6 Best Push Up Bars in 2024

Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)

The best push-up bars are made of high-quality material, which is sturdy enough to allow for a versatile range of exercises. This type of push-up equipment should be lightweight and portable, as well. Additionally, push-up stands should have protective handles that allow for a comfortable grip. The best push-up handles have either non-slip or sweat-absorbent material, which reduces the chances of injury. Lastly, push-up handles for the floor should have a wide base to ensure stability and safety. 

 In a hurry? 

In a hurry?

In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Readaeer Push Up Bars.


The handles are fixed, which is better if you’re looking to perform other exercises outside of push-up variations. The handles have foam cushioning that reduces the amount of strain you might feel in your wrists. 

best push up bars

Top 6 Best Push Up Bars Reviewed

 

ProductTotalVersatilityReliabilityPortabilityMaterialPrice/
Quality
Readaeer4810910910
Cap47.59910109.5
Rogue4710108109
N1Fit46991099
Perfect Fitness44.58.599.598.5
Juperbsky448.598.59.58.5
Readaeer Push Up Bars
  • Material: Plastic and Foam
  • Handle Type: Fixed
  • Color: Black, Blue & Red

The Readaeer push up bars come with 3 color options and are 8.7" long x 5.5" wide x 4.7" tall. They also only weigh 1.6 pounds, making them very lightweight, and one of the better portable push-up bars on the market. So you should be able to travel with them at your own convenience.


The handles are fixed, which is better if you’re looking to perform other exercises outside of push-up variations. The handles have foam cushioning that reduces the amount of strain you might feel in your wrists. They are also designed with a slight tilt, which is supposed to further reduce wrist pressure and make movement easier on your joints.

customer shows Readaeer Push Up Bars

The push-bars come with a non-skid base, so the bars won’t slip out from underneath you when you’re working out.


But the material quality does leave some questions regarding stability. Users have found the bars to wobble slightly, especially under heavier loads. However, the maximum weight recommendation isn’t specified, so it’s not known what the right weight range is for the product.

48Expert Score

The handles in Readaeer bars are fixed, which is better if you’re looking to perform other exercises outside of push-up variations.

Versatility:
10
Reliability:
9
Portability:
10
Material:
9
Price/Quality:
10

Positives:

  • Foam cushioned handles

  • Titled handle design to reduce stress on the wrists

  • Non-skid base

Could be better:

  • Possible stability issues depending on the users’ weight

  • Longevity concerns with plastic material

Cap Barbell Push Up Bars
  • Material: Chrome-Plated Metal, Rubber and Foam
  • Handle Type: Fixed
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation: 145 pounds
  • Color: Black and Chrome

The Cap Barbell Push Up Bars are made of high-quality chrome-plated metal, which allows them to withstand more weight than other push-up bars. They also come with a steel ball-bearing system, which allows you to rotate smoothly.


The push-bars are 10.6 x 5.7 x 3.1 inches in size and weigh just over 2 pounds. But they should still be easily portable, despite weighing a little more than other push-up bars.

The bar also allows for 5.5 inches of floor space, so you should be able to get a full range of motion with your push-ups and perform other exercises as well.


They also come in two color options. The chrome look is sleek, while the black color looks stylish.


The handles are fixed and have foam cushioning on them to reduce wrist pressure. However, users have found that the cushioning isn’t firm enough, so you don’t get the proper benefits of the foam. While the base of the push-up bars has rubber footpads to enhance stability and even lower the chances of the push-up bars scratching your hardwood floors.


But one drawback with the base is that it’s smaller than other push-up bars, which makes it more difficult to perform push-up variations like wide push-ups.

47.5Expert Score

The bar also allows for 5.5 inches of floor space, so you should be able to get a full range of motion with your CAP push-ups and perform other exercises as well.

Versatility:
9
Reliability:
9
Portability:
10
Material:
10
Price/Quality:
9.5

Positives:

  • Rubber footpads to enhance stability and reduce floor scratching 

  • Made of high-quality chrome-plated metal

  • Rust-resistant 

Could be better:

  • Cushioning isn’t firm

  • Smaller base doesn’t allow for wide push-ups variation 

Rogue Bolt Together Parallette Set
  • Material: 2x2” 11-gauge steel and Rubber
  • Handle Type: Fixed
  • Color: Black

Rogue Bolt Together Parallette Set is one of the sturdiest and well-constructed push up bars on the market. It’s made of 2x2” 11-gauge steel and the handles are constructed of 1.5" diameter, 14-gauge bent pipe. The handles are connected to the base by bent 7-gauge steel. It also comes with a black powder coat finish to prevent rust or corrosion.


