Exercise guide
Ring Kneeling Ab RollOut
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Waist
This exercise builds exceptional core stability and anti-extension strength by using the instability of rings to challenge the rectus abdominis and serratus anterior. It integrates the lats and shoulders to maintain a rigid torso throughout the full range of motion.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the rings so they hang approximately 6-12 inches off the floor.
- Kneel on a soft mat with your knees directly under your hips and grab the rings with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Shift your weight forward so your shoulders are directly over your hands and your body forms a straight line from knees to head.
- Engage your core by tucking your tailbone and pulling your ribs down into a 'hollow body' position.
How to do it
- Inhale and slowly lean forward, allowing the rings to move away from your body as your arms extend overhead.
- Continue rolling out as far as you can while maintaining a flat back and core tension, ensuring your hips move forward with your torso.
- Exhale and pull the rings back toward your knees by engaging your lats and abdominals to return to the starting position.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, taking roughly 3 seconds to descend and 1 second to return.
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows locked straight throughout the entire movement.
- Ensure your hips move forward in sync with your shoulders; do not leave your glutes behind.
- Stop the range of motion immediately if you feel your lower back begin to arch or sag.
- Keep your chin tucked and gaze slightly in front of the rings to maintain a neutral spine.
Pro tips
- Squeeze the rings as hard as possible to increase shoulder stability through 'irradiation.'
- At the point of maximum extension, slightly rotate your palms upward to better engage the serratus anterior and stabilize the shoulder blades.
- Focus on 'pulling' the floor toward you with your lats to initiate the return phase.
Make it harder
- Lower the rings closer to the floor to increase the horizontal leverage and core demand.
- Add a 3-second isometric hold at the point of maximum extension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the ring kneeling ab rollout work?
- The ring kneeling ab rollout primarily targets the abs, lats, and obliques, and also works the erector spinae and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the ring kneeling ab rollout?
- The ring kneeling ab rollout requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the ring kneeling ab rollout good for beginners?
- The ring kneeling ab rollout is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.