Push-ups are one of the most basic and effective exercises you can do to improve your strength, endurance, and overall fitness. They work your chest, shoulders, triceps, core, and even your legs. However, doing push-ups on the floor can be uncomfortable, boring, and limiting. That’s why many people use push-up bars to enhance their push-up experience and results.
Push-up bars are simple devices that elevate your hands off the ground and allow you to grip them instead of placing your palms flat on the floor. They usually have a base that rests on the floor and a handle that extends upward. Some push-up bars are fixed, while others can rotate or fold for different purposes.
There are many benefits of using push-up bars for your push-ups, such as:
- Reduced wrist pain: Push-up bars can help you avoid wrist pain by keeping your wrists in a neutral position instead of bending them at a 90-degree angle. This can prevent injuries and discomfort in your wrists, especially if you have existing issues or do a lot of push-ups. Some push-up bars have rotating handles that can further reduce the stress on your wrists by allowing them to move naturally during the exercise.
- Increased range of motion: Push-up bars can increase your range of motion by allowing you to lower your chest below your hands. This can make the push-ups more challenging and effective by engaging more muscle fibers in your chest, shoulders, and triceps. A greater range of motion can also improve your flexibility and mobility in your upper body.
- More muscle activation: Push-up bars can help you activate more muscles in your upper body by changing the angle and position of your hands. For example, you can place the push-up bars wider or narrower than your shoulders to target different parts of your chest. You can also place them closer or farther from your body to emphasize your triceps or shoulders. Some push-up bars have wheels that can enable you to perform more advanced exercises like ab rollouts or flyes that work your core and chest.
- Better grip strength: Push-up bars can improve your grip strength by forcing you to squeeze the handles instead of resting your palms on the floor. This can strengthen your forearms, wrists, and fingers, which can benefit other exercises and activities that require a strong grip. A better grip can also help you stabilize your body and prevent slipping during the push-ups.
If you are interested in buying push-up bars for your home or gym, there are many options available on the market. However, not all push-up bars are created equal. You should look for some features that make a good push-up bar, such as:
- Durability: Push-up bars should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand repeated use and pressure. Metal or steel push-up bars are usually more durable than plastic ones, but they may also be heavier and more expensive. You should also check the quality of the joints, screws, and hinges if the push-up bars are adjustable or foldable.
- Stability: Push-up bars should have a stable base that does not wobble or slide on the floor. Rubber or foam pads on the bottom of the base can help prevent slipping and protect the floor from scratches. The base should also be wide enough to support your weight and balance.
- Comfort: Push-up bars should have comfortable handles that fit your hand size and shape. Foam or rubber grips on the handles can provide cushioning and prevent blisters and calluses. The handles should also be ergonomic and aligned with your wrists and arms.
- Portability: Push-up bars should be easy to store and transport if you want to use them in different places or travel with them. Some push-up bars are foldable or detachable, which can save space and make them more convenient to carry around.
To help you choose the best push-up bar for your needs, we have reviewed some of the most popular and highly rated products on Amazon.com based on their features, quality, performance, customer feedback, and price. Here are our top picks:
- Perfirmer: Core Training Handles with Wheels Push Up Bars: This is our best overall pick because it is a versatile and innovative product that combines push-up bars with wheels for more exercise options. It has a durable metal and plastic construction, a wide base with rubber caps for stability, L-shaped grips with foam padding for comfort, and a button that allows you to switch between flat and wheeled sides easily. It is suitable for beginners to advanced users who want to challenge themselves with different push-up variations and core exercises.
- Perfect V2 Push Up Bars: This is our runner up pick because it is a trusted brand that offers a unique rotating system that helps reduce strain on your wrists and arms while engaging more muscles in your chest. It has a sturdy plastic construction, a wide base with rubber pads for stability, ergonomic grips with foam padding for comfort, and a ball-bearing system that allows the handles to rotate smoothly during the push-ups. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced users who want to improve their push-up form and results.
- Elite Sportz Push Up Bars: This is our best design pick because it has a sleek and elegant design that looks great in any home or gym. It has a durable metal construction, a narrow base with rubber caps for stability, curved handles with foam padding for comfort, and a shiny silver finish that adds style and durability. It is suitable for all users who want a simple and effective push-up bar that can last a lifetime.
- Harbinger Unisex’s Pro Push Up Bars: This is our best for beginners pick because it is a great option that offers quality at a decent price point. It has a sturdy plastic construction, a wide base with rubber pads for stability, padded grips for comfort, and a flared design that helps distribute your weight evenly and reduce pressure points on your wrists and arms. It is suitable for beginners to intermediate users who want a reliable and comfortable push-up bar that can help them progress in their fitness journey.
- Bowflex Handles Push Up Bars: This is our consider pick because it is a versatile product that can be used as push-up bars or as handles for resistance bands or tubes. It has a durable plastic construction, a wide base with rubber pads for stability, ergonomic grips with foam padding for comfort, and detachable clips that allow you to attach resistance bands or tubes for more exercise options. It is suitable for all users who want a multifunctional push-up bar that can add variety and resistance to their workouts.
Push-up bars are a simple tool that can make a big difference in your push-up performance and results. They can help you reduce wrist pain, increase range of motion, activate more muscles, and improve grip strength. They can also help you spice up your push-up routine by allowing you to try different angles, positions, and exercises. If you are looking for a way to take your push-ups to the next level, you should consider getting one of the best push-up bars on the market.