Despite the maximum weight recommendation not being specified, the heavy-duty steel construction does lend to a higher weight limit.


However, with such a sturdy and stable push up bar comes a larger footprint. The set is 24" in length X 15" in width X 14" in height, and it weighs 32 pounds altogether. So, it isn’t convenient for portability and neither is it lightweight.

customer shows Rogue Bolt Together Parallette Set

As for the handles, their construction of them should provide you with plenty of stability to perform a wide range of exercises. Especially with the longer length, which opens up more floor space to do exercises like the dip, L-sit, and handstands. However, they don’t come with any additional cushioning to relieve pressure off your wrists.


The base of the parallette has rubber feet, to prevent any slippage or movement while you’re working out. Plus, rubber feet are better for hardwood flooring, if that’s where you’re planning on using this product.


The Rogue Bolt Together Parallette Set is the premium option, which means it’s more expensive than other push-up bars, however, you’re getting your money’s worth, as this product is made of the highest quality.

47Expert Score

The base of the Rogue parallette has rubber feet, to prevent any slippage or movement while you’re working out. Plus, rubber feet are better for hardwood flooring.

Versatility:
10
Reliability:
10
Portability:
8
Material:
10
Price/Quality:
9

Positives:

  • Made of 2x2” 11-gauge steel

  • Comes with a black powder coat finish

  • Longer length allows for more versatile exercises selection

Could be better:

  • Not as portable as other push up bars because of its heavier weight

  • Not budget-friendly 

4. N1Fit Push Up Bars — Budget Pick

N1Fit Push Up Bars
  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
  • Handle Type: Fixed
  • Color: Black

The N1Fit Push Up Bars are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is sturdy and strong to support a wide weight range. However, the maximum weight recommendation isn’t specified, which is why some users have found the push-up bars to be a little flimsy despite the claim of handling a larger weight range.


The push-up bars come with fixed handles which have sweat absorbent foam to reduce the chances of slippage during a workout. The design also makes sure that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the push up bar, so there are fewer chances of the product collapsing under pressure.

customer shows N1Fit Push Up Bars

However, they don’t have rubber feet, which many push-up bars choose to install in order to lower the chances of the push-up bars slipping on hardwood floors.


The push-up bar only weighs 1.1 pounds and has smaller dimensions, making it ideal for portability, if you’re planning on carrying the push-up bars around to different settings and environments.


In terms of installment, you can put the push-up bar together in just 3 steps. Simply align the parts, press gently, and use the product.


As for price, it’s budget-friendly and comes with a 2-year warranty.

46Expert Score

The N1Fit push-up bars come with fixed handles which have sweat absorbent foam to reduce the chances of slippage during a workout.

Versatility:
9
Reliability:
9
Portability:
10
Material:
9
Price/Quality:
9

Positives:

  • Handles have sweat absorbent foam

  • Budget-Friendly

  • 2-year warranty

Could be better:

  • Doesn’t come with anti-slip rubber feet

  • Some might find the push-up bars to be too flimsy 

Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite
  • Material: ABS Steel
  • Handle Type: Rotating
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation: 400 pounds
  • Color: Red and Black

The Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite has rotational handles, which rotate slightly to help engage your muscle more. The ergonomic grips also help with distributing the weight evenly, so you feel less pressure on your wrist, elbows, and shoulder joints.


However, the rotational component of the push-up bars makes it less versatile as you’ll have a difficult time performing exercises like the dip, L-sit, and handstand with the handles rotating.

customer shows Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite

photo by hiro_tgw

The push-up bars have the dimensions of 10 inches x 8.25 inches x 6.2 inches, which makes them suitable for portability. But they weigh 4 pounds, which is more than most others push-up bars.


As for the material make up, the Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite is made of ABS steel and has a steel ball bearing system for smoother rotations. This allows for a weight capacity of 400 pounds.


