Die Ringe Review - Calisthenics App Made by Sports Scientists

The DIE RINGE app targets a unique space in the world of calisthenics by focusing primarily on gymnastic ring training.

The name “DIE RINGE” translates to “The Rings” in German. The name reflects their belief that gymnastic rings are the most versatile tool in calisthenics. With a pair of rings, you can train virtually anywhere, making them a cornerstone of their approach to fitness. It’s this focus on accessibility, versatility, and continuous improvement that defines the DIE RINGE App and the mission behind it.

The developer behind the DIE RINGE App brings a unique combination of expertise in Sports and Performance, holding a Bachelor of Science in the field, as well as a background in Data Science. This blend of knowledge allows him to understand the powerful intersection of sports science and data science. By leveraging this expertise, he has implemented fundamental data-driven strategies into the DIE RINGE App, ensuring that the platform is not just effective but also deeply personalized for users.

In this review, I’ll introduce the developers and break down my experience with Die Ringe, analyzing its features, strengths, and weaknesses. I’ve also gathered feedback from other users through app store reviews and YouTube videos to provide a balanced perspective. Whether you’re considering downloading the app or just curious about what it offers, this comprehensive review will help you decide if Die Ringe is right for you.

Make sure you check out my ▶️ list of the best calisthenics apps to see which one is best for you.

Free Workout Rings with the annual subscription

I must say I was impressed by the packaging. Well done Die Ringe!

When I opened the box my first thought was, “Wow, these are really well-made.” The 28mm grip diameter feels just right—perfect for maintaining a strong, comfortable grip during workouts. The birch wood is smooth and finely oiled, giving it a premium finish that’s easy on the hands while providing just enough texture for grip. The straps are impressive, too—extra-long at 4.8 meters, so you can set them up virtually anywhere, whether that’s a high pull-up bar or a sturdy tree branch outdoors. The embroidered length markings are a thoughtful touch, making it easy to adjust the straps evenly without guessing.

You can also buy them separately here.

Finally, the quick-release metal buckle feels rock-solid and secure, giving me confidence they won’t slip mid-workout. Overall, these rings tick all the boxes for quality and usability.

In addition, I also ordered the ceiling hooks for my preferred home setup.

The founding story of DIE RINGE

The story of the DIE RINGE began in 2018, when two sports students (Paul Uhler and Eric Machmüller), living in a college dorm, grew frustrated by the lack of quality calisthenics apps. Driven by their passion for fitness and innovation, they decided to create their own solution.

In early 2019, just three months later, they tested their first training concept during a course at the German Sport University in Cologne, as part of their bachelor’s thesis research on ring exercises. Their efforts quickly gained traction, and they were thrilled to have their first 100 customers.

By 2020, they had a clear vision: to turn their training concept into a fully-fledged app. However, building an app required funding they didn’t have, so they launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring their idea to life. Thanks to the support of their growing community, they gathered the resources needed to make their dream a reality.

In early 2021, the German version of the DIE RINGE App was officially launched on the App Store and Play Store. Since then, the app has continued to evolve.

Now, in 2024—six years after the idea was born and three years after its release—the team works tirelessly to improve the app, incorporating user feedback and fine-tuning every feature. Just like in training, their philosophy is simple: aim to get a little better every day.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the app’s development, both technical and conceptual?

A: "Our main goal is to create an easy-to-use training experience. In the background, we rely on advanced scientific algorithms and models from sports science. However, we want the interface to be so user-friendly that anyone can use it without needing to understand concepts like RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) or other scientific principles. Striking that balance - making the complexity invisible to the user - is hard." Paul, Founder

Q: What does a typical day look like for the team behind Die Ringe?

A: "We are a fully remote company with our team spread across Germany. We meet regularly (both online and in-person) to work on our mission, refine our processes, and stay connected."

Features and Functionality

Die Ringe stands out by offering a suite of features designed specifically for gymnastic rings and bodyweight training. Here’s a closer look at what the app brings to the table:

Personalization

One of the app’s main selling points is its ability to create custom training plans tailored to your goals, equipment availability, and fitness level.

During the setup, you’re asked about your experience with ring training, your preferred workout frequency, and specific goals (e.g., skill mastery, strength building, or endurance). Based on these inputs, the app generates a workout plan that evolves over time to push you toward consistent improvement.

