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Gymnastic rings are a very versatile training tool for beginners or advanced trainers. Gymnastics athletes need great rings for obvious reasons—they want to be completely prepared for their upcoming competition—but people who are training for fitness or overall performance can benefit from them, as well. Exercises such as muscle-ups, dips, pull-ups, and inverted rows can all be performed on gymnastic rings.
Having the right pair of gymnastic rings for the right purpose can make all the difference, but which type would be best for your needs? Fortunately, the Active Reviews Team has done the heavy lifting already, and this list will help you decide which rings would be best for your individual needs.
The 6 Best Gymnastics Rings in 2023 - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Gymnastic Rings: REP Fitness 1.25" Gymnastic Rings
- Best Portable Gymnastic Rings: Rogue Fitness Gymnastic Wood Rings
- Best Wood Gymnastic Rings: Synergee Gymnastic Rings
- Best Gymnastic Rings for CrossFit: Titan Fitness 32mm Wood Olympic Gymnastic Rings
- Best Metal Gymnastic Rings: Rogue Metal Gymnastics Rings
- Best Gymnastic Rings for Home Gym: ProSourceFIt Gymnastic Rings
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Best Overall Gymnastic Rings - REP Fitness 1.25" Gymnastic Rings
SPECS
- Ring thickness: 1.25"
- Ring material: Wood
- Straps: 1.5" thick, 7.5' or 14' long
- Weight: 4 lbs.
If you travel a lot and need to hang your rings from a variety of things shorter than a commercial gym ceiling, having longer straps may not suit you well. REP Fitness offers rings with shorter straps for that very reason. They could be connected to the top of a squat rack, pull-up bar, doorframe, or tree branch very quickly so you have more workout options, without a bunch of extra strap getting in your way. They do also have longer straps for those who prefer them, so you could buy both and have the best of both worlds.
Both pairs of straps are rated to hold up to 600 pounds. They come with Velcro to help keep them wrapped up tightly so they can be stored without making a mess. They fit in most gym bags and weigh in at a reasonable 4 pounds, making them a good choice for when you're on the go.
PROS
- Shorter straps allow you to connect to most squat racks
- They can be packed in most bags or suitcases for traveling
- They are made of natural Baltic birch wood
CONS
- Warranty is only 1 year
- Can only hold up to 600 lbs.
BUY: REP Fitness 1.25" Gymnastic Rings
Best Portable Gymnastic Rings - Rogue Fitness Gymnastic Wood Rings
SPECS
- Ring diameter: 1.25" or 1.11" thick
- Ring material: Wood
- Straps: Heavy-duty nylon
- Product weight: 4 lbs.
Most gyms and workout rooms have a variety of people doing a variety of training using gymnastic rings. Some athletes may be training for competitions while others may be doing a CrossFit WOD (Workout of the Day). There are also beginners who may want to learn how to use them. So, many people will want to get a pair of rings that can do it all and be a perfect fit in any setting.
Rogue Fitness' wood rings are strong enough to handle the rigors of dedicated trainees looking to perform sets of muscle-ups. The rings are also comfortable enough in the hands that a beginner can focus on learning the movements because the rings are made so that athletes can use them bare-handed or with chalk. These would also serve gymnastic coaches very well as they train athletes of all ages and levels. You can choose from two thicknesses—either the CrossFit rings or those that meet the standards of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). They are made in the USA and they can be adjusted very easily thanks to their buckle system.
PROS
- Can be used with or without chalk
- Can be used indoors or outside (weather permitting)
- The rings come with a 2-year warranty
- Can choose either CrossFit or FIG standards
CONS
- Accessories are sold separately
- Can't be stored or left outside
- Expensive compared to other rings
BUY: Rogue Fitness Gymnastic Wood Rings
Best Wood Gymnastic Rings - Synergee Gymnastic Rings
SPECS
- Ring diameter: Small - 1" thick and 7.75" in diameter; Large - 1.25" thick and 9.5" in diameter
- Ring material: Birch wood
- Straps: 15' long x 1.5" thick
- Product weight: Small - 3.5 lbs.; Large - 4 lbs.
Sometimes, a simple approach can be the most effective one. These rings are no-nonsense, strong, and durable. They are made of birch wood and are pre-sanded to provide the most comfort possible when you're holding yourself up or pulling on them with all of your strength. If you don't like the thought of holding on to the bare wood, you can have optional grip tape included with the order to apply to the rings.
They can be ordered in two sizes—1-inch or 1.25-inch grips—so you can choose the one that you feel would best suit your training needs. These can be left in the gym or taken with you on the road. They are fitted with metal clamps so they can easily be put on any rig or crossbar. Want to train outside? Put them up on a tree branch and get to work. It will only take around three minutes to set them up or take them down. They will even work on most exercise door setups.
PROS
- They will support up to 1,000 lbs.
