The Best Parallette Bars

There are actually quite a number of benefits that come with incorporating the use of a pair of parallette bars in your workout routine.

• Stronger Arm Muscles: One of the most obvious benefits of using this piece of equipment is the strengthening of your arm muscles. Over time, you’ll find you’re better able to push objects, such as a furniture dolly or a lawnmower.
• Increased Balance: When you use a set of parallette bars, you are required to hold yourself up in a variety of positions. This requires balance and coordination in addition to strength.
• Calorie Burning: Cardio isn’t the only exercise that results in burning calories. As you use your body weight to strengthen your muscles, you burn calories. That makes parallette bars an excellent choice for individuals who are looking to lose weight.
• Better Grip Strength: When using parallette bars, you need to have a firm grip on the bar’s handles. Not only will you have to hold that grip during the duration of the exercise, but you’ll also have to transition from one position to another when switching exercises without letting go of the bars. The result is increased grip strength.
• Works for All Skill Levels: If you have multiple family members in your home, chances are their not all on the same skill level in their calisthenic training. Fortunately, there are parallette bar exercises for beginners, as well as those who are much more advanced.

Now that you understand all that parallette bars have to offer, you’re probably wondering what exercises work best with the bars. Here are a few of the most common.

• L-Sits: Taller parallette bars are great for L-sits. To complete this exercise, you simply hold yourself up in the air in a position that resembles sitting in a chair. You’ll need to hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat the cycle two more times.
• Dips: Dips are best performed with parallette bars that are lower to the ground. Place your hands on the bars, straighten your legs and then lift your bum up off the ground while keeping your heels in place. Slowing dip down without touching the ground and come back up. Repeat five to 10 times before taking a small break. Continue by completing two more rounds of dips.
• Static Knee Raises: Hold yourself up in a seated position and then draw your knees up toward your chest. Slowly bring your legs back down to the starting position and repeat. After completing five to 10 static knee raises, you’ll want to take a little break before attempting cycles two and three.

When designing your home gym, consider purchasing a set of parallette bars. They are extremely versatile, won’t take up much room and can be used by every member of the family to increase balance and build muscle strength. There are a few key features you’ll want to keep in mind as you browse the available models.

If you consider yourself a beginner or have never used a set of parallette bars before, go with a model that includes a complementary instructional DVD or e-guide. You’ll learn how to properly care for the equipment, as well as which exercises you can perform on the bars and what the benefits of those exercises are.

Ask yourself how committed you are to only working out in your home gym. If you prefer exercising outside on days when the weather is pleasant or you enjoy heading to a friend’s house once in a while to squeeze in a workout, you’ll want to look for a set of parallette bars that are lightweight and portable. Models that disassemble with ease and weigh around 8 pounds are an excellent option.

Consider how much weight the parallette bars are able to hold. Some units have a maximum of 250 pounds, while others are capable of supporting as much as 400 pounds. You want to go with a model that works for the entire family.

Construction is extremely important when browsing available parallette bars. You’re making an investment in your health and you want the equipment to last. Look for parallette bars that are made of a heavy gauge steel that is solid and sturdy.

Check the type of flooring in your home gym. If it’s on the slippery side, you’ll need a set of parallette bars that won’t slide around when you go to use them, as this is how some accidental injuries occur. Consider a set that is equipped with four non-slip foot pads on each bar.

Individuals who aren’t used to the hardness of the parallette bar’s handles would do well with a model like the j/fit Pro Push Up Bar Stand. This set of bars features plush neoprene grips that are extra wide. The grips provide comfort, as well as extra protection for your hands and wrists.

Finally, you’ll want to consider a set of parallette bars that is customizable, especially if several family members plan on using it. Some models allow users to adjust the height, connecting rod and foot strap.

• Some parallette bars are not easy to disassemble, which is a problem if you need to store at some point. Others are heavy and rather bulky, which also makes them difficult to travel with.
• Those who are just starting out with a set of parallette bars should stick to basic exercises in the beginning. You can then work your way up to more advanced levels, which is safer than just jumping right into the more complex exercises.
• It’s important to develop a regular cleaning routine to keep your parallette bars free from bacterial growth. You can use a set of disinfecting wipes or an ammonia solution made of up 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of ammonia. After you thoroughly wipe down the bars, give them a little time to air dry before the next family member uses them.
• Refrain from using bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean your home gym equipment, as these harsh chemicals can cause skin irritation and may leave the equipment discolored.
• Parents can encourage their children to develop healthy exercise habits by including them in their workouts. If you choose to do this, however, you’ll need to supervise your children’s use of the parallette bars to ensure their safety.
• While it may not be the sole factor, price is certainly going to be something you want to consider before deciding which set of parallette bars would work best in your home. The cost for these bars varies based on construction materials and the height of the parallette bars. You’ll find the j/fit Pro Push Up Bar Stand is one of the more affordable sets on the market, while the Body Power PL1000 Parallettes are more moderately priced. On the higher end of the price spectrum is the ProsourceFit Heavy Duty Dip Stand Station.