10 Reasons Why You Need Parallettes for Calisthenics – Featuring Andry Strong!

If you’re serious about calisthenics, parallettes aren’t just a cool piece of equipment - they’re essential. Whether you’re a beginner just getting into bodyweight training or an advanced athlete working on skills like planche and handstand push-ups, parallettes can completely change how you train.

In this guide, I’m breaking down 10 key reasons why parallettes should be in your setup, alongside my good friend Andry Strong. Let’s dive right into it.

1. Increased Range of Motion = More Strength Gains

Training on the floor limits your movement - you hit the ground before your muscles go through their full range. Parallettes solve that by allowing deeper movements.

• More Depth = More Strength – Push-ups, dips, planche presses, and handstand push-ups engage more muscle fibers for greater gains.
• Unlock Advanced Moves – Training 90-degree push-ups, Maltese push-ups, and press-to-handstands is much easier when you can go deeper.
• Better Stretch & Activation – More range means better mobility and muscle activation, leading to faster progress.

If you feel your push-ups and dips aren’t challenging enough, parallettes fix that instantly.

2. Wrist Pain? Parallettes Fix That

Calisthenics puts huge stress on your wrists, especially with moves like planches, L-sits, and handstands. Parallettes help distribute that load differently.

• Neutral Grip = Less Strain – Instead of your wrists being forced into extreme extension, parallettes let you grip naturally.
• Train Harder, Longer – With reduced wrist discomfort, you can train more volume without injury setbacks.
• Essential for Beginners – If you’re just starting, parallettes help build wrist strength gradually without overloading them.

If you want long-term wrist health, parallettes are non-negotiable.

3. More Space = Easier Skill Learning

Many calisthenics skills demand crazy core and hip flexibility, and without enough clearance, they feel impossible. Parallettes remove that barrier.

• L-Sits & V-Sits Become Possible – Instead of struggling to lift off the floor, parallettes give your legs room to move.
• Press-to-Handstands Made Easier – Get comfortable with pressing mechanics before trying it flat on the floor.
• Less Frustration, More Progress – A little extra height makes big moves feel achievable way sooner.

Parallettes make compression skills feel more natural - so you actually get stronger instead of just feeling stuck.

4. Multiple Grip Options for Better Control

On the floor, you’re stuck with one grip - palms flat. With parallettes, you can switch between variations for better wrist health and strength.

• Neutral Grip – Reduces wrist strain and improves handstand control.
• Supinated Grip – Trains reverse grip for bar skills and wrist mobility.
• Pronated Grip – Mimics straight bar training for one-arm handstands and planche progressions.

With more grip options, you train smarter, not harder - and your wrists thank you for it.

5. More Stability for Skills

When working on planche-to-handstand transitions, Maltese presses, or 90-degree push-ups, stability is everything. If you're wobbling, all your strength gets wasted.

• Solid Base = Stronger Execution – No more slipping or energy leaks from an unstable surface.
• Easier to Focus on Form – Instead of fighting for balance, you train the actual movement.
• Ideal for Advanced Calisthenics – Any high-level skill benefits from having a locked-in grip.

With parallettes, you control the movement - not the other way around.

6. Some Moves Are Actually Easier

You’d think parallettes make everything harder, but some skills become easier because of how the wrist positioning works.

• Supinated Handstands – More comfortable and easier to balance than on the floor.
• Planche & Maltese Holds – Less strain on the biceps and forearms compared to floor training.
• Press Work Feels Smoother – When training press-to-handstand or transitions, parallettes remove excess friction.

It’s all about leveraging the right tools to make learning more efficient.

7. A Perfect Tool for Training Ring Skills

Rings are brutal - there’s no stability, so everything becomes twice as hard. Before jumping into ring training, parallettes let you build the right strength first.

• Strength Transfer – Train Maltese, planche, and handstand progressions before taking them to rings.
• Wrist & Shoulder Stability – Rings demand serious stabilizer strength, and parallettes help bridge the gap.
• Less Frustration, More Progress – Reduce the learning curve when transitioning from parallettes to rings.

If you’re serious about rings, parallettes are a necessary stepping stone.

8. High Parallel Bar Training Becomes Safer

Learning high parallel bar handstands? You need a safe way to practice first - and parallettes provide just that.

• Get Comfortable in High Positions – Start training elevated handstands before taking them to bars.
• Practice Bailouts – Learn to fall safely without risking injury.
• Reduce Risk for Beginners – Before jumping into high-bar training, parallettes give you controlled exposure.

Freestyle calisthenics athletes swear by parallettes for safe, effective high-bar training.

9. Train on Any Surface, Even Unstable Ones

Ever tried training on grass, sand, or an uneven surface? It’s a balance nightmare. Parallettes fix that instantly.

• Stable Base Anywhere – No sinking into the ground or unstable surfaces.
• Train Comfortably Outdoors – Parks, beaches, or forests - no problem.
• Always Consistent – Your training quality stays the same, no matter where you are.

For outdoor athletes, parallettes = non-negotiable.

10. The Ultimate Portable Training Tool

When you travel, your training shouldn’t suffer. Parallettes fit in a backpack and allow full-body workouts anywhere. That's exactly how we designed them at Movement Made.

• Small but Mighty – Lightweight yet sturdy enough for intense training.
• Perfect for Travel – Unlike bulky gym gear, parallettes go anywhere.
• Designed for Longevity – FSC-certified beech wood, premium craftsmanship, and built to last.

If you want calisthenics anywhere, anytime, parallettes are your best friend.

Train Smarter with Fat Bar Parallettes

Parallettes aren’t just an accessory, they’re an essential tool for calisthenics athletes. If you want to reduce wrist strain, unlock advanced skills, and train anywhere with stability, you need a pair.

If you want high-quality parallettes that will last a lifetime, check out Movement Made’s Fat Bar Parallettes which are designed for maximum stability, comfort, and grip.