Ring L Sit Pull Up

Difficulty level: Advanced

Target Muscle: Back

Equipment: Gymnastic Rings

Instructions for proper form

1. Start by hanging from the gymnastic rings with an overhand grip, arms fully extended. Keep your body straight and engage your core. 2. While maintaining a strong core, tuck your knees towards your chest to form an ‘L’ shape with your body. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground. 3. Pull your body upwards by retracting your shoulder blades and bending your elbows, aiming to bring your chin above the rings. 4. Hold at the top of the movement for a moment before lowering back down with control to the starting position. Ensure to maintain the ‘L’ shape during the pull-up. 5. Perform the exercise for the desired number of reps while maintaining proper form throughout.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Allowing your legs to drop, thereby losing the ‘L’ position. 2. Not fully extending your arms at the bottom of the movement. 3. Using momentum instead of muscle control to pull yourself up. 4. Letting your shoulders shrug or rise towards your ears instead of keeping them down and back.

Benefits

Specific benefits of the exercise

The Ring L Sit Pull Up effectively builds strength in the latissimus dorsi and the core while enhancing stability and control in the upper body. The use of gymnastic rings also improves grip strength and challenges proprioception.

Expected results and timeframe

With consistent training (2-3 times a week), one can expect noticeable improvements in upper body strength and core stability within 6-8 weeks, leading to increased muscle definition and control in bodyweight movements..

Who this exercise is best for

This exercise is best for advanced athletes and individuals seeking to build significant upper body strength and core stability, particularly those with experience in calisthenics and gymnastic movements.

Scientific studies supporting its effectiveness

Studies have shown that compound movements like pull-ups stimulate multiple muscle groups effectively, enhancing strength building. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research highlights that training on unstable surfaces (like rings) can improve overall strength and stability.

Variations

Beginner modifications

For beginners, consider performing regular pull-ups with a pronated grip, or assisted pull-ups using resistance bands to build strength. You could also practice the L-sit hold on the ground before integrating it into the pull-up.

Advanced progressions

Advanced progressions include performing single-arm ring pull-ups or adding weighted vests to increase resistance. Additionally, one-arm L sit pull-ups provide an increased challenge to strength and balance.

Integrations

Complementary exercises

Complement this exercise with ring dips, straight-arm pulldowns, and hanging leg raises to further develop the musculature involved in pulling movements and core strength.

Super set recommendations

Pair the Ring L Sit Pull Up with movements like ring push-ups or push-ups to create a super set that targets both pushing and pulling strengths simultaneously.

Sample workout routines

Incorporate this exercise into an upper body calisthenics routine including exercises like muscle-ups, plans, and front levers, aiming for a balanced development of upper body strength.

Exercise combinations

Combining Ring L Sit Pull Ups with exercises such as chin-ups, inverted rows, and various core exercises will enhance upper body strength and muscle endurance.

Best time to do this exercise in your workout

The Ring L Sit Pull Up should be performed within the main strength segment of your workout when your muscles are fresh and can perform maximally, preferably after a thorough warm-up and prior to fatigued-based exercises.