The Perfect Pushup device consists of two handles attached to circular, rotating bases. The developer, Alden Mills, designed the Perfect Pushup to help users do more effective pushups. You can also use the device for other upper-body exercises, such as dips. The Perfect Pushup does work, but not necessarily for the reasons given by the manufacturer.
Identification
In March 2011, the current Perfect Pushup model is the V2. The circular bases are black with a red, rubber bottom. The handle is either black or red. The Perfect Pushup V2 device has 30 percent more ball bearings than the original model, which allows the base to rotate more easily and smoothly. Each handle weighs 2-1/2 lbs. and together they can support users up to 400 lbs.
Function
The manufacturer claims that the rotating bases allow you to perform pushups in a more natural position than having your palms flat on the floor. As you perform a pushup on the Perfect Pushup device, you rotate your arms in the same way if you were throwing a punch -- your palms face each other at the bottom of the movement and they face your feet at the top of the movement. This rotational movement reduces the strain on your wrists and engages more muscles.
The Study
The American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit fitness watchdog group, sponsored a study to test the Perfect Pushup device. Participants performed pushups on the floor and on the device. Electromyography equipment measured the muscle activity. Wide and standard grip pushups done on the Perfect Pushup device elicited more muscle activity in the chest and triceps than floor pushups. However, the muscle activity for close grip pushups didn't change from the floor to the handles.
Bottom Line
Researchers concluded that the elevation of participants' hands on the Perfect Pushup device resulted in greater muscle activation for wide and standard grip pushups, not the rotation. The elevation allows you to move through a greater range of motion. This explains why there wasn't greater muscle activity in narrow grip pushups on the Perfect Pushup -- the narrow grip limits the range of motion. Theoretically, you would have this same effect placing your hands up on dumbbell handles. ACE concluded that the Perfect Pushup is a small and inexpensive fitness device that does allow you to do effective pushups. If it motivates you to workout, the Perfect Pushup does its job.
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