Setting up rings

Installing Gymnastic rings for fitness

There are now many variations of the true gymnastics ring which have been specifically designed for fitness and are readily available to buy. They generally follow a common structure in terms of operation and components:

• Rings: Available in plastic or metal, and less frequently, wood. 
• Straps / Webbing: Heavy duty webbing, usually Nylon used to suspend the rings. 
• Buckle: CAM buckle through which you secure the straps and use to height adjust the rings. 

You will need to read the instructions specific to your manufacturer of rings but they generally work as follows:

1. Pull the straps through the gymnastic rings and over the anchor point
2. Press the lever on the CAM buckle and thread the strap through in the direction indicated to secure the rings. 

This design brings convenience, flexibility and portability to an age old piece of training equipment and affords the average person the ability to start ring training in and around their own home. 

Setting up your rings: The anchor point

The anchor point is the object from which you suspend the rings. It's important you consider the following when mounting your rings:

Ring Height:

Within reason, the higher your anchor point the better. Ideally you want enough height so that you can hang from the rings and perform a muscle-up and hoist yourself above the rings without the fear of consussion.

Rings Width: 

Rings should be fixed about 50cm apart or slightly wider than shoulder width.

Surrounding Space:

These aren't true gymnastics rings and you shouldn't be swinging or performing dismounts! But you do need some clearance around you to comfortably ring train without limiting possible exercises. A 6-8 foot clearance should be enough for most people.

Sturdiness:

The anchor point must be solid. You need complete confidence in your training. It must be safe enough to support your bodyweight and not be loose, or rock in any way whilst training.

As long as it meets the above criteria you should be fine. People commonly use rafters or beams in their garage / basement or attach their rings to pull-up bars and power cages but we've also seen goal posts, park equipment and even trees used to hang rings. 

If none of these options are available to you, you can install the rings into your ceiling using two eye bolts through which you can thread the straps.