P
ush-ups are a type of exercise that has been performed for the longest time in a traditional way, without the use of any gym equipment. Whether you lay your palm flat on the floor or prop yourself on your fists during the motions, you are improving your upper body in terms of muscle strength, balance, and when practiced with an adequate form, they largely improve the lower back and abdominal muscles, again in terms of strength and flexibility.
In recent years though, thanks to fitness enthusiasts, push-up stands have gained popularity as they allow for more versatility while exercising and can help trainees advance faster in their training. Our article is focused on the best models of the moment and offers insights into how to use these accessories more efficiently, so keep reading for more information.
Why Use Push-Up Bars?
Many people have already added a push-up bar set to their home gyms because of the benefits it has on joint alignment (the bars allow various grip positions) and the fact that it relieves the pressure on your wrists. Your form is also better with the stands, and given the range of heights available, you’re looking at a deeper push-up than before.
The bars help you work more than one group of muscles at once, providing excellent training for your arms and chest, but at the same time, strengthening your core, leg muscles, and hip muscles. Nevertheless, the benefits don’t stop here. A study performed by the team led by Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine from Boston University, Justin Yang, on a sample formed of male firefighters showed that men who are able to do more than 10 push-ups are less predisposed to develop cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. The chances become even lower as the individuals approach 40 push-ups per session, proving that this low-cost workout routine can be in fact a lifesaver.
While you can simply work on your routine and keep training until you reach the results the study speaks about, you may be able to get in shape faster with a pair of stands you can adjust to employ different muscles and strengthen your entire body.
If muscle building is more of a priority for you, consider opting for one of these kettlebell models.
If you’re an athlete doing push-up routines before a big match, or you’ve always wanted to feel like Rocky, one of these punching bag models will be exactly what you need.
1. Power Press Push Up Board
Power Press Push Up Board
Specifications:
Dimensions: 24.5″ x 17″ x 3.5″
Product Weight: N/A
Materials: ABS Plastic/Steel
User Weight Capacity: Up to 300 lbs.
Anti-slip Base:
Padding:
Features: Push up board included
Assembly Required:
Warranty: N/A
This is a set that contains everything you need for your push-ups and is the best you can get if you are looking for both performance and increased safety. It is an excellent choice if this is the first time using bars, as it is composed of a pair of sturdy stands and a board with openings where you can fixate the bars so they don’t slip while you are training. The board is made from thick ABS and comes with a non-slip base, while the handles are built of steel and can sustain a weight of 300 lbs.
Color-Coded Training System
What you are getting with the Power Press is a complete training system that will help you work different muscle groups on your back, shoulders, and core, all without needing to train under the supervision of a professional trainer. Here is what it offers:
Color-coded grip positions – you will notice that on the board, there are multiple positions for the bars, and each position set has a different color. This is because this model comes with a color chart that indicates what position you pick if you want to engage a specific muscle group. For example, you will need to place the stands in the red position if you want to target your shoulders and in the blue position if you want to target your chest. To work out your triceps, the green position is the right one, while your back will be well trained if you use the yellow position.
Workout calendar – the set includes a calendar with exercises you can do every day for 10 weeks. This will help you get in shape in a simple way without having to waste time searching for ideas on the internet.
Online workout videos – if you feel that the calendar is not enough, though, or you want to diversify your workouts after the 10 weeks, you also get free access to online videos that will help you understand how to execute the exercises correctly.
Ergonomic Hand Grips
The main difference between a good push-up handle and a cheap one is how it feels on the hands. Cheap models are either too flimsy, and you are always on guard, fearing that they may break at some point, or force the wrist to bend at an unnatural angle that puts a lot of pressure on it. This model is not a cheap one, as it is easy to see from the following features:
Non-slip design – the handles are wrapped in hard rubber, which creates an anti-adherent surface but is a lot more durable than foam. They are comfortable, according to the many customers who tried them.
No stress on the wrists – the handles are wide enough to support the hand and avoid putting pressure on the wrists but not too wide to become uncomfortable.
Performance Results – What Do Experts Say?
The Power Press Push Up Board is probably the best set you can buy at the moment. The metal in the grips is really thick, and the anti-slip board is made from high-quality ABS with a rubber pad. I also liked the padding on the handles, which made it easy to do more reps in one series without feeling any fatigue or pain. There was no sliding, and the solid base felt as if it was bolted to the floor – no wobbling also.
