Gymnastics Rings and Why Your Training Suffers

Hey everyone, today we are going to talk about Gymnastics Rings, why your training suffers and which ones you should or should not buy...

Overview: Gym Reviewer Takes on Gymnastics Rings

In this article we are going to cover these topics (feel free to click and skip around)

• Problems with Gymnastics Rings

• Why People Hate Them

• Why People LOVE Them

• Top Exercise Recommendations

• Our FAVORITE Rings on the Market

• Other Significant Alternatives

Problems with Gymnastics Rings

For starters, many people hate on gymnastics rings because they do not fully understand the use case and purpose of them. They get mad with a variety of factors (some true, and some from a lack of perspective).

Here are some of the problems and peeves people have around them...

Shape of the Ring

Some people have real trouble with the curved shape of the rings and often try gripping it as they would a barbell or straightly knurled dumbbell.

Once they get over the fact that the Gymnastics ring, like Earth is curved, everything works in their favor.

With progress and time, you could even learn the much famous gymnastics 'False-grip' and implement this new hold into your regiment, making for variety in your training.

That said, the grip used (regular, false grip, and so on) is highly dependent on your training goals, where you are currently holding in your fitness journey, as well as grip strength.

Failing Grip Strength

Many people complain that they grip fails or even slips when using rings for an extensive or prolonged period. Unfortunately, calloused hands and undeveloped grip strength are a reason why many are dissuaded from pursuing a variety of beneficial callisthenics movements that rings and other suspension systems have to offer.

Some quick tips to improve your grip strength and move on to more difficult and invigorating workouts:

• Whenever you go to hit biceps, shoulders, triceps, and any other accessory lift days, focus on gripping whatever handle, attachment, or bar is being used to the best of your ability and not allowing your grip to budge at all

• Ensure that your are in fact fully gripping the bar throughout the entire rep and set range. If your grip begins to fail, that is now the new end of your set. Drop the weight or increase rest periods to ensure you maintain a full and firm grip throughout every single rep and set for the duration of your entire workout

• Focus on these two points and you can expect to see significant grip strength improvement and likely some significant Hypertrophy (growth) in your forearm muscles!

For more information on improving your grip strength check out this article we wrote.

Materials, Bad Choices, and Bumped Heads

Buying the incorrect material makes for a sad home gym owner. In short, you could go all out and a buy the brand new metallic gymnastics ring, only to bump your head on it once, and forget (literally) why you ever bought a metal ring set.

On the other hand, you may go hard on a workout with your brand new wooden rings only to have a nice and nasty splinter cut your fresh baby hands apart. With blood oozing out of your palm, you will wonder why you did not read this next line:

New Garage Gym Owner + Wooden Rings = New Sandpaper Buyer

If you did not get the equation: Buy some sandpaper and sand down your rings to a smooth finish (on select wooden rings you can try 120 grit sandpaper, and even 240 grit for a great clean and polished finish).

This will save us all from the complaints of splinters with wooden rings, and make your workout experience that much more enjoyable- Just think of the sanding as your warm up.

Also, consider using a damp and towel with lukewarm water to clean off any debris or wood dust from your newly sanded rings. Last thing we need is sand dust all over the home gym setup!

Are Gymnastics Rings JUST for Kids?

Unfortunately there is a stigma around Gymnastics Rings, that they are something childish, girly, or should be left in the park for the kids to use. Thankfully, they have become highly mainstream, and even 'cool' to use in high level intensity training through programs like Crossfit.

But, if being a fun and inclusive Dad or Mom is your thing (or have not left childhood yourself! 😁) here is an incredible Family Friendly gym system that can be used by the entire family (comes with rings included!)

We heard a bit about the bad, but why is there an almost cult of people who LOVE gymnastics rings?

The Bright Side

There is a lot of good that can be said for Gymnastics Rings. From the versatility, to the cost to the practical and travel friendly setup. Now we will get into it...

Full Body Workout

For starters, Gymnastics rings can give you a full body, in-depth workout. Tons of variety makes for ever challenging and changing routines, coupled with a good bodyweight training program, and you have yourself a winner!

Low Cost

As many of you know, deciding to build a home gym is something like deciding to change the drapes in your home. First it starts with the drapes. Then it leads to painting the walls to match the drapes, then it leads to changing the carpet to match the new colors, and also the kitchen to go along with the new vibes in your house.

Home gyms are expensive! I have personally spent thousands of hard-earned dollars on building the perfect home gym setup so my whole family and close friends could train safely and according to the guidelines over COVID-19.

That said, something like a pair of rings can be bought for very cheap! Even as a full one stop shop, or as an accessory to add some spice in your training, the cost is surely attractive.

Click here to jump to prices and our favorite rings available now!

Travel Friendly

Have you ever taken your power rack to Florida? What about your dumbbell set to Alaska?

Not realistic.

That said, I have taken my rings around the world, and had the ability to train on beaches, at parks, and even in hotel rooms all while staying light, flexible, and free to move and travel as I please, while staying fit and happy that my travel is not impeding on my goals of being a good example of health and wellness for my family, community, friends, and self.

That is the power of traveling with rings. You maintain your health and wellness, and those around you benefit and glean from your consistency, values, and seriousness of your training.

Fun

Countless times nephews and little cousins have come into our family's three car garage gym and begun playing and swinging on the Gymnastics Rings.

That and a good medicine ball make for an amazing afternoon fun play session. Trust me!

Just make sure they stay away from heavier equipment, pinch points, and anything else that might keep them from having fun.

Hello Sunshine (goodbye lack of tan)

Find your local tree and start doing pull-ups.

This makes for a great opportunity to get the last ounces of sunshine you can afford before returning to normal lives indoors and away from that precious Vitamin D.

Likewise, a little tan can go a long way!

Top Picks

The Best Value Gymnastics Ring Set for 2025...

The Titan Fitness 32mm Rings

More options and in-depth outlooks coming soon, stayed tuned!