Parallel bars and push-up aids allow you to work on the horizontal pushing pattern with your wrists in a neutral position, opening up the possibility of calisthenic progressions that cannot be performed on the floor.
Available in heights of 35 cm (low, for L-sits and skill work) and 80 cm (high, for dips and compound movements). Suitable for calisthenics, functional training, athletic conditioning and advanced home gyms.
Professional equipment designed for intensive use in gyms and CrossFit boxes
Push-ups: the Sidea selection
The "push-up" theme encompasses all those pieces of equipment that alter the point of support during bodyweight push-up movements. It is not simply a matter of ‘making push-ups more comfortable’: raising your hands off the floor changes the angle of the exercise, protects your wrists from forced extension and — above all — makes movements possible that would be physically impossible on the floor. The Parallettes & Push-ups The Sidea range follows this approach: two models of steel parallel bars, designed for professional use but also suitable for anyone setting up a serious home gym.
Who is Push Up for?
Their range of use is broader than one might think at first glance. Strength and conditioning coaches working with relatively strong athletes use parallel bars as a tool for functional assessment and technical progression: L-sits, tuck planches and pike push-ups with increased range of motion. CrossFit boxes incorporate them into AMRAP circuits or skill development cycles for the gymnastic movements specified by the methodology.
Anyone who sets up a HomeGym Parallel bars offer excellent value for space: they take up little room, require no fixing and are easy to move. The practitioner of calisthenics — from intermediate level onwards — they are regarded as an essential tool for developing static and dynamic skills. Even personal training programmes in confined spaces benefit from their versatility: with a pair of parallel bars, you can design dozens of variations of pressing exercises, core work and transitions.
How to choose
The key factor is height. Low parallettes (35 cm) are the go-to equipment for those practising L-sits, tuck planches, straddles and low-height static progressions. The low height keeps the centre of gravity close to the floor, reducing the torque required during isometric exercises. They are also more stable during pushing exercises such as pike push-ups with a full range of motion.
The tall parallettes (80 cm) radically change the set-up: the distance from the floor allows for full-range-of-motion dips, push-ups with a pronounced deficit, and certain dynamic transitions that require space beneath the hips. They are closer in function to a low bar or a set of artistic gymnastics parallel bars. For those who want to cover both disciplines without compromise, having both sizes is the most sensible choice.
You should also check the stability of the base: on technical rubber flooring, the parallel bars must remain in place without slipping during dynamic transitions. On smooth surfaces, always ensure that suitable non-slip mats are in place.
Sidea Products for Push-ups
Sidea offers two products in this category Grips, handles, push ups:
- 9018/1 Parallel bars 35 cm — low height, ideal for L-sits, tuck planches, pike push-ups with increased range of motion, and calisthenics skill training on the floor. Steel frame for professional use.
- 9018 Parallel bars, 80 cm — high height, suitable for full-body dips, deep deficit push-ups and dynamic progressions. Same professional construction, greater versatility for compound movements.
Both products are also classified in the following categories Functional Training e Strong fitness training, confirming their widespread use in athletic training programmes and functional circuits.
Why choose Sidea
Sidea has been operating since 1999 in the distribution and manufacture of professional fitness equipment, with a warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola. The range of push-up and calisthenics equipment reflects the same philosophy that underpins the entire catalogue: essential pieces of kit, built to withstand intensive use in professional settings, selected without compromising on build quality. Direct technical advice — available to gyms, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and advanced home gyms — helps you make informed choices based on your actual training goals, rather than generic commercial considerations.
Domande frequenti - Push Up
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The 35 cm parallettes keep the centre of gravity close to the floor: they are ideal for static skills such as the L-sit, tuck planche and straddle, where stability is paramount. The 80 cm ones allow for full-range dips and push-ups with a pronounced deficit, functioning more like gymnastic parallel bars. The choice depends on the type of progression you wish to develop.
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It depends on your starting point. For complete beginners, the floor is often sufficient. Parallel bars come in handy when working on specific progressions — such as pike push-ups with increased range of motion or the early stages of the L-sit — which require an elevated surface. A trainer may incorporate them into the programme as early as the intermediate stages of developing the pushing pattern.
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Yes. Parallel bars are versatile pieces of equipment: as well as various push-up variations, they are used for dips (particularly the higher versions), L-sits, tuck and advanced tuck planches, pikes and straddle presses, deficit handstand push-ups, and certain dynamic transitions in calisthenics flows. The low ones are also used as a support point for core exercises such as pikes with feet on the parallettes.
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Parallel bars work well on rubber sports flooring, which provides sufficient grip during dynamic transitions. On smooth surfaces such as tiles or parquet, it is essential to ensure that the bases have effective anti-slip protection. In outdoor settings or on uneven surfaces, you must assess stability before performing the exercise.
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In functional training, parallel bars are used to incorporate horizontal pushing movements, with variations that increase the range of motion or alter the angle of the exercise. In AMRAP or EMOM circuits, they are alternated with pulling movements and lower-body exercises. In athletic training programmes, they also serve as a tool for developing relative strength and scapular stability, with measurable progressions.
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In a professional gym or a CrossFit box, having both sizes covers all usage scenarios without compromise. For a home gym, it depends on your goals: those focusing mainly on static skills will find the 35 cm bars work well; those who also want to do dips and deficit press variations will need the 80 cm bars. If you have the space and budget, the dual-size set is the most comprehensive choice.
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Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
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If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
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Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
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Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
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Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.

1710 Gym Rope
9018/1 Parallettes 35 cm 