When looking into training with gymnastic rings, there are different questions you want to ask before deciding on what type to buy. Here we cover differences between using free weights and rings.

Training with gymnastic rings uses body weight for resistance. This will increase both your strength in full range of motion, and your level of static or isometric strength.

General benefits include:

• Increase in the level of strength
• Increase in size

Pros

• Portable
• Work major muscle groups
• Train stabalizer muscles more than free weights

Cons

• Requires object to wrap around. 
• Limited for lower body exercises

 Some things to look at when considering purchasing rings include: the type of ring, straps, and the type of buckle used.

Types of rings

• Wood
• Metal
• Plastic

The type of ring used.

• Should depend on your goals and the finances available.
• For a starter or basic routine workouts, plastic is recommended.
• Wood is the best type for the price if you’re doing more of a gymnastic routine, or you know you will be using them more than your average person.
• Metal rings may be better for use by the more intermediate individual but is probably the least recommended

Wooden Rings

Pros

• Very Durable
• Ensures a good sturdy grip

Cons

• May need to be sanded down initially if rough
• More expensive
• Cant withstand outdoor use over time

Double Circle	Iron Bull	REP Fitness	Titan Fitness	Rogue
Strap 7.5 feet	Strap is 15 feet		15 feet in length	16 feet in length
Adjussts easy	Easily adjustable using numbers	Adjusts easy	Easily adjustable	Easily adjustable uses cam
Durability 800 lbs	Durability 2,000 lbs	Durability 600 lbs	Durability 600 lbs	Durability 600 lbs
Shouldn't be used outdoors	Can be Used oudoors	Can be used outdoors	Shouldn't be used outdoors	Shouldn't be used outdoors
Price: $ 65	Price $ 50	Price $ 22	Price $ 35	Price $ 72

Metal Rings

Pros

• Almost indestructible
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Very heavy
• Can be tough on hands concerning calluses
• Shouldn’t be used outdoors
• Slippery when wet so chalk may be needed
• Must be more cautious that you don’t get hit

Rogue	FringeSport	Evolutionize Power 12 foot strap	American Barbell Strap is 15 feet in length
Adjusts easy using a cam	Easily adjustability	Adjustability challenging	Adjusts easily
Durability 600 lbs	Durability of 600 lbs	Durability of 1,200 lbs	Durability: 2,500 lbs
Can be used outdoors	Shouldn't be used outdoors	Can be used outdoors	Not for outdoor use
Price $72	Price $ 61	Price $20	Price: $ 69

Plastic Rings

Pros

• Inexpensive and good for beginners
• Very lightweight
• Durable
• Can be used indoors or outside

Cons

• Can be slippery when wet

Rogue Echo	Elite gymnastic rings	Nordic Lifting	Nayoya	Titan Fitness
16 feet long	8 feet long			8 feet long
Easily adjustable	Not easily adjustable	Adjustability easy	Adjustability easy	Unadjustable
Supports up to 600 Lbs	Supports 550 lbs	Supports up to 600 lbs	Supports up to 2,000 lbs	Supports up to 600lbs
Can be Used outdoors	Can be used outdoors	Can be used outdoors	Can be used outdoors	Can be used outdoors
Price: $ 55	Price $ 46	Price: $58	Price: $29	Price: $ 20

Straps

Should be made from a material that is unstretchable

Should be strong enough to withstand rubbing against a hard surface

Longer straps are better, but having a place to put the excess length of strap may be an issue

Buckles

There are two types of buckles that are used. These are cams, or carabiner buckles. Which one is used depends on ones personal preference. Rings that use cams may be more affordable but using rings with a carabiner is much easier concerning adjustments.

Cam: 

Pros

• More Affordable
• Weight that can be supported
• Durable

Cons

• More difficult to adjust

Carabiner: 

Pros

• Weight that can be supported
• Easy to adjust
• Durable

Cons

• More expensive

 .

These are the main considerations you should look at when purchasing a set of gymnastic rings for your workouts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do I have to have experience as a gymnast to use gymnastic rings ?

Answer:

No, you don’t need any experience with the sport or activity of gymnastics in order to use rings. Although the name has the word gymnastics in it, rings can be used by anyone as part of a workout.. 

2. How do gymnastic rings compare to free weights ?

Answer:

Unlike the use of free weights for resistance training, the use of rings uses body weights as a form of resistance.This is more of a dead weight when compared to using free weights..

When comparing free weights to the use of rings,  although it is the same relative weight, doing push-ups with rings is much more difficult both because of the weight is more spread out, and the  stabilizer muscles are used more.

The Verdict:

Rings are a great form of resistance training to use in order to increase strength both for the beginner and experienced. The type of ring you purchase will depend on your purpose for training. If you’re looking to add different training methods to your workouts, rings are a good choice.