19 Best Parallettes for Calisthenics in 2023 (Reviewed)
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Looking to take your calisthenics training up a notch?
Parallettes are an essential tool for bodyweight fitness enthusiasts. These portable parallel bars allow you to perform calisthenics exercises with proper form and full range of motion.
They’re perfect for enhancing strength, balance, and flexibility, making them a must-have for your home gym. But with a plethora of options out there, how do you choose?
In this roundup, I’ve researched and reviewed the 19 best parallettes in 2023 to help you find the perfect set. No matter your skill level or training requirements, we have the ideal model for you.
Our selection includes affordable, basic options for beginners and durable and versatile designs for advanced calisthenics athletes. Choose from various materials, including wood and plastic constructions, or premium steel picks. We’ve carefully curated the top brands and models to suit every budget and feature preference.
Read on for detailed comparisons and buying advice to help you choose the ideal parallettes to unleash your strength, enhance skills, and take your calisthenics to the next level!
What Are Parallettes?
Parallettes or parallette bars are versatile calisthenics or gymnastic equipment that can provide a full-body workout in a compact, portable form. Constructed of wood, metal, or plastic and standing just 8-12 inches off the ground, they allow you to perform exercises like pushups, dips, L-sits, and handstands that target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Though diminutive, parallettes demand balance, coordination, core strength, and upper body power.
Why should you use parallettes?
Here’s why you should consider incorporating parallette bars into your workout routine.
Wider Range of Motion
The elevated hand position of parallettes enables you to increase your range of motion for pushups, dips, L-sits, and more. You can achieve deeper stretches and muscle activation by lifting your hands several inches off the floor. This leads to gains in strength and flexibility over time.
Joint Protection
Exercising on the floor can strain your wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Parallettes help take pressure off your joints by raising your hands. This makes movements like pushups more comfortable while reducing injury risk. The neutral grip of parallettes is also easier on the wrists.
Core Activation
Balancing on parallettes engages your core stabilizer muscles to a greater degree. When your hands are elevated, your body must work harder to keep your torso steady during exercises. The instability challenges your abdominal muscles, leading to greater abdominal and back strength.
New Exercise Options
Parallettes open up new possibilities for exercise by letting you perform a wide range of difficult or impossible movements on the floor. Handstand pushups, L-sits, planche variations, and leaning pike pushups require the raised platform of parallettes. Using them expands your exercise selection for a more complete workout.
How to Choose the Right Parallettes
When selecting parallettes, there are a few key factors to consider so you get the right fit for your needs and goals.
Types of Parallettes
Parallettes come in different heights to accommodate different exercises and difficulty levels.
Low Parallettes
Low parallettes sit just a few inches off the ground, around 4-6cm high. These allow you to perform pushups, dips, planche variations, and levers closer to the floor, which is more demanding on the wrists and core muscles. Low parallettes are a good choice for beginners looking to build fundamental strength.
Medium Parallettes
Medium parallettes are moderately raised, around 20-30cm high. This mid-range height is ideal for most standard parallette exercises like pushups, rows, L-sit dips, and L-sits. The medium height provides a good challenge while allowing a full range of motion. They offer the most versatility for general training.
High Parallettes
High parallettes elevate your hands 50″ and above. The increased height makes exercises like handstand pushups and L-sit Dips easier by extending the range of motion. High parallettes reduce wrist strain and are useful for advanced calisthenics skills. However, they decrease the core challenge of basic exercises.
Mini Parallettes
Mini parallettes are very low profile, placing hands just 1-2 inches off the ground. They allow you to mimic floor exercises with a slight elevation to reduce wrist pressure. Mini parallettes are highly portable and great for travel. However, they don’t provide enough lift for most exercise progressions.
Material
Parallettes are available in various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, and hybrid options like the Gornation and GravityFitness Parallettes combine wood and metal. Wood offers the best grip and is most gentle on the hands during skills like handstands. However, low-quality wood is more prone to breaking over time. Metal provides the most durability but may lack grip and be uncomfortably cold. Plastic is lightweight but can also be slippery.
