The rings: exciting gymnastics event

The rings, often referred to as the steady rings or the still rings, is the apparatus used in the artistic gymnastics.  This term is used to refer to the sports event as well. This apparatus is traditionally used by male athletes only, since it requires a lot of upper body strength. Let us take a closer look at the rings.

International standard

The rings can be seen not only in the gyms, but also in the streets as parts of sports equipment. Not all apparatuses that you see follow the standard determined by the international gymnastics federation. According to this standard, the inner diameter of the rings must be 18 centimeters. They are attached to the bar located high above the floor.

The distance between the floor and the bar is 575 centimeters. The ropes that connect the rings and the bar must be long enough to make sure that the distance between the lower part of the rings and the floor is 2.75 meters. The distance between the ropes must be 50 centimeters. The rings can be used to perform dynamic and static elements. The last category of the elements requires more strength and is considered to be more difficult.

Materials

The rings can be made of wood, plastic or rubber-modified metal. Wooden rings are not suitable for adult sportsmen since their maximum carrying capacity is approximately 80 kilos. Difficult acrobatic elements are often accompanied by bigger dynamic pressure. As you can tell, wooden rings are perfect for children or for amateur training that does not involve performing dynamic stunts.

The rings made of plastic are the most popular due to their durability and the comfort they provide. Some models have rough surface that makes it easier to hold them tighter. Yet, professionals do not use such rings because this roughness can create difficulties in changing positions of the body.

Rubber-modified metal rings are the most durable and strong. Those who want to improve their endurance usually use them. Such rings are perfect for sportsmen whose weight is more than 100 kilometers.

Additional equipment

Usually the rings are sold with the ropes and several spring hooks. The rings are attached to the bar or, if an athlete wants to train outdoors, to a strong tree branch. Yet, although it is possible to attach the rings to the bars in many different ways, it is necessary to remember that different length of the ropes will require different amount of strength and effort. This is why you should always opt for training with the standard rings.

To train, athletes have to additionally buy special gloves to prevent their hand from being injured after long hours of training. Wearing the gloves is not required for those who train on the rings to improve their overall abilities. If you want to incorporate such training into your workout routine, you may decide not to buy these gloves. Yet, for professionals it is an inevitable part of their outfit for working out. In addition, it is important to lay a crash pad underneath to prevent yourself from being injured in case you fall down.

Starting the routine

As it was mentioned previously, the rings in this discipline are located at the 2.75 meters’ height above the floor. Although it is higher than a person can jump, this discipline does not allow using any additional equipment to start the routine. Instead, a so-called assistant helps them to do this. How does it look? An athlete jumps as high as he can, then his assistant puts him higher by pushing him in the hips. As soon as the athlete touches the rings, his assistant pushes him even higher so that the rings are at the level of the waist.

Elements

The rings are the apparatus that leaves a lot of freedom to the athletes since it is possible to perform various stunts. The elements usually performed by professionals can be divided into several categories:

• Swing elements. This group refers to the elements that require swinging forwards or backwards. In addition, ascents are included in this group. The ascents help them to move from the hang position to the hold position.
• Swing elements to handstand. The name of this group speaks for itself: athletes perform various dynamic elements followed by handstand position.
• Swing to hold elements. This group unites the hardest elements to perform. After a dynamic move, athletes have to move to a static element.
• Keep and swing elements. This group refers to all individual hold elements, as well as individual ascents and transitions from one static element to another.
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• A dismount is the final element in the routine. Usually a dismount is a somersault. The difficulty of the dismount depends on the athlete’s abilities and may involve moving forwards or backwards.

Safety rules

Before the beginning of the training session, it is necessary to make sure that the apparatus is not broken. There are several safety rules concerned with the rings.

• Before building the apparatus, it is important to read the instructions and find out how it must e used and what its maximum carrying capacity is.
• Once a year all details must be checked.
• The rings must be placed in a special way, so that the sun rays should not bother the athletes.
• It is necessary to check the condition of the ropes, the rings regularly.
• Several crush pads must be placed under the rings without any gaps.

Evolution of the rings

In 1930s, the routines were mostly concentrated on the hold elements. There were very few dynamic elements, such as backward somersault. At this point, athletes had to hold every element for at least 3 seconds. In 1960s, there was a revolution in the rings. The first athlete to change the structure of the routine was Michail Voronin, a gymnast from the Soviet Union. He focused on performing many dynamic elements. Throughout 1970s, sportsmen did their best to improve their performance in dynamic elements. This is when a Japanese gymnast Honmoi invented a brand new type of ascend, which soon became very popular among the leading athletes. In 1990s, there were not so many changes. Yet, in the beginning of the 21^st century, the rules were changed. Sportsmen could get additional points for combinations of hold elements. In 2006, the rules were changed one more time. The basic value was removed, and the difficulty of the routine became the most important factor.

All in all, the rings are an inevitable part of any gymnastics competition. The routines in this discipline are extremely difficult and require a lot of muscle strength. Although the discipline changed many times, it still remains one of the most exciting Olympic sports.