 2016 at 7:45 am

    These exercises look great. You did a good job showing each one.

    Reply
  2. Susannah

    February 13, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    This is great! I did pilates the other day and really enjoyed it! I think this circle would be awesome!

    Reply
  3. Kacie

    February 13, 2016 at 10:01 am

    What a neat work out tool! I’ve never heard of a pilates circle! It looks like a tough workout!

    Reply
  4. Jen

    February 11, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    You look so happy it makes me think I can do it too! Love that ring, I want one.

    Reply
  5. HilLesha

    February 11, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    I have never tried pilates, but I’ve always been curious about it. Thanks for sharing the ideas!

    Reply
  6. Pam

    February 11, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    I’ve never seen a pilates circle before! It looks like a pretty cool fitness tool. Thanks for showing me something new!

    Reply
  7. Lara

    February 11, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    I’ll have to admit I have never done pilates EVER and this piece of equipment looks interesting to say the least LOL. BTW I am totally loving your face in all of those pictures!

    Reply
  8. Ellen

    February 11, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Man, these look like great exercises. I bet you would be sore afterwards! I’ve never used one of those gadgets, but it might be something I have to try.

    Reply
  9. jill conyers

    February 11, 2016 at 12:45 am

    Confession. I have the circle but I’ve never used it. I think it was given to me at a convention. I can’t remember the last time I did pilates.

    Reply
  10. Natalia Pessoa

    February 10, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    Oh those things are a beast haha, good times when I did pilates.

    Reply
  11. Amy Jones

    February 10, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    This routine looks really great I really need to work on my abs and I think this is going to be really helpful

    Reply
  12. OurFamilyWorld

    February 10, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    That looks like a great tool to tone the thighs. I’ve never done Pilates, but I would love to try.

    Reply
  13. Toughcookiemommy

    February 10, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    I love workouts like this one that you could do right at home. It’s important for busy moms to have options about where and when they can work out.

    Reply
  14. laura londergan

    February 10, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    I’m not gonna lie – I hate thigh workouts so much! However I NEED to work on that area more so I guess I better try again to make something work. lol

    Reply
  15. Rose Sahetapy

    February 10, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    I like the very clear steps you give on this workout.It looks like the cirlce add some more fun doing pilates work out.

    Reply
  16. Shelly C

    February 10, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Pilates has always been one of my favorite workouts because it’s something I’ve always seen the greatest results with. I have never used a pilates circle but it is definitely something I would love to try out!

    Reply
  17. Julie

    February 10, 2016 at 7:30 am

    That looks like a fun way to work out. I haven’t ever seen anything like that before but I have heard that pilates can be a great way to work out.

    Reply
  18. Kori

    February 10, 2016 at 7:04 am

    This is the first time I’ve seen one of those things but it does look like it would be a great piece of workout equipment to have. I’m hoping to get back into pilates and yoga.

    Reply
  19. tp keane

    February 10, 2016 at 7:00 am

    I have a spinal injury, but even with that there are some of these exercises I can actually do. Pumped. Going to try this.

    Reply
  20. TaMara

    February 10, 2016 at 6:14 am

    Love it!! I don’t think people reuse what a great exercise Pilates is!! Keep these workouts coming!

    Reply
  21. Skye

    February 10, 2016 at 6:12 am

    You demonstrate these so well!!! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome workout ideas!

    Reply
  22. Sarah

    February 10, 2016 at 5:34 am

    I love doing Pilates at home! I’ve never used (or even heard of) the circle, but it looks interesting. I have the rubber bands at home for some exercises, and one of those big Pilates balls, but maybe I should check this out too. Thanks!

    Reply
  23. Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

    February 10, 2016 at 3:33 am

    My thighs are definitely one of my major problem areas. I need to try this awesome workout.

    Reply
  24. Megan

    February 10, 2016 at 1:17 am

    I’ve been wanting to try Pilates for some time now and you’ve made me want todo it again! I’m going to get one of these and try it – great exercises 🙂

    Reply
  25. Ana De Jesus

    February 10, 2016 at 12:19 am

    Wow this is one intense workout I need this to strengthen my abs. I don’t have abs lol so I need to work on this!

    Reply
  26. positivelystacey

    February 9, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    I think I would really like one of those! It seems to help isolate the muscles! Plus it looks kinda cool 🙂

    Reply
  27. Kimberly

    February 9, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    I’m a PMA Peak Pilates Instructor- great workout! Love the magic circle.

    Reply
  28. Debra

    February 9, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    I have never seen one of these before! I love pilates, I am going to have to find one!

    Reply
  29. Siniciliya

    February 9, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Love the way you are showing how to do exercises! You look so natural.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

reduce clutter and gain focus - wundermax padfolio

Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

RECENT POSTS

Reclined Pigeon Pose Modifications for beginners
Yoga block balance exercises for strength & stability
Supporting wrists in downward dog – Quick Fixes for pain relief
How to lay on your side without hurting your shoulder or neck
Yoga Hip Flexor Strengthening for Beginners
Gentle somatic yoga hip openers for beginners

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© Di HIckman 2020. Unauthorized use and/or distribution of this material without expressed written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited. You may use an excerpt, link, and/or photo ONLY if full and clear credit is given to Di Hickman with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

  • My Yoga Journey
  • Connect
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 Di Hickman · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme