Head over to your local drug store and, next to the other crap marked “As Seen on TV,” you’ll find these Push Up Pros – not to be confused with the Perfect Push-up which is essentially exactly the same device but with a padded hand-rest. But does it really work?
So who is the Zatorski character? Well, he’s some sort of world push-up record holder, so that’s nice. Does that qualify him as a push-up expert? Probably not, be these things – with some caveats – do improve your standard calisthenic workout.
The concept is simple: These things help you use more muscle groups while exercising and keep you considerably straighter and in better form during each rep. Although it’s hard to believe, I’ve been doing push-ups and sit-ups for years and have definitely fallen into some bad habits. Because a push-up is only as good as your form, I might as well be doing disco moves for all the good they were doing me.
To use them, you set them at horizontal and then, as you push up, rotate them to vertical. That’s it. Then you do a bunch of them for a long time. The handles are definitely hard on the hands but if you’re not that heavy – and I’m pretty damn heavy – you’ll survive.
I started using these about two months ago and I can, in fact, feel and see a difference. I’m not saying I’m Jack Lalane, but the change in my push-up style has helped me maintain a straight back and shoulders while reducing the total number of reps. Interestingly, these make push-ups harder and you can only do a few reps before reaching a point of exhaustion.
Could you replace a real weight work-out? Absolutely not. You can, however, do a few nice push-ups and get some minor definition. If you’ve never done a push up in your life, these will keep you in line as you work your way up to a few dozen push-ups per day. Are they worth about $20 or whatever you’ll pay at the drug store? Sure. If you’re looking to mix things and do a few push-ups that will actually do something to your man-boobs and guns, give them a try.
This thing really works AND if you combine it with running (or swimming) you may not need to go to the gym anymore. The beauty of it is it saves you time.
Thanks for reviewing an everyday product most of us see advertised and wonder if it really works! Definitely like to see more of these.
I agree with Anthony. I would like to see more reviews of products we always see on TV. I have used this product before and it does indeed give u a good workout.
Sure … this things work …. but why spend $20, when you can just do push ups free ?
Really people ? really ?
And tom, 20 push ups a day cannot replace the gym …
these do work i can do about 90 to 100 pushups in one minute and ive had these for only to weeks and my normal pushups feel easier and easier
I found these for just $9.99 on eBay from a seller named Emily’s Outpost. Less than half the price of the “original” Perfect PushUp. If push ups are just one exercise in your routine, these definitely help with improving your form to work more efficiently.
I think the quality is outstanding and see no need to pay much more for the original product.