40 Days for $40 Let’s Get Started!

Arm Exercises with the Magic Circle on the Mat

Home  »  Pilates Mat Exercises | Free Tutorials   »   Arm Exercises with the Magic Circle on the Mat
  • May 24, 2020
Lesley Logan on the Mat - Online Pilates Classes

Arm Exercises with the Magic Circle on the Mat

Connecting your arms to your back in Pilates is easier said than done. The Magic Circle in Pilates is a great prop for teaching us how to connect, activate, and engage muscles that we need to use in order to make Pilates a workout. In this Pilates Mat tutorial, find plenty of ways to challenge your arm and back connection using the Magic Circle. Plus, recreate some of your favorite Cadillac exercises with the roll back bar and neck stretcher. Try each of these out and then do your Mat practice and see how much you are connected!

Focus on pressing from the heel of your hands and not your elbows.

There are several ways to connect your arms to your back:

Sitting with your legs crossed place the circle upright to the side of you and press the heel of your hand on the circle 5-10x to connect your arm to your back. Repeat on the other side.

Standing place one pad of the circle on your hip so that your arm is almost straight. Make sure you are standing strong in your legs and hugging your hips in as you lift up tall in your center. Hug the circle into your side with the heel of your hand. Do 5-10x and switch sides.

Bicep press: standing tall place on pad on your shoulder and the heel of your hand on the top of the circle and press down. Do this 5-10x without raising your shoulder up and switch sides.

Side of your head: place the pad on the side of your head and the heel of your hand on the other pad. Press your hand and head into the pad. Do this 5x on each side.

Front of your head: Place the pad on your forehead and the heels of both hands on the other pad and press your hands and head into each other 5-10x

Chin: Place your chin on one pad and both hands on the bottom pad. Lifting up through your center, curl your chest into the pad. This will help you feel your upper abs engage instead of using your neck muscles to pull your chin to your chest. 5x.

Hands behind your back: you’ll want to make the circle squeeze. It’s almost impossible. Instead, focus on the heel of your hands holding the circle behind your back with your arms straight and do 3 sets of 10 pulses.


Be sure to check out more of my Pilates Mat exercises. I want to help you continue your Pilates Mat training!

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/spine-corrector-1a.jpg
Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers
https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/wunda-chair-1a.jpg
Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support. By watching this video, you agree to our Terms and Conditions, which you can read here:https://opc.me/tc

Leave a comment

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

website pop up

30-minute Mat Classes (6x)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Mat class from one of our teachers.
Value: $144

30-Minute Reformer Classes (x6)
Every Tuesday we drop a new 30-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers..
Value: $144

50-Minute LIVE Mat Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Mat class from one of our teachers, and we invite you to join us LIVE for the filming of it.
Value: $159

50-Minute Reformer Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Reformer class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Cadillac Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Cadillac class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

50-Minute Chair Classes (x2)
Each month we drop a new 50-minute Chair class from one of our teachers.
Value: $80

Members-Only Community Access
Join the most inclusive, supportive, and encouraging community of Pilates enthusiasts just like you. No "Pilates Police" allowed!
Value: $120

Form Feedback Fridays
Every Friday our teaching team responds to member questions! We're the only online Pilates membership that offers direct feedback on your form!
Value: $228

Mobile App
Access everything in your membership directly from your phone! Take class, chat in the community, find new tutorial videos, listen to podcast episodes... all the things!
Value: $100

Recommended Workout Schedule
We've put together a recomended workout schedule for you to get you rolling.
Value: $20

Members-Only Perks
Members get access to our reading/equipment recomendations, special offers/deals, and more.
Value: $40

mask group 8
mask group 10
mask group 9
mask group 6
mask group 7
mask group 5
mask group 4

SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

AROUND THE WORLD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are going to have a little fun with how we flow through our workout using a movement style referred to as “around the world”. We’ll stay as true as possible to the original order while we take an exercise from the center-side-back-side or side-center-side and each time we do that we’ll have traveled around the world. Have fun and see if you can challenge your stamina to go “around the world” as many time as I teach. It’s going to be ambitious but super fun!

See you in class,
Megan

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, box, rod and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


LEAN ON ME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

A while back people got really into wall Pilates. And, while most of the exercises weren't Pilates, Joe Pilates did give us some Wall exercises to help us understand our bodies more. Leaning on a wall or in our case using a wall to feel how our spine naturally lifts or rounds, is key for helping us be curious in our practice. We'll be using a wall in the beginning of our workouts. But, don't underestimate the power of your Mat and Carriage being a wall.

No props needed as our walls and equipment will be our tools.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

BUILD IT UP

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are extra excited for this month’s theme: Build It Up! It’s the perfect theme to meet you where you are in your practice.

