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Ring False Grip Hang

How to do Ring False Grip Hang?

The ring false grip hang is a fundamental strength and skill-building exercise that develops wrist, forearm, and grip endurance, making it essential for muscle-ups, front levers, and advanced ring work. The false grip allows the athlete to maintain a higher hand position on the rings, which is necessary for seamless transitions into movements like ring muscle-ups. Holding a false grip while hanging helps build wrist and forearm flexibility, pulling strength, and overall upper-body control.

Steps to Perform a Proper Ring False Grip Hang

1. Set Up the Rings

• Adjust the rings to a height where you can hang with arms fully extended without touching the ground.

• Ensure they are securely fastened to a sturdy anchor point.

2. Establish the False Grip

• Place your wrists over the rings, so the rings rest in the crease of your wrist rather than your palm.

• Wrap your fingers and thumb around the rings, gripping tightly.

• Keep your wrists flexed inward (creating a hook-like hold).

3. Engage Your Core and Lats

• Tighten your core and glutes to stabilize your body.

• Retract and depress your scapulae (pull shoulders back and down) to avoid excessive shoulder strain.

4. Lift Your Feet Off the Ground

• Once your grip is secure, lift your feet off the floor into a full dead hang position.

• Maintain tension in your arms and shoulders to prevent excessive swinging.

5. Hold the Position

• Keep your wrists flexed and locked to maintain the false grip.

• Hold for a set duration, aiming for 15-30 seconds, gradually increasing over time.

6. Lower with Control

• When fatigued, lower your feet back to the ground without losing your grip position.

• If necessary, slowly release the false grip to prevent strain on the wrists.

Benefits of the Ring False Grip Hang

✅ Essential for Muscle-Ups – Strengthens the false grip, making strict ring muscle-ups possible.

✅ Improves Wrist and Forearm Strength – Develops grip endurance and wrist flexibility.

✅ Enhances Shoulder Stability – Encourages better scapular control and injury prevention.

✅ Develops Core Control – Requires full-body engagement for balance.

✅ Translates to Advanced Ring Skills – Builds strength for levers, one-arm pull-ups, and more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Not Keeping the Wrist Flexed – The false grip relies on wrist flexion; avoid relaxing your wrists.

🚫 Shrugging the Shoulders – Keep your shoulders down and engaged.

🚫 Letting the Rings Rotate – Keep your wrists locked in place for a solid grip.

🚫 Holding Your Breath – Maintain a steady breathing rhythm to improve endurance.

🚫 Rushing Progression – Build strength gradually before advancing to false grip pull-ups.

Tips for the proper execution of Ring False Grip Hang

  • Keep Your Wrists Bent – The false grip relies on proper wrist flexion and grip strength.

  • Engage Your Core – Prevent excessive movement by maintaining full-body tension.

  • Control Your Breathing – Inhale before gripping, and exhale while holding.

  • Avoid Shrugging Shoulders – Keep your scapula slightly retracted and depressed.

  • Build Up Duration Gradually – Start with short holds and increase time as strength improves.

Muscles worked when doing Ring False Grip Hang

Primary Muscles

• Forearms & Grip Muscles (Flexor Digitorum, Flexor Carpi Radialis/Ulnaris) – Critical for maintaining the false grip position.

• Latissimus Dorsi (Lats) – Engaged in scapular stability and pulling mechanics.

• Wrist Flexors – Strengthened due to the constant wrist bend.

Secondary Muscles

• Biceps Brachii – Works isometrically to support the hanging position.

• Trapezius & Rhomboids – Stabilizes the scapula and upper back.

• Core (Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Transverse Abdominis) – Keeps the body controlled during the hang.

Primary Muscle(s):

Secondary Muscle(s):

calisthenics-primary-muscle-back-rhomboid2-tax-image-opt

Rhomboid

calisthenics-primary-muscle-biceps-tax-image-opt

Biceps

Equipment needed for Ring False Grip Hang

PACEARTH Thick Wooden Gymnastics Rings (Carabiners)
PACEARTH Plastic Gymnastics Rings (Lightweight)
PULLUP & DIP Wooden Gymnastics Rings

Adjust the difficulty of Ring False Grip Hang

How to make Ring False Grip Hang harder?

To make Ring False Grip Hang harder:

  • Increase Hold Duration • Aim for 30-60 second holds to build endurance.

  • Perform False Grip Pull-Ups • Pull your chin above the rings while maintaining the false grip.

  • Use a Weighted Vest • Add resistance to increase difficulty and strengthen the false grip under load.

  • Hang from One Ring (Single-Arm False Grip Hang) • Train one arm at a time to improve unilateral grip strength.

  • Slowly Lower from a False Grip Muscle-Up • Lower yourself from the top of a muscle-up, focusing on maintaining the false grip.

How to make Ring False Grip Hang easier?

To make Ring False Grip Hang easier:

  • Use a Lower Ring Height • Keep the rings at chest height so you can keep your feet on the ground while practicing the grip.

  • Assist with One Foot on the Ground • Lightly rest one foot on the ground for support while holding the position.

  • Perform Seated False Grip Holds • Sit on the floor or a box, holding the false grip position without lifting your body.

  • Use Chalk for Better Grip • Apply gym chalk to reduce slippage and improve friction on the rings.

  • Practice Shorter Holds • Start with 5-10 second holds, gradually increasing the duration as wrist strength improves.