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Ring Arm Curl

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Ring Arm Curl.

MediumBiceps

About this exercise

A bodyweight biceps exercise using gymnastic rings where you lean back at an angle and curl your entire body upward by bending your elbows. The instability of the rings adds a stabilization challenge compared to a standard barbell or dumbbell curl.

How to Perform

  • Set the rings to approximately waist height and grip them with an underhand grip
  • Walk your feet forward so your body leans back at an angle with arms fully extended
  • Keep your body straight from head to heels, feet flat on the floor
  • Curl your hands toward your head by bending your elbows, keeping your elbows high and body rigid
  • Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement
  • Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position with arms fully extended
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Biceps
Secondary
Inner forearmMiddle back

About the Ring Arm Curl

The Ring Arm Curl 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.