Stability
Wider parallettes around shoulder-width distance apart provide the most stability for pushups and dips. Parallettes spaced too narrowly can wobble and make balancing difficult. A solid one-piece frame offers better stability than adjustable separate handles.
Handle Diameter
The grip diameter affects comfort and strength. The standard diameter is usually 1.5 inches. Wider diameters like 1.5 inches allow more space for the hands during skills like handstands and L-sit Dips.
Portability
If you plan to travel with your parallettes, look for a lightweight foldable model. Collapsible metal-hinged parallettes are the most portable. You can also find parallettes that come with a carrying bag. Solid wood parallettes are bulkier for transport.
Adjustability
Some parallettes allow you to change the height by adjusting where the bars connect or switching out the side rails. Adjustable parallettes let you modify the difficulty and progression of exercises.
Padding
For optimal grip comfort during hand balancing skills, look for parallettes with padded grips. Foam or rubber padding helps reduce hand fatigue and abrasion during extended sessions.
Maximum Weight Capacity
Select parallettes with an appropriate maximum weight capacity for your needs. The average capacity is around 300-500 lbs, but higher-end models can support over 500 lbs. Sturdier steel frames offer greater weight capacity than plastic or wood.
Base Size
Wider base platforms provide maximum stability for exercises like dips and pushups. Many parallettes have stable bases around 24 x 20 inches. If you need to fit your parallettes in tight spaces, some compact models have bases under 20 inches wide.
Price
Parallettes price ranges from $20 for basic plastic models to $150 or more for commercial grade parallettes. In general, higher prices reflect more durable materials and construction. But decent beginner wood parallettes can be found for around $40-60.
What are the Best Parallettes?
Best Medium Parallettes
Gornation Premium Parallettes Max
Gornation is one of the best brands known in the calisthenics world for producing high-quality and premium-looking equipment; their parallettes are no exception. Using beech wood for the handles ensures a firm grip during workouts, which chalk can further enhance.
Thanks to the included tools, the parallettes are easy to assemble, taking only a few minutes. The robust wood and steel construction promises longevity, making it a reliable training partner for life.
A unique feature is the inclusion of straps, facilitating easy transportation of the parallettes.
The Gornation Premium Parallettes Max delivers an overwhelmingly positive experience during use, providing a solid grip and reliability during movements such as handstands. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in the product’s outstanding quality.
The Gornation Max is a top-notch parallettes that combines quality, durability, and practicality. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to elevate their workouts, offering comfort, stability, and ease of use.
GRAVITY FITNESS MEDIUM PRO HYBRID PARALLETTES
They look quite similar to Gornation Max Parallettes and are the best budget alternative if you want to enjoy the comfort and stability of Gornation Parallettes at just $83.
The 2023 edition of the Gravity Fitness Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes presents a harmonious blend of steel and wood, offering a robust and comfortable workout tool such as Gornations Max. The parallettes are designed to accommodate all calisthenics movements, making them versatile for various fitness routines.
The new design enhances strength and stability, ensuring the equipment can withstand exercises like various planche variations and handstand pushups.
The steel feet, welded to steel uprights, add to the overall durability. Aesthetically, the matte black powder coating finish and black screws give the parallettes bars a sleek, modern look.
Overall, the Gravity Fitness Pro are reliable, comfortable, and versatile, suitable for various calisthenics exercises.
PULLUP & DIP Medium Parallettes
A medium height set of parallettes offers a nice middle ground option for calisthenics training. You get more elevation than low parallettes for exercises like handstand pushups, while still having clearance for floor moves like L-sits.
The PULLUP & DIP Medium Parallettes provide this versatile middle height option at 11.8 inches. Their 19-inch ergonomic wooden handles are designed to prevent wrist strain and offer a sturdy, sweat-resistant grip.
These parallettes are built tough from steel and quality wood – that combo gives them killer stability no matter how hard you go at your workout. The non-slip pads keep them locked in place too, whether you’re at home, the gym, outside, whatever. Even with the sturdy construction, they’re still nice and lightweight to easily grab and go.
If you wanna step up your calisthenics game with a solid medium height parallettes set, I’d say take a good look at these PULLUP & DIP ones. They seem really well-designed and can open up a ton of new exercise options.
RubberBanditz Lightweight Parallettes
RubberBanditz Lightweight Parallettes are an ideal option for people on the go, designed to accommodate a range of upper body exercises, gymnastics, CrossFit, and calisthenics movements. Their compact size and easy assembly make them convenient for those seeking a portable workout solution.
I found the hand-welded joints testament to their durability, promising long-lasting use. Including an eBook is a thoughtful touch, offering workout ideas and instructions for various bodyweight exercises, which can benefit beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts alike.
The parallettes are perfect for executing pushups, dips, L-sits, handstands, planche progressions, and more, providing a comprehensive workout experience. Safety is well-considered with high-quality stainless steel construction and non-skid feet for stability, ensuring a secure workout environment.
The full foam top enhances grip and hand protection, adding to the overall comfort during use.
In my opinion, their portability and comprehensive exercise potential make them a worthy consideration for those seeking to enhance their fitness routine, whether at home or on the go.
Macrofit P-BARS
Fit! runs one of the popular calisthenics apps appreciated by many top influencers in the calisthenics community, but they also manufacture some of the best parallettes on the market. Fit! P-Bars are engineered from aerospace-grade aluminum, lightweight bars weighing only 2.5 lbs each, and are designed to support up to 350 lbs, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
The bars’ compact and collapsible design allows them to fit conveniently in a backpack, making them ideal for on-the-go workouts.
The Fit! P-Bars are not just about portability and ease of setup but also about performance. The bars are designed to build core strength and stability through exercises like L-sits and provide better control for handstand training.
The grip technique, called abrasive blasting, ensures a perfect grip, enhancing the overall workout experience.
Despite their compact size, the bars are stable and durable. They may appear wobbly initially, but once weight is applied, they remain steady, providing a safe and secure platform for most advanced exercises. Their deeper range of motion is commendable, allowing for deeper pushups and other exercises.
Lebert Fitness Parallette Push Up Bars
With a high Amazon rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 980, these bars are popular among calisthenics enthusiasts. Made from high-quality stainless steel, these bars are sturdy and durable with weight capacity of 400 pounds. The high-density, non-slip commercial-grade grips ensure a secure hold during intense workouts, while the lightweight design (each bar weighing 5 pounds) and easy assembly make them highly portable.
These pushup bars are suitable for a wide range of exercises, including dips, pushups, L-sits, stretches, and other bodyweight strength training exercises. The size (12 “H x 25 “L) is larger than expected, providing ample space for various movements.
The rubber knobs at the end of the bars are a subtle but important feature, preventing slippage on different surfaces, which is a common issue with some other parallette bars.
Despite their high-quality construction and versatility, these bars are priced reasonably at around $70, making them an affordable choice compared to other more expensive, like gormation ones and other portable parallettes.
Overall, the Lebert Fitness Parallette Pushup Bars offer excellent value for money, combining durability, versatility, and affordability. They are a great investment for those looking to enhance their bodyweight training routine, although individuals with smaller hands might find them challenging.
JFIT Pro Pushup Bar Stand
With its 4.6 Amazon rating, the JFIT Pro Pushup Bar Stand is a testament to its quality and effectiveness. This pushup bar stand is crafted from durable chrome-plated metal and is designed to withstand heavy-duty training routines. The 9″ high elevated pushup bars stand up to rigorous use. The thicker, slip-resistant foam-covered handles provide comfort and wrist support, while the non-skid rubberized feet ensure stability during workouts.
I found the size (16 “x10″ x9″ with 1.75” grip) to be suitable for both men and women, enhancing pushups and improving whole body posture. The bars are lightweight and portable, making them a convenient addition to any home or gym workout routine. Assembly is straightforward with the included updated hardware and screwdriver.
These bars are more than just basic pushup bars. Their elevated design increases the range of motion, making them particularly beneficial for exercises like pipe pushups. They essentially double as parallettes, allowing for exercises such as L-sits, tuck planche, and tricep dips.
Best Low (Long) Parallettes
Gornation Premium Parallettes Pro
The Gornation Premium Parallettes Pro is like a trusty workout buddy – solid, reliable, and always ready to support you. Made from sturdy wood and steel, these parallettes feel substantial without being too heavy. They weigh just 3.2kg combined, so you can easily move them around or take them on the go.
The handles, made from 40mm beech wood, are designed to give you a good grip. One of the things I appreciate most about these parallettes is their non-slip feet. They stay put during your workout, giving you the confidence to push your limits. And speaking of limits, these bad boys can handle up to a whopping 500kg per pair. That’s a lot of weight, making them a great fit for various exercises and fitness levels.
The best part? The Gornation Premium Parallettes Pro comes fully assembled. No fiddling around with screws or instructions – they’re ready to go right out of the box. Despite minor gripes about the handle thickness and slipperiness, these parallettes are a solid bet for anyone looking to up their bodyweight training game.
PULLUP & DIP Low Parallettes
As a brand, PULLUP & DIP is known for making high-quality and innovative calisthenics equipment. Their Wooden Low Parallettes continue this tradition with a thoughtful design optimized for floor-based bodyweight training. With a low profile and handle height of just 3.9 inches, these parallettes enable you to get extra close to the floor for optimal performance of L-sits, planches, and other ground-based movements.
The handles are made from natural beechwood for an ergonomic grip that protects wrist joints and prevents injury. Weighing 5 lbs each, the parallettes feature sturdy steel side panels for unwavering stability even under heavy loads up to 440 lbs. Special non-slip pads keep them planted securely during your workout.
Despite their robust construction, the parallettes remain conveniently portable in a backpack when training on-the-go. An included eBook provides guidance on 37 different exercises you can perform.
If you want parallettes that let you get super close to the floor for handstands, L-sits, and other ground moves, I’d say these PULLUP & DIP Wooden Low Parallettes are a top choice to think about. Their smart design is perfect for that kind of calisthenics training.
Gravity Fitness Long Parallettes
The Long Hybrid Parallettes from Gravity Fitness offer an intriguing take on standard parallettes with their long 70cm frame. Made from a wood and steel hybrid, the parallettes feature wooden handles for wrist comfort connected to rigid steel uprights and feet.
The sleek black powder-coated finish gives them an elegant, aesthetic look like Gornation Low Parallettes. While the elongated design may seem excessive and unwieldy to some, for others, the extended reach can enable new exercises and deeper stretches not possible on traditional parallettes.
The hybrid high-quality materials aim to provide stability while keeping them lightweight for calisthenics training. The long length could impact control for newer users, but more advanced athletes may appreciate the increased range of motion and flexibility these specialty parallettes allow.
For those looking to progress beyond standard parallettes and expand their abilities, these Long Hybrid Parallettes present an interesting option to explore new movement potential.
As a bonus, the product includes a free “Parallette Training Guide (From Beginner To Pro)” ebook, which can be a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts.
CALI SPORTS Push-Up
With an impressive Amazon rating of 4.7 out of 5, the Cali Sports Pushup Bar is a highly favored choice in the calisthenics community. Made from solid beech wood, the bars have a natural feel and are handcrafted with glued joints and security screws for added stability.
The full-length rubber feet provide a secure grip on all surfaces, making them suitable for home and gym use.
From my experience, the wide base and ergonomic handles with a smooth finish offer comfort during workouts, and free wrist wraps are a thoughtful addition for added support. The bars are ready to use straight out of the box, which is convenient.
Nevertheless, individuals with smaller hands may find the handles somewhat oversized. Despite these small drawbacks, the Cali Sports Pushup Bar remains a dependable apparatus for enhancing grip and strength, fortifying wrists, shoulders, and elbows, and promoting better joint alignment and balance.
The Cali Sports Pushup Bar presents a combination of comfort, stability, and longevity, making it a worthy inclusion in any fitness regimen.
Yes4All Wooden Parallettes
This is the best if you’re looking for an affordable wooden long parallette suitable for indoor and outdoor workouts. Yes4All is a company that specializes in making fitness equipment, and they also make parallette bars.
The handles are a smooth 1.5 inches in diameter, comfortable to grip, and long enough to accommodate different hand positions. Anti-slip mats on the bottom keep the parallettes securely planted on the floor, an important safety feature for dynamic bodyweight movements.
Weighing only 15 pounds, they are lightweight and easy to transport for indoor or outdoor use. The elegantly shaped compact frame can be discretely stored in a corner or closet when not in use. With a 300 pound weight capacity, these parallettes can accommodate most users’ needs.
Overall, the Yes4All parallettes are thoughtfully designed with premium materials and offer exercise versatility at an affordable price point. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality set of parallettes suitable for a wide range of bodyweight training, gymnastics, and calisthenics.
WOODPOWER Parallettes
The newly released WOODPOWER Parallettes for 2023 present an intriguing new option for gym enthusiasts and calisthenics athletes. With their sleek hybrid wood and steel construction inspired by official gymnastics equipment, they present an attractive upgrade for home workouts.
The rare long design provides ample space between the handles, offering more clearance for wide push-up variations. This allows greater range of motion and flexibility in hand placement during calisthenics routines. I appreciate the wooden handles which are gentle on wrists during weight bearing exercises.
The all-black powder coating looks stylish but may scratch easily. While lightweight at 4kg, the 70cm length makes storage a bit cumbersome. Overall, the WOODPOWER Parallettes offer a stable, durable and high-quality option for calisthenics training.
I would recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable alternative to bulky parallettes, with their sleek aesthetic and wrist-friendly wooden handles making them ideal for home use.
Best High Parallettes (Dip Station)
Lebert Equalizer Body Press Station
The Equalizer from Lebert is one best dip station, offering over 100 workout options for beginners and advanced calisthenics athletes. It’s designed for various exercises, including pull-ups, dips, pushups, L-sits, knee & leg raises, and more.
Available in two sizes, Regular (28″ high) and XL (31″), it caters to different user heights, with the Regular size fitting users up to 5’10” and the XL size best for users over 5’10”. The separate, unconnected bars provide superior stability and versatility, creating instability for an effective parallette bar style routine.
The Lebert Fitness Equalizers are sturdy and do not wobble, making them suitable for various push and pull movements. They are straightforward to assemble, taking about 10 minutes to set up, and their compact design makes them ideal for home gyms with limited space.
However, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. The dip bars may be a bit short for individuals over 5’11”. Also, the black edges of the feet may leave marks on white or light-colored walls.
If you’re enjoying learning about parallettes, you’ll love my guide on picking the best dip bars too!
Despite being a bit pricier compared to other options, the Lebert Fitness Equalizers are highly recommended for their overall quality, stability, and durability. They offer various calisthenic exercises, making them valuable to any fitness routine.
Prosourcefit Dip Stand Station
As someone always looking to level up my home calisthenics game, I was pumped to try out the Prosourcefit Dip Station. Right off the bat, this thing looked solidly built with its beefy iron tube construction and powder coated finish – no flimsy plastic parts here!
I dug how each bar can adjust up to 35 inches high, so I could really dial in the fit whether using them for dips, push-ups, rows, or L-sits. The foam padding on the handles isn’t the cushiest, but it works fine for bodyweight training and lets me grip hard without irritating my hands.
While the 24 inch width felt really stable overall, I could see the bars wobbling a bit if I used them for explosive plyo push-ups. But for controlled reps, these bars don’t budge. For the price, this dip station is a winner in my book – way cheaper than trying to buy standalone pull-up and dip bars.
