Features
- Fully welded, one piece (no nuts/bolts)
- Sold as a pair
- Single dimension: 31cm (H) x 36cm (W)  x 59cm (L)
Parallette bars are small, portable exercise bars used to replicate the effects of the more conventional and larger parallel bars. They are usually used in pairs and operated with both hands to perform a variety of strength exercises. Made from heavy duty lightweight steel which is powder coated, they’re an affordable piece of equipment and as popular at home as in the gym.
Parallette bars help to improve a variety of muscle groups depending on the type of exercise you choose, notably the triceps, frontal deltoids and lower pectorals. Some parallette exercises can have great benefits for your core strength also.
Exercises:
L-Sit
One of the most used exercise on parallette bars is known as the L-Sit, a particularly difficult push up and hold which will strengthen the triceps. It can be executed by positioning the two bars shoulder length apart and using a firm grip to lift yourself off the ground. The lift is complete when the elbows are locked and your legs are straightened at a 90-degree angle with your torso. You should hold this position for as long is comfortable and then increase the duration as your resistance improves.
Push Ups
Some users of parallette bars may overlook the simple push up as a viable exercise. However, by placing the hands on the elevated bars rather than the floor, any dangerous strain on the wrist is reduced and a higher range of motion achieved. You can also lower the chest beneath your arms when the push up is in process – this will work the arms more when lifting. Variations include an elevated push up, with your feet on a raised surface, or even a handstand push up for the more advanced.
V-Sit
A similar exercise comes with the V-Sit, although the stress is focussed more on the abdomens and flexibility of the lower back. To perform a repetition, brace yourself in the same position as the L-Sit with your elbows locked at shoulder length. However, you should now lift your legs in line with your chest and hold for as long feels necessary. To increase the workout, raise your legs higher or even horizontally to help develop an intense abdominal strength. Your arms will still benefit from performing a V-Sit, especially the triceps.
Handstands
A more advanced type of exercise you can use our parallettes for is handstands. In order to complete this exercise safety, you will need good core strength for stability, and a developed upper body to allow manoeuvrability and sustainment. In order to build up strength and confidence it helps to have someone nearby as a stability aid. Alternatively, place the parallettes adjacent to a wall for you to lean against to begin with.