Quote Originally Posted by nscrbug View Post
I've always wondered what the purpose is for doing pushups this way? I know some people (mainly guys I've seen) do them this way and then also incorporate an alternating "row" with the dumbbell in between each pushup. But for those that don't do the row...what do the dumbbells add to it, other than placing your hands on them? Does it add more instability to the movement? I have weak (and sometimes painful) wrists, and just doing regular pushups with my hands on the floor can be quite painful on my wrists. Will doing them on dumbbells help? I sometimes do my pushups using a Bosu ball (hands on the flat side of Bosu), which definitely adds an element of instability.
using them as handles just give you an alternate position for your wrist:
less strain. DH does them this way, he can't put his hands on the floor.

Push up variations, ( bosu, bridge position, alternating medicine ball under one hand etc) are great for core and upper body stability in addition to strength.