If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, you’ve probably noticed people working out with gymnastic rings. Everyone from fitness influencers to your neighbor’s cat seems to be flipping upside down on these wooden or metal circles.
But are gymnastic rings actually a good workout, or is it just another trendy fitness accessory collecting dust next to your yoga mat?
Why Gymnastic Rings Are a Killer Workout
1. You’re Into Bodyweight Training
If push-ups, pull-ups, and planks are already part of your workout rotation, gymnastic rings will kick things up a notch. These bad boys add instability to every movement, making even simple exercises more challenging.
You think you’ve mastered push-ups? Try doing them on rings – suddenly, your body’s shaking like it’s your first time at the gym. In a good way, though!
Gymnastic rings force you to engage multiple muscle groups for stabilization. Every move becomes a full-body exercise, which means more muscle activation and a higher calorie burn.
So, if you love calisthenics and bodyweight training, rings will fit seamlessly into your routine. They’re like the secret sauce that’ll make your regular bodyweight workout feel brand new.
2. You Have Stellar Body Control
Rings aren’t just about brute strength—they demand finesse. Rings are your playground if you can control your body and engage the right muscles at the right time.
But let’s be real: ring dips are a whole different animal than dips on a Y-Dip Attachment. The instability of the rings means you’ll be wobbling like a baby giraffe the first time you try them. Don’t be discouraged, though—this instability is where the magic happens.
You’ll build functional strength by mastering these unstable movements. Think of it like upgrading your fitness game from “novice” to “pro” in one fell swoop.
3. You’re Handy with Power Tools
Okay, so this isn’t exactly a workout point, but it’s worth mentioning: if you’re not afraid of a little DIY, gymnastic rings can be installed almost anywhere.
If drilling into your ceiling or power rack is necessary, and you know your way around a power drill, mounting rings is a piece of cake. Just make sure you’re confident in the setup—no one wants a mid-ring workout collapse!
And if you're not keen on the idea of drilling, you can always hang them from a pull-up bar, pergola, or even a sturdy tree branch. Just make sure it’s solid, or you’ll have a whole new workout—chasing after your rings in the backyard.
Not sure how to hang your (future) gym rings? Check out How To Hang Gymnastic Rings for seven expert recommendations, from indoors to outdoors.
4. You’ve Got Space and Height
One thing to keep in mind: gymnastic rings require some vertical real estate.
You’ll need enough room to hang them properly, and if you’re working out inside, a ceiling height of around 9 feet is ideal. No, you don’t need a ceiling like an Olympic training center, but a bit of height is necessary to get the full benefit.
When Gymnastic Rings Might Not Be Your Thing
As amazing as gymnastic rings are, they’re not for everyone. Here’s why they might not be your cup of protein shake:
1. You’re Not Into Bodyweight Training
If the idea of bodyweight exercises makes you groan, gymnastic rings aren’t going to win you over. These tools are all about leveraging your body’s weight to create resistance. If you prefer slinging around free weights like dumbbells, you might find rings to be a bit frustrating—or just too much effort.
2. Body Control Isn’t Your Strong Suit
If your coordination skills resemble a toddler learning to walk, gymnastic rings might be a bit too challenging. They require body control, balance, and the ability to stabilize yourself through complex movements. It’s not impossible to learn, but if you don’t enjoy feeling wobbly, it can be discouraging.
3. Power Tools? Hard Pass
If drilling holes in your ceiling or power rack sounds like more effort than the workout itself, rings may not be your best choice. Sure, you can rig them up in other ways, but if you’re not handy, it’s going to feel like a chore just to set them up.
4. You’ve Got Low Ceilings or No Space
Small apartment? Low ceilings? Rings need height to shine. Without enough clearance, you’ll end up frustrated and unable to fully use them. They’re best suited for garages, basements, or outdoor setups with enough vertical space.
That said, there are workarounds to using gymnastic rings in an apartment. Check them out in this article: How To Hang Gymnastic Rings In Apartment
