Hands, Grip, Chalk and Gloves

marathonic · 06-06-2011 3:11pm #1

I have a desk job so my hands aren't really used to the stresses of weightlifting.

My routine now includes chinups, pullups, hanging leg raises, hanging shrugs, dumbbell shrugs, etc.

I've noticed that I'm starting to get hard skin at the bottom of each finger. Before I progress any further, I thought I'd post this thread.

Basically, is it a case of:

Man Up, this will happen and you're hands will get used to it; or
This is the purpose of chalk, buy yourself some; or
This is the purpose of weightlifting gloves, you're going to need them eventually anyway so buy yourself some

Also, just for us newbies, can you clear up what the purpose of chalk versus gloves is and at what point in your training you need to start considering each?
I just want to make sure I'm doing things right from the get-go.

G86 · 06-06-2011 3:52pm

Don't buy gloves, buy chalk.

It won't prevent the callouses but it will stop them tearing. Let them harden up, they're there for a reason. Mine used to tear all the time but they hardly ever do now.

marathonic · 06-06-2011 3:57pm

G86 wrote: »

Don't buy gloves, buy chalk.

It won't prevent the callouses but it will stop them tearing. Let them harden up, they're there for a reason. Mine used to tear all the time but they hardly ever do now.

Do you have any recommended sources for chalk?

G86 · 06-06-2011 3:59pm

marathonic wrote: »

Do you have any recommended sources for chalk?

Wouldn't have a clue tbh, do they not have any in your gym?

marathonic · 06-06-2011 4:02pm

G86 wrote: »

Wouldn't have a clue tbh, do they not have any in your gym?

Nah, I haven't seen any anyway. I'll keep an eye out next time but it's doubtful if they don't even have a power rack :eek:

Molly · 06-06-2011 4:04pm

You should keep your callouses in check by filing them down. I use a ped egg for doing it. For chalk you can get it in any outdoor shop where they sell climbing gear.

Gummy Panda · 06-06-2011 4:05pm

marathonic wrote: »

Nah, I haven't seen any anyway. I'll keep an eye out next time but it's doubtful if they don't even have a power rack :eek:

I know you use myprotein from your posts in nutrition so next time you order whey from myprotein pick up liquid chalk from them.

Also if you live in Dublin, I believe there is a martial arts supply store on capel st that does it.

G86 · 06-06-2011 4:06pm

marathonic wrote: »

Nah, I haven't seen any anyway. I'll keep an eye out next time but it's doubtful if they don't even have a power rack :eek:

You in Dublin? They might sell it in the supplement shop beside The Fitness Dock on Camden Street - I remember someone mentioning it before.

marathonic · 06-06-2011 4:10pm

G86 wrote: »

You in Dublin? They might sell it in the supplement shop beside The Fitness Dock on Camden Street - I remember someone mentioning it before.

nah, I live in a megacity in the north of Donegal.... lol

just had a look at the myProtein liquid chalk. I'll definately buy some with my next order. The only problem is, it says it's unflavoured

Gummy Panda · 06-06-2011 5:35pm

marathonic wrote: »

nah, I live in a megacity in the north of Donegal.... lol

just had a look at the myProtein liquid chalk. I'll definately buy some with my next order. The only problem is, it says it's unflavoured

I think everything is listed with the flavour option as thats how their database is set up. My shakers and scoops were unflavoured too I think

itsallaboutheL · 06-06-2011 6:31pm

Don't let your callouses build up like was suggested. Get a pumice stone or a nail file and file them down, moisturiser wouldn't be a bad idea either.

G86 · 06-06-2011 6:36pm

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

Don't let your callouses build up like was suggested. Get a pumice stone or a nail file and file them down, moisturiser wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Letting them 'build up' wasn't suggested.

Hanley · 06-06-2011 6:36pm

marathonic wrote: »

nah, I live in a megacity in the north of Donegal.... lol

just had a look at the myProtein liquid chalk. I'll definately buy some with my next order. The only problem is, it says it's unflavoured

It takes a while, but you get used to the taste.

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

Don't let your callouses build up like was suggested. Get a pumice stone or a nail file and file them down, moisturiser wouldn't be a bad idea either.

+1

Callouses don't tear on the callous. The surrounding skin tears. It tears because of the disparity in ability to handle load between the soft skin and tough callous. The closer you keep that gap, the less likely you are to tear one.