Rings Workshop a Success!

Ring Strength
by Greg Glassman
(CrossFit Journal July 2004)
The exact time and place where rings first appeared is unknown but it is widely accepted that they evolved from a trapeze-like device that by 1816 featured loops fashioned from knotted rope.
What is more certain but poorly understood is that for nearly 150 years the men that worked the rings were in possession of an upper body strength that finds no equal in weightlifting or other calisthenics. The ringman, pound for pound, presents more upper body strength, along more lines of action, than any other athlete.
The fitness that CrossFitters demonstrate cannot be found without ring training. Gymnastics rings occupy a place in our training that only the barbell can match. Kettlebells and dumbbells, medicine balls and stretch bands, while essential to our practice, are second tier tools to the rings.
Unfortunately, introduction to the rings has traditionally been available only from involvement in sport gymnastics and then only through progressions that quickly discouraged all but those coming to the sport with exceptional strength to weight ratios and gripping tenacity.
Our exhortations to buy and train with rings have been successful but the number of reported muscle-ups reflects only a percentage or two of the people claiming participation in our program.
We’ve long worked to reintroduce ring training to athletic strength and conditioning – they were in the gyms for longer than they’ve been gone – but unfamiliarity stops most people and the brutishly tough progressions thwarted the small remainder brave enough to try new things. The rings need a champion.

..and a special Thanks to Carrie and Stephen who came out from San Antonio to attend this event. They recently obtaianed their CrossFit affiliation and we wish them well as they spread the knowledge/skills/and abilities to others..