I liked the color chart and the calendar. As I did a few series of pull-ups and dips, I did feel the difference, and I found it nearly impossible to complete my regular push-up routine with these accessories on the first try. Instead, all my muscles engaged in the movement, and it felt like a greater accomplishment to do 2 thirds of what I used to do but really put my entire body strength into it.
Increased performance sustained by the presence of the board
Color-coded system that helps target the desired muscles
Heavy-duty handles with a comfortable grip
Anti-slip rubber on the board to prevent accidents
Access to training videos
Cons:
Some customers found the rubber padding on the handles to be too rigid
Since it includes the board, it is bulkier than other sets
Verdict:
Beginners will definitely love this board as it is designed to teach proper posture and increase performance. The handles are easy to click in and won’t slip from the hands due to the rubber padding. The board itself has rubber on the base, so it remains steady on the floor no matter how hard you exercise.
When you want to put your whole body into an exercise, a free-standing pull-up bar might just be the appropriate structure that can help you.
2. JuperbSky Push-Up Stands Bars Parallettes
JuperbSky Push-Up Stands Bars Parallettes
Specifications:
Dimensions: 13″ x 8.5″ x 8″
Product Weight: 5.7 lbs.
Materials: Steel
User Weight Capacity: 2,200 lbs.
Anti-slip Base: Non-slip caps
Padding: TPR handle covers
Features: Non-slip cap, Optimal handle angle to prevent hand fatigue
Assembly Required:
Warranty: N/A
These are not your regular push-up stands but a multifunctional product that can help you do push-ups, handstands dips, or L-sits, as it also functions as a parallettes set for gymnastics. It is larger and taller than the average bars, with a base that measures 8.5” by 8” and a height of 13”. What is even more interesting is that it is made of steel of the highest quality, which allows it to support a maximum weight of 2,200 lbs.. Yes, no man weighs that much, but it is reassuring to know that you are training on such a robust piece of equipment that will never cease under your weight.
The non-skid design implies using rubber caps on every foot, which allows using this model on almost all surfaces. The 5.71 lbs. it weighs also contribute to creating a steady exercise environment. Moreover, your hands will have a good grip on the handle as it is provided with thermoplastic rubber covers that prevent slipping and are extremely resilient to wear. With an angle selected to produce the least fatigue on the hands and wrists, this set is ideal for heavy training, and advanced and expert athletes would enjoy it the most since it permits them to work their way up to performance.
Pros:
High handles that allow more versatility in training
Ultra-robust steel construction
Heavy-duty rubber caps to prevent slipping
Ideal handle angle to reduce wrist fatigue
Padding on the handles doesn’t rotate, providing more confidence
Cons:
The rubber grips are more uncomfortable than foam
No detail on the warranty
Verdict:
If you are trying to combine push-up training with gymnastics, this set is an exceptional choice. Built of the strongest steel that could easily sustain a car and equipped with resistant rubber caps, it is a lifetime investment that won’t let you down.
For quick bicep reps in between, you should try using adjustable dumbbells for an easy switch.
Our list starts with a model that has the largest size, the JFIT Pro stand. To cover every detail about it we’re going to separate the information into 2 categories: Construction and Performance.
Construction
The JFIT comes in 3 chrome-plated, heavy-duty metal parts per bar, 2 of them needing to be attached to the U-shaped, 1½-inch diameter handle using the included screws and screwdriver. On the ends of each base leg, it has wide rubber caps to avoid any unwanted skidding on the floor, and on the middle of the handle part, it has a 1.75-inch neoprene grip to keep you stable and prevent slipping. The two bars come at a 60.8-ounce weight. Compared to the Perfect Fitness Pushup, it comes in 2 height options: a 9-inch handle, or an 11-inch one.
Performance
Using this kind of equipment will make you more inclined to exercise every day, thanks to the ease with which you’ll be moving. Once assembled, the JFIT will withstand up to 300 pounds, and when it comes to the size options, both are better than traditional push-ups. However, the taller one enables an even deeper exercise motion, making the movements you perform light on your wrists. You can target a wider range of muscles and use the handles for more than just their name title. You can use them as parallettes, for rehab, yoga sessions, dips, muscle stretches, and so on.
All these qualities have brought this JFIT model to the Top 10 similar products in 2016.
Pros:
2 Size options
Up to 300 lbs. capacity
Foam padding
Anti-slip rubber caps
1½” Diameter handle
Cons:
A bit difficult to tighten the screws
Padding can be too thick for those with smaller hands
Verdict:
A high weight capacity, sturdy frame, large diameter padded handles, and 2 height options to choose from. The JFIT Pro can become your new go-to when it comes to push-ups and help you experiment with different workout positions that will bring you optimal results.
4. Bear Blocks Pushup Bars
Bear Blocks Pushup Bars
Specifications:
Dimensions: 4″ x 4.5″ x 4.5″
Product Weight: 36.3 lbs.
Materials: Aluminum alloy
User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Anti-slip Base: Rubber
Padding: Rubber
Features: Flat-palm design, rubber hand surface
Assembly Required:
Warranty: 2 Years
With a special design that allows training for longer without feeling hand fatigue, the Bear Blocks occupy a top place in the clients’ preferences, especially as they are built from heavy-duty materials that guarantee their long life. The aluminum in their construction allows them to sustain a user weight of up to 300 lbs., but unlike steel, which is heavy, this material makes them more lightweight and easier to carry around.
The blocks have a 20-degree angle and provide a flat surface for the hand with a wideness of 4.5”, which translates into less pressure put on the hands and wrists and more reps per set. The hand surface is covered in rubber, so there is no risk of slipping, and the same treatment is reserved for the base of the blocks, which also have an anti-adherent surface.
What is even more attractive about this set is that it was made to be completely portable. The blocks straightforwardly slide into each other to create a cube so they will not occupy a lot of space in your travel bag in case you decide to take them with you. This model even comes with a 2-year warranty, which is another reason to buy it in full confidence.
Pros:
Original design that reduces hand fatigue
Made from aluminum for resistance and lightness
They slide into each other to save space
You can pick among many bright colors
Flat hand surface evenly distributes body weight
Cons:
Some customers found the grip to be too narrow
There is no cushioning in the palm area
Verdict:
If regular stands put too much pressure on your wrists, you can try switching to this innovative model offered by Bear Blocks, which allows you to prop your body weight in your full palm. The blocks are made of aluminum, so they present increased sturdiness without being heavy, which makes them easy to carry to the gym and back.
If you are ready to take your workout to the next level and start training while wearing a weighted vest, the Harbinger Push Up Pro is an excellent choice. This set is built from ultra-tough steel and plastic and can sustain a maximum user weight of 400 lbs., so it will support both your body weight and the extra baggage you decide to wear.
Just by looking at it, you can tell that there is a big difference between it and the JFIT Pro Push Up Stand, and this has to do with the way they are designed. This push-up bar set comes with mobile handles that rotate slightly to engage more muscles at once. This movement increases the level of difficulty, so you will become stronger sooner. However, beginners may find it quite difficult to use the handles, and they may need more time to get accustomed to them.
The rotation of the handles is extremely smooth due to the steel ball bearings, and there is no need to worry that they may slip as the bases are threaded, and the set is quite weighty at 65.6 oz. The grips are ergonomic, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly and prevent wrist injuries. The overall structure is tough and bond to last. Plus, it comes with a very generous 3-year warranty.
Pros:
Smooth rotating handles increase the difficulty
Can be paired with a weighted vest due to the high weight capacity
Threaded handle bottoms prevent them from slipping
Ergonomic grips
3-year warranty
Cons:
Beginners may find it too difficult to use them
Some customers found the rubber grips on the handles to be uncomfortable
Verdict:
This set is ideal for intermediate to pro users who are already accustomed to doing push-ups while using handles. It is more difficult to use, but it engages more muscle groups and delivers better results in less time. At the same time, it is designed to deliver optimal safety, the handles being provided with threaded bases that will prevent them from slipping.
If wrist pain poses a problem for you during your exercise routine, try using an innovative tool to relieve it while still achieving all of your reps. Similar to Harbinger Push Up Pro handles, the Perfect Fitness handles resemble a puck mallet, like those that are used in arcades, and they are just as much fun. Compared to the models we’ve addressed so far, this one has a patented, ball-bearing system that enables rotating handles. They can go a full 360° to allow your wrists to sit in the most natural and comfortable position possible. This invention comes from a U.S. Navy SEAL who wanted to make the push-up exercise as precise as it can be, with a good posture, but without the joint pressure, making it perfect for any user’s fitness abilities.
These 2 pieces of equipment are lightweight and have safety features, more specifically a texturized rubber grip and a rubberized base, both to prevent slipping accidents while you’re in the middle of your workout. You can easily enhance your endurance and strength anywhere, thanks to the 41.28-ounce build and compact design of the Perfect Fitness model, and as a bonus, they have a cool black surface with two red points near the handles and a red lining at the base.
Pros:
Great for wrist pain
360° Handle rotation
299.83 lbs. capacity
Rubber padding
Anti-slip rubber base
Cons:
Handles don’t have padding on the underside
Rotation can’t be locked
Verdict:
Don’t let wrist pain keep you in a stand-off and get this 360° rotating model to fly through your workouts with ease. The high weight limit and safety features will give you peace of mind and allow you to return to the routine you used to love.
Moving along with our list, we get to the Cap Barbell handles. With a sleek matte black option or a shiny chrome one, these are bound to catch anyone’s eye when they enter your home gym. The material used is strong, chrome-plated steel, resistant against corrosion, and the structure is a whole piece, meaning that they are as sturdy as can be. The weight capacity for this model is up to 300 pounds, and the plastic capped base and foam padded grips ensure that you will have a slip-free movement and intact floorboards. Given that this one is larger and has a wider base (thanks to which you won’t have an issue with wobbling either), the bars have been designed to be lightweight, coming up to only 29.6 ounces.
Other than presenting themselves with a sophisticated look, the Cap Barbell handles are a great tool for improving your technique and maintaining good joint health, together with creating a strong upper body musculature. It has shorter handles than JFIT Pro Push Up Stand, but it still allows for a broader movement range, making it easier for you to activate other muscles that a traditional exercise wouldn’t touch.
Pros:
5.51″ Handle height
Up to 300 lbs. capacity
Foam padding
Anti-slip plastic caps
2 Color options
Cons:
Not suitable for tile floors
Foam grip can be too soft
Verdict:
The Cap Barbell stands have a good handle height and a 300-pound capacity to keep your push-up sessions as challenging as you can take them. Safety is assured, and you also get to choose which color option will suit your home gym.
Next up we have the Nike Grip 3.0 version, with a look that matches the well-known company image. With a height of 5.9 inches, these handles improve your comfort and form during your daily exercise routines and ensure proper joint alignment for a challenging yet safe up and down movement. The bar structure has an appealing hexagonal shape along its length and it comes into a wide U-shape down to the two base legs. The legs are wider, maintaining a similar structure shape, but they also lay flatter on the ground than those of the other models. On them, you can see the signature white swoosh logo, while the rest of the body has a sleek matte black finish.
Nike provides the exact numbers when it comes to what percentage is present from each material that this equipment is made of, and that is of 64%, 30%, and 6% of Polypropylene, Thermoplastic Rubber, and Rubber respectively. The same goes for the padding on the handle and anti-slip base, present for comfort and safety concerns, and those are made of 45%, 33%, 14%, and 8% of Cotton, Polypropylene, Iron, and Polyester. They come to a weight of 10.58 ounces and, compared to the Cap Barbell Push Up Bars and other similar models, they have base legs that are detachable for easier transport or storage purposes.
Pros:
5.9″ Handle height
Very lightweight
Cotton and foam padding
Anti-slip rubber base
Cons:
Flat legs might not work on every surface
Weight limit is N/A
Verdict:
When you want to swoosh through your morning push-up routine like it’s nothing, grab a hold of these durable Nike stands and enjoy a more comfortable range of movement. They are durable but very lightweight, so perfect for the gym.
The model that has its place as our favorite of the bunch is also the one that breaks the mold with an unconventional shape. It resembles a concave S-shape, with the middle, foam-padded part being the handle. Like the others, the upright position of the wrist that this equipment allows makes the whole experience versatile and pain-free, making it a great help with CrossFit or P90x sessions. You have 2 size options to choose from: A bigger diameter one with a blue lining on the grip foam, or a smaller version with an orange lining.
The GF model is constructed using extremely strong steel sporting a diameter of ⅞ of an inch with a 220-pound capacity for the Classic version, or a 1-inch with a 330-pound capacity for the Ultra version, which is less than what the better ranked Cap Barbell Push Up Bars has to offer. It comes in one part per stand and has dual rubber caps for each side that touches the floor, meaning that you won’t have to worry about assembly or skidding, unstable pieces.
The Garren Fitness team is so sure of this product that they give you a lifetime warranty, coupled with a No-Questions-Asked policy.
Pros:
2 Size options
Ergonomic shape
Foam padding
Anti-slip rubber caps
Lifetime warranty
Cons:
Not suitable for wide grip push-ups
Base isn’t fully covered with rubber
Verdict:
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the Garren Fitness model has you covered with two grip size options, plenty of foam padding, anti-skid base covers, and an inclusive weight capacity range. There is plenty of steel in these stands, so you can rest assured that they will support your weight.
The Elite Smooth Rotation model comes with the same helpful feature that we saw with the Perfect Fitness one, which is the steel ball-bearing system that enables the possibility of turning your wrists at any angle you want to achieve different muscle area targeting each time. The body is made of a durable plastic and steel combination, and together with thick handles, these can withstand an impressive weight limit of up to 440 pounds. But, seeing as this is a more affordable model, the handles are only rounded for comfort, as opposed to having any padding material. The base comes with anti-slip rubber for safe practice, and the 39.84-ounce weight of the model allows you to take it with you anywhere you’d like.
A bonus accessory that comes with this package is a handy jumping rope, with the help of which you can expand your exercise range without having to place two separate orders. The Elite team also offers a full refund or replacement warranty in case you are not satisfied with your product.
Pros:
Handle rotation
440 lbs. capacity
Jump rope included
Anti-slip rubber base
Cons:
No padding on handles
Rotation can’t be locked
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a model with a great weight capacity, this is it. With a maximum of 440 pounds, an anti-slip base, and an included jump rope, you’re going to be ready to take on any exercise routine. Moreover, the handle rotation truly is a nice addition that will help variate your workout session.
11. 5BILLION Portable Workout Stands
5BILLION Portable Workout Stands
Specifications:
Dimensions: 9″ x 5.7″ x 5″
Product Weight: 20 oz.
Materials: Polypropylene
User Weight Capacity: 220 lbs.
Anti-slip Base: Plastic caps
Padding: Rubber
Features: Ergonomic handles covered in foam
Assembly Required:
Warranty: N/A
What is different about this model is that, instead of being built of heavy steel, it has a polypropylene construction that makes it very durable but also lightweight and easy to handle. In fact, both bars don’t weigh more than 20 lbs., so they can be easily transported in case your training place is not at home. Although they are made from plastic, they still have a pretty high weight limit, being able to sustain up to 220 lbs., which is not that close to the performance attained by metal models like the Bear Blocks Pushup Bars or Cap Barbell Push Up Bars but still good if you are not planning on using them with a weight vest.
The height of the bars is perfect for engaging as many muscles as possible while allowing you to variate your exercises, and the stands have wide feet that are provided with anti-slip caps for safety. The handles won’t slip, as they have foam pads on them that will also help absorb the pressure and sweat and allow you to do more reps. Regarding warranty, the company steps ahead and offers you 100% satisfaction, which means that if you are displeased with how this product works, you will get your money back.
Pros:
Lightweight and easy to transport
Can be disassembled for easy storage
Thick foam grips for comfort
Covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
The cushioning is thin, so you may need to wear gloves
The handles are narrow and may feel uncomfortable for long series
Verdict:
This is a budget model that offers everything it promises. It is lightweight and very easy to put together and disassemble, so it is what you need if you want to keep training even when on vacation. Although the foam padding is not the thickest and will tear off in the end as is normal, you can solve this problem by wearing a pair of gloves.
Features: Downloadable Exercise Guide, Detachable Base
Assembly Required:
Warranty: 1 Year
Moving on to another popular name in the sports accessories industry, FILA brings us a model of its own, and this one comes with an interesting twist. First off, design-wise we have smooth, matte black bars that aren’t, nonetheless, made of any kind of steel like the Nike Push Up Grip 3.0, Perfect Fitness Pushup, or other better-ranked models, but instead, they are constructed from sturdy plastic that makes them a tad lighter than a basketball, thus great to take with you wherever you go. Secondly, the twist is that the handles have a 5.5-inch height and they come with a slight angle for greater joint comfort and less pressure on the elbow, and, for good measure, they have foam padding and there are anti-slip rubber caps on the wide base, both aspects for safety and stability. Improve your fitness level without the aftermath of sore ligaments and improper wrist position pain.
