I love seeing people doing push-ups using the handles of round dumbbells. It tells me that I should avoid that person… just in case stupidity is an airborne contagion. I’m kidding. Mostly.
Doing push-ups with your palms flat on the floor CAN be uncomfortable, especially for beat-up lifters who’ve lost some wrist mobility. But ditch the wobbly dumbbells and try these blocks instead (recommended to us by coach Lee Boyce). Unlike standard push-up handles, Bear Blocks have a wide, flat hand surface that’s angled just right for maximum comfort. No more wrist strain or impingement.
Just picked these up! I really like them. I am replacing a ~15 year old pair of “perfect push ups” handles that have seen better days. I like the form factor of these, and they feel nice and solid.
Some advantages of blocks or push up handles not mentioned above (at least for the things I do):
They’re great for doing weight vest push ups. The allow the weight vest to dip between them to the ground, allowing a full range of motion.
They’re great for yoga, like downward dog. They not only relieve pressure on the wrists, but allow us not-exaclty-professional-yogi’s to get into a better position to get the full benefit of the pose. There are other poses it helps for, as well, but this is the most well known of them.
They’re great for hand stand push ups (I do wall-supported ones). They are not only more comfortable on the wrist, but allow for a deeper push up.
They’re a bit pricey, but seem well-made. I never mind spending the $$ if it’s something I’ll use a lot and they last for years.