Overview
Gymnastic rings are one of the most versatile tools in calisthenics. By adding instability to every movement, they recruit more stabilizer muscles and build joint resilience that fixed bars cannot match. Rings are portable, affordable, and can be hung from any sturdy overhead point.
Types
- Wooden rings: The gold standard. They absorb sweat for better grip and feel comfortable in the hands. Preferred by serious athletes.
- Plastic rings: More affordable and weather-resistant. Suitable for outdoor use but can be slippery when wet.
- Metal rings: Extremely durable but uncomfortably cold in winter and hot in summer. Rarely used outside of competition.
What to Look For
- Diameter: Standard competition rings are 28 mm thick with an inner diameter of 18 cm. This is the best size for most athletes.
- Straps: Numbered markings on the straps make it easy to set both rings at the same height. Cam buckles are faster to adjust than traditional buckles.
- Strap length: At least 4.5 m (15 ft) per strap to accommodate high ceilings or outdoor trees.
Exercises
Rings unlock progressions that are difficult or impossible on bars:
- Ring push-ups and ring dips
- Ring rows (Australian pull-ups)
- Ring muscle-ups
- Iron cross progressions
- Ring support hold and L-sit
- Skin the cat