Customer Reviews
Great for quick arm workouts! 
2007-02-21
I read about these pilates body circles in a UK version of Modern Bride - so i was really excited to see them for sale in the US. They're great for a quick arm workout (5 mins a day), and they're a lot more challenging than they look! I found it challenging to keep the circles going on my wrists though - they seem to ride up the arms. I'm sure practice makes perfect!
Understatement on Accompanying VHS 
2006-12-21
The exercises are effective however the VHS is in a word cheap - mine is defective (won't go thru the hassle of trying for another). The audio goes in and out which is extremely annoying. I put up with it because the rings are a solid workout. Be prepared for complete annoyance until you can memorize the tape (hello - we're in the DVD world now), mute the audio and play a CD instead.
Gaim should have more respect since they're pitching 'CALM'.
great product no DVD 2006-07-05
If you are consistant the pilates circles deliver results. Disappointed that the kit does not include a DVD -- only comes with a video.
Fun and Easy Workout 2005-10-10
I love my Gaiam Pilates Body Circles. The workout is short and fun, but can be quite challenging.
The first time I used the BCs, I was a little surprised on how quick the workout went - half of it is spent stretching. So, in reality, you're working your arms for a total of 8 minutes out of the 14-15 minutes of the video workout. However, the more you use it, the stronger your arms get, the more the burn you get in your arms. The first time I used it, I was thinking to myself - "that's it?!" It went by so quickly and effortlessly. However, as my arms got stronger, I've eaten those words a multitude of times as my shoulders and triceps are screaming at me in total burn. Suddenly 8 minutes feels like forever...
In the video workout itself, you'll start with a stretch. Then you'll first do practice circles (going backwards) one arm at a time with your arm out to your side. Next, you'll do both arms spinning the circles backwards. After another stretch, you'll do the BCs circling forwards: first with hands facing backwards (to work triceps), then facing forwards (to work biceps). Then another stretch segment, this time including the overhead tricep stretch. Finally, in the most challenging segment, you'll spin the circles with your arms front of you. You'll lift up your arms then lower down again. You'll do this again, only this time Ana demonstrates a more advance version where you lift up onto your toes to challenge your balance and slowly come down again. After this, you're led with a final stretch, including an over head side stretch and the workout is over. (The final stretch segment has a faux pax - Ana refers to side stretching over to your right twice and never once the left although she stretches once on both sides. A minor goof she must wince at every times she hears or sees it.) The video is your typical Gaiam voice-over instruction; Ana does not speak while demonstrating the exercises.
The "funny" aspect of the circles is the amount of coordination needed to keep the circles spinning and stay on your arms. I've have in more than one occasion flung a circle across the room. (I don't recommend doing this exercise in a china shop.) The circles also have a way of travelling up your arm. I've also had once circle just stop spinning, while the other is whizzing away. It can be a challenge just to keep them both going at the same time. It may look easy at first, but when you try it just keep a good sense of humor of yourself and keep your breakables far away.
The circles are nicely made and padded, but not very thickly. It is possible to spin the circles too hard and bruise your arms. The challenge is to spin the circles to where you work your arms but not so hard to where you're hurting yourself. If you're interested in using your circles for other workouts, it works great for the Callanetics Inner Thigh Squeeze (I got major DOMS using the circle this way - go figure.) It's also an adorable toddler hula hoop. ;)
My only frustration with the workout is the VHS video itself - because the w/o is so short, I usually want to do and get it out of the way quickly. It would be perfect if this workout was on CD for that reason. No commercials to buzz through, etc. I guess if it was on DVD I wouldn't be so picky about it. The Gaiam set does come with an instructional booklet about the exercises shown in the video, so one can always do own routine without the video.
Overall, this is a great workout to have on hand for sleek upper body work. You're adding strength without bulk, developing coordination, and having fun while at it.