Lastly, FILA provides an exercise guide that you can download to make sure you’re putting your product to good use, and for a year, they also guarantee a replacement in case any defects arise.
Pros:
Handles have an incline
Wider base
Foam padding
Anti-slip rubber caps
Cons:
Not as durable as the steel-made models
Not enough padding
Verdict:
Incline, good handle height, padding, non-slip base caps, and a wider base are what make this tool a joint-friendly, stable workout helper during your push-up exercises. They are produced by a trustworthy manufacturer, and for the price, they do live to the expectations.
When searching for a good deal on the price-to-quality ratio, we are met with the Redipo model. This one brings with it a nice 300-pound weight capacity thanks to its thickened, resistant polypropylene and steel build and still manages to be lightweight (18.56 ounces) for easy carrying around. The durable chrome-plating makes it resistant to corrosion, the foam handle grips have a comfortable width, and the body comes with detachable base legs to make the tools storage and transport appropriate. A matte black look is a version that prevails with this model as well, except for the padding which has a subtle red-colored lining, visible at the ends, where the pads have a few cuts in the design.
Performance-wise, the construction has plastic leg caps on the base to provide stability, and the handle has an incline to keep your body’s form in check and to provide different grip options for a more intensive training. This also helps with the wrist-elbow-shoulder alignment to ensure that there are no strain or other forms of injury possibilities present. The Redipo team guarantees a 100% money-back policy if you’re not pleased with this product.
Pros:
Handles have an incline
300 lbs. capacity
Foam padding
Ample handle space
Cons:
Plastic caps aren’t suitable for some floor types
Grip can be uncomfortable
Verdict:
For an affordable model that can take care of both your joints and wallet, you can safely choose these Redipo stands. And with a sturdy frame that can take up to 300 pounds of weight and comfortable padding, you can hold on to them for a long time.
The N1Fit equipment is constructed from a black-colored, tough, industrial-grade PVC, with widened 5.90-inch base legs for enhanced stability and balance. The handles have a 5-inch height, coupled with an incline, to keep your push-ups safe, dynamic, intense, and varied in depth. Simply put, your body won’t have to work overtime when bending and your wrist and elbow joints will maintain a neutral position. The handles also come with plenty of grip space, specifically, 8.5 inches, which is padded with foam that can absorb sweat, to maximize your comfort during use.
With less strain on your arms and a higher level of effectiveness during exercises, you’ll be able to max out your power, muscle flexibility, and endurance much more easily than by traditionally performing your workouts. Just like the base of the Redipo Push Up Stands model, it is detachable, so this product is easier to store and transport.
Pros:
8.5″ Handle length
Up to 250 lbs. capacity
Foam grips
Wide base
Cons:
Plastic caps aren’t suitable for some floor types
Not enough padding
Verdict:
The N1Fit comes with a generous and inclined handle length, up to 250 pounds capacity, and a stable, wide base to keep help you while doing your upper body exercises. The set provides what it promises for the price and is ideal for light to moderate training.
Features: Detachable Base, Handle with Incline (4″ to 3″)
Assembly Required:
Warranty: N/A
The last, and second smallest of them all, is the Crown Sporting Goods model. What sets this one apart from the rest is the exact specification when it comes to the incline of the handle, which goes from 4 inches at its highest point, to 3 inches at its lowest. This detail is important for the range variety of your isometrics, your posture, and how big of an impact your muscles are sustaining due to the versatile grip. With less stress on your wrists and forearms, you also lower any chance of getting an injury.
The body of these is made from strong and durable ABS plastic that can withstand a weight limit of 220 pounds while still being a breeze to carry (only 14.82 ounces). They have an all-black look, with wide base legs for better stability, and they can be disassembled into 3 pieces to give you a perfect travel-sized workout buddy. The handles sport comfortable foam padding which allows for a better, non-slip grip.
