Gymnastic rings set a fitness trend: what you should pay attention to when buying

fitness trend
Rocking, swinging, floating: how gymnastic rings get young and old fit

by Jan Saegert
01/25/2022, 08:30 am

The rings are among the most demanding that world-class gymnasts have to master. Hardly any device requires such a sense of balance as the two wooden rings looped into two long straps. That’s nothing for amateur athletes and certainly nothing for children, you might think right away. And yet the gymnastics rings are becoming more and more established in gyms and playgrounds. They also dangle from the ceiling in many hobby rooms and children’s rooms. What is so attractive about the simple wooden or plastic rings? What should you pay attention to when buying? How do you assemble gymnastics rings? Who can and should train with it? And what exactly do you train with the gymnastics rings? questions upon questions. Here are the answers.

What are gymnastic rings good for anyway?

Basically, gymnastics rings are fitness equipment and toys in one. If you want to challenge your shoulder girdle, torso, stomach and arm muscles a bit during cross training, the popular gymnastics rings are just as good as kids who simply hang onto the rings to dangle back and forth a bit. This is not only great fun for the little ones, they also get to know their bodies and improve their motor skills. And that is exactly what is currently lacking for many children and young people.

How are gymnastic rings correctly and safely assembled?

Many gymnastic rings can be attached not only to the ceiling, but also to a tree or the door. For mounting on the ceiling there is special ceiling hooks, on which other sports equipment such as a punching bag or a hammock can also be hung. As a rule, these ceiling hooks are not included in the scope of delivery. Alternatively, gymnastic rings can be fixed with a so-called door anchor. It is placed over the door at the top edge. Close the door and let’s go. Important: For your own safety, lock the door from the inside. The anchor is only hooked in and gives way as soon as the door is opened from the outside. Gymnastic rings can also be easily attached to trees or climbing frames. In short: This fitness machine and toy is ready to use in no time. Inside and outside.

What types of gymnastics rings are there?

With gymnastics rings, a distinction is made between those made of wood and rings made of plastic (usually polycarbonate) or metal (rarely). The advantages and disadvantages at a glance:

Experts recommend rings with a handle diameter of 32 millimeters, especially for children. Even smaller boys and girls (from the age of two) can make rings like this one Decathlon model have a good grip and hang securely. For even better grip, some models are wrapped with tape at the grip points or you can wrap them yourself if necessary. Alternatively, gymnastic rings with a handle diameter of 28 millimeters are available. The rings made of plastic are almost exclusively available in the thinner version. Wooden gymnastic rings are usually made birch, Oak or bamboo manufactured. If the sustainability of the product is important to you, you should check the country from which the wood from which the gymnastic rings were made comes.

Gymnastic Rings: What else is important

Be sure to check the accessories carefully before purchasing. Depending on where you want to hang the gymnastics rings, the package should include adjustable nylon straps (with markings if possible) with robust buckles or carabiners, a door anchor and, ideally, protective padding for training on trees. Optional are a small bag and a book or an app with exercises. When it comes to the belts, you should not only pay attention to the length and width. It is also important that they are approved for a corresponding load. If this value is between 300 and 400 kilograms, you are on the safe side.

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