Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
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Push-ups enjoy notoriety as one of the best bodyweight exercises for upper body strength and development. But it also has its problems. The conventional push-up puts quite a lot of strain on the wrists. It also limits your hand positioning.
Within the last decade, a new fitness product category has emerged that has revolutionized the way people do push-ups. This piece of equipment overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional push-up by removing joint and wrist stress and allowing for versatility in hand positioning. It's called the push-up board.
This article reviews the 7 best push-up boards on the current market. We'll also dig into the benefits of using a push-up board and provide you with a buying guide to help you make the smartest purchase for your needs.
7 Best Push-Up Boards
- Overall Best: LALAHIGH Push-Up Board
- Budget Pick: AERLANG Push-Up Board
- For Strength Training: Iron Chest Master
- Lightweight Pick: Power Press Push-Up Board
- For Beginners: N\C Push-Up Board
- Multifunction Pick: Barwing Home Gym
- Rotating Push-Up Board: YIGM 360°
SFS Pick
LALAHIGH
Budget Pick
AERLANG
3rd Pick
IRON Chest Master
1. Overall Best Push-Up Board: LALAHIGH Push-Up Board
The LALAHIGH Push-Up Board is a foldable platform that is constructed from durable ABS ductile plastic. That provides it with the combination of lightweight, super strength, and structural sturdiness. The non-slip push-up handles are elevated several inches from the base, allowing you to get a full pectoral stretch on every push-up rep.
There are 15 snap-fit design positions for the handles to slot into on this board, from wide to narrow grip push-ups. They are divided into four different training zones to target different muscles groups as follows:
- Blue area: chest workout
- Green area: tricep & biceps workout
- Red area: shoulder workout
- Yellow area: back workout
I love using this push-up board at home and with my clients who want to hit multiple muscle groups while doing push-ups.
The strength of construction of the LALAHIGH Upgraded Push-Up Board means that it has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. A quadruple-set premium spring system enables the device to instantly fold for ease of storage. The unit's base features anti-slip pads to keep the board steady while you're working and prevent any lateral movement.
A pair of built-in resistance bands is a cool feature that greatly extends your training options on the LALAHIGH Upgraded Push-Up Board. These natural latex bands with soft, anti-slip, sweat-wicking handles allow you to work your lower and upper body.
Your purchase of the LALAHIGH Upgraded Push-Up Board comes with a complimentary high-quality PVC coated 6 mm jump rope. You even get a carry bag to make it easy to take your push-up board with you on the go. The whole thing weighs just 3.1 pounds.
This is the 3rd generation of the LALAHIGH Upgraded Push-Up Board. It is quite simply the best push up bar that we have come across.
Pros
- 15 push-up positions
- Durable ABS ductile plastic construction
- 300-pound max user weight
- Built-in resistance bands
- Four workout zones
Cons
- Not designed to be used by children
This Foldable Pushup Board is color-coded in order to provide multiple highly effective pushup postures. Our at-home workout equipment is specifically designed to target...
2. Best Budget Push-Up Board: AERLANG Push-Up Board
The AERLANG Push-Up Board is a multi-function 10-in-1 push-up board. The ten push-up slots are color-coded for pectorals, abdominals, arms, and latissimus dorsi. The non-slip push-up handles are made from a strong, slip-resistant material. A series of non-slip plugs on the base of the platform keeps it from sliding or wobbling while you are working out.
The AERLANG Push-Up Board is foldable, lightweight, and compact. With a weight of just 1.5 kg this is an extremely travel-friendly workout device. The board is made from a thick plastic material that is extremely durable.
Your purchase of this push up equipment comes with an instruction manual that provides workout and training tips. You can purchase the board alone or upgrade to a package deal that includes four latex resistance bands, two handles, a pair of hand grips, a door anchor, and two ankle straps.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable
- Very strong plastic base
Cons
- Only ten push up positions
This multi-functional 10-in-1 system push up machine is color-coded for pectorials, abdominals, arms and latissimus dorsi.We provide an instruction manual...
3. Best Strength Training Push-Up Board: Iron Chest Master
The Iron Chest Master is a unique chest, triceps, and deltoid workout device created by one of the greatest natural bodybuilders of all time, Ron Wiliams. Constructed of super strong metal, this 48-inch long platform features sliding handles that can be moved in and out as you are performing your reps. The addition of resistance bands adds the vital element of adjustable resistance.
The innovative design of the Iron Chest Master means that you can do six exercises at once. That means that you can work your chest, triceps, shoulders, back, abs, and biceps efficiently and in less time. The patented arc movement of the handles allows for a greater range of motion to maximally work your chest muscles. Customized resistance levels also allow you to adapt the intensity to suit your training level. The resistance bands are adjustable from 60 to 120 pounds.
