The Complete Handbook of Gymnastics Rings
A practical reference for coaches, facility owners, and serious athletes on selecting, installing, maintaining, and training with gymnastic rings
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The definitive practical guide to gymnastic rings: selection, installation, maintenance, training, and business.
About this book
Gymnastic rings are deceptively simple tools. Two rings, two straps, and a mounting point comprise the entire apparatus, yet they offer an incredibly demanding and effective training stimulus. But that simplicity is deceptive. The choice between wood types, strap systems, and mounting hardware has a direct impact on safety, performance, and longevity. Installing them incorrectly in a commercial or home setting can lead to catastrophic failure. This handbook cuts through the marketing noise to give you the technical and practical knowledge you need.
Written for professionals and serious enthusiasts, this reference covers the full lifecycle of the equipment. It begins with a deep understanding of the apparatus itself, then moves through detailed specifications from FIG standards to budget-tier knockoffs. You will learn a clear, objective method for choosing the right rings for your specific use case, be it a competitive gymnastics club or a garage gym. Subsequent chapters provide step-by-step installation guides, a proactive maintenance schedule, and a troubleshooting guide for common issues like strap wear and wood splintering.
Beyond the equipment, this book addresses the broader ecosystem. It offers a realistic assessment of brands and suppliers, and outlines concrete business opportunities, from private-labeling to installation services. It also explores the future of the category, including new materials and automation. Filled with concrete examples, checklists, and expert resources, this is the only handbook you will need to master gymnastic rings from every angle.
Reader Reviews
Andrew Lewis
★★★★★I'm a gymnastics coach and was hoping for more on training progressions and skill work with rings, which this book honestly doesn't have. It's very much an equipment reference, not a coaching manual. That said, the chapters on installation and maintenance are solid and I did pick up a few tips on strap care that I hadn't considered. It's a bit dry to read cover-to-cover, but it's a useful tool to have on the shelf.
Kevin Davis
★★★★★Good, practical information overall. The chapter on choosing rings helped me finally decide between wood and plastic for my home gym, and the load rating charts are useful. I knocked off a star because I felt the brand comparisons were a bit thin and they don't go deep into the real-world durability of cheaper options. Also would have loved a few more diagrams in the installation section. Still, a solid reference for the price.
Sharon Adams
★★★★★As someone who's setting up a strength and conditioning studio, I found the business chapter alone worth the price. The breakdown of positioning (budget/mid/premium) and the concrete examples of what to look for in a wholesale supplier was incredibly helpful. I appreciated that it's not fluff - it treats the rings like the precise piece of fitness equipment they are. I now feel like an informed buyer, not a consumer looking at marketing photos.
Stephanie Harris
★★★★★This actually is the 'complete handbook.' I knew I could install rings, but I didn't know I was doing it wrong until I read the Chapter 1 explanation on the forces involved. The FIG standards are explained clearly, which is more than I can say for most manufacturer websites. It's thorough and practical, and the glossary is great for when I forget what a swivel mount is. I will be keeping this as my primary reference in the gym.