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A typical Sunday at the Santa Monica Rings, an adults playground (Video and Pictures)

In Santa Monica, just south of the pier, is the Original Muscle Beach, full of gymnast rings, high bars, monkey bars, rails, ropes for climbing, and so forth.  The entire area is colloquially just referred to as “the rings” because often times the most spectacular performances can be seen on them, especially on the weekends.  It’s literally a free, open playground on the sand where you could very get creative in the way you work out your body.   I call it an adults playground, because it really is one and feels that way.  It’s not like going inside a gym and working on machines.  You have to figure out how to workout your body by being a little creative.  Oftentimes I’ll see somebody doing something interesting and I’ll copy them and try to do the same.

Check out the video below to get a feel for what the day is like

In this video below you’ll see a woman swinging on the traveling rings, and then people walking on slack-lines (which people setup voluntarily), hooping, climbing rope and so forth. The video ends with a quick glimpse of the Santa Monica pier with the Ferris Wheel in the distance.

 

What makes this spot truly awesome are the people that regularly attend the place.  It’s like a niche community.  You’ll start to notice that the same people keep showing up, and they’re VERY NICE PEOPLE.  Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, it’s very rare that someone is an asshole, because I think everyone understands that we ALL didn’t know what we were doing the first time as well, so they are likely to be very helpful if you’re eager to learn.  That reason alone, makes the rings one of my favorite places in LA. It’s really a gem.  I wish I discovered it earlier in my life.

Photo by Barbara Lonsdale

^ That’s my [upside down] brother! ^

Photo by Jerry Garns

Where is this place?

This google map shows the location of both the large and junior traveling rings.


View Larger Map

Where should I park?

For a 10 minute walk away, 4th and Bay Street has completely free, unrestricted parking.  Read the signs.  Google 4th and Bay St.  Some of the side streets there have free parking too.

If you’re going to be there after 6pm (when DST allows for long days), go park on Main Street, between Pico and Colorado.  Or on Ocean Ave, between Pico and Colorado.  Both of them are a less than 5 minute walk to the rings.

There’s also parking by the pier, which is expensive $7-12 for a full day, but it’s not a big deal if you’re carpooling and want to be there all day and want convenience I guess.

Want to try the traveling rings?

I do too!  It just looks so god damn COOL.  And guess what, it really IS awesome, but just like all acrobatic/gymnastic things, it requires practice to build up the strength and muscle memory. Check out this article I wrote up on how to use the traveling rings!

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Want To Get Strong and Flexible? 💪 Check Out My Programs!

Antranik’s Hip Flexibility Program

I've created this hip flexibility program for those that would like to improve their flexibility in an efficient manner, with a follow along video that only … [Read More]

Antranik’s Easy Hamstrings Program

For those who have poor flexibility, tight hamstrings and want a simple program that will help them to get looser in a gentle, non-painful manner. You'll be … [Read More]

Antranik’s Hypertrophy Routine

This training routine is focused largely on increasing strength and muscle mass (aka muscular hypertrophy). If I had to sum up the routine in one fell swoop I … [Read More]

Antranik’s Slackline Program

A comprehensive program that will take someone who has zero slacklining experience to be able to walk longer and higher lines until they can highline, if they … [Read More]

Antranik’s Rings Bodyweight Training Routine

This is for anybody who wants to get strong and have fun with a gymnastics-inspired routine. It is highly bodyweight-exercise oriented (no external weights) and … [Read More]

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