How To Progress On Muscle-Ups

Caitlyn Davey • April 2, 2025

Muscle-ups are one of the most challenging movements people aspire to do in the gym, but one that many people are keen to get. It is an advanced callisthenics exercise that uses body weight to activate various muscle groups in the body. Here are six drills you can follow to practice the movement and master muscle-ups. 1. Start with ring holdsBegin by performing basic ring holds and balancing your body. Make sure your hands are about shoulder-width or slightly wider, your core is engaged, and your pelvis is tucked under in the slight hollow position.2. Move on to practising ring dips  Once you’ve learnt how to balance yourself with ring holds, you can now move on to practising ring dips. Adjust the height of your rings so that your feet don’t touch the ground. After this, mount the rings with your arms, supporting your body weight. You can start lowering and straightening your body by bending at the elbows. 3. Next, work on your strict pull-ups Grab the bar with a shoulder-width grip, palms facing you. Pull yourself up until your chin is level with the bar, then slowly lower until your arms are fully extended. 4. False gripPlace your hands through the rings against the upper corners at the side of your palms with palms facing up. Now, wrap your fingers around the rings, starting with the pinky and continuing until all fingers tightly wrap around the ring. Rotate inward and pull down on both rings, placing pressure on the heel of your hands and flexing your wrist to curl your hand inward.5. Practice the movement from the ground Once you’ve mastered the basic holds, you can slowly start practising the movement by putting the previous drills together. Use the rings and keep your feet on the ground. Hold the rings in false grip and practice pulling your body up and over the rings. 6. Perform your kip.  Use the rings to practice your kip. And then, as you pull the rings to your hips, look at the ceiling, then muscle up.  Watch our video on how to practice muscle up progressions.  

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