Push up handles: how to choose the right style
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- Wooden push up handles. Best for: Basic push-ups with a neutral grip in a small space. See options on Amazon
- Rotating push up handles. Best for: People who want the grip to turn with their hands. See options on Amazon
- Steel parallettes. Best for: Push-ups plus dips, L-sits and handstand work. See options on Amazon
Why use push up handles
Makers describe two main reasons. First, the neutral hand position: PULLUP & DIP says its push-up grips let you keep a neutral hand position that puts less strain on the wrists, and REP says its parallettes give a neutral grip with less joint strain. Second, range of motion: both say the raised handles let you lower further than you can with hands flat on the floor.
These are the makers' own descriptions, not results from independent trials. If floor push-ups already feel fine, handles are optional. Push-ups count as muscle-strengthening activity; the CDC says adults need it on 2 or more days a week, working all major muscle groups including the chest, shoulders and arms.
Three styles compared
| Style | Example maker specs | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Low push-up handles | PULLUP & DIP wooden grips: 23 cm long, 10 cm high, 250 kg max load | Basic push-ups with a neutral grip |
| Rotating handles | Handles that turn on a base as you press | People who want the grip to move with them |
| Parallettes | REP steel: 25 in long, 15.71 in tall, 500 lb capacity | Push-ups plus dips, L-sits and handstands |
Low handles are compact and easy to store. Parallettes are taller and longer, which opens up more bodyweight moves. PULLUP & DIP says its steel parallettes are 50 cm long and that their height allows deeper movements.
What to check before you buy
- Height. PULLUP & DIP says added height allows deeper movements. REP's parallettes stand 15.71 inches; PULLUP & DIP's wooden grips are 10 cm high.
- Grip. PULLUP & DIP's steel parallettes use extra wide bars with anti-slip rubber covers. REP lists a 1.57 inch bar diameter.
- Base grip. Look for rubber feet or pads. PULLUP & DIP's wooden grips come with four anti-slip pads per handle, and its parallettes have rotatable rubber feet adjustable in seven steps to stop wobbling.
- Load rating. Check the maker's maximum load. REP lists 500 lbs for its parallettes; PULLUP & DIP lists 250 kg for its wooden grips.
- Pair or single. REP says each order includes a set of two parallettes; PULLUP & DIP's wooden grips come as one pair with a pair of wrist wraps.
Wood vs steel
Wood. PULLUP & DIP makes its push-up grips from beech wood with rubber anti-slip pads. The set weighs 1.3 kg.
Steel. REP's parallettes are steel with a textured matte black powder coat. PULLUP & DIP's steel parallettes use heavy-duty steel tubes with rubber-covered handles. Steel frames suit taller designs used for dips and handstands.
Both materials are sold in low and tall versions, so choose by height and use first, then by grip feel.
Using push up handles safely
- Set the handles on a flat, non-slip floor and check that they do not rock before each set.
- Start with a depth you can control, then go deeper over time.
- Move up to taller parallettes for dips or handstands only after the low version feels steady.
- Stop if you feel sharp wrist, elbow or shoulder pain.
If you want more upper body equipment, see our dip station guide and doorway pull up bar guide.
What to look for when you buy
Wooden push up handles
Best for: Basic push-ups with a neutral grip in a small space
PULLUP & DIP lists beech wood grips, four anti-slip pads per handle, a 250 kg max load and wrist wraps in the box.
Watch out: Low height limits extra moves like L-sits or handstands. Wrist benefit claims come from the maker.
See options on AmazonRotating push up handles
Best for: People who want the grip to turn with their hands
Rotating handles turn on their base during the press, a widely sold alternative to fixed grips.
Watch out: Check the maker's load rating and that the base sits flat without wobble.
See options on AmazonSteel parallettes
Best for: Push-ups plus dips, L-sits and handstand work
REP lists steel parallettes at 15.71 inches tall with a 1.57 inch bar, a 500 lb capacity, and two bars per order.
Watch out: Taller and larger to store at 25 inches long. Build up before handstand work.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are push up handles better than floor push-ups?
- They let you keep a neutral wrist and go deeper, according to makers. Floor push-ups still work if your wrists feel fine.
- Do push up handles help wrist pain?
- Makers say the neutral grip puts less strain on the wrists. That is a maker claim; see a doctor for ongoing wrist pain.
- What is the difference between push up handles and parallettes?
- Parallettes are taller and longer. REP's stand 15.71 inches tall, and they work for dips, L-sits and handstands as well.
- How much weight can push up handles hold?
- Check the maker's rating. PULLUP & DIP lists 250 kg for its wooden grips and REP lists 500 lbs for its parallettes.
Sources
- Wooden Push-up Handles incl. Wrist Wraps (pullup-dip.com), PULLUP & DIP
- Fitness Parallettes Made Of Steel (pullup-dip.com), PULLUP & DIP
- Parallette Bars (repfitness.com), REP Fitness
- Adult Activity: An Overview (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention