Do these moves on the regular, and you will see results.
The magic circle is one of my favorite Pilates props. You can use it to tone your inner thighs and sculpt your core through small, controlled movements. Working my arms with the circle is also one of my favorite ways to strengthen them without using weights. Not only is it challenging, but it's a fun way to switch things up! (Need a magic circle? Get the best-selling Nayoya Pilates Ring for $21, amazon.com.)
You can finish this sequence of arm exercises in just one minute, so you won't have any trouble finding time to do it 3-4 times a week. And trust me, you'll start to see and feel the results if you keep up with it. Try for 20 repetitions of each exercise below, and use control and resistance to really squeeze in on the circle. Stand up tall with your heels together and toes slightly turned out, and tweeze those inner thighs together the whole workout for some added burn!
(Sculpt your belly, butt, and thighs with the 20-minute workouts in the all-new Prevention Toning Transformation!)
Overhead Tricep Presses
- Bring the circle over your head holding onto the sides.
- Bend your arms back overhead, then squeeze into the circle as you straighten the arms back up and overhead. Squeeze your triceps and the circle.
Trainer Tip: To work your arms even more in this exercise, do quick little pulses in on the circle while holding the arms behind the head.
Side Single Arm Presses
- Hold the circle at one hip, holding it in place with the hand on that same side.
- Keep your elbow lifted and squeeze in on the circle, then resist back out. Make sure to do repetitions on both sides.
Behind the Back Presses
- Bring the circle behind you and hold onto the sides.
- Squeeze into the circle trying to make it into an oval shape. These ones are hard, so know that it's OK if the circle barely moves. Make sure to keep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
Trainer Tip: You can add little pulses to this move for an added exercise, if you like.
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