STOTT PILATES Fitness Circle Pro

This thing is sturdy! I was worried it might feel flimsy, but it's made to handle some serious squeezing and resistance. Using it definitely takes some practice. It's not magically going to fix your form, but it seriously ramps up the intensity! My thighs, inner arms, and core are definitely feeling the burn in a new way. Overall, I'm glad I bought it. It adds a welcome challenge to my home workouts, and it's even fun to toss in a little Pilates session during my workday to break things up. Definitely recommended for Pilates fans looking to push themselves a bit more.

Good quality item. Not flimsy like other models/brands

This comment reflected my thoughts regarding the original design: Stott makes good hardware. Usually the design is elegant, functional & built to last. This is all of the above. It could be better: when using the inner surface of the fitness circle, without a pad, the feedback can be unpleasant. It should be fun! Typically, fitness circles are held or compressed around the outside of the circle. There are two pads 180 degrees apart that are helpful, for example, when adducting (squeezing) the thighs and the circle is held between the ankles. But when abducting the thighs you want enough of a pad providing appropriate proprioception on the lateral maleolous. In other words, it should feel good. If you look at the picture, you can see the metal device that probably has an important purpose, but scratching the skin superficial to my distal fibula feels wrong. I am going to experiment and see if I can modify it with some kinesiotape, or neoprene from a worn-out wetsuit. This is the larger circle. If you want to get just one, get the smaller, 12" model. I needed a second one and got the larger, 14" model, for larger bodies. As props go, the circle closes the kinetic chain for both upper & lower extremities & can be used as described above and many ways. If I was to pick three Pilates props, it would be the mini stability ball, fitness circle and the foam roller. Then comes the large stability ball, toning balls, and then the stretch bands (give me a reformer please). If you've got the space, the edge is very cool for both making exercises possible & fun on a mat, or more challenging -- playing with gravity is fair & fun. THE GOOD NEWS! Stott has redesigned the circle with padding on the inside so that the interface when, for instance, abducting the thighs with the circle placed around the distal leg or ankle, provides proper feedback. Thanks for improving the product Stott! It is now a Five Star product.

I've tried the cheaper versions of this and have always been disappointed. The cheaper versions don't seem to have enough resistance to be effective. I was hesitant to purchase this at first because it was nearly 3x as expensive as others, but I finally decided to try it, and I'm very glad I did. This thing is sturdy. I never feel like it's going to snap under the pressure of the exercises. And it gives the perfect amount of resistance for me. (For context, I'm somewhat of an advanced beginner). Would highly recommend.

Estoy encantada con mi compra, lo recomiendo ampliamente.