Do you want to boost your press up training to develop strength and muscle mass? Do you want to target more parts of your upper body? I recommend using push up bars! This simple piece of workout equipment helps to increase the range of motion of the moves and thanks to that you will get the mentioned benefits. Also, you can use them in various positions to target specific muscle groups.
They are cheap, cost only a few bucks. Plus, they are compact so that you can take and store them easily.
Do you want to buy one? I’m going to help you pick the most suitable bars, just follow the buying guide below.
I know, there are hundreds of products, and most of them work well. However, here I show you the best of the best that provides excellent workout experience and loved by trainees.
Top 6 Push Up Equipment Comparison
Push Up Bars Review
1. Power Press – The “Clever” System
It is interesting exercise equipment with a unique system that allows you to target one particular muscle group better. If you have ever tried push up variations, I’m sure you felt the load in different parts of your upper body.
For example, if you do close grip or diamond press ups, your triceps and the inner part of your chest work more. If you do wide ones, your back and rear deltoid are engaged more. If you have been doing bodyweight workouts, you may already know these tricks.
That is what this unit is all about. It comes with multiple positions and angles to perform different exercises to target upper body muscles.
It has 14 preset positions that force you to perform the movements in proper form. You just need to place the handles into the holes.
The locations are color coded, so you can quickly find the holes where to put the push up handles for the particular drill. The red color is for shoulders, blue for chest, green for triceps and yellow for the back. Very creative, isn’t it?
It also comes with a 10 week workout program and a DVD.
The size of the board and bars are suitable for most of the people, but taller and broader-shoulder guys may find it a bit narrow (above 6.4 feet).
2. Perfect Pushup Elite (Version 2) – Rotating
As far as I know, Perfect Fitness was the first who comes out with push up equipment that rotates during usage. What are the rotating push up handles benefits? Slight rotation during the move is more comfortable to your wrist and elbows. For example, people who had wrist injury use it because it does not put such pressure on the joints.
Also, the slight rotational move engages more muscles making them stronger and more defined.
The maximum weight capacity is 400 pounds, so it suitable for advanced level trainees who want to use a weight vest for extra resistance (or for big guys).
You can also use this equipment to do variations to target different muscles more. If you are a beginner, you can learn them from the free 21-day training plan it comes with.
You can find 2-3 types of versions of this product. But I recommend the Version 2 because the hand grips are more comfortable plus the rotation is smoother than the previous ones provide.
3. Tony Horton’s PowerStands – Very stable
Some people do not like using the classic bars because of the wobbling, or they feel they are not so stable. This push up stand has a huge circle base that makes equipment very stable and robust. The diameter of the base is about 11 inches.
Another useful feature is that the hand grips are angled. Higher on one side than the other. This provides a more comfortable training experience by giving ergonomic position for your wrists and forearms.
The max capacity is 325 lb which is enough. Thanks to its stability and capacity, it might be used for handstand push-ups.
4. CAP Barbell Bars – The Cheap
It is a standard push up equipment that I put on my list because it is an excellent price/value item. Sturdy, comfortable and doing its job well.
Thanks to the stabilizers and the hard rubber caps it does not wobble and move, no matter what type of floor you use them on. People around 250 lbs use it without experiencing wobbling.
The bars are 4-5 inches from the floor which is not high nor too low.
5. Jfit Pro – For Deep Moves & L-Sits
This fitness equipment is similar to the previous one, but the bars are at a higher a position, at about 9 inches from the ground. This way you can go deeper. Hence, the range of motion is more extended leading to muscle and strength gain.
The stabilizers are more extensive than usual, plus the ends are covered with non-slip rubber caps. So, they are stable on any floor type.
Thanks to the highness and stable structure, it is suitable for performing L-sit and handstand push ups with wall support. Although, the max load is about 250 lbs.
Buying Guide to Push Up Stands
Now let’s see what you should pay attention to when buying equipment besides the customer reviews.
Max capacity
Always check the maximum load the product can stand, mainly if you are big or want to use additional weight. Most of the items can be used up to 250 lb which is enough for an average user.
The material
Personally, I prefer bars that are made of steel because they are more robust. However, plastic ones can stand high weight load. Search the customer reviews for breakage problems.
The height of the bars
In most of the cases, the bars are about 5-6 inches from the ground which is suitable for most of the trainees. If you want to go deeper or perform exercises like L-sit, you need taller equipment.
Stability
Never buy unstable bars! They are not only dangerous but also very annoying when you cannot focus on the exercises.
FAQ
What are push up bars benefits?
You can do more types of exercises and harder moves for more effective strength training.
Push up bars vs. parallettes?
Parellettes have longer bars, and they are usually higher. Hence, more stable and provides more possibilities to do calisthenics exercises (L-sit, handstand, etc.)
I’m a beginner. Is it suitable for me?
Well, if you are not familiar with push-ups yet, and you cannot do at least 12-15, I say stick to the traditional press ups until you get strong enough.
Why are the bars slanted?
Because that way they provide a position for your hands that is ergonomically comfortable and healthy for your wrist and elbows.
How to use them correctly?
Check out our guide and learn other exercises with push up handles.
Conclusion
If you want to add an extra boost to your home bodyweight routine, getting push up equipment is without a doubt a good idea. These small tools will help you to increase your strength and muscles mass. They are cheap yet effective home workout equipment.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask below. I will help asap.
Last update on 2022-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API