Parallettes: Use, Benefits, Exercises, and Tips for Calisthenics

• What are parallettes / fitness parallettes?
• Use and benefits of parallettes in calisthenics
• The best exercises for low parallettes / push-up handles and the correct execution
• The best exercises for high parallettes / dip bars and the correct execution
• What should you look for when buying parallettes?
• Premium Low and High Parallettes from FitnessKIT
• Conclusion

 

What are Parallettes / Fitness Parallettes (Calisthenics Equipment)?

Parallettes are a versatile and compact piece of training equipment that's especially popular in calisthenics and gymnastics. These parallel bars allow you to perform a variety of exercises that improve both strength and mobility. From push-ups to L-sits to handstands, parallettes provide a stable base for optimal bodyweight workouts. They're ideal not only for advanced users looking to refine their skills, but also for beginners looking to improve their form and protect their wrists. Their ease of use and portability make parallettes a must-have for anyone serious about their fitness.

 

Use and benefits of parallettes in calisthenics

Parallettes are particularly commonly used in calisthenics because they perfectly fit the basic principles of this training style. Calisthenics is based on training with your own bodyweight, emphasizing strength, balance, and flexibility. Parallettes offer a number of advantages that make them ideal for this type of training:

1. Expanding the range of motion:

Parallettes allow for deeper movements in exercises like push-ups, dips, and L-sits. The elevated position allows the joints to move through a greater range of motion, placing greater strain on the muscles and making the workout more effective.

2. Protect your wrists:

Many calisthenics exercises place a lot of strain on the wrists, especially floor exercises like push-ups or planche. Parallettes offer a neutral grip position, which reduces strain on the wrists and thus prevents injury.

3. Stability and control:

Parallettes provide a stable base, which is crucial for learning and perfecting complex movements like handstands, planches, or V-sits. The elevated position facilitates balancing and gives the athlete more control over the movements.

4. Diverse training options:

Parallettes allow you to vary and intensify numerous exercises. They are versatile and suitable for both dynamic exercises and static holding exercises, which are particularly valued in calisthenics.

5. Portability and flexibility:

Parallettes are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for training at home, outdoors, or in the gym. They can be taken anywhere, offering a flexible training option. These features make parallettes an indispensable tool in calisthenics, helping both beginners and advanced athletes effectively develop their strength, balance, and body control.
Parallettes come in many different designs.

PS: You can find high-quality parallettes in our shop >

 

The best exercises for low parallettes / push-up handles and their correct execution

Low parallettes are a versatile training tool that's especially suitable for low-to-the-ground exercises. Here are some of the best exercises you can perform with low parallettes, including tips for proper technique:

1. Push-ups

Target muscles: chest, shoulders, triceps, torso

Execution:

1. Place the parallettes shoulder-width apart.
2. Grab the handles and get into the push-up position: your body should form a straight line from head to toe.
3. Bend your arms and slowly lower your body until your chest is slightly below the parallettes.
4. Push yourself back up to the starting position in a controlled manner.

Tip: Keep your elbows close to your body to better activate your chest and triceps. Make sure your core stays engaged to avoid sagging in your lower back.

2. L-Sit

Target muscles: abdominal muscles, hip flexors, shoulders, triceps

Execution:

1. Sit between the parallettes and grab the handles.
2. Lift your body by extending your arms and at the same time bring your legs straight forward so that your body forms an "L" shape.
3. Hold this position as long as possible.

Tip: Make sure to pull your shoulders down and back to protect your shoulder joints. If the exercise is too difficult, start with bent knees and work your way up to straight legs.

3. Dips

Target muscles: triceps, chest, shoulders

Execution:

1. Place the parallettes shoulder-width apart.
2. Support yourself on the parallettes with your arms stretched out, your legs can be stretched forward or slightly bent backward.
3. Bend your arms and slowly lower your body until your elbows reach an angle of about 90 degrees.
4. Push yourself back up to the starting position in a controlled manner.

Tip: Keep your upper body as upright as possible to activate your triceps more. Avoid hunching your shoulders and maintain a stable core posture.

4. Tuck Planche

Target muscles: shoulders, torso, triceps, hip flexors

Execution:

1. Place the parallettes shoulder-width apart and go into the starting position of an L-sit.
2. Pull your knees toward your chest and try to push your hips forward as you lift your feet off the floor.
3. Hold the position as long as possible.

Tip: This exercise requires a lot of strength and balance. Start with short holds and gradually increase. Make sure to push your shoulders forward strongly and engage your core.

5. Pike Push-ups

Target muscles: shoulders, triceps, upper back

Execution:

1. Get into an inverted V position with your hands on the parallettes and your feet on the floor. Your hips should be high in the air.
2. Bend your arms and lower your head between the parallettes by pointing your elbows outwards.
3. Push yourself back up to the starting position.

Tip: This exercise simulates the motion of a handstand push-up. Keep your head neutral and make sure to pull your shoulders down to minimize pressure on your shoulder joints.

 

The best exercises for high parallettes / dip bars and their correct execution

High parallettes, also known as dip bars, offer a greater range of motion and allow for more intense exercises that primarily promote upper body strength, core stability and mobility.

