It only takes a few scrapes with nasty barbell burrs or a slip off of the chin-up bar to realize that lifting gloves can make a lot of sense.
As with any weight room addition designed to make training more safe or comfortable, the gloves vs. no gloves question has engendered a great debate over the years. But assuming you would rather not deal with sandpapery, calloused hands, consider lifting gloves to be your friends.
Like canvas lifting straps, gloves will help you maintain a grip on slippery bars and handles. Unlike straps, they won't cause ugly bruises or abrasions on your wrists, and they offer more palm protection. And unlike weightlifting chalk--another non-slip grip trick--gloves don't leave an annoying mess behind for everyone else.
What to Look for
You want gloves that are tough enough to stand up to the rigors of weight training, while still remaining breathable and supple so that you have free movement of your hands. So look for specialized lifting gloves with the fingers cut out, a palm made of leather or some other tough material, and a well-stitched, ventilated construction throughout the rest of the glove. Ventilation is important--you do NOT want to be slogging through your workout in soggy gloves.
They should go on easily, fit comfortably and have a Velcro strap or other mechanism to keep them on your hands.
Common Pitfalls
You might be tempted to cut the fingers off an old pair of winter gloves and make them your new workout accessories. Because of the ventilation issue (not to mention the utter uncoolness factor), don't.
Lifting gloves have a tendency to get lost at the gym. So keep your eyes on your pair. If you find a pair, it's probably best to take them to the Lost & Found at the front desk. You'll potentially avoid picking up someone else's nasty germs and body oils, and you'll make the owner's day when he or she eventually comes to front asking about them.
Get the right size. Gloves come in a range of sizes and styles for men and women. Too-small gloves will cut off circulation and ventilation. Too-big gloves will have your hands swimming inside of them and struggling to properly grip equipment.
The only real downside of wearing lifting gloves is that once you get used to them, you won't want to go back. Then if you do find yourself training without your gloves, you run the risk of your hands feeling exposed, naked and vulnerable. Small price to pay, though, for freedom from those callouses.
Member Comments