- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Equipment Needed: Magic Circle, Mat (I love using the Ultra-Fit Circle and the Contrology Folding Mat.)
- Reps: 5-10
- Warning: Not ideal for some neck and shoulder issues.
- Questions: Contact us here
Two Arm Press Down with the Magic Circle
Many Pilates exercises require straight arms wide to the side, working from the back. And while reaching arms to the side isn’t too challenging. Working those straight arms from your back often is. Our bodies often work from our neck or shoulders and don’t lean on our full body strength. Using two Pilates Magic Circles to warm up our arm back connections can be the key to finding the arm back strength you need to take your Pilates practice to the next level.
Our bodies often work from our neck or shoulders and don’t lean on our full body strength.
If possible, sit on a Cadillac with feet on a short box. Or a bench with feet on the floor. If neither are available, sit with legs crossed. Shoulders over hips. Work legs into the floor to make this a full-body exercise.
Place the pad of each circle on the mat slightly in front of your hips. Reach both arms straight to the side with heel of each hand on the top pad.
Without leaning or shrinking in your spine press down from the muscles around your shoulder blades into the circle. Notice if your wrists or elbows bend. Resist the circles back up. Repeat.
With each press into the circle, feel your spine get taller and hold that new height as the circles lift.
Be sure to check out more of my Magic Circle workout videos. I want to help you continue your Magic Circle training!