- Can be used with or without grip tape
- Easy setup for maximum portability
- Affordable price point
- They don't meet gymnastics competition standards
- A carrying case isn't included
Best Gymnastic Rings for CrossFit - Titan Fitness 32mm Wood Olympic Gymnastic Rings
SPECS
- Ring diameter: 1.25" thick, 9.25" in diameter
- Ring material: Wood
- Straps: 15' long, 1.5" thick
- Product weight: 8 lbs. per pair
If you're a dedicated fitness athlete, then you need to know that the equipment you're going to use is as tough and durable as you are. Titan's rings are an optimal choice for CrossFit athletes, but the good news is that bodybuilders, powerlifters, and other strength athletes could reap the benefits that this pair of rings offers.
The rings are extra wide to help provide the best grip possible. Thanks to the included straps, they can be used in numerous ways. Hang them high so you have to jump to reach them for exercises such as pull-ups and hanging leg raises or position them low so you can do suspension push-ups or inverted rows. Beginners can set them up so that they can safely learn the movements that will help them improve. The finish of the wooden rings is very smooth, which can be more comfortable for those new to training with rings. You could also use chalk to help maximize grip, and cleaning them afterward is as simple as wiping them down with a cloth.
PROS
- Heavy-duty, durable construction
- They wrap up tightly for easier storage
- Smooth finish for a comfortable grip
CONS
- The weight limit is 600 lbs.
- Not suitable for competitive gymnastics training
BUY: Titan Fitness 32mm Wood Olympic Gymnastic Rings
Best Metal Gymnastic Rings - Rogue Metal Gymnastic Rings
SPECS
- Ring thickness: 1.25"
- Ring material: Steel
- Straps: 16' long, 1.5" thick
- Product weight: 7 lbs. each
Metal gymnastic rings are a great choice for people who prefer to train outside because they won't be damaged by wet conditions, which could happen with wooden rings. Furthermore, they are more durable than their wooden counterparts, as well as being heavier and stronger.
These metal gymnastic rings were among the first products that Rogue Fitness manufactured. They are made of steel, which will hold up under the toughest circumstances. They also have a powder coat finish that allows the user to hold onto them without any discomfort. These rings have been used in many CrossFit competitions and will last for many workouts to come once they're set up in your training space. The straps and buckles allow the rings to be set up anywhere at any time. No tools are required and putting them up takes very little time. The straps are also available in three different colors: black, ranger green, and desert tan.
PROS
- They can be used and left outdoors
- They are made of 14-gauge steel
- Can be used for CrossFit competitions
- The straps are longer than most
CONS
- 1.25" is the only size available
- Heavier than wooden rings, so less portable
BUY: Rogue Fitness Metal Gymnastic Rings
Best Gymnastic Rings for a Home Gym - ProSourceFit Gymnastic Rings
SPECS
- Ring thickness: 1.25"
- Ring material: Plastic
- Straps: 1.5" thick, 17' long
- Weight: N/A
If you're a member of the home-gym club, then you need to make sure the gymnastic rings you order will serve your purposes properly. These rings are made of Lexan, a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that is very light, but durable. If you want something more affordable than most wood or metal options, then these rings are a great choice for your at-home workout space. They are also easy to install and the weather-resistant material can transition between indoors and out, making them a versatile piece of home-gym equipment.
The straps and rings together are tested to hold up to 1,000 pounds, so you can feel comfortable pulling, swinging, or attempting any exercise on these if they're secured properly. Unlike a power tower with a pull-up bar and dip station, the ProSourceFit rings will help promote balance as well as strength. They will take up far less space, as well, which is very important for many home-gym owners. This option would be a great place to start for people who are looking to transition from the commercial gym to training at home.
PROS
- Weather resistant
- Metal buckle is easy to secure
- Lightweight
- Affordable price point
CONS
- Chalk may be needed to maximize grip
- Not as durable as other materials
BUY: ProSourceFit Gymnastic Rings
FAQs About Gymnastic Rings
What muscle groups can I train with gymnastic rings?
You can train the entire upper body as well as the core with gymnastic rings. Pull-ups, inverted rows, and suspension curls train the pulling muscles such as the back and biceps. Dips and suspension push-ups focus on the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Muscle-ups require strength from all the above. Of course, core strength and stabilization will also be required for most exercises.
Which material would be best for me?
If you want or need to train outside, then metal or plastic rings would be a great choice. Wooden rings suit athletes who train inside or travel frequently. If grip is the focus, then wood would suit you very well since it can often be used without chalk.
How do I set up my rings and straps?
The most important aspect to consider is where they will be hanging from. Make sure that the apparatus you hang them from will support a lot of weight because it won't just be your body weight, you'll be moving which generates more force. As for how to secure the straps, instructions usually come with the rings and straps when they arrive. Follow them exactly as they are written and be sure to read any additional safety information.
How far apart should they be?
For general training purposes, they should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart. If you're training for a competition, find the guidelines that are approved by the sanctioning organization.