There’s one movement in functional fitness that, once you accomplish it, means you’ve really “made it”: the muscle-up. No movement is more fascinating — or difficult to conquer. Equal parts strength and technique, it’s something athletes will work toward for years. Annie Thorisdottir is here to help, with five ring muscle-up progressions that can make your journey a little smoother.

  1. Ring rows
  2. 20-second top hold
  3. 20-second dip hold
  4. 3 x 10-second dip
  5. Russian dips
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With ring rows, remember that the further out and higher up your feet are, the harder it gets. You might need to start with your feet only slightly out in front of your body, on the ground. (In other words, you’re not laying that far back.)

Will you give these a try?

Main image: Annie Thorisdottir/Instagram