You don’t need a squat rack, Olympic barbell, or fancy machines to build real strength. You just need gravity, commitment—and a solid pair of parallettes. Whether you’re brand new to calisthenics or already chasing the elusive full planche, parallettes are your loyal companions. Compact. Beautiful. Brutally effective.
Let’s break it down. Here’s how to master parallettes training—step by glorious step.
Stage 1: The Curious Beginner (a.k.a. “Wait, what are these things?”)
Welcome to the world of elevated movement. At this stage, your mission is simple: get used to how parallettes feel under your hands, how your body moves above them, and how your wrists finally get a break.
Start with:
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- Incline push-ups on low parallettes for control
- Support holds: just holding yourself up for time (underrated, trust us)
- L-sit progressions with knees tucked—feel the burn begin
- Plank to pike shifts to fire up your shoulders and core
No need to rush. This stage builds the foundation for everything that comes next.
Stage 2: The Committed Climber
You’re no longer intimidated by the bars. You seek the discomfort. Now it’s time to build strength and control through time-under-tension and more dynamic movements.
Try:
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Full-depth push-ups for chest, triceps, and power
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Tuck planche holds (wobbly arms welcome)
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Straight-arm support swings for shoulder conditioning
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L-sit to tuck transitions (hint: don’t forget to breathe)
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You’ll start to notice improved posture, shoulder stability, and a core that doesn’t quit.
Stage 3: The Flow State Mover
This is where your training becomes art.
Your body moves with precision and grace. You feel each muscle firing. You’re unlocking skills that make jaws drop—but more importantly, you’re unlocking your own limits.
This is your playground now:
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Handstand practice on parallettes (safer wrists, cleaner lines)
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L-sit to handstand press progressions
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Straddle planche holds (yes, you’ll shake. Yes, it’s worth it.)
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Push-up to pseudo planche to dip flow—hello, full-body fire
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At this stage, your training isn’t just about strength. It’s about mastery.
Gear Up for Greatness
Whether you’re starting with basic support holds or pressing into a handstand like a calisthenics ninja, your tools matter.
That’s why we made the Terra Parallettes from solid European ash and oak—for that grounded, natural feel. And for the movers who train anywhere, our Cloud Parallettes, crafted from premium aluminum in three sizes, are made to move with you.
Wherever You Are, Parallettes Meet You There
Beginner or elite—these simple bars grow with you. They reveal your weaknesses, amplify your strengths, and bring joy back to movement. So wherever you are on your journey, keep showing up. Keep pushing. Keep flowing. And remember: every beast was once a beginner holding their first shaky L-sit.