The bearings on the Iron Chest Master are of very high quality, ensuring that there is minimal joint stress. Each bearing has a 300 pound capacity, meaning that the total weight capacity of the Iron Chest Master is an impressive 600 pounds.
Pros
- Sliding hand placement
- Adjustable resistance
- 600-pound max weight
Cons
- Quite expensive
A chest expander home workout equipment for men and women that uses the body's natural "Arc Movement" for full range of motion, thus rapidly developing a bigger...
4. Best Lightweight Push-Up Board: Power Press Push-Up Board
The Power Press Push-Up Board is a color-coded system that, depending on where you 'plug' the handles into the board, lets you target different upper body muscles. The handles fit into slots on the board that are color-coded for the body part they are meant to target. The hand position can be changed so that you can perform 14 different types of push-ups.
The Power Press Push-Up Board and handles are constructed from carbon fiber material, making them extremely strong. The handles are oversized so that they reduce tension on the wrists.
The board is divided into two pieces, which fit together tightly. There are strong foam grips on the handles. The board's bottom is equipped with slip-resistant pads that will keep it firmly in place.
The maximum user weight on the Power Press Push-Up Board is 300 pounds. It is compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 38.2 inches x 24 inches x 2 inches. Your purchase comes with a complete 10-week workout program.
Pros
- 14 hand position options
- Non-slip design
- Comes with 10-week training plan
Cons
- Does not allow for increased resistance
Original U.S. Patent & Trademark: Designed to optimize your push up technique and reduce errors, our push up board is the largest and widest, with 30+ combo positions...
5. Best Push-Up Board For Beginners: N\C Push-Up Board
The N/C Push-Up Board has a similar look and design as our top-rated board, the LALAHIGH Upgraded Push-Up Board. The board is color coded so you know which body part you're training; red for shoulders, yellow for back, green for triceps, and blue for pectorals.
There are 10 different hand grip positions on the board. The various grip options allow for every wrist position, including a neutral grip. The handles are textured and non-slip, providing plenty of height and space for your hands to grip them without causing wrist strain. The platform is made from high-strength ABS plastic and has a foldable design. It is compact and lightweight for ease is transportation.
The base of the platform is fitted with multi-angle skid plugs to make sure that it doesn't slide round during your workout. While not providing as many training options as some of the other boards on this list the N/C Push-Up Board is a good option for beginner trainers that will inject variety into your training. This is also the lowest cost push-up board on this list.
Pros
- Low cost
- Colored coded by target muscle group
- Sturdy ABS plastic material
Cons
- Limited exercise variety
Multifunctional and fun: this 10-in-1 support board is color-coded for specific muscle groups: chest muscles, abdominal muscles, arms and back...
6. Best Multifunction Push-Up Board: Barwing Home Gym
The Barwing Home Gym is a complete home workout system that includes push-up handles among other things. It consists of a non-slip grip base with ten anchored attached that you can attach resistance bands to. The bands come as part of a set of four, with varying resistance levels. You also get a resistance bar that can be connected to the bands to simulate using a barbell.
A pair of holes at the base of the unit allow you to slot in the push-up bars that come with the set so that you can do slightly elevated push-ups with a neutral hand position. However, there is no ability to adjust the push-up bar positions, making this a more limiting push-up option than the other boards on this list.
Where the Barwing Home Gym shines is in its ability to provide a total body workout. It allows you to simulate virtually any exercise you can do in a commercial gym, including compound moves like squats, deadlifts, and push presses.
Your purchase of the Barwing Home Gym comes with a non-slip floor pad, ankle straps, resistance band handles, and a door anchor so you can use your resistance to simulate cable pulley machines exercises.
Pros
- Complete home gym system
- Variable resistance to increase training intensity
- Works the entire body
Cons
- Limited push up options
Simulate any exercise you would do at the gym, exercise shoulders, waist, hips, arms, thighs and wrists with the home...
7. Best Rotating Push-Up Board: YIGM 360°
The YIGM 360° push-up board is quite unique in that it allows you to rotate the handles between 0 and 360°. This reduces the stress on the wrist when you are doing push-ups. The folding board is made from sturdy ABS plastic. The rubberized handles are quite high from the base so that you can get a deep stretch on the pectorals when you go into the bottom position of the movement. The handles are also covered in rubber to add comfort and prevent sweat slippage.
The base of the push-up board is covered in an EVA non-slip mat to keep it in place. You cannot adjust the hand position in and out, which makes its effectiveness somewhat limiting. It is a good option for beginners but may not provide enough variety for more advanced trainers.
Pros
- Rotating push up bars between 0 and 360°
- Made from sturdy ABS plastic
- Rubberized handles
Cons
- Unable to move push-up handles in or out
Workout positions can be achieved by 0-360° flexible adjustment, which will boost your major and minor muscle groups such as the chest muscles, triceps, abdominal...
What is a Push-Up Board?
A push-up board is a platform that allows you to adjust the hand grips in order to work your muscles from different angles. The hand grips are raised from the ground and can be rotated, allowing you to do push-ups with different hand positions. The adjustable hand groups may allow you to move your push-up hand position vertically, horizontally, or both.
Benefits of Push-Up Boards:
A push-up board takes a great exercise and makes it even better. Here are five key benefits of training with a push-up board:
1. Easier on your wrists
The standard push-up places quite a lot of strain on the wrists. That's because it puts them in an immobile inverted position. When you are doing high rep push-ups, you may begin to feel some strain through the wrists. The problem gets worse when you begin to do such push-up variations, such as the handstand and planche push up where more of your body weight bears down on the wrists.1
When you use a push-up bar, your hands are able to be in a neutral grip. This is the best position to minimize strain on the wrists. The neutral hand position, where your palms are facing each, also improves your range of motion and is easier on the shoulder joint.
2. Multiple Variations OF Push-ups
A push-up board allows you to perform a wide range of push-up variations while reducing joint strain. The ability to instantly change your hand position and to elevate your hands from the floor will spur you on to include variations of the standard push-up that will work your muscles from different angles.
A push-up board allows you to perform more advanced push variations with greater safety than if you were doing them without a training aid. Examples are the planche push-ups and handstand push-ups.
Push-up boards are especially beneficial for beginners. As well as reducing strain on the joints, it encourages beginners to experiment with a range of different types of push-ups in a safe manner.
3. Elevated Body Angle
Training with a push-up board allows you to elevate the angle of your body while training in a safe, joint-friendly manner. When you elevate your torso, you are able to shift the emphasis on the part of the muscle being worked. For example, an elevated push-up places more focus on the upper portion of the chest.
4. Can target different muscle groups
The ability to adjust your hand position while doing push-ups allows you to shift the target muscle emphasis. For example, when you position the hand grips close together, you will be targeting your triceps rather than mostly your chest.
Push-up boards also allow you to perform other exercises. These include such abdominal and core exercises as the L-Sit. On some, push-up boards, you can also use the push-up handles as parallettes to perform gymnastic-type exercises.
5. Increased Range of Motion
When you perform exercises with a push-up board, you start in an elevated hand position. That allows you to lower your torso below the level of your hands. when you do this, you will experience a greater stretch through the chest muscles than if you were doing a standard push-up. That makes for more chest-focused exercises that will place greater stress on the target muscle.
What to Look For When Buying a Push-Up Board:
Push-up boards come in a variety of shapes and styles. Unless you know what to look for, you could easily end up with a board that isn't going to meet your needs. Here are the key things to look out for when you're considering buying a push-up board.
1. Materials
A push-up board should last for decades. To ensure durability, look for a device that is constructed from steel, aluminum, and strong plastic. Plastic boards are cheaper than those made from steel. Boards with rotating hand grips should feature high-quality ball bearings. The hand grips should be textured and sweat resistant.
2. Build Quality
Your push-up board will be taking the weight of your body as you perform your workouts. To handle that load day in and day out, you need a device that has been built for stability and longevity. The various parts of the device should be securely connected and all moving parts should able to rotate or lift without causing friction or other wear and tear.
3. Features
You should expect your push-up board to feature hand grips that are several inches from the floor. This will allow you to lower your body below the level of your hands in order to get a greater chest stretch. Rotatable handles are a good feature to look out for as they allow you to achieve every hand grip position. The ability to adjust your hand grip reduces wrist stress while also allowing you to work your muscles from different angles.
Push-up boards that have cushioned handles are an advantage. They ensure that your hands won't fail before your working muscles due to strain, discomfort, or sweat slippage.
You should also check the maximum user weight on the push-up board you are considering buying. We recommend buying a board that is at least 50 pounds heavier than the maximum combined weight you are applying to the board. the combined weight is your body weight plus any additional resistance you are using (for instance a weight vest).
4. Price
Push-up boards vary widely in terms of price. The most basic, plastic models can be purchased for around $20, while higher-spec steel or aluminum models go up to close to $200. The average price of the seven push-up boards that we reviewed was about $40,
5. Reviews
By checking online reviews from verified purchasers you will be able to read real feedback from people who have already bought the product. Pay attention to their comments on how comfortable the device feels to use, especially in terms of hand grip. Take note also of what people have to say about the range of motion and versatility of the board.
Try to find some reviews from people who have the board for at least a year. Do they mention any wear or tear or other problems with the board? If so, it may not provide the durability that you need.
Finally, you should take note of any hassles the buyer has had with the manufacturer and the level of customer service.
Push-Up Board FAQs
Are Push-Up boards effective?
Yes, push-up boards are effective if used properly and consistently. Many people buy home fitness gadgets and hardly ever use them, so you need to be serious about consistently following a push-up workout program before you invest in a push-up board.
A push up board will significantly reduce the stress on your wrists when performing push-ups. It will also greatly improve the versatility and options for working different muscles from a range of angles.
What brand is best for push-up boards?
After carefully analyzing the market, we recommend the LALAHIGH Push-Up Board as the best push-up board in the current market. It provides you with 15 push-up positions and has four color-coded zones to target different muscle groups. It's made from heavy-duty ABS ductile plastic and has a 300-pound max load. This versatile device even comes with a built-in resistance bands - and they throw in a jump rope for good measure!
Can you build muscle with a push-up board?
Yes, you can build muscle with a push-up board. If you are a beginner exerciser, you will build muscle as your body works to meet the stress of your body's resistance. However, after several months, as your muscles become stronger, your body weight will not be sufficient to increase your muscle mass. At this stage, you will need to add extra resistance to your push-ups by wearing a weight vest or otherwise increasing the resistance.
In order to consistently build muscle, you need to train through a variety of rep range, including both high (20 plus) and low (6-8). It is difficult to perform push-ups with enough added resistance to make them challenging for 6-8 reps. That is why most people who are trying to develop a muscular upper body combine push-ups with weight training with free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, or machines.2
How many push-ups should I do a day?
We recommend doing a minimum of 40 push-ups per day. A study conducted Harvard School of Public Health found that people who perform 40 push-ups each day are able to reduce their risk of heart disease by a staggering 96%. It was further found that people who can do 40 push-ups in a row have far less chance of developing heart disease than those who could only do 10 push-ups at a time.3
If you are unable to do 40 push-ups at a time, it is good to set the goal of working up to being able to do so.
If your goal is to develop strength in the upper body, we recommend setting the goal of doing a hundred reps in a row. However, if you are wanting to build muscle mass, you should start adding extra resistance when you are able to do 50 reps in a row and reduce the rep count.
Are push-ups better than planks?
Yes, push-ups are better than planks. The plank is an isometric exercise that does involve moving the target muscles (the abs). While it may improve strength in the specific hold position, it will not do so through the muscle's range of motion. In contrast, the push-up is a dynamic exercise that does move the target muscles through their full range of motion. It works multiple muscles - the chest, triceps, and deltoids - while also recruiting the stabilizer muscles of the core.
Summary
The push-up board is a relatively new home fitness device that can increase the effectiveness, enjoyment, and versatility of your push-up workouts. By allowing for multiple hand group positions, they take the strain off your wrists. The best push-up board on the market right now is the LALAHIGH Push-Up Board. We've rated this board as our number one because it offers a huge amount of training versatility, including upper and lower body training with resistance bands that are attached to the board and 15 push-up positions. It's made from durable ABS ductile plastic, is foldable, and has a 300-pound max user weight so your push up routine can go to the next level.
We hope that this push up board review has helped you narrow down the options to the best board for your needs.
This Foldable Pushup Board is color-coded in order to provide multiple highly effective pushup postures. Our at-home workout equipment is specifically designed to target...
For more functional home gym equipment, take a look at our post that covers the Best Suspension Trainers on the market.
References- Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Van Every DW, Plotkin DL. Loading Recommendations for Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Local Endurance: A Re-Examination of the Repetition Continuum. Sports (Basel). 2021 Feb 22;9(2):32. doi: 10.3390/sports9020032. PMID: 33671664; PMCID: PMC7927075.
- Daly BT, Werner FW, Cavallaro SM, Tucci ER, Harley BJ. Effect of Push-Up Position on Wrist Joint Pressures in the Intact Wrist and Following Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Sectioning. J Hand Surg Am. 2018 Apr;43(4):339-345. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.019. Epub 2017 Nov 20. PMID: 29157783.
- Boston, 677 Huntington Avenue, and Ma 02115 +1495‑1000. “Push-up Capacity Linked with Lower Incidence of Future Cardiovascular Disease Events among Men.” News, 15 Feb. 2019, www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/push-up-capacity-cardiovascular-disease-events-men/.
Steve Theunissen
Author