Perfect Pushup - Original

Using this product is definitely better than pushups without it. I'm stronger after 3 months of using this product than I was before. However, the grips slide on the handles, and the handles move inside their housing. The grips are not as comfortable as I thought--I put hand towels over them and this solution works well enough. Bottom line--great workout, but construction could be better.

The push up is simply a great exercise and the Perfect Pushup is simply a great variation on an already great theme.

I bought my item from another vendor. The two rotating handles came packaged with a simple set of instructions on a poster and two DVDs. I don't believe that the DVDs come with the Amazon package.

The device is identical in concept to Jack Zatorski's Pushup Pro. Both modify the push up: (1) As push up handles, elevating your hands off the ground to extend the range of motion of the pushup; (2) Changing your hand position from flat on the ground to a grip position which improves wrist position resulting in less wrist trauma from a push up; (3) adding a rotation motion, which engages more arm muscles (most notably the biceps); and (4) Requiring a little more balance/core engagement, as the rotation movement throws you a little off balance.

The first comparison would be to the Zatorski's Pushup Pro device. I tried both out in a store before purchasing. Both worked well, but I believe the advantage goes to the Perfect Pushup (PP). The PP was higher, resulting in a wider range of motion; the PP seemed more sturdy; and the PP seemed to give a smoother rotation; the PP had padded handles for comfort--a minor issue really. I figured that I'd be using the device for some time and would want something I could stick with and would hold up. I'd advise going to a brick and mortar store and comparing them personally, as your preference might be different. On the other hand, if you want to take a set of these for travel, you'd do better to purchase the lighter weight option. (NOTE: both companies now produce models for travel with detachable handles. I haven't actually used these, so I can't really comment on their usability or durability. Also, both companies claim to have the 'inventor' of this type of device. I'm not touching this argument with a ten foot pole.)

It is no surprise that the device delivers--push ups on the whole deliver. What I can say, is that this modification on the push up really does squeeze more benefit out of a push up. It has all the advantages of a regular push up bar--that is, improved range of motion and better wrist position. The twisting action may also relieve some awkward pressure on the wrist. In any event, I am able to do more sets because of decreased strain and get more benefit from the push up with this device. There is definitely more biceps engagement and you can see the difference rather quickly. In fact, I am no push up savant, but was able to crank out 50 standard push ups. The first time I used the PP I was only able to do 30.

The poster outlines how to do the push up simply. This is not rocket science, but is reasonable. The poster guidelines are rational. It bases your workout on your personal max--you start by doing as many pushups on the PP (with good form) that you can. You then use their chart to determine your 'program'. This consists of three to four '2 minute drills' per day. A 2 minute drill is simply 3 or 4 sets of pushups done within two minutes. The two minute drills need not be done back to back and can be done throughout the day. For example, if your max is 10 to 15 pushups, you do a 'ladder' consisting of 1 set of 8 pushups, 1 set of 6 pushups, 1 set of 4 pushups, and finally 1 set of 2 pushups. all within 2 minutes. Yes, that's 20 total. You do this every other day x 21 days and then reevaluate your max. If you can do more, say 20, you then dial up to the next set of 3 two minute drills. Using 'ladders' is not a new or innovative technique, but it is a rational way to exercise and improve your reps. I haven't explored the DVDs much, but the instructional one seems well put together and simply shows more variations on the pushup. There are also supplementary workouts on the DVD which I have not used. Simply doing the 2 minute drills has really helped a lot.

As to issues regarding injury, remember that you are still doing a push up. The handles decrease wrist stress but don't eliminate it. You can easily overdo your workout and experience muscle pain or kill your rotator cuff muscles. With pushups, excellent form is key and as always you have to listen to your body and stop if you need to. The bottoms of the device are padded with rubber so they do not slip easily, but you need to make sure that the handles will not slip on the floor surface before you start pumping. So, as with all exercise equipment, you really need to sense your limits and use common sense.

Finally, this is not the only kind of workout you need to do for full fitness. It primarily works the upper body and core, but does little for your lower body. It is not aerobic (unless you can crank out >20 minutes of pushups). And we also know that it can't possibly be the only exercise you need to do--the folks at Perfect Pushup have now developed the Perfect Pullup. That being said--and I said it before-- the push up is simply a great exercise and really gives you a lot of benefit. This device is deceptively simple but really does improve an already great exercise.

As an interesting addendum, there is a device out there called a 'Warrior Power T' which is sold by John E. Peterson. It is a push up handle atop what looks like an inverted stove bolt. This even simpler device likely works in a similar fashion to the PP, but throws off your balance even more as you have to balance the handles, twist, and do a push up at the same time. I haven't tried this one yet, but I imagine it makes the pushup an even more difficult task. (I'm not likely to try it anytime soon as it sports an incredibly high price tag for what it is. Looking at it, you might easily be able to make one yourself...)

Nice idea, but for most people who do not work out constantly, this may not help so much as you expected ... be sure to be able to make 50 standard pushup to take full advantage of this product ...

This only works well on floor, not as well on carpet. :)

They are solid. They rotate freely. I've used them in a gym with chalk in the area and the rotating mechanism hasn't gotten clogged / slower.

They are much more comfortable on your wrists than doing pushups on the ground. They allow you to lower yourself to the ground properly with your hands at your sides.

They're simple, and they work great.

The Perfect Pushup is the best compliment to my cardio routine because it completely works my entire upper body, not just my chest and shoulders. I love it!!