Exercise guide
Ring Push-Up To Side Plank
- Advanced
- Compound
- Timed hold
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Waist
This advanced compound movement combines the instability of gymnastic rings with rotational core work to maximize chest development and oblique strength. It challenges shoulder stability and total-body coordination more than a standard floor-based push-up.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the rings to mid-shin height or lower depending on your strength level.
- Grasp the rings with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and step your feet back into a high plank position.
- Position your feet shoulder-width apart to provide a stable base for the rotation.
- Ensure your body forms a straight line from head to heels with your core and glutes fully engaged.
How to do it
- Inhale and lower your chest between the rings, keeping your elbows tucked at a 45-degree angle to your torso.
- Exhale and drive through your palms to return to the starting position, keeping the straps vertical.
- At the top of the push-up, rotate your entire body to one side, reaching the top arm toward the ceiling while balancing on the supporting ring.
- Control the rotation back to the center plank and repeat the push-up before alternating to the opposite side.
Form checklist
- Keep the rings directly under your shoulders; do not let them flare out wide.
- Maintain a 'hollow body' position by tucking your pelvis to prevent lower back arching.
- Stack your shoulders vertically at the peak of the side plank rotation.
- Move slowly and with control to prevent the rings from shaking or vibrating.
Pro tips
- Turn your palms forward (supinate) at the top of the push-up to maximize pectoral contraction before starting the rotation.
- Focus on pushing the bottom ring 'away' from your body during the plank phase to engage the serratus anterior and stabilize the shoulder blade.
Make it harder
- Lower the rings closer to the floor to increase the horizontal load and difficulty.
- Elevate your feet on a bench or box to shift more weight onto the upper chest and shoulders.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the ring push-up to side plank work?
- The ring push-up to side plank primarily targets the abs, obliques, and pectorals, and also works the erector spinae, lats, and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the ring push-up to side plank?
- The ring push-up to side plank uses suspension trainer.
- Is the ring push-up to side plank good for beginners?
- The ring push-up to side plank is rated advanced. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- Bear WalkIntermediate · abs, calves, deltoids, hamstrings, obliques, and pectorals
- Behind The Head Ball SlamIntermediate · abs, calves, lats, obliques, and pectorals
- Boxing Cross Hook CrossIntermediate · abs, calves, deltoids, obliques, pectorals, and quadriceps
- Boxing Full Uppercut With Bag And GlovesIntermediate · abs, deltoids, obliques, pectorals, and triceps