Customer Reviews

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle with Workout DVD

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought the "magic circle" in efforts to up the anty in my pilates routine. I am glad I purchased it but I found the DVD to be about a 2 star out of 5 start rating. Since I live far away from a Pilates studio I purchased other DVDs in efforts to learn about the magic circle. the DVD from Classical Pilates Inc. called "The Complete Magic Cirlce Mat Series & Reformer Mat Workout" (also on Amazon.com)taught me more about the circle's use than the DVD that came with it. It is a basic straight forward mat routine DVD but it was practical and I am well on my way to a more complete Pilates workout.

I also use the magic circle to burn off extra energy while sitting and I find my boyfriend picks it up and uses it to get a few exercises in every day. It can be used in many ways but it most certainly enhances a pilates work out.

I would have given this product 5 stars, but the video was not up to standards for someone who is really into Pilates. Each exercise is demonstrated very fast, and there is not much exercise at all. On the
other hand, the magic circle is great! It is well made, and can take a punishment. This was the reason I purchased this item, because I needed a good circle to work with. Comparing other circles to this that cost a lot more this was by far the best product. I would highly recommend the circle, but would not recommend the tape. When I purchased this item, I also purchased the Classical Pilates Technique, The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series. This DVD has BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, plus THE SUPER ADVANCED REFORMER MAT WORKOUT. The exercises are performed well with great timing. This is a video that everyone from the basic learner to the most advanced learner would absolutely love.

I have used the ring 3 - 4x/week since the purchase and very happy with it. It has provided sufficient resistance and has not "broken down". I do not use this ring with the dvd it came with. I didn't like the dvd it came with but have used the ring with Winsor Pilates and Karen Voight workouts that use a pilates ring. I've been satisified with the results.

I bought this circle because of the lower price. It came in today and I did a workout with it. I am used to the pilates "fitnesscircle" (Stott) from the gym. These are a tough resistance that make your workout extra hard and in return gain you more strength and muscle. As soon as I put this circle between my thighs, it was very easy to push my legs together (and that shouldn't be the case). In my opinion, with this, you get what you pay for. I returned this product today.

This magic circle is durable and versatile. The DVD is informative, but I would have liked a chart of exercises, as well. This is the same Magic Circle that Pilates instructors use. I almost bought one from my Pilates teacher, but it was considerably more expensive and did not include the DVD. For core workouts, the Magic Circle can't be beat. It can also be used in conjunction with other equipment.

Excellent product. The video is easy to follow. I like that I can take the Magic Circle on vacation. You can really feel your muscles working against the resistance of the circle and the routine only takes a small amount of time to complete. I would recommend the product to anyone.

This pilates ring is fine for an average user. The ones that we used in school had more resistance than this one. However, for an occasional or average user, it's a pretty decent ring. I would recommend it for people who are not looking for a super intense workout. So, if you're a beginner, this is a good ring to start with.

I picked this up in yet another attempt to get my flabby self in line. These are good exercises, but not quite up to snuff with true pilates.

Pilates to me is all about being on the mat, using the core, and pushing yourself to the limits. The magic circle is, basicly, your resistance in lieu of free weights or a weight machine. I understand some of them (the famous Thigh Master moves, for example), but some are a little ridiculous like using the magic circle on your jaw and neck. Can you really make them stronger with this thing? Also, you use this as substitute for a ball or another object you would be holding or passing as you do other excersises. If you don't have a ball, or don't have enough space to keep one at home, this is a good alternative.

Otherwise, it's just alright. Go with another pilates DVD without this thing.

As a pilates instructor, and someone who remembers the 80s and knows it's the 2000s I can't for the life of me understand why the video for this power circle appears to be from 1982! The woman is wearing a white unitard with a matching white scrunchy in her long braided hair, there is a filter on the video--circa Barbara Walters 1980 interviews. And the exercises and explanation of the exercises look as bouncy and as dangerous as old jazzercising of the 80s.

The woman appears to be in pain while she does the exercises and I would say that only 1/3 of them are performed correctly, and/or legitimate exercises.

I ordered this product on the advice of a friend who had been using it for several months. I need it because I exercise at an ungodly time in the morning and it is easier for me to do it at home rather than later at a class. I must say that the circle provides an added measure of resistance and form to my progressions. I am highly impressed with the simpleness of the design as it relates to the complication of my exercise program. I have definitely seen an improvement in regards to form and exercise function with the circle. I highly recommend this item to one who wishes to add both variety and rigor to their sessions.