Difficulty level: Intermediate
Target Muscle: Abdominals
Equipment: Gymnastic Rings
Instructions for proper form
1. Start by adjusting the gymnastic rings to a height where you can comfortably hang without touching the ground. 2. Grasp the rings with a pronated grip and pull your body up to a dead hang position. 3. Engage your core and lift your legs off the ground to form an āLā shape with your body. 4. Keep your body straight and your core braced. 5. Perform flutter kicks by alternating kicking your legs up and down while maintaining the āLā position. 6. Focus on controlled movements and keep your breathing steady.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Allowing your body to sag or losing tension in your core. 2. Kicking too high or using momentum instead of core strength. 3. Letting your head drop forward, which can strain the neck. 4. Not fully engaging the arms, resulting in uneven weight distribution.
Benefits
Specific benefits of the exercise
This exercise targets the rectus abdominis effectively while also engaging the shoulders and hip flexors, leading to improved core strength and stabilization.
Expected results and timeframe
With consistent practice, you can expect improved core strength and muscle definition within 4-6 weeks. Advanced balance and coordination may take longer to develop..
Who this exercise is best for
The Ring L Sit Hang Flutter Kicks is ideal for those with an intermediate fitness level who are looking to enhance their core strength, gymnastic skills, or overall upper body stability.
Scientific studies supporting its effectiveness
Research in exercise science has shown that movements that engage multiple muscle groups like the core and arms (such as calisthenics) can improve muscle integration and strength proficiency. Additionally, studies highlight that core exercises significantly improve performance in overall physical tasks.
Variations
Beginner modifications
1. Start with a basic L-sit hold on the ground or on the rings with no flutter kicks. 2. Gradually practice leg raises without a full L-sit position to build core strength. 3. Use a resistance band looped from the rings to assist in maintaining the position.
Advanced progressions
1. Increase the hold time in the L-sit before performing flutter kicks. 2. Execute the exercise with added weight (weighted vest or ankle weights). 3. Transition to a one-arm L-sit hold for greater challenge.
Integrations
Complementary exercises
1. Hollow body holds to strengthen core endurance. 2. Pull-ups or muscle-ups for upper body strength. 3. Leg raises on a bar to further engage the abs.
Super set recommendations
Pair with push-ups for a full upper body workout or with burpees for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session that targets both strength and cardiovascular health.
Sample workout routines
1. Warm up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretching. 2. Ring L Sit Hang Flutter Kicks: 3 sets of 30 seconds. 3. Pull-ups: 3 sets of 8-10 reps. 4. Hollow holds: 3 sets of 30 seconds. 5. Cool down with static stretches.
Exercise combinations
Combine with ring dips for upper body strength work or with jump squats to incorporate lower body engagement.
Best time to do this exercise in your workout
The Ring L Sit Hang Flutter Kicks are best performed towards the middle of your workout after a proper warm-up and once you’ve engaged in some upper body movements to avoid fatigue during this demanding core exercise.