7-Day Gymnastic Rings Full Body Workout Plan (Noob→Pro)
Doing a gymnastic rings full body workout enhances strength, mobility, and stability. Follow a structured plan targeting push, pull, legs, and core. Exercises use 8-12 reps, 4-1-2-0 tempo, and progressive holds for all levels. Warm-ups, cool-downs, and clear instructions ensure balanced gains.
What’s covered:
- 5 Key training guidelines to crush your gymnastic rings full body workout at any stage of progress
- Weekly Mon-Sun gymnastic rings full body workout split
- Monday + Thursday | Push
- Tuesday + Friday | Pull
- Wednesday + Saturday | Legs
- Sunday | Core/Abs
- Why do a gymnastic rings full body workout?
5 Key training guidelines to crush your gymnastic rings full body workout at any stage of progress
A solid plan beats random effort every time. This is how you train smarter, not just harder. Pushing until failure in every set can get you some of the way there, but not ALL of the way there in terms of gains and muscle definition.
Certainly not control or mastery of the rings. Losing the stability benefits, and the whole point of rings. (in my opinion)
At the end of the day, you train the way you want. But if you want the best strength gains, the best bang-for-your buck for your training effort…
Then follow these guidelines mate.
🔄️ Tempo
Stick to a 4-1-2-0 tempo. That’s 4 seconds lowering, a 1-second pause, 2 seconds lifting, and no pause at the top. Keep your muscles under tension longer, forcing them to adapt.
😴 Rest periods
Your level determines your downtime:
- Beginners: 60 seconds
- Intermediate: 50 seconds
- Advanced: 40 seconds
💪 Reps
Always aim for 8-12 on non-isometric moves. If you’re breezing past 12, up the difficulty or add weight.
📋 Sets
Non-abs exercises
Start with 3 sets if you’re new, bump it to 4 when you’re solid, and hit 5 when you’re a beast.
Abs-focused exercises
Straight 3 sets—no matter your level.
🤜 Isometric holds
It’s all about time under tension:
- Beginners: 40-60 seconds
- Intermediate: 50-70 seconds
- Advanced: 60-80 seconds.
If 80 seconds is a joke, go harder or strap on some weight.
The magic here is progression. Rings aren’t forgiving. They’ll humble you fast, but they’ll reward every ounce of effort with gains you’ll feel and see.
Weekly Mon-Sun gymnastic rings full body workout split
This split isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and walking away stronger. Stick to the plan, and you’ll see progress that sticks…
Day 1️⃣ | Monday | Push
Smash your chest, triceps, and shoulders. Finish with abs.
Day 2️⃣ | Tuesday | Pull
Back and biceps take the spotlight, plus some abs.
Day 3️⃣ | Wednesday | Legs
Lower body day, with a focus on core stabilization.
Day 4️⃣ | Thursday | Push
Back to the ring push ups and dips with a little noticeable ease in the first set.
Day 5️⃣ | Friday | Pull
Ring pull ups and chin ups or even ring rows, feeling more stable this time.
Day 6️⃣ | Saturday | Legs
Leg day saturday. Ring-assisted pistol squats take your breath away, but they work. Very well.
Day 7️⃣ | Sunday | Core/abs
Go all-in with three dedicated abs exercises. No distractions.
Monday + Thursday | Push
Below is your structured push day workout, complete with all the details you need.
IMPORTANT: Pick two exercises to do on push day from this table, ideally the support hold and one other exercise with reps. You don’t need to do all four if you’re short on time. But you can if you want.
Exercise | Targets | Reps | Sets | Tempo | Rest Between Sets | Instructions |
Ring dips | Chest, triceps, shoulders, core | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Start in a support hold. Lower slowly until elbows are at 90 degrees, then push back to start, keeping core tight. |
Ring push-ups | Chest, triceps, shoulders, core | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Lower chest between rings with elbows tucked, then push back up while maintaining a straight line from head to heels. |
Ring pike push-ups | Shoulders, triceps, upper chest, core | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | From a pike position (inverted V), lower your head between rings, then push back to start, keeping hips high. |
Ring support hold | Core, triceps, shoulders | Hold for 40-60s (beginners), 50-70s (intermediate), 60-80s (advanced) | 3 | N/A | 60s | Hold yourself in a support position with arms straight and core braced. Rotate wrists slightly outward for added stability. |
Warm up
Before you start, spend 5-10 minutes on dynamic stretches.
- Arm circles – 10 forward, 10 backward.
- Scapular push-ups – 10 reps.
- Shoulder dislocates with a band – 10 reps.
- Wrist rolls – 30 seconds each direction.
Cool down
Finish with these stretches to recover:
- Child’s pose – 30 seconds.
- Chest opener stretch (using a doorway) – 30 seconds per side.
- Tricep stretch – 20 seconds per arm.
Tuesday + Friday | Pull
Below is your structured pull day workout, complete with all the details you need.
REMEMBER: Pick two exercises to do on pull day from this table, ideally the ring row hold and one other exercise with reps. You don’t need to do all four if you’re short on time. But you can if you really want some extra gains, but it’s diminishing returns.
