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 gymnastic rings made of wood or plastic? 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 gymnastics rings? questions upon questions. Here are the answers.
Basically, gymnastics rings are fitness equipment and toys in one. Anyone who wants to challenge their shoulder girdle, torso, stomach and arm muscles a little during cross training is just as well served with the popular gymnastics rings as little ones who simply hang onto the rings to dangle back and forth a bit and do simple exercises attempt . 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 many children and young people lack. Many gymnastics rings come with small handouts with exercises.
Many gymnastic rings can be attached not only to the ceiling, but also to a tree or the door. There are special ceiling hooks for mounting on the ceiling, 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.
With gymnastics rings, a distinction is made between wooden rings and rings made of plastic (usually polycarbonate) or metal (rarely). The advantages and disadvantages of wooden rings and plastic rings at a glance:
Advantages
Disadvantages
Holzringe
plastic rings
Experts recommend rings with a handle diameter of 32 millimeters, especially for children. Even smaller boys and girls (from the age of two) can grasp rings like this model from Decathlon and hang them 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 from birch, oak or bamboo. 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.
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 (if possible with markings) with robust buckles or carabiners, a door anchor and, ideally, a protective pad 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. Also pay attention to the maximum load capacity and check for which loads the gymnastic rings are approved, depending on what you want to use the rings for and who mainly trains or plays with them. If, according to the manufacturer, the load capacity is between 300 and 400 kilograms, you are on the safe side.
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