What are the advantages of ring-shaped handles versus straight handles?
Any hanging handle is a step in the right direction, whether it is round or flat. Some of the first gymnastics rings were actually triangular in shape. In fact, at the World Championships in Prague in 1907, competitors could choose whether they wanted to compete on triangular or ring-shaped rings. The competitors overwhelmingly preferred the true rings and in subsequent years the triangular ones were no longer used. The advantage of rings is superior control and comfort. When you use a “false grip”, in which your wrists are draped over the rings, you will really notice the improved performance. In any exercise, such as dips and pushups, rings also feel much more solid.