Exercise | Targets | Reps | Sets | Tempo | Rest Between Sets | Instructions |
Ring rows | Back, biceps, core | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Keep your body straight like a plank. Pull the chest to the rings, squeeze shoulder blades together, then lower back slowly. |
Pull-ups | Lats, biceps, shoulders, core | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Start with a dead hang, pull chest to rings (or bar), then lower slowly while keeping core tight. |
Ring face pulls | Upper back, rear delts, biceps | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Set rings at eye level. Pull rings toward your face, elbows high, then return slowly. Maintain control throughout. |
Ring row hold | Core, upper back, biceps | Hold for 40-60s (beginners), 50-70s (intermediate), 60-80s (advanced) | 3 | N/A | 60s | Hold the top position of a ring row, keeping your chest close to the rings and your body in a straight line. Brace your core tightly. |
Warm up
Before you start, spend 5-10 minutes preparing your body with these dynamic stretches:
- Shoulder rolls – 10 forward, 10 backward.
- Scapular pull-ups – 5 reps.
- Cat-cow stretch – 10 reps.
- Forearm stretches – 30 seconds per side.
Cool down
End your session with these recovery stretches:
- Child’s pose – 30 seconds.
- Last stretch (with rings or a band) – 30 seconds per side.
- Cross-body shoulder stretch – 20 seconds per arm.
Wednesday + Saturday | Legs
Leg day on the rings might not be your usual squats and deadlifts, but it’s great for targeting balance, coordination, and raw leg power.
With the instability of the rings, even basic moves feel fresh and challenging.
Exercise | Targets | Reps | Sets | Tempo | Rest Between Sets | Instructions |
Assisted pistol squats | Quads, glutes, hamstrings | 8-12 | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Hold the rings for balance. Lower into a single-leg squat while keeping the other leg extended forward. Push up using the working leg. |
Ring hamstring curls | Hamstrings, glutes, core | 8-12 | 3 (all levels) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Lie on your back with your heels in the rings. Pull your hips up and curl your legs towards you, then slowly return to starting position. |
Sissy squats | Quads, knee stability | 8-12 | 3 (all levels) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Hold the rings for support. Lean back as far as comfortable, engaging your quads, then return to standing. |
Ring-assisted lunges | Glutes, quads, hamstrings, core | 8-12 per leg | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Step one leg back into a lunge, holding the rings lightly for balance. Push back up to standing. |
Warm up
Get your legs ready with these dynamic moves:
- Bodyweight squats – 15 reps.
- Leg swings – 10 per leg.
- Glute bridges – 12 reps.
- Ankle rotations – 30 seconds each side.
Cool down
Stretch it out to aid recovery:
- Standing quad stretch – 30 seconds per leg.
- Seated hamstring stretch – 30 seconds per leg.
- Pigeon pose for glutes – 20 seconds per side.
Sunday | Core/Abs
Gymnastics rings take core training to a whole new level. The instability of the rings forces your stabilizing muscles to work overtime, making even basic exercises brutally effective. This routine will develop strength, stability, and definition.
Your core is the foundation of all movement. Stronger abs mean better balance, posture, and injury prevention.
Start with controlled reps, keeping your movements slow and intentional.
If the L-sit is too advanced, start with bent knees and progress over time.
Rings force you to work harder, and your abs will thank you for it.
THIS TIME: Pick 3 core exercises to do and train those for 3 sets each.
Exercise | Targets | Reps/Duration | Sets | Tempo | Rest Between Sets | Instructions |
Hanging knee raises | Abs, hip flexors, grip | 8-12 reps | 3 (all levels) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Hang from the rings and bring your knees up to your chest, keeping your movements controlled. |
Ring rollouts | Abs, shoulders, lats | 8-12 reps | 3 (beginners), 4 (intermediate), 5 (advanced) | 4-1-2-0 | 60s (beginners), 50s (intermediate), 40s (advanced) | Kneel on the floor with rings in hand. Roll forward, keeping your core tight, then return to the starting position. |
Side planks with ring support | Obliques, core stability | 40-60s (beginner), 50-70s (intermediate), 60-80s (advanced) | 3 (all levels) | N/A | 60s (all levels) | Hold a side plank position with one hand gripping a ring for extra instability. Switch sides each set. |
L-sit hold | Abs, hip flexors, shoulders | 40-60s (beginner), 50-70s (intermediate), 60-80s (advanced) | 3 (all levels) | N/A | 60s (all levels) | Sit on the rings with legs extended straight out in front of you, maintaining a strong, hollow-body position. |
Warm-up
Activate your core with these quick warm-ups:
- Cat-cow stretch – 10 reps.
- Dead bugs – 15 reps.
- Plank holds – 20 seconds.
Cool-down
Ease the tension in your core and back:
- Child’s pose – 30 seconds.
- Supine twist stretch – 20 seconds each side.
- Cobra stretch – 20 seconds.
Why do a gymnastic rings full body workout?
The benefits speak for themselves:
💪 More muscles, less equipment
Every exercise recruits multiple muscle groups, from your lats to your core to those stabilizers you forgot existed.
💼 Portability
Toss them in your bag, find a sturdy branch or a beam, and you’re set. No excuses.
😎 Adaptability
From absolute beginners to seasoned athletes, rings offer progressions that match your level.
🧘♂️ Strength & mobility in one
It’s not just about getting jacked. Rings improve joint health, flexibility, and body control in ways machines can’t.
Bottom line
When it comes to training, gymnastic rings are a whole different approach to strength, mobility, and functional fitness.
If you’re serious about building muscle and improving your coordination, these rings should be your go-to. Portable, tough, and insanely versatile, they challenge your body in ways fixed gym equipment can’t.
But, let’s be honest: they’re also humbling.
If you’ve ever tried dips on rings and felt like a shaky mess, you’ll know what I mean.
That’s part of the magic, though. Rings force your stabilizer muscles to kick into high gear, recruiting more muscle groups with every rep.
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