Here are some of the best exercises you can do with high parallettes, including easy instructions on how to do them correctly:

1. Dips

Target muscles: triceps, chest, shoulders

Execution:

1. Grab the parallettes and support yourself with straight arms; your legs can be slightly bent backwards or stretched forwards.
2. Bend your arms and lower your body in a controlled manner until your elbows reach an angle of about 90 degrees.
3. Push yourself back up to the starting position.

Tip: Keep your upper body slightly tilted forward to engage your chest more. Be careful not to raise your shoulders and keep your core stable.

2. Tuck Planche on High Parallettes

Target muscles: shoulders, triceps, torso

Execution:

1. Place the parallettes shoulder-width apart and grab the bars.
2. Lift your legs, pull your knees towards your chest and try to lean your body forward as you lift your feet off the floor.
3. Hold this position as long as possible.

Tip: This exercise requires a lot of strength and balance. Start with short holds and gradually increase. Make sure to push your shoulders forward strongly and engage your core.

3. L-Sit to Handstand

Target muscles: shoulders, triceps, torso, hip flexors

Execution:

1. Start in an L-sit position on the parallettes.
2. Push your hips up and straighten your legs as you control your body into a handstand position.
3. Hold the handstand for a few seconds and then slowly return to the L-sit position.

Tip: This exercise requires a lot of strength and body control. Keep your core engaged and move slowly to maintain balance.

4. Handstand push-ups

Target muscles: shoulders, triceps, upper back

Execution:

1. Get into a handstand position on the parallettes.
2. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your head is just above the floor.
3. Push yourself back up to the starting position.

Tip: Keep your elbows tucked in and your core tightly engaged to maintain balance and protect your shoulder joints. This exercise is advanced and should only be performed if you already have good handstand control.

5. Knee Raises

Target muscles: abdominal muscles, hip flexors, shoulders

Execution:

1. Support yourself on the parallettes, arms straight, and let your legs hang down.
2. Lift your knees to your chest in a controlled manner without moving your upper body.
3. Slowly lower your legs again.

Tip: Keep your upper body stable and avoid using momentum. This exercise can also be intensified by raising your legs straight.

What should you look for when buying parallettes?

When purchasing parallettes, there are some important factors to consider to ensure you get a suitable and durable piece of exercise equipment that meets your needs.

Here are the key points:

1. Material quality:

• Stability and durability: Make sure the parallettes are made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum. These materials provide the necessary stability and durability to withstand even intensive workouts.
• Surface texture: The material should have a non-slip and comfortable grip surface that provides support even with sweaty hands.

2. Height and size:

• Low Parallettes: Typically 10-30 cm high, ideal for low-level exercises such as L-sits, push-ups, planches and handstand exercises.
• High Parallettes: 30-80 cm high or more, better suited for exercises such as dips, deeper push-ups.
• Length and width: Make sure the parallettes are wide enough to provide stability, but not so wide that they become unwieldy. The length of the handles should allow enough space for different grip widths.

3. Load capacity:

• Weight capacity: Make sure the parallettes can easily support your body weight, especially if you plan on doing advanced exercises that put additional pressure on the equipment.
• Stability: Check that the parallettes have a stable base and don't wobble or slip during use. A non-slip bottom or rubber feet can help prevent slipping.

4. Mobility and storage:

• Weight: Lightweight parallettes are easier to transport, making them ideal for outdoor or on-the-go training.
• Compactness: Some models are designed to be stackable or easy to store, which is especially useful in small training spaces.

5. Assembly:

• Assembly: Some parallettes require assembly. Make sure they're easy to assemble and stable. Easy disassembly and reassembly is a plus, especially for models that will be transported regularly.
• Screw connections: Models held together with screws should have robust connections to ensure stability. Avoid models with weak or wobbly connections.

 

Premium LOW PARALLETTES and Premium HIGH PARALLETTES from FitnessKIT

In our shop we offer premium parallettes for your professional home gym.

Advantages of the LOW PARALLETTES and HIGH PARALLETTES from FitnessKIT

• No wobbling: Secure stand thanks to wide feet made of industrial-quality aluminum profiles.
• Large diameter (42 mm): The wide diameter is particularly gentle on the wrists and ensures a comfortable grip.
• Powder coating: Provides a pleasant feel and increases the longevity of the handles.
• High load capacity: The handles can support up to 300 kg, ensuring exceptional stability and durability.
• Durability & Stability: Made from high-quality materials, the parallettes are extremely stable and 100% weatherproof.
• Mobility & Easy Storage: The handles are easy to carry and easy to store, ideal for training at home or on the go.
• Suitable for outdoor use: Robust against weather influences, ideal for outdoor training.

 

Conclusion

Parallettes are an essential tool for calisthenics and bodyweight training. They offer the flexibility to perform a variety of exercises that improve upper-body strength, core stability, and mobility. Their height and stability allow for deeper movements like dips and handstand push-ups while reducing strain on the wrists. They are ideal for both beginners and advanced athletes, helping them improve body control and master challenging exercises. Their versatility makes them an excellent investment for any workout at home or in the gym.

You can find high-quality parallettes in our shop >