Pushups are an effective exercise used by many to develop strength in the chest, shoulders and triceps. Pushups are typically done with your hands on the floor, but Perfect Pushups change the exercise slightly. The Perfect Pushup units were designed by a former Navy SEAL and feature two handles that are each connected to rotating bases. As you complete pushups using the units, your wrists rotate as you lower toward the floor and push back up to starting position.
Claimed Benefits
Perfect Fitness claims that the Perfect Pushup units increase the amount of muscle activation while completing pushups, making your workouts more effective. In addition, completing pushups with the units keeps your wrists in a straight position, instead of being extended with your palms on the floor when completing regular pushups, which removes stress at the wrist joint.
Muscle Activation Differences
According to a 2009 study by the American Council on Exercise, which examined the difference in effectiveness between completing pushups with and without the Perfect Pushup units, more muscle activation exists when using the Perfect Pushups than when you have your hands in a narrow position. However, that same study didn't find any difference in muscle activation when using wider or regular hand placement. Pushups are an effective exercise to develop the chest, shoulders and triceps with or without the Perfect Pushup units.
Additional Considerations
Completing pushups on the floor can be done for free, while Perfect Pushups comes at a price. As of March 2011, the standard Perfect Pushup unit costs about $40. Perfect Fitness also offers workout DVDs, a counter and a mobile Perfect Pushup unit for additional cost. For those who have previous shoulder joint conditions, completing regular pushups might be safer. According to Todd Galati, who led the 2009 American Council on Exercise study, the Perfect Pushup units cause the user to stretch the shoulder capsule farther than when doing regular pushups and therefore may cause discomfort in those with shoulder stabilization problems.
Worth It?
For those who consistently incorporate different types of pushups into their workout regime, the Perfect Pushup units may prove beneficial. When completing pushups with a narrow hand position, you will develop your chest, shoulders and triceps more effectively. They may allow those that suffer from wrist discomfort when completing regular pushups to incorporate the exercise into their programs. As long as you don't have previous shoulder issues, the Perfect Pushups can add variety and effectiveness to your workouts. The units are rather light and don't require much space for storage.
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