Less painful push-ups: The trick may be in the wrists

Among calisthenic exercises, push-ups are an efficient way to work the triceps and the muscles across the chest. Although push-ups require no equipment, they can strain the wrists, which support the body during the exercise. Devices called Shark Stands are intended to distribute body weight more evenly during push-ups.

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Shark Stands: Made of lightweight polystyrene, the stands can support up to 400 pounds. They feature nonskid bottoms and foam-contoured hand grips. Designer Robson Splane of Splane Design Associates in Granada Hills explained that the stands, used with instruction from a physical therapist, are intended to more evenly distribute weight on your hands. They can also be used for such exercises as tricep dips and stretches. However, these stands might not provide the optimal push-up for everyone. “I don’t see that the wrist is in a much different position with these,” said Dr. James Garrick, director of the Center for Sports Medicine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. “But if someone was having problems and their wrists were hurting, they could try this.” Garrick said a change of position could make your wrists more comfortable. He added that you can also take pressure off your wrists by doing a regular push-up and moving your hands forward toward your head to lessen wrist extension.

Price: Shark Stands by Hampton are about $27 a pair and are available at the Fitness Store in Northridge, (818) 882-3520.