Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up
Build serious upper body strength with Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Ups! Target your back & biceps for a powerful pull.
The Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the biceps and back, with help from the traps. You'll need: gymnastic rings.
Required Equipment

Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up Muscles Worked
Primary
Biceps (biceps brachii); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up
A sturdy overhead bar (if using rings is not an option)
1. Setup:
Adjust the rings to a height that allows you to hang with your feet off the ground comfortably.
Ensure that the rings are securely fastened and can support your weight.
Starting Position:
Stand under the rings and grasp them with both hands.
Position your hands shoulder-width apart with your palms facing each other (neutral grip).
Jump or step off the ground to allow your body to hang freely from the rings.
Your arms should be fully extended, and your body should be straight, with your feet slightly off the ground.
Engage Your Core:
Tighten your core muscles to maintain stability.
Keep your body straight and avoid swinging or using momentum.
The Pull-Up Movement:
Begin the movement by pulling your elbows down towards your ribs.
Focus on activating your back muscles and biceps as you lift your body upward.
Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears to avoid straining.
Reaching the Top Position:
Continue pulling until your chin is above the level of the rings.
Hold this position briefly at the top for a moment to maximize engagement of your upper body.
Lowering Down:
Gradually lower yourself back to the starting position.
Control the descent to avoid dropping abruptly and pose a risk of injury.
Repetitions:
Aim for 3 sets of 5-10 repetitions, depending on your fitness level.
Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets.
Tips:
Focus on form over quantity; it’s better to perform fewer reps correctly than many reps incorrectly.
If you're a beginner, consider using resistance bands to assist with the movement or perform the exercise with your feet on the ground for support.
Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up FAQs
What muscles does the Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up work?
The Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up mainly works the biceps and back, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the biceps brachii and latissimus dorsi.
What equipment do you need for the Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up?
Gymnastic rings.
Is the Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Ring Neutral-Grip Chin-Up variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Dip-Cage Hammer-Grip Pull-Up, Mixed-Grip Chin-Up, Neutral-Grip Chin-Up and Resistance-Band Assisted Neutral-Grip Chin-Up.
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