Rings (gymnastics)

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The rings or still rings is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is traditionally used by male gymnasts.

1 Dimensions
2 Exercise
3 Holds
4 Gymnasts who specialized in the Rings discipline
5 External links

[edit] Dimensions

Measures of the apparatus are published by the FIG in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

Point of suspension 5.75 meters above floor
Height of rings 2.75 meters (including about 20 cm landing mats)
Distance between the rings 50 cm
Inside Diameter of the rings 18 cm
Total Diameter of the rings 23.6 cm (Thickness 28 mm)

[edit] Exercise

Image:Example2ofironcross.jpg

A gymnast performing an Iron Cross

An exercise on rings consists of swing, strength and hold parts. Generally, gymnasts are required to fulfill various requirements including a swing to held handstand, an aerial dismount, and of course, a static strength hold. More experienced gymnasts will often perform more than one strength element, sometimes swinging into hold positions or even doing different holds back to back. One of the most famous skills done on the rings is the Iron Cross or Crucifix. This is done by extending both arms straight out from the body and holding oneself up in the air for at least two seconds. Other common strength moves include the inverted cross (simply an upside-down iron cross) and the Maltese cross where the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with his arms extended laterally. Swing moves include giant swings from handstand to handstand, somewhat similar to those performed on the horizontal bar. Moves on the still rings are regulated by the Code of Points.

Rings can also be arranged in a line, along the length of a swimming pool. These exist(over swimming pools)at a small number of Victorian Sports Clubs(4)in the UK. Two examples exist in Glasgow, with trapezes, also over the pool, at the Arlington (1870) and the Western Baths (1876) both continuously open in their original buildings, both are private membership clubs - the Arlington may possibly be the oldest Sports Centre in the UK. Skilled users, male & female, travel the length of the bath, and return without touching the water.

[edit] Holds

Back Lever
Front Lever
Crosses : Regular, L-cross, Olympic, Azaryan (cross sequence), Inverted, Maltese, Victorian(apocryphal)
L seat, straddle L seat, V seat
Planche: in a pushup position, with neither knees, stomach, nor feet touching the ground; in effect, a horizontal handstand

[edit] Gymnasts who specialized in the Rings discipline

[edit] External links

v • d • e WAG apparatus (in Olympic order)
Vault \| Uneven bars \| Balance beam \| Floor
MAG apparatus (in Olympic order)
Floor Exercise \| Pommel Horse \| Still Rings \| Vault \| Parallel Bars or P-Bars \| Horizontal bar or High Bar
Equipment and uniforms
Grips \| Mats \| Uniform