We’ll start each exercise by doing a few reps of a basic version of the exercise, then we’ll gradually build into the full expression by adding more pieces. We are giving you options to work on any version you feel confident with, so you can find the best version for your body this month. How cool is that?

Props needed:
Mat: No props needed
Reformer: Reformer box and pole
Tower: No props needed
Chair: Reformer box, foam roller is optional

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

Feeling strong enough to run up a hill is a great feeling…whether you have any intention of ever doing that or not! But it’s not just the legs that have to be strong for hill climbing. This month we’ll focus on how our core and upper body help our legs to power through any challenge!

Props needed:
Mat: Pole
Reformer: Weight & Ball
Tower/Cadillac: No props
Wunda Chair: Non-slipping pad, 1 yoga block, Mat (not necessary if the Wunda Chair stands on a carpet)

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

ONE HIT WONDER

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

It's my bday week! I'm turning 42 and in my research to find a song or something epic around 42 I found quite a few things. In the intro's of class I explain some of them. But one I found was that Rainbows start at 42 degrees of the reflection. And something I love about Rainbows is they show us how possible it is to find the longest arc always. Rainbows don't sag anywhere.

Our “1 rep drill” theme is in its 4th year, so it’s basically tradition to do class this week. It’s also been a favorite because I add in some accessible options for everyone to try.

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Mat order goes FAST - so we’ll be doing a few rounds with props and no props. You can do the whole class or you can pick your favorite round and just do that! It’s a week filled with CHOICES!!

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Reformer order is LONG - so I cut just a few moves throughout to be as close to 30 minutes as possible. Again, I added accessible options throughout, so everyone can go through the order!!!

Remember we want you to embrace your own journey each time you practice and love practicing in your TODAY body!! If that means you follow my variations, perfect! If that means you do your own variation, also perfect!

See you in class,
Rachel

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, wall, barrel/blanket and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, small ball and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


SIDE BY SIDE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Every once in a while I get excited to focus on the Side Body! And this week is a great time to do that. I love that Pilates has side bends and twists that help us become more aware of how our side body truly helps us in every other Pilates exercise. Even ones where they are just tall!

You'll need a magic circle on the Reformer. No circle, a thereband can work.
Mat: squishy ball

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

TWIST AND SHOUT-LIFT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we get to twist in Pilates it's important to anchor the opposite side so that we can actually twist! Exercises like Saw, Spine Twist and Stomach Massage Twist - it's easy for a hip to go forward as you twist. This causes you to turn.

In Corkscrew and Single Leg Circles, it's easy to let the ribs or shoulders go with the legs which is less a turn and closer to a roll over on your side.

This week we'll focus on the anchors and how to use them to get more out of the twist. And, when possible, think about where to lift in a twist so you're truly wringing yourself out. After all, Pilates is an internal shower - words from the Joe Pilates.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


AROUND THE WORLD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are going to have a little fun with how we flow through our workout using a movement style referred to as “around the world”. We’ll stay as true as possible to the original order while we take an exercise from the center-side-back-side or side-center-side and each time we do that we’ll have traveled around the world. Have fun and see if you can challenge your stamina to go “around the world” as many time as I teach. It’s going to be ambitious but super fun!

Mat: No props
Reformer: Box and Rod

See you in class,
Megan

LEAN ON ME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

No matter where you live in the world there is a moment in Spring/Fall where day and night are almost equal. Pilates exercises ask us to work our opposition equally. Our down reach (lower half) and our up reach (upper half) are like night and day. So, as this week falls on the equinox, I thought it would be fun to focus on if we are working equally. Or if night or day are pulling us more in one direction.

No props needed as our walls and equipment will be our tools.

See ya in class,
xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


ONE HIT WONDER

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are in a no judgement zone this week as we fly through the orders doing just one rep of each exercise before moving on!!!

Our “1 rep drill” theme is in its 4th year, so it’s basically tradition to do class this week. It’s also been a favorite because I add in some accessible options for everyone to try.

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Mat order goes FAST - so we’ll be doing a few rounds with props and no props. You can do the whole class or you can pick your favorite round and just do that! It’s a week filled with CHOICES!!

If you’ve done this in the past, you know the Reformer order is LONG - so I cut just a few moves throughout to be as close to 30 minutes as possible. Again, I added accessible options throughout, so everyone can go through the order!!!

Remember we want you to embrace your own journey each time you practice and love practicing in your TODAY body!! If that means you follow my variations, perfect! If that means you do your own variation, also perfect!

Mat: Wall and Barrel/Blanket
Reformer: Small Ball

See you in class,
Rachel

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL