Iron cross (gymnastics) explained

An iron cross, also known as a crucifix^[1] or cross,^[2] is a gymnastics skill on the rings in which the body is suspended upright while the arms are extended laterally, forming the shape of the Christian cross. It is a move that requires significant shoulder and bicep tendon strength.

The International Gymnastics Federation Code of Points refers to the skill as a cross and lists it as a "B" difficulty value strength hold element.^{[3] [4]}

Variants

Variations of the iron cross listed in the FIG Code of Points include:

• L cross (B difficulty): the cross is performed with the body held in an L-sit position.
• V cross (C difficulty): the cross is performed with the body in a tight piked position and the legs held vertically.
• Inverted cross (C difficulty): the cross is performed in an inverted (upside down) position.
• Maltese cross or swallow (D difficulty): the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with arms extended laterally.
• Victorian cross or inverted swallow (E difficulty): an inverted Maltese cross, with the body held parallel to the ground and facing up.

See also

• Calisthenics

Notes and References

1. Book: 94–95. Men's gymnastics . Fukushima. Sho. Russell. Wrio. Faber & Faber. 1980. 0-571-11478-4.
2. Book: 76. Gymnastics . Tatlow. Peter. Lyric Books Limited. 1979. 0-07-0935351.
3. Web site: FIG - Discipline . www.gymnastics.sport . Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique . 18 March 2021.
4. Book: 86. 2022 – 2024 Code of Points:Men's Artistic Gymnastics. Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique. FIG Executive Committee. February 2020.