Part 2: Three More Pilates Circle Exercises

Here are three additional quick and easy exercises with your Pilates Fitness Circle:

1 - Strengthen the outer hips.  For the outer hip press, lie on your back and put the ring around your legs at the knees.  Knees should be bent up.  Press out on the ring with your knees.  Do 10 repetitions.

2 - Do the standing chest press.  Stand for this exercise.  Hold the ring in the hands with the arms straight and the hands at thigh level.  Using your hands, press inward on the ring 10 times while raising the arms to extend straight out from the body.  Press inward on the ring with the hands 10 times while lowering the ring to the starting position.  Do 10 repetitions.

3 - Execute the swan.  The swan targets the shoulders and back extensors.  Lie prone on the mat with arms reaching forward on the floor.  Hold the ring horizontally, like a halo above your head.  Lift your arms, head and torso in unison while pressing the ring together with the hands.  Lift your legs just after lifting the upper body, squeezing your legs together.  Lower your body and do 9 more repetitions.

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