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Description
The Yinyang by Kensui Fitness is a precision-engineered set of wooden parallettes designed for athletes who prioritize portability without sacrificing the tactile benefits of natural wood. Featuring a patent-pending interlocking design, these bars nest together to occupy minimal space in a gym bag, making them the most travel-friendly parallettes on the market.
YinYang Product Features
- Interlocking Magnet System: High-grade Neodymium magnets are embedded within the base, allowing the two bars to "click" together. One bar nests perfectly into the arch of the other.
- Premium Beech Wood: Crafted from solid beech, providing a natural grip that absorbs moisture and prevents slipping during high-intensity sessions.
- Non-Slip Stability: Equipped with industrial-grade rubber pads on the base to ensure the bars remain anchored on wood, tile, or gym flooring.
- Ergonomic Grip Options: Available in a standard 38mm rounded grip or a specialized 50mm-to-40mm "teardrop" ergonomic grip to reduce wrist strain.
- Multiple Size Profiles:
- Pro: Ultra-compact (8cm height).
- Max: Increased clearance (10cm height) for deeper range of motion.
- XL Versions: Extended length (up to 51cm) for broader base support during advanced drills.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Yinyang Pro | Yinyang Max |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Solid Beech Wood | Solid Beech Wood |
| Grip Diameter | 38mm (Round) | 38mm (Round) |
| Height | 8 cm | 10 cm |
| Length | 20 cm | 23 cm |
| Interlock | Neodymium Magnets | Neodymium Magnets |
| Base | Hard Rubber Anti-Slip | Hard Rubber Anti-Slip |
My Kensui YinYang Review: The Only Parallettes You’ll Need for the Road
I’ve gone through my fair share of parallettes—from the bulky metal ones that take up half my trunk to those cheap plastic push-up handles that feel like they’re going to snap during a tuck planche. When I first saw the Yinyang bars from Kensui, I was skeptical about the "magnetic nesting" feature. It sounded like a gimmick. But after three weeks of using the Yinyang Max set in hotel rooms and local parks, I’m sold.
The Feel of the Wood
The first thing you notice is the finish. If you’ve been using metal bars, you know the struggle: they’re freezing in the winter and become a slip-hazard the second your palms start to sweat. The beech wood on these is sanded to a satin finish that feels "warm." Even when I’m deep into a handstand set and my hands are damp, the wood seems to drink up the moisture. I’ve stopped using chalk for my home sessions entirely because the natural friction is that good.
Portability and Design
The interlocking design is the real winner here. Most "portable" parallettes are still awkward to pack because of the T-shaped legs. The Yinyangs are designed so the bar of one fits into the base of the other. The magnets are surprisingly strong; I can toss them into my backpack and they don't clank around or separate. They occupy about as much space as a large water bottle.
Stability on the Ground
I’m a bigger guy (around 190 lbs), so stability is my main concern with low-profile bars. On the Yinyang Max, the rubber feet are solid. I tested them on hardwood and industrial carpet; they didn't budge during L-sits or push-up transitions.
One thing to note: because they are narrow to keep them portable, you have to be intentional with your pressure. If you’re doing dynamic moves where you’re kicking off sideways, you’ll want to be precise with your form. For standard calisthenics—planche leans, handstands, and deep push-ups—they feel incredibly rooted.
The Verdict
Are they the cheapest bars out there? No. But you’re paying for the engineering and the material. If you’re someone who trains while traveling or just wants a clean, minimalist setup for a home gym, these are a massive upgrade. The "Max" version is my recommendation—the extra 2cm of height makes a huge difference for clearing your feet during L-sits without making the bars feel bulky.
Pros:
- Incredible grip texture (no chalk needed).
- Nests perfectly for travel.
- Magnets keep the set organized in your bag.
- Looks like a piece of high-end furniture rather than gym gear.
Cons:
- Narrow base requires more focus on vertical pressure than wider, stationary bars.
