Parallettes

Parallettes

Gravity Fitness parallettes are freestanding calisthenics bars for L-sits, handstands, planche, push-ups and dips, from 12.5 cm mini parallettes that fit in a gym bag to 94 cm adjustable parallettes that double as dip bars. Every set comes with a 5-year warranty and 60-day returns.

They're small. What they do for your training isn't.

• Learning handstands or training on the go? Travellettes Small Parallettes
• One set that does almost everything? Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes
• Dips and full-height work? XL Adjustable Parallettes / Dip Bars
• Planche and static holds? Statics Bar

What are parallettes?

Parallettes are a pair of short, parallel bars that stand on the floor. Gripping a bar instead of pressing your palms flat keeps your wrists in a more neutral position, lifts you off the ground so your legs can pass underneath, and lets you lower further than a floor push-up allows. That's why gymnasts and calisthenics athletes use them for L-sits, handstands, planche and deep push-ups, and why they're one of the most useful bits of kit you can own for bodyweight training.

Which parallettes should I buy?

Start with height. Low parallettes keep you close to the floor for handstands and planche. Medium parallettes are the best all-rounders. High parallettes work as dip bars. Here's how the range compares.

Low and mini parallettes for handstands and travel

Low parallettes are where most people learn to handstand. You're only a few centimetres off the floor, so bailing out is easy and your wrists get a break. The Travellettes Small Parallettes measure 24 x 22 x 12.5 cm and weigh 2.9 kg the pair, with 40 mm wooden handles and slip-proof rubber feet. Throw them in a bag and your training comes with you: the park, the office, the hotel room.

Need more room to move your hands? The Long Hybrid Parallettes are the same height but 70 cm long, giving you space to shift forward for planche leans, walk your hands in handstand drills and vary your push-up grip.

Medium parallettes: the best all-rounder

If you only buy one set, make it this one. At 30 cm high, the Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes give you enough clearance to swing your legs through for L-sits and tuck planches, and to sink well below your hands on push-ups. A powder-coated steel base keeps them planted, 40 mm wooden handles give you a warm, secure grip, and they're built for over 150 kg of dynamic load. They're also the best push-up bars in the range.

High parallettes and dip bars

The XL Adjustable Parallettes / Dip Bars set to five heights between 74 and 94 cm and are rated to 300 kg. One pair covers full-depth dips, inverted rows, high L-sits and handstand work, then stands in the corner when you're done.

Going heavy? The Freestanding Dip Bars stand 126.5 cm tall, so a dip belt and plates clear the floor. They're tested to over 300 kg, use 42 mm handles and are zinc and powder coated to stay outside all year. See all dip bars.

Statics Bar

Some skills are easier on one solid bar than two separate handles. The Statics Bar has a 100 cm, 32 mm top bar that adjusts from 85 to 120 cm in eight settings, giving you a fixed, consistent platform for planche progressions, L-sits and support holds.

What exercises can you do with parallettes?

More than most people expect. The basics are push-ups, dips, L-sits, support holds and handstands. From there, parallettes take you into tuck and straddle planche, planche push-ups, handstand push-ups, L-sit to handstand presses and inverted rows on higher sets. Our parallettes buyer's guide matches each exercise to the right height, and the video below runs through 60 of them.

Parallette bundles and accessories

Want two heights? The Get Started Parallettes Bundle pairs the XL Adjustable and Medium Pro Hybrid Parallettes with grip tape and lifetime app access. Short on space? The Small Space Bundle adds a door pull-up bar and gymnastic rings to the XL Adjustable Parallettes. Training on a hard floor? Interlocking Floor Mats protect it.