STOTT PILATES Fitness Circle Pro

At first, I ordered the softer version of pilates ring. My husband commandeered it immediately. That was fine - I preferred the metal one I use in physical therapy. Got the name at my next session. In the beginning of building my strength, I couldn't get it to budge at all. Now it is "bending" much better to my will as I get stronger. I adore this thing and use it for different exercises. It's the best way to build my core without hurting my arthritic back. My core is stronger now (at 73 years old) than it has ever been. The ring should be indestructible; maybe the (nice, hard) foam handles may fail at some point, but I can fix that. I hardly think at my age and relative weakness, I'll ever be able to damage it. Well worth the extra money. Highly recommend.

Well made, perfect for home gyms

I am giving 5 stars without deducting anything for the high-ish price because I have no complaints about the product itself.I am now doing Pilates everyday and this is my first time ever using a prop. I find it helpful because it gives ‘feedback’ during my routine and helps me maintain the proper form.I was worried about some of the negative reviews, but it seems pretty sturdy for home use at least. I am very pleased with the inside and outside padding, which I could not see well in the photos. The padding is comfortable and seems durable.I got the smaller size, which works well for me. I am 5’ 4”. Larger would be impractical for me as my arms and legs would be too wide apart. It was somewhat heavy at the beginning, but I am gaining strength each day so now it is not a big deal.

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.

super sturdy and i love that it's a little on the heavy side, makes the workouts better

This is pricey compared to other options here. However, it is well made --- sturdy but gives as much as it should. I'm fairly strong already, but this has really added to my Pilates practice.Package arrived on time. The circle was wrapped well enough to protect it in shipping but not with huge amounts of extra material. Product is exactly as described on Amazon's website.

Seems like it will last a long time. Stiffer than the cheaper fiberglass and plastic rings. May be too stiff for some people, but I like it.

This is the worst piece of gym equipment I have ever purchased. My previous metal pilates ring lasted about NINE years at my women's gym and eventually it broke. The Stott Pilates Fitness Circle Pro lasted all of FOUR months and the pads completely broke off and now I can't return it as I am past the 30 days return policy - it sucks. I purchased what I thought would be the strongest (and most expensive) and I was sadly disappointed. Shame on Merrithew.com for selling such an ineffective and shoddy piece of equipment. You can be sure I will never order a product of theirs again.