Tricep Pulse I Circle
| Similar Pose Names: | Triceps pulse I magic circle |
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| Category: | Magic Circle |
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How to Do Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I: 30 Modifications for All Levels
Pilates Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I
The Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I is a focused upper-body strength exercise featured in the Strength category of the Magic Circle Pilates Card Deck, and the Online Pilates Lesson Planner. It’s ideal for building tricep strength, shoulder stability, and core control in a simple kneeling setup that still demands precise alignment.
In this variation, you start on hands and knees and place the side of your right palm on the ring in front of you, keeping the elbow stacked under the shoulder. You pulse down on the ring ten times, feeling the tricep engage as the shoulder stays organised and stable. You then switch sides and repeat. The goal is a steady torso and quiet ribs, no sinking into the shoulder, no twisting through the waist, and no “helping” with momentum.
Below are 30 modifications for the Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I, organised by level. These variations are ideal for tailoring the move to clients in mixed-level classes or private sessions.
10 Beginner Modifications for Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I
Beginner Modification 1: Cushion Under Knees
Place a folded mat under knees for comfort so the upper body can stay focused.
Beginner Modification 2: Wider Knee Base
Widen the knees slightly for more stability and less wobble.
Beginner Modification 3: Ring Closer to Body
Place the ring closer to the supporting knee to reduce shoulder load.
Beginner Modification 4: Lighter Press
Use gentle pulses to avoid gripping in the neck and shoulder.
Beginner Modification 5: Smaller Pulse Range
Pulse only a few millimetres, focusing on control rather than depth.
Beginner Modification 6: Slower Pulses
Pulse slowly to maintain elbow-under-shoulder alignment.
Beginner Modification 7: Fewer Reps
Do five pulses per side, rest, then do five more.
Beginner Modification 8: Forearm Support Option
Place the non-working forearm down for extra stability.
Beginner Modification 9: Ring-Free Prep
Practise pressing the palm into the mat (no ring) to learn the shoulder stack.
Beginner Modification 10: One Side at a Time
Complete one set on the right, rest, then switch to the left.
10 Intermediate Modifications for Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I
Intermediate Modification 1: Standard 10 Pulses
Pulse down ten times with the elbow stacked and shoulder stable.
Intermediate Modification 2: Gentle Ring Press Hold
After ten pulses, hold a steady press into the ring for five seconds.
Intermediate Modification 3: Exhale on Pulses
Exhale through the pulses to deepen core support and prevent rib flare.
Intermediate Modification 4: Ring Further Forward
Place the ring slightly further forward to increase shoulder and tricep demand.
Intermediate Modification 5: Narrower Knee Base
Bring knees slightly closer together to increase trunk stability requirement.
Intermediate Modification 6: Slower Eccentric Release
Press down on the pulse, then release more slowly for control.
Intermediate Modification 7: Increase to 15 Pulses
Add five extra pulses per side while keeping alignment steady.
Intermediate Modification 8: Add a Pause at the Bottom
Pause briefly at the deepest press before releasing.
Intermediate Modification 9: Two Sets
Complete two rounds per side with a short rest between.
Intermediate Modification 10: Posture Reset Between Sides
Reset shoulders wide and ribs supported before switching sides.
10 Advanced Modifications for Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I
Advanced Modification 1: Strong Isometric Press
Hold a firm press into the ring for 10–15 seconds per side.
Advanced Modification 2: Pulse and Hold Pattern
Pulse four times, hold for four counts, and repeat until ten pulses are complete.
Advanced Modification 3: Slow 3-Second Pulses
Make each pulse a three-second press and three-second release for time under tension.
Advanced Modification 4: Knees Hover Option
Hover the knees slightly off the mat while pulsing to increase core demand.
Advanced Modification 5: Longer Lever Setup
Place the ring further forward to increase shoulder stability challenge.
Advanced Modification 6: Narrow Base Hover
Bring knees closer together and hover for an advanced stability test.
Advanced Modification 7: Add Anti-Rotation Focus
Keep hips completely square and resist any shifting as you pulse.
Advanced Modification 8: Increase to 20 Pulses
Perform twenty pulses per side without losing elbow-under-shoulder alignment.
Advanced Modification 9: 60-Second Endurance Set
Pulse continuously for 30 seconds per side, maintaining steady form.
Advanced Modification 10: Flow Into Plank
After the set, step back into a short plank hold, then return to kneeling and switch sides.
George’s Conclusion
The Magic Circle Tricep Pulse I is a Strength-category gem for building triceps, stabilising the shoulder, and training the torso to stay quiet while the arm works. When the elbow stays stacked and the ribs stay supported, the pulses feel clean, controlled, and surprisingly effective.
This is one of 50 exercises featured in the Magic Circle Pilates Card Deck, designed to give teachers and students an easy way to structure, modify, and explore Pilates sessions. Whether you’re planning classes, creating home workouts, or simply wanting fresh inspiration, the Card Deck puts variety and progression at your fingertips.
Pilates Magic Circle Card Deck
Pilates Magic Circle Card Deck
Below are the 50 exercises included in the Magic Circle Pilates Card Deck—neatly categorised and totally clickable. Each link lets you preview the move, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Core & Stability Category (Blue Border)
The 17 exercises in the “core & stability” category progress logically from foundational core work to more dynamic challenges. The sequence flows from: supine basics → crunch variations → rotation → double-leg load → reach patterns → roll-up sequence → seated control → kneeling stability → supine leg circles.
Together, these exercises strengthen your centre, improve postural control, and build balanced stability from the inside out — helping you move with precision, support, and confidence in every Pilates session.
- Crunches
- Crunch Pulse
- Crunch Arm Twist
- Crunch Arm Twist Pulse
- Crunch Double Leg
- Crunch Double Leg Twist
- Double Leg Lift
- Double Leg Pulse
- Double Leg Stretch
- Leg Reach Crunch
- Leg Reach Pulse
- Halfway Rollback Twist
- Full Roll Up
- Knee Pulses Side I
- Knee Pulses Side II
- Bird Dog
- Single Leg
Flexibility & Stretching Category (Green Border)
The 16 exercises in the “flexibility & stretching” category are organised for a natural progression through the body. The flow moves from: standing lengthening → forward folds → kneeling rotations → side-lying hip mobility → lunges → bridges → kneeling extensions → hamstring stretches → finishing with a grounded upper-body opener.
These movements release tight muscles, enhance mobility, and improve range of motion using the Magic Circle as a gentle stretching aid. Great for warming up, cooling down, or restoring ease to the body after long days or tough workouts.
- Calf Stretch
- Forward Fold
- Spinal Twist
- Side Bend
- Side Pulse
- Leg Side Pulse I
- Leg Side Pulse II
- Lunge I
- Lunge II
- Hip Lift
- Bridge
- Kneeling Down Dog
- Kneeling Squat
- Single Leg Stretch
- Single Leg Toe Touch
- Pushup
Strength Category (Red Border)
The 17 exercises in the “strength” category move from upper-body strength to lower-body power, following a deliberate progression: upper-body pulses → chest squeezes → shoulder work → triceps → inner-thigh pulses → leg lifts → standing adduction work → lunges and squats → finishing with deep lower-body strength.
These exercises use the Magic Circle’s resistance to tone the arms, sculpt the legs, and build total-body strength — delivering a powerful, well-structured sequence that challenges the whole body in a balanced way.
