One of the most diverse, portable, and innovative exercise tools on the market today is called a pilates ring. A popular and inexpensive piece of pilates equipment, the pilates fitness ring uses the basic principles of resistance, strength, and flexibility in order to provide a nearly endless variety of exercises, which can be performed in a fitness class, or in the comfort of one’s own home.
In order to understand the full function, and benefits, of pilates rings, one must first understand the basic ideas associated with a pilates workout. Pilates is a full body fitness system that aims to strengthen core muscles, improve posture and breathe awareness, and encourage graceful movement through a fluid series of strength and coordination moves. There exist numerous pieces of pilates equipment intended to complement workouts. All of them employ the principles of flexibility and resistance as mentioned above, by use of springs, levers, and pulleys. These machines come in a variety of forms, and range in size, complexity, and price. Many of the larger machines are can be found in pilates and yoga studios, while the smaller, less expensive pieces make great additions to at-home workouts.
The pilates ring, also frequently called a pilates power ring is a relatively new addition to the traditional equipment used in pilates workouts. A circular exercise tool provides users with varying degrees of resistance. Used for strength and resistance training, as opposed to aerobic and cardiovascular training, a ring workout can be a great alternative to traditional weights as a means of toning and sculpting specific muscle groups. In fact, a typical ring exercise will be much lower impact than weight-lifting, thereby considerably narrowing the likelihood of injury because of strain, or over-lifting.
The pilates ring is small, lightweight, and extremely portable, providing yet another advantage when compared to traditional weights, which tend to stay in the same place because of their size and weight. The ring can be used virtually anywhere, and can even fit comfortably in a suitcase or backpack. In addition, it is one of the most versatile pieces of home pilates equipment available on the market today; the single ring can be applied to countless exercises targeting muscle groups of the upper, middle, and lower body, while pressure can be applied to the inside or outside of the ring, depending the desired outcome. To facilitate the formulation of a full-body pilates ring workout, makers generally include a booklet or video that outlines detailed descriptions and illustrations of all of the possible exercises.
Despite the inclusion of instructional booklets and/or videos, new users should always consult an expert or attend a class to ensure that they are getting the maximum benefits from their equipment in the healthiest manner possible. For pilates enthusiasts, or people just interested in an effective and rewarding workout, the pilates ring has proven to be one of the most versatile and popular new workout tools available today.