Fig. 65
Fig. 66
Commence as before, and when at the end of the backward swing, suddenly contract the arms and raise yourself up into the rings, as in [Fig. 65], and continue swinging in that position. In order to preserve your equilibrium you must bring the legs forward when beginning to descend, as in [Fig. 66].
Fig. 67
Another variety of the swing is to support yourself on the rings, ‘grasshopper fashion’ ([Fig. 67]). A very pretty effect is produced by a combination of the different swings we have described. The order in which they are performed is immaterial, and may be left to the pleasure of the gymnast.
We will conclude our directions for the rings with a description of what is known as ‘dislocation.’
Hang from the rings and draw up the legs over the head, and drop over, as in [Fig. 46] (Parallel Bars). Now instead of going back again, push the rings out and away from you on each side. The body, by its own weight, will drop through and cause the arms to twist until you will find yourself hanging with straight arms in the position from which you started. The sensation you will experience when first the exercise is performed is (of course momentarily only) not unlike ‘dislocation,’ hence the name the exercise bears, but after a few successful attempts it is comparatively easy, and is a splendid means of opening the chest.