Difficulty level: Novice
Target Muscle: Biceps
Equipment: Gymnastic Rings
Instructions for proper form
1. Start by hanging from the gymnastic rings with your palms facing you (supinated grip) and your body straight. 2. Engage your core and keep your shoulders down and back. 3. Slowly lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows while maintaining your grip on the rings. 4. Lower yourself until your arms are fully extended, then pull your body back up to the starting position. Ensure that your movements are slow and controlled, especially during the eccentric phase of the exercise.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Avoid swinging your body; keep movements controlled. 2. Do not allow your shoulders to shrug upwards; keep them down and engaged. 3. Avoid letting your lower back sag; maintain a tight core.
Benefits
Specific benefits of the exercise
The Ring Eccentric Chin Up builds strength in the biceps, improves grip strength, stabilizes shoulder joints, and enhances overall upper body control.
Expected results and timeframe
With consistent practice, you can expect significant improvements in upper body strength and muscle definition within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your training frequency and nutrition..
Who this exercise is best for
This exercise is best for novice athletes looking to improve their biceps strength, grip strength, and general upper body fitness. It is also beneficial for those interested in calisthenics.
Scientific studies supporting its effectiveness
Studies indicate that eccentric training, such as that involved in the Ring Eccentric Chin Up, can lead to greater muscle hypertrophy and strength gains compared to traditional concentric-focused training.
Variations
Beginner modifications
1. Negative Chin Ups: Start at the top position and slowly lower yourself down. 2. Assisted Chin Ups: Use a resistance band or have a partner provide assistance during the lift.
Advanced progressions
1. Full Ring Chin Ups: Transition to performing full chin-ups on the rings without focusing on eccentric. 2. Ring Muscle Ups: Progress to muscle-ups combining a chin up and a dip.
Integrations
Complementary exercises
Other complementary exercises include push-ups, dips, and rows to build balanced strength in the upper body.
Super set recommendations
Super set with exercises like Push-Up or Dips to work opposing muscle groups effectively.
Sample workout routines
Include Ring Eccentric Chin Ups in an upper body workout routine, for example: 1. Push-Ups (3 sets of 10 reps) 2. Ring Eccentric Chin Ups (3 sets of 5-8 reps) 3. Dips (3 sets of 8 reps) 4. Plank holds (3 sets of 30 seconds).
Exercise combinations
Combine with Ring Rows and Bodyweight Tricep Extensions for a comprehensive upper body workout.
Best time to do this exercise in your workout
Best performed at the beginning of an upper body workout when energy levels are highest, or as part of a circuit focused on pulling movements.