Begin by drawing yourself up, as in [Fig. 61], holding one ring close to the shoulder and the other extended at arm’s length. Now draw in the extended arm, at the same time straightening the other, and repeat the movement as long as you are able, first one arm straight, then the other. Keep the head erect, looking straight before you, not at either of the rings. Legs hanging close together, toes pointed.
Fig. 62
Now try the slow pull up; this is not so difficult upon the rings as upon the horizontal bar. The wrist should be placed well over the rings, so as to get a good purchase. Then proceed as directed in the horizontal bar directions, and when you have drawn yourself quite up, straighten the arms and press them close to your sides. Now for a stiff one. When in this position gradually extend the arms apart, allowing the body to sink until the shoulders are nearly level with the rings ([Fig. 62]). Endeavour to keep in this position, supporting the body as long as possible, then lower yourself gradually, until you hang straight down again.
The back and forward ‘horizontals’ (also described in the horizontal bar) are very good exercises to practise on the rings.
Fig. 63
Fig. 64
Now for some swinging exercises. Take hold of the rings and with a few quick steps forward communicate a swing to the body, which increase by drawing yourself up in the forward swing, and when at its extent lowering yourself with a drop. This will cause you to swing higher each time until your arms and legs are straight and nearly in a horizontal position, as in [Fig. 63]. When accustomed to this exercise, which should be practised until perfect confidence is attained, you may proceed to the following. Commence as before, and when at the end of the forward swing, draw up the legs over the head, as in [Fig. 64], and immediately before commencing the backward swing shoot the legs out straight, and come back to position as in [Fig. 63]. Continue the movement half a dozen times.