Pros:
220 lbs. capacity
Travel-sized
Foam grips
Lightweight
Cons:
Plastic caps aren’t suitable for some floor types
Not suitable for wide grip push-ups
Verdict:
When you feel like your push-ups don’t go as deep as you’d like, the Crown Sporting Goods model is there for you. With an angle from 4 to 3 inches, a 220-pound capacity, and a travel-sized build, you can enjoy a sweat-inducing workout just about anywhere.
Push Up Stands in gym
Buying Guide
For you to be able to make an informed decision, we’ve prepared a handy guide to nudge you in the right direction. The following aspects are what you should keep in mind when buying these types of stands.
Materials & Capacity
Since you’re going to put most of your body weight on them (or even all of it, depending on the calisthenics you do), the stands will need to have an appropriate weight capacity for your body type. The models we’ve presented range from 200 up to 440 pounds, so there is enough versatility for every user. And, of course, the materials tend to have a say in how sturdy and resistant gym equipment is, so take a look at what the main materials’ durability says.
Handle Height
The height of the handle is a detail that influences the difficulty grade of your workouts, considering that you’ll have to go from that level to as low as you can for a successful exercise. These stands tend to have a low of around 3 inches, and a high that can go up to even 11 inches, meaning that you’ll have to do some thinking and measuring first to see what’s a good fit for you.
Incline / Rotation
Handle incline is a separate story, as it has to do with the angle at which your wrists will be sitting, and your overall form during use. For some, the incline is a welcomed feature as it can help with wrist pain, but for others not so much.
Conversely, with the stands that have rotating handles, we’re addressing the wrist pain issue again, in this case, the variety of angle rotations having been proven to alleviate pain and pressure.
Comfort & Safety Features
When you’re planning on integrating new equipment into a workout routine, you’re obviously looking to use it consistently and for a long time. So you should take note of the padding (if any) provided on the handle and the anti-slip features that will keep you from sliding all over the floor.
Push-Up Bar Exercises to Strengthen Your Upper Body
Even if they may seem basic pieces of gym equipment that will only allow you to do a limited number of movements, the push-up bars are, in fact, quite versatile and can help you work the most important muscle groups of your upper body. The more you work out, the stronger you will become, and this will allow you to diversify your application array even more, so take a look at these suggestions we have prepared for you and gradually bring yourself into top shape.
Wide-Grip Push-Ups
Studies have shown that by placing the bars at a wider distance than the one between your shoulders, you will engage your chest, shoulder, and upper-arm muscles more than you would when executing regular push-ups. This movement even engages your serratus anterior muscle, improving your overall strength in your thoracic area.
To do it correctly, follow these steps:
Place the bars on the floor, leaving more space between them than you would usually do. You can place them vertically or horizontally, this is a personal choice.
Start in a plank stance, making sure that your hands have a good grip on the handles.
Make sure that your spine is straight and that your shoulders aren’t sagging.
Bend your elbows to lower yourself until your chest is below your elbows and briefly pause.
Press into your hands and lift yourself, making sure that your core is engaged. Repeat.
Close-Grip Push-Ups
This variation targets almost the same muscles as regular push-ups, but some of them are engaged more intensely. These are the anterior deltoids and shoulders, as well as the pecs. The implementation has the following steps:
Arrange the handles on the floor, leaving less space between them than you would for regular push-ups.
Take your position with your hands on the handles and your feet on the floor, making sure that your back is erect.
Bend your elbows to descend and push on your hands to lift. Repeat.
L-Sits
By doing L-sits, you don’t only engage your pecs, triceps, and arm muscles but you work out your core, which is extremely important for maintaining an adequate position while working out. These movements work your hip flexors and quads, as well, and can help you variate your routine. Here is how to do them:
Place the bars on the floor in a normal position and grip them with your hands while sitting on the floor with your back facing them.
Extend your hands and lift your legs until they are parallel to the floor. Maintain the L shape.
Hold the position for 30 seconds, then descend. Rest for 20 seconds and try again.
Mountain Climbers
You will truly challenge your body with these isometrics, but the effort will be well worth it. They raise your pulse and can even help you lose weight while strengthening both the muscles in your shoulders, chest, and torso and those in your legs.
To start, take the same stance you would take for doing regular push-ups.
Pull one knee to your chest as fast as you can while maintaining the other leg straight.
Switch legs, bending the other knee and keeping the other leg straight.
The movement should be continuous.
