Gloves versus Bare Handed

[Being_the_Don]

There is some debate as to the use of gloves or going bare handed when working out in the gym. When I started going to the gym January 2007 I didn't use gloves, I was working out on the machines. After I got into free weights I decided to use gloves. I did it because I was able to get a much better workout, it actually improved my grip when doing most exercises. Now I rarely go to the gym without my gloves; when it does happen it's because I happened to forget them at home. Some months ago I forgot my gloves and it just so happened to be my deadlifting day. I was able to perform my workout but I noticed that I had rubbed open a callous on my left hand. The pain actually inspired me to push on and increase my weight (I was lifting well under 300 pounds back then) but in the back of my mind I began to think about bacteria and other pathogens that are present in the gym. From a strictly health and safety standpoint, I think gloves should be used at least as a safety precaution. Sure you can wipe down the bench before and after you use it, but how practical is it to clean the bars, dumbbells and weights that you'll be using?

When we work out our immune systems temporarily become compromised due to the fact that a lot of protein is being diverted from maintenance functions to the muscles to support your workout. So your chances of catching a cold following a gym workout actually increase. With that in mind, just to be on the safe side, I think wearing gloves is a small price to pay so that I can keep working out without worrying about cathcing a cold and becoming side lined.

What are your opinions on this?

 

[Triple T]

I don't use gloves, but I just started using chalk. Chalk dries your hands out so you can lift a lot more weight, and they stop your hands from getting all cut up by the knurling on the bar. I used to rip open calluses on my hands every time I deadlift, but not anymore.

Yea I hate calluses...I might get some gloves but I like the feel of the cold bar on my bare hands.

I'll have to try chalk sometime...

 

[HandyAndy]

I always wear gloves unless I forget them, its way more comfortable and I feel like I can lift more using gloves as opposed to bare hands. Mine have wrist wraps so thats re-assuring too.

 

[kickureface]

bare hands +chalk
gloves will fck your grip

 

[HandyAndy]

No, I think gloves give you better grip. Unless your hands are as rough as fabric.

 

[j-flex]

real man do it bare handed

 

[JohnnyIrish]

real man do it bare handed

Smart men use protection.

 

[Drum&Bass]

The bar will still slip and slide with gloves, and you will still get calluses when pulling heavy.


Chalk is helpful but so far I haven't had a need for it, I just wash my hands with soap and water to get them dry and sticky then I'll use some of the paper towels in the gym dispenser and wrap it around the bar to help absorb any sweat.

I think when you first start weightlifting gloves are kinda cool and helpful, but as you become more experienced your body gets tougher and you will lose the need for gloves.

 

[kickureface]

No, I think gloves give you better grip. Unless your hands are as rough as fabric.

you'll see one day on deadlifts and other exercises.

 

[SkillzthatKillz]

Bare hands all the way!!

Chicks digg calluses.

 

[eldafar]

http://stronglifts.com/why-you-shouldnt-use-lifting-gloves/

Stop whining and lift bare handed, after a while the skin gets rougher and the calluses either disappear or become much less of a problem.