Umbro push-up bars, assorted designs

Umbro push-up bars are push-up stands with handles that you place on the floor and grip instead of pressing your palms flat. Holding a handle keeps your wrists straight, which many people find more comfortable, and raising your hands gives you extra depth at the bottom of each rep. They are a small, simple upgrade for anyone who trains with bodyweight at home. You get one pair (two bars) with foam-padded grips, in black with blue or black with red; the colour is assigned at random.

Who they suit

Push-up bars suit beginners whose wrists feel uncomfortable during floor push-ups, and people who can already do a set of push-ups and want more range of motion. They also help when you train on a soft mat, because the handles give you a firm, level base. If wrist or shoulder pain persists, get it checked before you add more push-up volume. The home workout plan for beginners shows how push-ups fit into a weekly plan without other equipment.

How to use them

Place the bars about shoulder-width apart on a flat, non-slip surface and line them up so the handles point forward or slightly outward. Grip firmly, keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, and lower with control until your chest is roughly level with your hands.

A simple progression over a few weeks:

• Week 1–2: knee push-ups on the bars, 3 sets of 8 to 10, stopping at your usual floor depth.
• Week 3–4: full push-ups, 3 sets of as many clean reps as you can manage, leaving one or two in reserve.
• After that: lower a little deeper each week, or slow the lowering phase to three seconds.

You can also use the bars for planks on straight arms, mountain climbers and, once you are stronger, tuck holds. To build a complete routine around push-ups, try the 3 day full body workout for beginners.

What to look for and care

Check that the bars sit flat without rocking and that the handles feel secure in your hands. Before each session, make sure the floor is dry and clean so they cannot slide. Wipe the handles after sweaty workouts and store the bars where nobody can trip over them.