Tricep Dips
By doing tricep dips, you will strengthen your bicep and tricep muscles and gain better mobility for your entire body. They can be quite demanding, and you may even burn some calories while doing them.
To start, take the same position you would take for L-sits.
Extend your arms to elevate your upper body while maintaining your feet on your floor.
Maintain the pose for a few seconds, then slowly descend.
Repeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do push up bars help?
Yes, they help with reducing the pressure your wrist is under when performing a push-up in the conventional way, but it still helps build strength in that specific joint and also bettering your grip. The added height also helps up the number of reps you can do.
Do push-up bars make push-ups easier or harder?
In regards to keeping your joints safe and helping you get results faster, bars are easier, but when you think about the added ROM (range of movement), bar push-ups will be harder on your body. So it depends on what you want from these tools and on your specific fitness level.
Why use rotating push-up handles?
The handles that come with a rotating feature are mainly used to alleviate wrist pain by reducing pressure so that you can continue to do your exercises (action which would otherwise not be possible with floor push-ups).
Are neutral grip push-ups better?
Short answer, yes. Why is it better? Because if you keep your arms (think elbow, shoulders, forearms) too far apart during a push-up, you’re going to put too much strain on your joints, possibly causing sore muscles, or worse (osteoarthritis). With a neutral grip, you get better alignment and easier movement.
How do you do push-ups using bars?
You arrange them in the same location you’d normally place your hands, grip the handles, and go about fulfilling your reps as usual. It might take some getting used to at first with the extra height and restabilization of your center of gravity, but you’ll be able to do just fine.
Can push-up bars be used as Parallettes?
It depends on your height and the stands’ height, which should be high enough to allow you to perform appropriate gymnastics movements.
What happens if you do 30 push-ups every day?
This number, repeated every single day, will enhance your endurance and define your upper body’s muscle build. Flexibility will also be increased, thus making regular daily activities a breeze.
How many push-ups should I do a day to get ripped?
If gaining massive muscle mass is your end goal, depending on your stamina you’re going to be looking at at least 200 per day, or, at the most 400 per day. Do these reps for 2 weeks straight and you’ll get some interesting results. And you’ll even improve your cardio while you’re at it.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reached the conclusion, we’re going to remind you of the reasons why such stands are a good idea:
Wider movement range for better form
Deeper up-and-down movement
Enhanced core strength and spine supporting muscles
Raised metabolic rate (faster weight loss)
Bettering your center of gravity when using stands with an incline
The best of the lot, the Power Press is ready to support you during intense workouts with a heavy-duty structure and a 300-pound weight limit. The set contains not only the handles but a board with color-coded positions that will help you always maintain the optimal posture. Safety is not something overlooked either, as these handles have rubber padding, and the board comes with rubber on the base to prevent slipping-induced injuries.
If you’re anything like us, your sight might be set on the JuperbSky Push-Up Stands Bars Parallettes model, thanks to its many attributes. With tall handles, these bars are suitable for a wide range of users, who are interested not only in doing push-ups but in gymnastics as well. The weight is very high – up to 2,200 lbs., which means that it can be used when wearing a weighted vest. There’s no assembly required, and you can safely practice your routine on different floor types due to the no-skid base.
If wrist pain is holding you back from staying fit, say hello to push-ups once again thanks to the Perfect Fitness stands. These have a patented bearing system that allows a 360 rotation for your wrists to sit in the most comfortable position possible at all times. Simply twist your hand during the up-and-down motions and you’ll manage full reps without the slightest wince. The weight limit goes up to 299.83 pounds and the anti-slip base can keep you grounded at all times.
When money is tight, but you feel the need to take care of your health nonetheless, you can consider the Redipo stands. This model is affordable, made of durable materials, and can withstand up to 300 pounds. The foam padding and slight incline on the handles will ensure the comfort you need for your palms and joints, and the detachable base will allow you to take the stands with you wherever you choose.
Lauren is our resident product tester. She dabbles in reviews from time to time too, but she shines best when we hand her various fitness products and she has to dig in and learn everything about them, their ups and downs. She researches all possible aspects of each product she tests and details her experience thoroughly to help put together truthful reviews and tops.
Young girl doing pilates exercises with a reformer bed. Beautiful slim fitness trainer on reformer gray background, low key, art light. Fitness concept.