If you want a sturdy, space-saving station for strength training at home, I’d definitely give the Prosourcefit Dip Station a look. It’s built to last and lets me smash a full-body calisthenics workout in my garage gym. Just be ready to bolt it to the floor so it doesn’t go sliding around!
Best Mini Parallettes (Most Portable)
PULLUP & DIP Wooden Push Up Bars
With over 1,500 Amazon ratings and an impressive average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the PULLUP & DIP Wooden Push Up Bars seem to be a popular choice among calisthenics enthusiasts. After learning about their features, it’s easy to understand why many people are buying them.
The handles are made of beech wood, providing an ergonomic and joint-friendly grip that protects the wrists during push-ups and handstands. Heavy-duty steel feet offer extreme stability, with a max load capacity of 440 lbs to accommodate even the most intense users.
I like that the extended handle length allows for greater range of motion, targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps. The bars can be used for various push-up variations both indoors and outdoors, with non-slip pads securely keeping them in place. Weighing only 4 lbs, they are conveniently portable in a backpack for training on-the-go. The modern and sleek design is aesthetically pleasing as well.
For anyone seeking high-quality, sturdy mini parallettes to strengthen their upper body and advance their bodyweight training, these highly-rated PULLUP & DIP bars seem like an excellent choice worth considering.
Gornation Premium Parallettes Active
After thoroughly researching the Gornation Premium Parallettes Active, I can confidently say these parallettes live up to their premium name. Constructed from beech wood and steel, they are incredibly sturdy and durable mini parallettes. The handles have an optimal 40mm diameter with included grip tape for enhanced grip, providing stability during hand balancing skills.
Weighing only 2.2kg, they are convenient to transport and store. Non-slip feet maximize stability on all surfaces. With a 500kg weight capacity, even the most advanced athletes will feel secure.
Some customers noted the premium quality and elegant yet functional design. Others appreciated the attention to detail, like caps for screws and included carrying straps.
While a bit pricey, the exceptional craftsmanship ensures these parallettes will last years. If you seek uncompromising stability paired with premium quality for handstands, planches, and other skills, the Gornation Premium Parallettes Active are an excellent investment.
Gravity Fitness Travellettes
Gravity Fitness Travellettes are compact and portable parallettes designed for strength training on the go. Made from a hybrid of wood and steel, the small size and lightweight design of 2.9 kg make them ideal for fitting in a gym bag and carrying to various workout locations.
The wooden handles feature a comfortable 1.5″ diameter and lasered wood logo for an aesthetic look, while the 40mm by 40mm welded steel feet provide superior stability during exercises. The all-black powder coating and screws give the parallettes a sleek and durable finish.
The wooden handles provide a good grip, and the small size makes them easy to store. However, the handles may become uncomfortable for extended use due to the lack of padding.
Overall, these palettes are a worthy investment for fitness enthusiasts who value quality, durability, and portability.
Vita Vibe Wood Parallettes
Vita Vibe Wood Parallettes are a high-quality set of mini parallettes constructed from natural ash wood. At 1.5 inches in diameter, the wooden parallettes bars provide a comfortable and secure grip for various hand sizes.
The lightweight yet sturdy build supports up to 250 pounds, making these parallettes suitable for a variety of strength training exercises and skills work. The screwed-in design prevents twisting, and the non-slip rubber feet keep the parallettes firmly planted without marring floors.
Made in the USA, Vita Vibe stands behind its parallettes with an impressive 10-year warranty. While the compact 12-inch size makes storage and portability a breeze, some users may prefer a taller, longer option for certain movements.
However, these well-constructed parallettes offer a stable and grippy platform at a fair price point for general callisthenics and bodyweight training. With their sleek natural wood finish and rubberized feet, Vita Vibe’s parallettes will blend seamlessly into any home gym or workout space. For versatile and durable parallettes built to last, Vita Vibe’s offering is a solid choice worthy of consideration.
