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The Best Parallette Bars

Last updated on February 29, 2024
Best Parallette Bars

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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.

What to Look For

  • 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 Body Power PL1000 Parallettes is moderately priced. On the higher end of the price spectrum is the ProsourceFit Heavy Duty Dip Stand Station.

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.

Our Picks For The Top Parallette Bars

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Product Overview
Our Take
  Top Pick

ProsourceFit Heavy Duty Safety Connector Dip Stand Station

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

ProsourceFit

Heavy Duty Dip Stand Station

These parallette bars have rubber feet to help prevent slipping, a stabilizing safety connector and padded grips to make them comfortable to build muscle without weights. The powder-coated, sturdy iron tubes can support up to 400 pounds so you can safely train chest, triceps, shoulders and core.

Overall Take

Heavy-DutyThese parallette bars have powder-coated, sturdy iron tubes that can support up to 400 pounds.

  Runner Up

Juperbsky Abrasion Resistant Parallette Bars

Juperbsky

Abrasion Resistant Parallette Bars

Strengthen your chest, arms and back muscles with this set of parallette bars. The bars are constructed from a durable steel that can withstand a weight of up to 2,200 pounds. Each bar is equipped with a non-slip abrasion resistant TPR handle for added comfort and stability during use.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsAdd a pop of color to your home gym with these parallette bars, which are available in pink, blue, purple and yellow.

  Strong Contender

Body Power PL1000 Non-Skid Stable Parallettes

Body Power

Non-Skid Stable Parallettes

Whether you're new to yoga or a master gymnast, these parallette bars are a must-have tool for your home gym. The bars feature four non-slip rubber feet underneath, so you don't have to worry about the bars moving during your workout. They also come with an integrated knurling grip for safely doing dips, v-sits and handstand push-ups.

Overall Take

Built to LastThese parallette bars are larger in size and measure 24 inches in length and 12 inches in height.

  We Also Like

Rubberbanditz Lightweight CrossFit Parallettes Bars

Rubberbanditz

Lightweight CrossFit Parallettes Bars

Designed for a variety of exercises, these parallette bars will support you for push-ups, gymnastics moves and more. They measure 16 by 8.5 by 9 inches and the bars are 1.3 inches in diameter. The bars are made from industrial-grade steel to offer a lightweight but durable design.

Overall Take

Large And VersatileThese parallette bars can be used for calisthenics, gymnastics, Crossfit and much more.

  Also Great

CALI SPORTS Cherry Wood Stabilizing Parallette Bars

CALI SPORTS

Cherry Wood Stabilizing Parallette Bars

Constructed from solid beech wood, these parallette bars are hard to beat. The bottoms are outfitted with rubber to keep them firmly planted on your floor. The base is also extra-wide, which keeps the bars from rolling onto their sides as you balance your body.

Overall Take

Anti-Slip BaseA set of blue camo wristbands are provided with this set of parallette bars.

What to Look For

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.

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