Weighted Ring Push Ups
Weighted push-ups on gymnastic rings are one of many variations in the push-up family. In addition to the chest, shoulders, and triceps, this exercise also places a greater emphasis on the core and the entire stabilizing musculature. The rings allow for an individualized width and grip position, which is very comfortable for the shoulders. Additionally, due to the instability, smaller muscle groups have to work harder to keep the body stable. This variation is a direct progression of the regular weighted push-ups.
Necessary equipment


Weighted Ring Push Ups - the correct execution
- Start in the push-up position
- Maintain maximum tension in the torso and buttocks
- Bend the arms and lower the chest toward the floor
- The elbows are spread about 45 degrees from the body
- Go as low as possible until your shoulders touch the rings
- Stretch the arms and press back to the starting position
- Work in the greatest possible range of motion
The exercise Ring Push Ups is intended to be used as a hypertrophy exercise.
Which muscles are trained by Ring Push Ups?
Primary trained muscles for Ring Push Ups
Chest - The pectoralis major muscle is the large muscle on your chest. It helps you bring your arm towards your body and rotate it inward.
Secondary trained muscles for Ring Push Ups
Triceps - The triceps brachii muscle is located at the back of your upper arm. It extends your arm at the elbow and also helps move the arm backward.
Front Delts - The front part of the deltoid muscle, also known as the anterior shoulder, is located at the front of the shoulder. It is primarily involved in the forward movement of the arm, such as lifting the arm forward. It also assists in the internal rotation of the arm. This muscle is engaged in activities that involve lifting objects in front of the body or pushing forward.
Similar exercises to Ring Push Ups
Explosive Push Ups
Explosive push-ups are a dynamic variation of the classic push-up and are particularly suitable for athletes looking to improve their explosiveness. During the exercise, the body is pushed upwards so powerfully during the upward movement that the hands briefly leave the ground. This primarily trains the chest, triceps, and front shoulders, while also increasing speed strength and explosiveness.
Push Ups on the rings
Ring push ups are an excellent exercise for the chest muscles. Since the rings move freely in space, the chest can be stretched and contracted more effectively during the push up. In other words, we have a greater range of motion compared to regular push ups on the floor. Additionally, we have observed that many people who experience shoulder pain with push ups on the floor can perform push ups on the rings without pain.
Kneeling Push Ups
Kneeling push-ups are a simplified version of classic push-ups, where the knees stay on the ground to reduce intensity. This exercise strengthens the chest, triceps, and shoulders and is especially suitable for beginners or as a gentle reintroduction after an injury.
In addition, kneeling push-ups are an excellent preparatory exercise for regular push-ups: anyone able to do more than 20 clean reps can progress to the next level, negative push-ups. This helps build a solid foundation for gradually transitioning to classic push-ups.
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