Q: What makes Die Ringe stand out compared to general fitness apps and other calisthenics-specific apps?

A: "DIE RINGE is truly focused on a scientific, data-driven training approach. You will never get a random workout. Behind every exercise, set, and rep, there are complex machine-learning algorithms designed to determine the best progression for you. Many calisthenics apps simply push you to exhaustion, which may feel good at first but can quickly lead to overuse injuries. Understanding the basics of sports science - like progressive overload and the supercompensation model - is crucial. A good calisthenics training plan doesn’t just push you to your limit; it pushes you just enough so you can recover in time for the next workout." said Paul, Founder

Skill-Based Progression

The app excels in breaking down complex skills like the Muscle Up, Front Lever, and Back Lever into manageable progressions. For each skill, you’ll find a structured pathway that focuses on building the foundational strength and technique required to achieve these challenging movements. Video tutorials accompany each progression step, offering clear demonstrations and tips.

Once you select your preferences, the app will prompt you to take a strength assessment test. It will guide you through a few steps, requiring you to repeat exercises relevant to the skill you have chosen to master.

Q: Calisthenics is often about mastering skills like the muscle-up or planche. How does the app support skill-based progression while ensuring users build foundational strength?

A: "We believe in building a strong foundation first, typically through hypertrophy-focused training to increase muscle strength. The stronger you are, the easier it becomes to learn calisthenics skills - just like you see with athletes such as Larry Wheels. In the DIE RINGE App, you can select specific skills to master, and the training plan will guide you in developing the strength and mobility necessary for those skills." Paul, Founder

Exercise Library

Die Ringe includes a broad range of exercises, from foundational bodyweight movements to advanced ring-specific drills. The exercises are categorized to target different muscle groups, which is great for structuring balanced workouts. For those without access to rings, the app does offer bodyweight-only options, but the variety is noticeably limited compared to its ring-focused content.

What’s more, the app uses video tutorials for every exercise. These are polished, easy to follow, and make even complicated movements seem approachable. That said, some users have noted that the app could benefit from more exercises catering to those who don’t own rings

User Interface

The app’s interface is modern and easy to navigate. Everything—from your workout plan to the video tutorials—is organized logically, which makes it beginner-friendly. Starting a workout is straightforward, and the app tracks your progress as you complete sessions.

However, the tracking features could use more depth. For example, while the app logs completed workouts, there’s no way to input custom variations or track specific performance metrics like reps, sets, or weight progressions for supplementary training. While you can skip waiting time, there is no way to adjust it manually. Advanced users might find this lack of detail a limitation.

Environment Adaptability

Whether you’re training at home, in a gym, or at the park, the app adapts to your available space and equipment. If you have no rings or limited space, you can select a bodyweight-only mode to generate workouts accordingly. However, as mentioned earlier, this mode isn’t as robust as the full ring-training experience.

Maximizing Progress with the App

Here, I went straight to the source to ask Paul how to best take advantage of all the features in the app. In my opinion, nobody knows how to use the tool better than the one who built it.

Q: What’s your advice for users who want to get the most out of Die Ringe? Are there common mistakes they should avoid?

A: "Be honest with yourself. Many people want too much, too quickly. They think they should work out every day or do more reps even when their technique is poor. Real progress is slow but consistent. Imagine if you increased your pull-up count by just one rep each month. You could be doing 36 pull-ups after three years. That’s incredible, yet people often expect huge results within six weeks. Consistency and systematic progressive overload are key. Even a 1% improvement every week leads to unbelievable progress over time."

Q: How should users structure their training using the app if they’re balancing other fitness goals, such as running or weightlifting?

A: "Weightlifting is already integrated into the app, and we plan to add more features related to other activities in the future. For now, if you include running, you need to ensure adequate rest. The app will handle most of the work for your calisthenics and weightlifting sessions, but you’ll have to manage your running schedule."

Q: How does the app help users monitor their progress in terms of strength, skill, and mobility?

A: "We display your progress after every workout, showing you how close you are to achieving your goals. Over time, you’ll see how far you’ve come in strength, skill development, and mobility."

Q: Are there features that provide feedback or recommendations if a user is struggling with a particular movement or plateauing?

