Buying Guide: How to Choose Push-Up Handles

Step 1

Push-ups are the oldest exercise in the book (don't quote me on that). Yet, they hardly ever get the attention they deserve. These days, everyone is about doing the best bodybuilding exercises and the best athletic exercises. I'll tell it to you straight: the push-up is where it's at. When you do push-ups, you get a chest workout, shoulder workout, triceps workout, biceps workout, core workout, traps workout and back workout. And you get to do reps until failure without worrying about a ton of weight falling on your chest. All-in-all, push-ups are badass.

Step 2

But push-up aids have taken one bit of advice from the new-age fitness frontier. Change up the game by using equipment. Below, I'll explain some of the types of push-up tools that will step your push-up game, well ...up. Take a look, and get that credit card ready.

Step 3

There are three different types of push up aids: bars, rotating grips and grips that do not rotate, but are lightweight and fit into a gym bag. Picking the right push-up tool comes down to two factors: How much money are you willing to spend; and do you want to spin?

Step 4

Consider the advantages of buying bars versus grips.

Step 5

There are different types. Some rotate. Others keep your hands stationary.

Step 6

Consider differences in construction. Is the handle made of steel or plastic? If it is made of plastic, what is the gauge or thickness?

Step 7

Is the grip textured or smooth?

Step 8

Is the grip padded for comfort?

Step 9

Consider durability. Will it break during heavy or intense use?

Step 10

Consider ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Step 11

Some models include accessories.

Step 12

Some models come with an instruction manual or training tips.

Step 13

If it includes a warranty, how long is the warranty? Are there any fees associated with getting the item repaired or replaced?

Step 14

Some models have foam-covered handles. Other models have handles made of rubber.

Step 15

CAP Barbell's Pair of Push-Up Bars are made out of chrome-plated steel, and are designed to last forever. They change the game up so your hands aren't flat on the floor, like in a normal push-up. Instead, the lateral bars allow you to grip with a position that promotes wrist safety and push-up comfort. They make the focus more about the push-ups and less about the pain in your hands and wrists. These push-up bars are fairly basic and cheap, only running you $16.00 and some change. If you don't mind keeping your push-ups simple, yet you seek to relieve that wrist pain, then this is the push-up aid for you.

Step 16

Next up is SPRI's Rotating Push-Up Grips. Similar to the item above, these grips allow you to alleviate pressure from your wrists so you can focus more on push-ups than injuries. However, these grips are different than the item above because they rotate. The rotation allows you to move your wrists comfortably with the natural up-and-down motion of your body, which keeps the proper amount of pressure on your pecs instead of your shoulders. After all, push-ups are an exercise designed mainly to target the chest muscles. SPRI's Rotating Push-Up Grips will cost you just under $25. But the movement they have is fantastic. They even come with a basic training manual.

Step 17

Beachbody also offers a push-up aid, and although it doesn't spin like the product above, it does still pack quite a lot of quality. Tony Horton's PowerStands (by Beachbody, of course) are much like the first item we talked about. They have a handle that prevents you from hurting your wrists by placing them flat on the ground. The difference with this item is that it has foam handles.And it is made out of a plastic that is extremely portable and extremely durable. Throwing this pair of push-up handles into a gym bag is no problem, so doing push-ups during your workout at the gym is easier than ever. The price is over $50, but the convenience they offer - not to mention the quality- makes the price well worth it. So, if you've got some extra cash, these grips are probably going to be the best choice you can make.