Parallettes Alternatives
Parallettes provide a useful raised platform for bodyweight exercises but are not the only option. Various everyday items can also serve as makeshift parallettes. While they may not offer all the benefits of purpose-built parallettes, these alternatives provide a more affordable and accessible way to try basic parallette exercises.
Chairs
Sturdy chairs can be positioned facing each other to mimic parallettes for moves like dips and pushups. The seat becomes your platform. This allows you to adjust the height higher or lower depending on the chair. Chairs are an easy parallette substitute to use at home. However, they lack stability compared to fixed bars.
Stacks of Books
Stacking books, magazines, or other items can create an improvised set of parallettes. Hardcover books around the same thickness provide an even surface when stacked. Ensure the stack is solid and secure before placing your body weight on it. While books offer height adjustability, the platform is less stable than purpose-built parallettes.
Cinder Blocks
Cinder blocks provide a sturdy and durable platform for parallette-style training. Their solid construction supports weight for dips, pushups, and levers. The height of cinder blocks works well for most movements. However, the hard surface may be uncomfortable during hand balancing skills.
Dumbbells
A pair of dumbbells can serve as makeshift parallettes by placing them far enough apart to rest your hands on the sides. Adjust the distance between them to modify the width. Dumbbells work best for pushup variations rather than skills like L-sits. The rounded grip surface lacks stability for advanced exercises.
DIY Parallettes
For those with basic woodworking skills, you can create your parallettes as a DIY project. This allows full customization over the dimensions and materials to suit your needs.
DIY parallettes require wood for the bases, dowel rods or metal pipes for the handles, and screws and glue to hold them together.
The height, width between bars, diameter of grips, and base size can all be adjusted in DIY parallettes. Typically, 3/4″ to 1″ diameter dowels are used for the handles, spaced around shoulder-width apart. The base should be wide enough for stability, around 18-24 inches square.
Popular materials for DIY parallettes are wood like birch or maple for the bases and metal or hardwood dowels for the grips. PVC pipes can also work as grips. Wood offers better grip than metal or plastic.
Best Parallettes exercises
Parallettes open up new possibilities for strength training by allowing you to perform bodyweight exercises through a wider range of motion with proper alignment. Taking advantage of the benefits of parallettes requires selecting the right movements and progressions. Here are some of the best exercises to incorporate with parallettes:
- Pushups
- Dips
- Rows
- Handstand pushups
- L-sits
- Planks
- Pistol squats
- V-sits
- Planches
- Levers
- Skin the cats
- Muscle-ups
- Inverted rows
- Dragon flags
Best Parallettes FAQs
What are the differences between high and low parallettes?
The main differences between high and low parallettes are the height and width. High parallettes are around 18-20 inches tall, while low ones are 8-10 inches. High parallettes allow more clearance for exercises like dips and pushups. Low parallettes are more stable.
Is parallettes worth buying?
Parallettes are worth buying for gymnasts, CrossFit athletes, calisthenics enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to improve balance and body control. They enable new exercises and progressions. Quality parallettes last for years.
Are longer parallettes better?
Longer parallettes provide more stability and a larger base of support for exercises. But they are bulkier for transport. Standard-length parallettes around 18 inches long offer the best versatility.
Are pushups on parallettes better?
Yes, pushups on parallettes engage more chest and tricep muscles versus floor pushups. The elevated position increases shoulder flexion and allows a greater range of motion.
Do parallettes make things easier?
Parallettes make bodyweight exercises like pushups, dips, and L-sits easier by reducing wrist strain and increasing range of motion. But they don’t decrease exercise difficulty overall.
Do parallettes build muscle?
Parallettes can help build muscle by enabling more challenging bodyweight progressions. The instability works stabilizer muscles. Weighted exercises further increase strength gains.
Author
Fawad Ahmad is the founder and chief editor at TenWeights.com, a website dedicated to helping people make informed decisions about their health and fitness. Through clear, concise writing and a commitment to cutting through industry jargon, Fawad and his team strive to provide valuable guidance on topics such as bodybuilding, home gym equipment, and more.