Resistance Band Ring Workouts

The resistance ring offers an alternative to weights which will tone your muscles for a lean and fit appearance. Its benefits include its affordability and portability. Resistance ring workouts exercise your muscles through the entire movement. Because they are low impact exercise, you can use a resistance ring no matter what your fitness level. As you become stronger, you can hold the ring in different positions for longer periods of time.

Resistance Ring

You may find a resistance ring sold under a variety of names such as magic circle, toning circle or exercise ring. Joseph Pilates developed the resistance band as a tool for toning the body. The ring consists of a metal circle of about 14 inches in diameter. Two foam hand holds are positioned opposite each other on the band. The metal band provides firm resistance for challenging workouts.

Using a Resistance Ring

Proper form is the essence of Pilates. When you use a resistance band, you should draw your stomach in to engage your abdominal muscles. You should avoid tensing up or locking your elbows when doing resistance ring exercises. For standing exercise, you should also use good posture, keeping your gaze forward. Exercises involve compressing the ring.

Arm Workouts

The resistance ring offers an effective way to tone your upper body. You can isolate the muscles of your arms by taking the ring in both hands as you stretch your arms in front of you. Then, simply compress the ring between your hands while maintaining good form. Hold the position and then, relax. You can also do a similar exercise by taking the ring above your head. This motion will stretch your arm muscles and help improve your flexibility. You can also take the ring behind you and perform the same movement for similar benefits.

Leg Workouts

You can use the resistance ring to add additional challenge to several common calisthenics exercises. The side-lying hip adduction, for example, targets the adductor muscles found on the inside of the thighs. To use the resistance band, begin by lying on your right side with your head resting on your outstretched arm. Place your right foot inside of the ring on one of the foam hand holds while placing your leg foot on the outside of the ring on the opposite hand hold. Then, compress the ring by pressing down with your left foot. Hold and release. Switch sides. You can target the outer thighs by placing your left foot inside the ring and pressing upward. These exercises illustrate the benefits of isolating muscles using a resistance ring.