Wooden parallettes have quietly become the favorite tools for calisthenics and handstand athletes. They feel natural in the hands, offer strong grip even when you sweat, put your wrists in a friendlier position, and are small enough to fit in a backpack.
This guide walks you through the best wooden parallettes for calisthenics based on how you train and how much you want to spend. The picks below are based on real specs, load ratings, and how they perform in actual sessions, not just marketing claims.
I’ve tested quite a few over the years, and below you’ll find the pair I personally use and recommend. If you’re not sure about the type of parallettes you want, then you can check out my more generic blogpost at best parallettes for calisthenics.
Table of Contents
Top Picks: The 4 Best Wooden Parallettes for Calisthenics
This section is for you if you want a quick answer and a strong pair of bars without overthinking.
All four picks share two big things: high weight capacity and comfortable grip. From there, each model shines in a different use case.
- GORNATION Wooden Parallettes: best all-round choice.
- Thenx Parallettes V2: best long wooden parallettes.
- Woodpower Power Bars: best high wooden parallettes.
- Airogym Push Up Stands: best budget-friendly wooden option.
Best All-Round Wooden Parallettes: GORNATION Wooden Parallettes
GORNATION’s wooden parallettes are built for everyday calisthenics work. They are made from solid beech wood and measure about 30 cm long with a height of around 11.5 cm. That compact size keeps you close to the floor, yet still gives enough clearance for deep push ups and L-sits.
Each pair holds up to 300 kg, and the bases have transparent anti-slip rubber feet that grip carpet, wood, asphalt, or stone. The wood absorbs sweat, so your hands stay secure during long sets of handstands or planche leans.
These are tested and refined with pro athletes, which shows in the details. They feel stable, have a neutral handle thickness, and work well for:
- Push ups and pseudo push ups
- L-sits and V-sits
- Handstands and press work
- Planche progressions and tuck holds
- Outdoor sessions in the park
If you want one pair that can handle almost everything and still fit in a bag, GORNATION is the safest all-round pick.
Best Long Wooden Parallettes: Thenx Parallettes V2
The Thenx Parallettes V2 stand out for their length and stable base. They are roughly 19.6 inches long, 4.3 inches high, and 5.5 inches wide, with a handle diameter around 3.8 cm and a total weight of about 4.4 lb.
The V2 update has a wider base than the first version, which adds stability for advanced skills. That extra length gives you more space for your handstand.
The handle size sits in the sweet spot for most hands and helps reduce wrist strain compared to flat floor work. The bars feel solid for dynamic calisthenics, such as handstand corrections.
Best High Wooden Parallettes: Woodpower Power Bars
Woodpower’s wooden power bars are taller, heavy-duty parallettes that feel closer to small parallel bars. They use a triangular structure with silicon pads under the feet to keep the base planted.
Key specs:
- Length: about 14.96 inches
- Width: about 8.27 inches
- Height: about 7.87 inches
- Max load: around 250 kg (about 550 lb)
The extra height changes how you can train. These bars shine for:
- Deep push ups and deficit work
- Dips
- Tuck holds, floating tucks, and harder core drills
They use beechwood and responsibly sourced rubber, which is a nice eco-conscious touch. Reviews highlight how stable they feel, even during intense training. Because they are higher, they demand more shoulder control and body tension, which suits serious strength work.
If you enjoy high parallettes and want more ideas, you can also look at this guide to selecting high parallettes.
Best Budget Wooden Parallettes: Airogym Push Up Stands
Airogym’s pine wood push up stands bring strong performance at a lower price. They use a simple triangular design with a wide bottom and non-slip base for extra stability.
Core specs:
- Size: about 30 x 14 x 10 cm (11.8 x 5.3 x 3.9 in)
- Round bar diameter: about 4 cm
- Max load: up to about 440 lb (200 kg)
The thick handle helps reduce wrist strain and spreads pressure across the palm. That makes them friendly for:
- V-sits and L-sits
- Handstand practice close to the floor
- Planks and push up variations
- Calisthenics basics at home
How to Choose the Best Wooden Parallettes for Your Calisthenics Goals
Once you know your main goals, picking the right pair gets much easier.
Grip, Comfort, and Wrist Health
Wood feels better than metal for many athletes. It has a natural texture, does not feel icy, and absorbs sweat instead of getting slick. That reduces slipping and gives more confidence when you kick into a handstand.
A neutral wrist position is one of the biggest benefits. Instead of bending your wrists sharply on the floor, you can hold a handle and keep your wrists closer to straight. This often helps with pain around push ups, planche leans, and handstands.
Handles around 3.8 to 4 cm in diameter work well for most people. Both beech and pine are strong enough for frequent use when built correctly.
Length and Height: Match Your Training Style
Size should match how you train most of the time.
- Compact mini parallettes like GORNATION work great for static holds, tight spaces, and travel.
- Long bars like Thenx V2 suit wide push ups, handstand corrections / walks, and flowing combos.
- High bars like Woodpower are ideal for dips, L-sit to handstand transitions, and more leg clearance.
Simple rules of thumb:
- If you travel a lot or train in a small room, go compact.
- If you love handstand variations and wide grips, pick longer bars.
- If you want dips and deep range strength, go for higher parallettes.
Stability, Weight Capacity, and Safety
Good wooden parallettes should feel like they are bolted to the floor. Look for:
- Wide base or triangular structure
- Rubber or silicon feet
- Clear weight rating
Typical quality sets sit between 200 and 300 kg load capacity. GORNATION goes up to 300 kg, Woodpower around 250 kg, and Airogym around 200 kg, which covers most athletes plus dynamic force.
Before practicing advanced skills, place the bars on a flat surface, press down, and check for wobble. Fix any issue before you start handstands or explosive push ups.
Portability and Training on the Go
Many athletes throw a pair of wooden parallettes in their backpack and train at the park or on trips. Compact sets like GORNATION are lighter than big metal parallettes, yet still stable on grass, carpet, wood, or stone, as long as the feet are clean and dry.
If you move between home, gym, and outdoors, look for:
- Shorter length
- Moderate weight
- Rubber feet that grip different surfaces
- A size that fits your bag or suitcase
Why Wooden Parallettes Are So Effective for Calisthenics and Handstands
Zooming out, wooden parallettes change how your training feels compared to floor work or cold metal bars.
Stronger Upper Body and Core With Less Joint Stress
Raising your hands off the ground gives you more range of motion in push ups, dips, and L-sits. That extra depth leads to more strength and muscle when used with good form.
At the same time, the neutral grip helps protect wrists, shoulders, and elbows. You can angle your hands slightly in or out, which lets you find a pain-free position for heavy sets. This helps both beginners and advanced athletes train more often without beating up their joints.
Better Balance for Handstands, Planche Work, and Static Holds
Gripping a bar gives you more control than having your palms flat on the floor. You can squeeze the handle, use your fingers to correct balance, and build tension through the whole body.
This is a big help when learning:
- Handstands and press work
- Tuck planche and planche leans
- V-sits and advanced L-sit variations
- L-sit to handstand progressions
Stable wooden bars make these skills feel smoother and more secure.
Train Anywhere: Home, Park, or Travel
Quality wooden parallettes are happy on most dry surfaces. Rubber feet grip carpet, wood, stone, grass, and asphalt when clean. Many sets are small enough to live under your bed or in a corner when you are not training.
GORNATION’s wooden parallettes, for example, are built for both indoor and outdoor use, as long as you dry them after moisture and store them in a dry place.
If you also want to compare metal options for rough outdoor setups, you can check this metal parallettes durability and stability review.
FAQ: Best Wooden Parallettes for Calisthenics
Are wooden parallettes better than metal for calisthenics?
For most home and park setups, yes. Wood has a warmer, more natural grip, absorbs sweat, and often feels kinder to the skin and wrists. Metal can be colder and more slippery without tape, although it can allow very high builds and extra weight.
What size wooden parallettes should I buy as a beginner?
Most beginners do best with compact or medium-height parallettes. Handles around 30 cm long and 10 to 12 cm high are a great start, which is similar to GORNATION or Airogym. You can move to longer bars for handstand walks, or higher bars for dips and deep push ups once your basics are strong.
How much weight can good wooden parallettes handle?
Good sets handle much more than bodyweight. GORNATION goes up to 300 kg per pair, Woodpower to about 250 kg, Airogym to about 200 kg, and Thenx V2 sits in a similar safe range. On a flat, stable surface, these ratings cover heavy athletes and dynamic work.
Can I use wooden parallettes outside without damaging them?
Yes, if you treat them well. Use them on dry surfaces, wipe them if they touch moisture, and store them in a dry place. Clean the rubber feet so they keep their grip, and avoid leaving the wood in rain or mud for long periods.
Are wooden parallettes worth it if I already train on the floor?
For most calisthenics and handstand athletes, they are worth every dollar. You get less wrist pain, more range of motion, better balance control, and a lot more exercise variety. Any of the four picks in this guide can upgrade your current floor-based routine.
Conclusion
Wooden parallettes are one of the simplest tools you can buy, yet they have a huge effect on wrist comfort, strength gains, and how easily you can train anywhere. In short: they are the best wooden parallettes for calisthenics fans who care about long-term progress and joint health.
To recap the top picks:
- GORNATION Wooden Parallettes for the best all-round option.
- Thenx Parallettes V2 for long, stable bars.
- Woodpower Power Bars for tall, strength-focused training.
- Airogym Push Up Stands for a safe, budget-friendly choice.
Pick the pair that matches your main goal, then start building a simple routine of push ups, L-sits, and handstand practice. A few focused sessions each week on solid wooden parallettes can change how strong and stable your training feels.