A: "Yes, we’re currently working on this. You will soon be able to provide feedback on specific exercises, and we’ll use that data to refine your training experience."

Paid vs. Free Version

One of the key questions I had while exploring the Die Ringe app was how much I could get out of the free version compared to the paid subscription. After testing both, here’s what I found.

The free version is quite good, offering access to over 500 exercises. This includes a variety of movements that cover everything from strength-building basics to skills like pull-ups, handstands, and even splits. If you’re just dipping your toes into calisthenics or want to get a feel for the app, the free version is a great starting point. You can manually explore the exercise library and try out some routines, but that’s where the functionality starts to plateau.

The paid version, on the other hand, is where the app really shows its benefits. Upgrading unlocks a more tailored experience, including professionally designed workout routines and the “Coach” feature, which creates personalized plans based on your goals, fitness level, and available equipment.

It also provides step-by-step tutorials for advanced skills like Muscle Ups or Front Levers, making it far easier to progress systematically. The structured approach of the paid version felt like having a personal trainer in my pocket—way more streamlined and effective than trying to cobble together a plan myself.

Q: What can users expect from the free version of the app? Does it provide enough value for beginners to start their journey?

A: "The free version of the DIE RINGE App provides you with a bodyweight training plan you can follow. It’s a great starting point for beginners to begin their journey into structured calisthenics training."

Q: What exclusive features are available in the pro version, and why should users consider upgrading?

A: "With the premium version, you gain access to all features within the app. These include more customization options, advanced training plans, and ongoing adaptive programming."

Q: For users on the fence, how would you justify the value of a subscription compared to free resources like YouTube or online tutorials?

A: "The app adapts after every workout. Static resources like YouTube videos or simple tutorials cannot adjust to your personal progress. If you want a truly effective and scientifically grounded training plan, you should give the DIE RINGE App a try."

Future Plans for the App

Q: What new features or updates can users look forward to in the coming months?

A: "A significant update to the training system is coming in 2025. You’ll have more flexibility in customizing your training and providing feedback, making the experience even more personalized."

Q: Where do you see Die Ringe in five years? Do you envision it becoming a comprehensive training platform or remaining focused on rings and calisthenics?

A: "In five years, we aim to be the number one app for calisthenics and strength training. While we remain rooted in our ring-based heritage, we aspire to become a comprehensive training platform recognized for its adaptive, science-based approach."

Pros vs Cons

After spending some time exploring the Die Ringe app and reading countless user reviews, I can confidently say this app offers something truly unique in the fitness world, particularly for gymnastic ring enthusiasts. While it’s not without a few hiccups, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for those serious about calisthenics and ring training.

👍 Pros

• Specialized for Ring Training

Expertly designed progressions for skills like Muscle Ups, Front Levers, and Dips.

Perfect for building strength, stability, and control through gymnastic ring exercises.

• High-Quality Content

Over 500 exercises available in the free version.

Professionally shot video tutorials ensure proper form and technique.

• Personalized Training Plans (Paid Version)

The Coach feature tailors workout plans to your fitness level, goals, and equipment.

Advanced tutorials guide users through skill mastery.

• Free Gymnastic Rings

Annual subscribers receive a pair of high-quality rings, an excellent bonus for beginners.

• Positive User Feedback

Many users highlight the app’s motivating progressions and structured plans.

👎 Cons

• High Shipping Costs for Some Countries

Shipping for the free rings to the U.S. or Canada is over $50, which makes it less attractive for users in those regions.

• Lack of Manual Adjustability

While beginners will appreciate that the app is super easy to navigate and the workout plans are automatically adjusted to the strength level, I would've liked if there are more options for manual adjustability, such as the exercise progressions.

• Currently Only 16 Skill Based Training Paths

The biggest strength of the app is the skill based learning paths. I would like to see more calisthenics skills added in the future.

Summary

If you’re serious about ring training, the Die Ringe app is one of the best resources available. The free version is great for exploring basic exercises, but the paid subscription is worth it if you’re committed—it gives you full access to personalized plans, advanced tutorials, and a free pair of rings. Just double-check shipping costs if you’re outside Europe before committing.

If you want to get the annual subscription, Die Ringe has a 10% discount on the annual plan with the discount code CS10.

Overall, it’s a fantastic investment for anyone ready to embrace the challenge of gymnastic rings. If you decide to