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Ring Archer Pull-Up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Ring Archer Pull-Up.

HardMiddle back

About this exercise

The ring archer pull-up is an advanced unilateral pulling exercise on gymnastic rings. One arm pulls the body upward while the other arm extends straight out to the side, isolating each lat and bicep independently and challenging overall ring stability.

How to Perform

  • Hang from the gymnastic rings with an overhand or neutral grip, arms fully extended
  • Brace your core and keep your body as straight as possible
  • Pull with one arm, bending that elbow and driving it toward your hip
  • Simultaneously extend the opposite arm straight out to the side as you rise
  • Continue pulling until your chin is above the bending-side ring
  • Lower slowly with control back to the dead hang and repeat on the other side

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle back
Secondary
BicepsCoreRear shoulders

About the Ring Archer Pull-Up

The Ring Archer Pull-Up is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.