Pilates Equipment and Apparel The Best Pilates Rings for a Full-Body Workout Upgrade your practice with the ProBody Pilates Ring By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell / Lecia Landis Pilates rings are small, tension-packed rings that you can grip with your hands or squeeze between your thighs or ankles. “The Pilates ring is my absolute favorite prop to use,” Lily Horowitz, founder of The Core Method Pilates, says. “It’s a total-body exercise tool that can be used for everything from upper body exercises to lower body exercises—and everything in between.” And since Pilates rings tend to be small, lightweight, and portable, they’re an easy piece of fitness equipment to add to your routine. When looking for a ring to add to your Pilates workouts, a classic size is a 14-inch diameter. You can also find them in 10-inch or 12-inch sizes if needed. The material the ring is made of can add overall weight so be sure to check that if it's a concern. We researched Pilates rings based on their, diameter, material, weight, and sturdiness. Here are the best pilates rings on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: ProBody Pilates Ring at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: RitFit 14” Pilates Ring at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: URBNFit Pilates Ring at Amazon Jump to Review Best Advanced: STOTT Pilates Fitness Circle Pro at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable: ProsourceFit Pilates 14” Resistance Ring at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: STOTT Pilates Toning Ring 2-Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cushioned: Yogalo Pilates Series Pilates Ring at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Workouts: AeroPilates Magic Circle With DVD at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall ProBody Pilates Ring 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Budget-friendly Lightweight Cons Resistance may not be strong enough for advanced exercisers The ProBody Pilates Ring is a classic option that can deliver a dynamic addition to your workouts and is why we selected it as our best overall. Designed with a composite interior and a laminate exterior, the ring is durable and will hold its shape over time. The ring is also lined with two sweat-resistant foam grips with nonporous padding that resists moisture build-up. At 5.43 ounces, the ProBody Pilates ring is lightweight enough to carry with you on the go, and it comes with a convenient carrying bag for easy transport. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs:Diameter: 14 inches | Material: Composite encased in laminate | Weight: 5.43 ounces Best Budget RitFit 14” Pilates Ring Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Budget-friendly Durable Cons Weight is not disclosed The RitFit Pilates Ring is a quality Pilates ring available at a budget-friendly price. The ring is crafted with durable fiberglass inside a rubber cover that increases traction, durability, and comfort all at once. It features two padded handles, which you can comfortably grip with your hands or thighs while you work out. Like many Pilates rings, it's portable, lightweight, and has a 14-inch diameter. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs:Diameter: 14 inches | Material: Fiberglass encased in rubber | Weight: Not listed Best for Beginners URBNFit Pilates Ring Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Urbnfit.com Pros Budget-friendly Durable Cons Smaller than some other Pilates rings The URBNFit Pilates Ring is an easy-to-use Pilates ring designed for comfort and versatility. It's crafted with a durable fiberglass interior to maintain shape over time and dual-sided foam pads for a comfortable grip during workouts. The pads are also water-resistant, which delivers traction even when you work up a sweat. If you're new to Pilates, the ring comes with a workout guide to lead you through your exercise routine. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs:Diameter: 12 inches | Material: Fiberglass encased in rubber | Weight: Less than 1 pound (no specific weight listed) Best Advanced STOTT Pilates Fitness Circle Pro Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's Pros Durable Offers firm resistance Great for more advanced users Comes in two sizes Cons Expensive Heavy Less beginner-friendly than some other options Made with a steel interior, the STOTT Pilates Fitness Circle Pro is designed to make your workouts more challenging. But since it’s not coated with plastic or rubber, it may not feel as beginner-friendly or comfortable as some other options. The ring features molded foam grips, which offer plenty of traction. It's also considered a firm-resistance ring which is a good option for more advanced workouts. Price at time of publication: $65 Key Specs:Diameter: 12 to 14 inches (depending on which size you choose) | Material: Steel | Weight: 1.5 pounds The 16 Best Places to Buy Athleisure of 2023 Most Durable ProsourceFit Pilates 14” Resistance Ring Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Overstock Pros Budget-friendly Durable Cons Heavy Despite its budget-friendly price, the ProsourceFit Pilates Resistance Ring is one of the more durable options on the list. It's crafted with steel and coated with rubber, ensuring it will hold its shape over time. The ring also comes equipped with soft foam handles for a non-slip grip. Even with the steel construction, the Prosource Fit ring is lightweight and easy to take on the go. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs:Diameter: 14 inches | Material: Steel encased in rubber | Weight: 1.45 pounds Best Portable STOTT Pilates Toning Ring 2-Pack Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Durable Set comes with two rings Small size is portable Cons Heavy for the size Smaller than many other Pilates rings The STOTT Pilates Toning Ring is smaller than most Pilates rings at just 10-inches, but it has a traditional steel interior and rubber exterior. The sides feature textured foam grips, which provide an additional layer of traction, and since they don’t fan outward, the ring has a relatively sleek silhouette. While it’s fairly heavy for such a small Pilates ring, it's still portable thanks to its compact size. Price at time of publication: $38 Key Specs:Diameter: 10 inches | Material: Steel encased in rubber | Weight: 1.4 pounds The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2023 Best Cushioned Yogalo Pilates Series Pilates Ring Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Budget-friendly Handles offer comfort at every angle Cons May lack durability Weight is not disclosed If you find a classic Pilates ring uncomfortable, the Yogalo Pilates Series Pilates Ring may be a good option. It features an ultra-plush exterior and a durable fiberglass interior. Many Pilates rings have handles that fan outward, but this ring has two 360-degree hand grips with slip-resistant foam. The unique design also comes in five colors to match your personal style. Price at time of publication: $28 Key Specs:Diameter: 14 inches | Material: Fiberglass | Weight: Not listed Best With Workouts AeroPilates Magic Circle With DVD Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Budget-friendly Durable Comes with a workout DVD Cons May not be suitable for advanced users Weight is not disclosed Not sure how to use your new Pilates ring? The AeroPilates Magic Circle makes it easy. It comes with a workout DVD filled with 23 minutes of exercises, helping you understand how to use the Pilates ring appropriately. The AeroPilates Magic Circle has a traditional design with a steel interior and sweat-resistant handles that offer plenty of grip. At only 1.5 pounds, it's easy to take along for a remote workout. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Diameter: 14.75 inches | Material: Steel encased in rubber | Weight: Not listed The 7 Best Yoga Mat Straps, Slings, and Handles of 2023 Final Verdict If you’re looking for a classic Pilates ring, the ProBody Pilates Ring (view at Amazon) is a solid option. The 14-inch ring is lightweight and budget-friendly. And while it may be less durable than some other options (for instance, those made with steel), it should make a great starter pick. If you prefer a more advanced Pilates ring, the STOTT Pilates Fitness Circle Pro (view at Amazon) is an excellent option. The durable ring is crafted with steel, and it offers firm resistance every time you use it. What to Look for in a Pilates Ring Diameter Most Pilates rings have a 14-inch diameter, however, some may be smaller at around 12- or 10-inches. In rare cases, Pilates rings can be slightly larger. If you’re looking for a classic Pilates ring, a 14-inch diameter is a good option. Material Pilates rings are made with fiberglass, steel, or composite material. Most options also come encased in a gripper material, like rubber. If you prefer a ring with high durability—and you don't mind some extra weight—consider a steel option. If weight is an important factor to you, one with a fiberglass or composite interior should get the job done. Weight Pilates rings tend to be incredibly lightweight, just like balance boards or yoga blocks, with the heavy ones capping out at around 1.5 pounds. Still, you should double-check the weight before buying if you're planning on taking your ring on the go. Frequently Asked Questions How to use a Pilates ring If you’ve never used a Pilates ring before, start simply: grip the ring with your hands and press it together. As you press inward, you should feel a fair amount of resistance, and you should feel your arms, chest, and back engaged at the same time.You can also place the Pilates ring between your thighs. In a similar motion, squeeze the ring and be sure to move slowly. "Going at a slow and steady pace is the best way to utilize the Pilates ring’s resistive qualities,” Horowitz says. What size Pilates ring should you get? A 14-inch diameter is typical for a Pilates ring, and although you may see some slightly smaller and larger options, a 14-inch ring is a good place to start. “The 14-inch rings are the most common sizes seen at most studios or at online retailers,” Marissa West, CPT, CEO of North Carolina-based Pilates studio West Kept Secret, says. “Smaller, 12-inch rings are better suited for shorter or more petite clients, those wanting to work specifically on lower body muscle groups, or those with limited hip mobility.” What are the best Pilates ring exercises? Whether you prefer to sweat it out in an elliptical machine or just go with the flow with breathing exercises, you can complete a variety of workouts using a Pilates ring. West recommends placing it between your thighs while doing crunches. Heidi Hillman, CPT, COO of North Carolina-based Pilates studio West Kept Secret, recommends doing the same during glute bridges: “Just adding the ring between the inner thighs on glute bridges is a simple advancement that can make a big difference.” You can also grip the ring with your hands during bicycle crunches, place it between your ankles during oblique crunches, or use it to add resistance to a standing leg press.No matter what you’re doing, take things slow and maintain your balance. “The most common mistake that tends to happen with the circle is that people don't put even pressure on both sides of the ring,” Vanessa Johnson, NCPT, Head of Training for Club Pilates, says. “This translates to overuse of one side of the body compared to the other.” And remember to breathe! “Clients are so focused on squeezing the prop with the working muscle group that they lose their breath, which can minimize the effects of the movement,” West says. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit