Try these exercises with parallel bars to improve your strength
What's the story
A parallel bar is a pair of wooden bars placed on a common horizontal base.
Although typically used by gymnasts to improve their strength, anyone can use it to achieve their fitness goals and enhance their physique.
With that said, here are five exercises that you can do using parallel bars, suitable for both beginners as well as professionals.
Exercise 1
Parallel bar push-ups
Stand in the middle of a parallel bar and grab each bar with a firm grip.
Straighten your arms, lock your elbows, lift your feet off the ground, and one foot on each bar.
Once done, pull off some push-ups as you engage your core and squeeze your glutes.
Try to keep your arms straight and chest out all the while.
Exercise 2
L-sit pendulum
Sit in the middle of the parallel bar and grab each bar using a neutral grip.
Locking your elbows as you straighten your arms, lift your body off the ground, and keep your knees straight.
Once your legs are 90 degrees in position, rotate your trunk toward the left, such that your legs go over the bars.
Repeat on the other side.
Exercise 3
Vertical upside-down pull-ups
This is one of the easiest exercises with parallel bars that can help you tone your arms, shoulders, and chest.
Stand and face one of the parallel bars and grab it with both arms.
Keep your knees straight and then lift both your legs in an L-sit position.
Finally, engage your core and lats and perform a standard pull-up. It's done!
Exercise 4
Decline crunch
Stand facing one of the parallel bars and grab it with your hands. Put both your legs over the bars and then squeeze your glutes.
Once done, contract your hamstrings and calves and then slowly lower your body towards the ground as you let go of your hands.
Now that you are hanging upside down, position your palms behind your head and do crunches.
Exercise 5
L-sit typewriter pull-ups
Face one of the parallel bars, grab it with an overhand grip, and lift your legs bringing them into an L-sit position.
Continuing that position, pull yourself until your head is over the bar.
Now extend your right elbow and shift your body toward the left side, such that your left cheek should reach your left hand.
Repeat on the opposite side.