The ring muscle up is a technical gymnastics movement that can be intimidating. Getting them not only requires strength, but also the courage to give them a shot. Getting up onto the rings for your first attempt can be scary, especially in a crowded gym. This week Sean C. got his first ring MU after Monday’s workout. We asked him some questions about his experience. Sean’s story shows us that sometimes success can occur when you least expect it, and you will never know what you are capable of until you try. Great work, Sean!
Congrats on getting your first ring MU this week! Was a ring MU a goal of yours for a while?
It was a goal, but I hadn’t given it too much thought. I was still working on stringing together bar muscle ups so I thought muscle ups were still way off.
What made you decide to give it a try?
My lats were all warmed from the Metcon on Monday when I saw the rings. I had just done butterfly pull ups in a work out for the first time so I was feeling adventurous. I hopped I grabbed the rings, got my kip in order and just went for it.
Wow! How did you feel afterwards?
I was shocked when it happened. I see advanced athletes in the back doing them and knew they were tough. After I got full arm extension I thought “Wait, what just happened?”
Do you have any advice for someone working towards the same goal?
Practical advice: be explosive. I used the same kind of energy I used in my bar muscle ups to get above the rings. If you can do bar MUs well, you’re not too far from rings. Philosophical advice: Don’t be afraid. I first grabbed those rings thinking I probably wouldn’t make it. I just wanted you see how close I can get. But you’ll never know what you can do until you try. You may surprise yourself.