The bottom of the push-up bar features a tread that helps them grip all floor surfaces better.

44.5Expert Score

The ergonomic grips in Prefect Fitness also help with distributing the weight evenly, so you feel less pressure on your wrist, elbows, and shoulder joints.

Versatility:
8.5
Reliability:
9
Portability:
9.5
Material:
9
Price/Quality:
8.5

Positives:

  • Rotational handles allow for more muscle engagement 

  • Steel ball bearing system for smoother rotations

  • Tread underneath the push-up bars for better grip

Could be better:

  • Not as versatile as other push-up bars

  • No cushioning to protect your hands 

Juperbsky Push-Up Stands
  • Material: Steel
  • Handle Type: Fixed
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation: 2200 pounds
  • Color: Yellow, Black, Blue, Pink & Violet

The Juperbsky Push-Up Stands come in 5 different color options to allow you to customize your look. They also offer two different sizes. One is 12 x 7 x 5.5 inches and the other is 13 x 8.5 x 8 inches and weighs 5.7 pounds. The two different dimensions are primarily there to allow you to choose which better fits your hands, so you can have a more comfortable position during your workout.


The wider base allows for stability, so you can perform other exercises like dips, v-sits and handstand push-ups. The base also comes with a non-slip cap.

customer and his juberbsky push-up stands

photo by fitnessgamer

The push-up bars are made of steel and can handle up to 2200 pounds. So, there shouldn’t be too much concern about durability or sturdiness as 2200 pounds is the heaviest weight capacity a push-up bar has had.


The handles are also angled in a way that they take the pressure off your wrists, elbows, and shoulders. While the handles have abrasion resistant TPR, which are supposed to be both steady and soft.

44Expert Score

The two different dimensions on these Juperbsky bars are primarily there to allow you to choose which better fits your hands, so you can have a more comfortable position during your workout.

Versatility:
8.5
Reliability:
9
Portability:
8.5
Material:
9.5
Price/Quality:
8.5

Positives:

  • 2200 pounds weight capacity 

  • Abrasion resistant TPR handles

  • Several color options 

Could be better:

  • Not as portable as other push up bars

  • Size may limit push up variety 

What are the Benefits of Using Push Up Bars?

Increases The Rage of Motion

Do push-up bars work? The answer is yes because a full range of motion can be very beneficial for muscle and strength development. But with traditional push ups, you can have a limited range of motion because of the floor underneath. So, you don’t feel the proper deep stretch of the chest muscles.

That’s why having push up bars can be beneficial. They elevate your hand positions and provide you with extra room at the bottom to get both a deeper stretch and a more intense push up.

Joint Friendly

One reason people avoid doing push-ups is that they can put a strain on their wrist or elbow joints. The reason for that is that the wrist bends backwards during a normal push up, which can be uncomfortable for many people. Joint pain can occur once your tendons and ligaments are strained.

One way to address this concern is by having your wrists in a neutral or more ergonomic position during the movement. With push up bars, you’re able to align your hands, wrists, and forearms, and decrease the pressure that you may feel in your joints.

Versatility 

Push-up bars can also add versatility to your workout program. You can perform normal push-ups, but also wide push-ups, narrow push-ups, and then use the push-up bars for exercises like L-sits, handstands, and pike push-ups.

Additionally, they can add more variety to your push-up program. You can perform various different push ups using a push-up bar and add that to your normal push-up routine.

By adding variety to your workout, it can be easier to make progress toward your workout goals.

athlete exercising with push-up bars

What to Look for in Push Up Bars?

Versatility

In terms of value for your money, a versatile product tends to be better and push up bars can be versatile depending on the size and design of the bars. In order to maximize versatility, you’d want something with longer handles and a stable design, so you can safely perform exercises like handstands, L-sits, and even dips. 

Reliability

The reliability of push up bars will largely depend on the design and materials used. Both of which can enhance the longevity of the product, along with providing you with stable workout equipment.

Stability is important because if the push-up bars are too wobbly, there can be a potential for injury.

Tips From the Champ

One of the positives of push up bars is that you can bring them along with you and work out in different environments, whether that be in different gyms or an outdoor setting. So, making sure that the push-up bars are lightweight and have smaller dimensions can be important if you’re someone who is looking to exercise in different areas. 

