Videos
Instructions
- Begin hanging from gymnastic rings using a false grip with arms fully extended.
- Engage your core and initiate a pull by driving your elbows down and back.
- Pull your body upward in a straight path until your chest reaches ring level.
- Transition by rotating your wrists over the rings and leaning your chest forward.
- Press down into the rings to extend your arms fully into a dip position.
- Lower yourself back to the starting hang position with control and repeat.
Technical Tips
- Use a false grip to ease the transition from pull to dip.
- Keep rings close to your body to maintain control and efficiency.
- Focus on a smooth transition by keeping your elbows tight to your sides.
- Build strict strength before adding kipping assistance.
Breathing Tips
- Inhale at the bottom before pulling.
- Exhale forcefully during the pull and transition phase.
- Inhale again while lowering back down under control.
Medical restrictions
- Shoulder instability or impingement
- Elbow tendinopathies or wrist pain
- Limited thoracic mobility
- History of rotator cuff injuries
The Ring Muscle-Up is a high-skill gymnastic movement that combines a powerful pull-up with a seamless transition into a dip, executed on gymnastic rings. Unlike its bar counterpart, the ring version demands greater stabilization and joint control due to the free-moving nature of the rings. This advanced compound movement builds strength, coordination, and control throughout the entire upper body and core. Athletes benefit from enhanced neuromuscular coordination, especially around the shoulder girdle, along with increased mobility and midline engagement. The exercise is a cornerstone in calisthenics, CrossFit, and gymnastics for developing elite pulling and pressing strength, requiring mastery of false grip, transition control, and strict pushing mechanics. Ideal for advanced trainees, the ring muscle-up serves both as a skill and a strength progression, showcasing complete upper-body control and gymnastic proficiency.
What makes ring muscle-ups harder than bar muscle-ups?
Ring muscle-ups require more stabilization and joint control due to the independent movement of the rings, making them more challenging than bar muscle-ups.
Do I need to use a false grip for ring muscle-ups?
A false grip is highly recommended for beginners as it facilitates the transition from pull-up to dip and improves control.
What muscles do ring muscle-ups work?
Ring muscle-ups primarily target the back and shoulders, while also engaging the biceps, triceps, chest, and core throughout the pull and press phases.
Can I kip during a ring muscle-up?
Yes, using a kip can help generate momentum, but strict muscle-ups are better for developing pure strength and control.
How can I train to get my first ring muscle-up?
Focus on false grip strength, strict pull-ups, deep ring dips, and transition drills to develop the control and strength needed for your first ring muscle-up.