Parallettes are small
gymnastics devices, employed in pairs, used primarily to simulate the
parallel bars that can be found in professional
gymnasiums
A gymnasium, also known as a gym, is an indoor location for athletics. The word is derived from the ancient Greek term " gymnasium". They are commonly found in athletic and fitness centres, and as activity and learning spaces in educational ins ...
. Parallettes are similar to pushup bars, or
dip bars, but they are generally longer and lower to the ground.
Aside from their appeal as equipment for gymnasts, parallettes are also appropriate for other athletes who wish to develop strength by means of bodyweight exercises.
Typical exercises done on parallettes include
L-sits, V-sits,
Planche_(exercise) style holds, handstand presses, and
handstand pushups.
Body weight is always supported on the hands, but some parallette exercises are excellent core and leg strengtheners as well.
Although parallettes can be purchased from a number of commercial sources, they are simple to fabricate from commonly available materials such as
PVC pipe. Consequently, both professional and home gyms will often utilize low-cost, "homemade" parallettes.
See also
*
Gymnastic rings
References
External links
PDF instructions for homemade parallettes
Gymnastics apparatus
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