Olympic Weightlifting Champion


Price/Quality

The price and quality of the product go hand in hand. The price tag will largely depend on how high-quality the push-up bars are. But if you’re shopping on a budget, you could be more selective with the quality of the product. 

Material 

Push up bars tend to be made of either plastic or steel. Plastic tends to be more inexpensive. While steel push-up bars are considered more stable. Both materials can provide you with a comfortable wrist position.


Of course, there are different types of plastic and steel materials, which also enhance durability and sturdiness of the push up bars, depending on their quality.

Handles

Handles are another important element to consider. You can pick between padded or unpadded handles. Padded handles are of course more comfortable to use, but are also thicker than non-padded handles.


While non padded handles are thinner, you could find your hands and forearms fatigue before your chest.

athlete with push-up- bars

How to Use Push-Up Bars Correctly? 

  • Find a comfortable hand position. Typically, shoulder width is considered to be the most comfortable position that allows you to align your hands, wrists and forearms. However, depending on your arm length and prior injury history, a wider or narrower position can be better suited for you.
  • Use your legs as a stable base. Your legs can create a degree of stability which will allow you to focus on your chest when exercising. Some individuals find it better when their feet are together, while others find more stability when their feet are spread out.
  • Get as deep of a stretch, while staying safe. A deep stretch with a full range of motion is best for muscle and strength development. However, not all individuals can get a full range of motion due to mobility issues or prior injuries. So, stay within your means, but try to get a deep stretch as you go down to perform the exercise.
  • Keep your body in a straight line. So, don’t push your hips up, but don’t push your hips down either. The latter can put pressure on your lower back. While the former can relieve focus from your chest.
  • Try not to use momentum, either. Using momentum can help you perform more repetitions, but you’ll get a lesser chest workout. Instead, perform your repetitions in a controlled manner, which could even include resting in the bottom position for a second and then squeezing your chest muscles when you lock out up top.

FAQs

Are push-ups better with bars?

Doing push-ups on bars puts less strain on your wrist and allows you to get a deeper range of motion. They also add another layer of difficulty which can help in your overall push-up progression.

However, there hasn’t been any clear evidence that suggests that performing push-ups on a bar will result in more muscular development in your chest muscles compared to regular push-ups. So, the main benefits seem to be with joint friendly and deeper range of motion perks. 

Are push-up bars worth it?

Push-up bars can be worth the investment, depending on your workout goals. First, they are a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment compared to other workout tools. Second, if you have any wrist or elbow issues, a push-up bar can be a great way to keep exercising without aggravating those injuries further. Lastly, if you enjoy doing push-ups, a push-up bar can add more variety to your workout. 

Conclusion

Push-up bars have many benefits and can help you achieve your workout goals. To ensure you maximize the workout equipment, make sure the quality is high, it comes with comfortable push-up grips, and has a stable base, so you can work out safely.

The best push-up bar that meets these criteria is The Readaeer push up bars.

What’s your favorite push-up variation to perform? Do you feel the joint-friendly benefit of push-up bars? Do you prefer fixed or rotating handles?

Let’s discuss all of this and any other questions you might have in the comment section below!

References:

  • Are Push Up Bars Benefits Great Enough To Beat Regular Push-ups? // TheWorkoutDigest: https://theworkoutdigest.com/push-bars-benefits-beat-regular-pushups/
  • Are Push-ups Handles (or Bars) Worth It? // Cardiosmash: https://cardiosmash.com/are-push-ups-handles-or-bars-worth-it/
  • Kinetic analysis of several variations of push-ups // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21873902/
  • How to Use Push Up Bars Correctly? // AboutFitnessGears: https://www.aboutfitnessgears.com/how-to-use-push-up-bars-correctly/
  • How to Use Push Up Bars? Techniques, Benefits, Variations // Kicked Up Fitness: https://kickedupfitness.com/how-to-use-push-up-bars/

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All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

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  • Author
  • Reviewer
Ihor Shymechko

Coach, PRO Olympic Weightlifter

Experience: 26 years

Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,

C&J - 240 kg

My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.

I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.

After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.


If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Experience: 21 years

Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,

C&J - 240 kg

My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).

After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.


If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.


Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.

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