Standing Leg Exercises with the Magic Circle on the Mat

Give these a try and add them to the end of any Mat workout to work your outer hips and learn to “stand” in your legs from all the right places.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Equipment Needed: Magic Circle, Mat (I love using the Ultra-Fit Circle and the Contrology Folding Mat.)
  • Reps: 10x each variation
  • Warning: May not be suitable for some knee issues.
  • Questions: Contact us here

Standing Leg Exercises with the Magic Circle on the Mat

** Private online Pilates sessions available with Lesley Logan on request, click here **

Whether you are wanting to have more fun with your Magic Circle or challenge your balance these standing leg exercises are great on the Pilates Mat! They even recreate some of the standing leg exercises from the Cadillac. If you struggle with this one in the beginning, don't stress about it. It's a combination of coordination, balance and keeping control of the Magic Circle. Give these a try and add them to the end of any Mat workout to work your outer hips and learn to "stand" in your legs from all the right places. Also, focus on having fun! It's a Pilates practice.

Stand firmly in one leg from your seat without locking your knee.

Standing Inside the Circle: Place the pads just above your ankles and stand as tall as you can with your ribs in and your center strong. Stand firmly in one leg from your seat without locking your knee and press the other leg out without leaning to the side. It's super hard. Press the leg out 10x and then switch. Repeat 2-3x each side. The trickiest part is that you will want to lean. But the goal is to stand up straight like you would on the Cadillac.

Standing with the Circle between your ankles: Place the pads just above your ankle bones and squeeze the circle from your outer and inner things as you lift tall and lift one leg without leaning. Pulse the circle 10x. Then, maintaining pressure on the circle, move your leg that is up and move it to the back. Press the circle "forward" 10x.

Maintain the pressure and place the back leg down and lift the front leg up and pulse it 10x. Then move the front leg to the side and pulse it 10x. Move that side leg to the back and press it forward 10x. Set it down and lift the front leg up and pulse it 10x. Move it to the side and you are done!


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

Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with Lesley Logan.

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