Traveling rings are unique physical fitness equipment that provide enjoyable and challenging exercise for the whole body. Outdoors, the free-standing apparatus consists of support posts and a top beam from which 8-10 rings, spaced 7-8 feet apart, hang on swivel chains 6-7 feet above the ground. In a gymnasium or other indoor setting the rings are hung from a beam with the number and distance between them dependent upon the space. Rings enthusiasts (ringers) "travel" from one ring to the next by using their arms, legs, and trunk to build momentum. The swivels enable them to perform spins, flips, and other creative techniques.

Traveling rings were installed in New York City's Riverside Park in 2003 and a set of junior rings was added in 2005. The two other outdoor traveling rings in the U.S. are on Santa Monica Beach, where they have been a popular California attraction since the 1930's, and Brown Street Park in Providence, RI, where they were installed in 2010. The Henry Barnard School, a laboratory school for grades 1-5 affiliated with Rhode Island College in Providence, installed indoor traveling rings in their gym in 2010.

"I cannot believe how much the children enjoy doing this. I hope that we can encourage other schools to follow suit. I have always believed that gym lessons should be fun and when a child enjoys gym they will pursue these experiences in the future and subsequently a healthy lifestyle." Paul Janaway, Physical Education Instructor, The Henry Barnard School, Providence, RI

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