Ring Dip

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Intermediate
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A bodyweight vertical push on gymnastic rings that targets chest, triceps, and shoulders to build upper body strength and stability; commonly scaled with assistance for beginners.

About Exercise

Equipment

Rings

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps, Chest, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Calisthenics
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Chest

9/10

Lower Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-180 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust gymnastic rings to a height where your feet are off the ground and set shoulder-width apart. Jump or step into a straight-arm support hold with shoulders depressed and core engaged.

  1. Grip rings with neutral palms facing each other and thumbs wrapped around.
  2. Bend elbows to lower body until shoulders are below elbows, keeping elbows tucked and chest forward.
  3. Press through hands and triceps to extend arms fully back to support hold.
  4. Maintain hollow body position with glutes and quads tight throughout.
  5. Lock out arms at top with shoulders depressed and externally rotated.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows tucked close
  • Shoulders down and back
  • Core tight, no sway
  • Push rings down hard
  • Hollow body position

Breathing

Inhale as you lower your body, brace core, and exhale forcefully as you press up.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until shoulders drop below elbows or upper arms parallel to floor; extend arms fully at top without shrugging shoulders.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain or impingement
  • Progress gradually from assisted variations
  • Control descent to protect joints
  • Ensure stable anchor for rings
  • Stop if sharp elbow or shoulder pain occurs

Spotting

Use resistance bands looped under knees for assistance; for weighted sets, have partner add/remove weight safely from dip belt.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows out
  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Bouncing out of bottom
  • Leaning too far forward
  • Resting on straps

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute elbow pain
  • Recent pectoral strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion and extension
  • Adequate wrist extension

Build Up First

  • Master parallel bar dips
  • Proficient push-ups
  • Stable ring support holds

Also known as

Gymnastic Ring Dip, Ring Parallel Bar Dip

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