i hate how my hands are sore afterwards and i (though i feel silly admiting it) worry about getting calluses. but at the same time, i worry about looking pretentious (sp?) with gloves on..

how many of you ladies wear gloves when you lift?

does anyone else feel the same? or am i making a mountain out of molehill?

Z-

Hey, I've got some of those! I actually use them for other things, but I can't even remember what the last thing I used them for was... I tried using them when I was lifitng heavier weights to see what it was like. I didn't really like it very much, it made me feel like I had less control. I don't think I've ever gotten calluses on my hands either way.

But don't worry about looking pretentious. If they work for you, use them! :nod:

I think a friend of mine and I figured out they'd also come in handy on those days you're in the office, typing away, and the temperature is just too freezy. :confused:

I wear gloves because my hands get so sweaty, I'm afraid during my overhead moves, I'm going to drop the weight, and break my face. :)

I wear the gloves also I sweat too much. :tucool:

I use gloves.

I felt silly at first, but I once I got used to it, it created an interesting effect. I found that I automatically started to lift heavier because I finally looked the part of a serious lifter.

New shoes make me run faster too.

I use gloves.

I felt silly at first, but I once I got used to it, it created an interesting effect. I found that I automatically started to lift heavier because I finally looked the part of a serious lifter.

New shoes make me run faster too.

Don't invest in new cutlery then!

If you lift long enough and heavy enough you WILL develop calluses. :nod: From the male perspective, I've always considered them hard-earned badges of honor.

That said, although I don't presently wear gloves, I may have to start. My wife has complained that my calluses scratch her skin. :o

I wear gloves to have a better grip on the weights AND to prevent callouses. Im a girly girl so I want to keep my hands nice and soft. :nod:

I can't lift without gloves! Been using them for years! Easier on the hands and a better/safer grip!:D

I never lift without.... in most serious gyms, everyone wears gloves.

I like the Harbinger and Schieck brands.... I tried the wrist wraps versions but fine them a pain in the a$$. I also did not realize they make sizes for women. I find the small mens sizes are a little clumsy around my hands.

This is the next one I am going to try: Schiek's Women's Platinum Series Lifting Gloves (http://www.dynamicfitness.com/detail.aspx?ID=156&name=Schiek%20Women"s%20Platinum%20Series%20Lifting%20Gloves)

I never lift without.... in most serious gyms, everyone wears gloves.


Hmm, and here I thought I've been training in "serious" gyms all these years :confused:

Well, in all seriousness, I never lift without them either, otherwise I might lose my grip and drop my chicken breast and sweet potato :lol:

Boo to gloves!

Boo to gloves!

No gloves, no love. :D
My callouses used to hurt after a while. Gloves seem to make things more comfortable.

I like to wear boxing gloves when I weight train. Especially when I train legs. It shows people that I am completely serious, and prevents anyone from making fun of me and belittling my efforts.

:)

Hmm, and here I thought I've been training in "serious" gyms all these years :confused:



That's not what you've seen? http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/ponder.gif Well, you is always da man... wherever you workout :tucool:

It seemed to me that the gyms I've worked out in regularly, I was aware of people lifting wearing gloves (other than places like Balley's -- but even there, the one I go to in Houston, some do.)

Maybe I didn't pay close attention enough or extrapolated incorrectly. I'm gonna check more closely.... http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/peek.gif :lol:

All the trainers I used over the years insisted I wear gloves, even back in the days when I was using more machines than free weights, so I have always had that practice. http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/raiseroof.gif

EDIT: I just noticed that I still get calluses but that is just below the ring finger on each hand... it maybe due to the fact that I never took off my rings when working out (until recently when I busted one and lost a stone...) :o

The kind I have, you can cinch 'em up pretty good. They do not cover the fingers, only the hands.

I wear them for certain lifts because.....when they're cinched up correctly I can get a better grip than without.

I don't think they add any strength though...just a more sure grip.

I like the way they feel. I also use them if I'm lifting with a "gnurlized" bar (crosshatching), which I have a couple of.

I remember when I use to wear gloves, after a while my poundage got up there on my bigger lifts and the gloves didn't do anything for me anymore. I stopped wearing them altogether, now my hands look like I've been playing with razors :evil:

I wear gloves when I lift as well.

I found that gloves were more of a nucence than anything...
They even seemed to hurt my hands MORE when deadlifting.

I no longer use gloves.

I always wear gloves when lifting.

Gloves, especially for public gyms.....it's more of a hygiene thing. However I like the ones with solid wrist straps built in.

This is the next one I am going to try: Schiek's Women's Platinum Series Lifting Gloves (http://www.dynamicfitness.com/detail.aspx?ID=156&name=Schiek%20Women"s%20Platinum%20Series%20Lifting%20Gloves)

:) Wow, these gloves look really great Justitia, I'll have to look into getting a pair (thanks for the tip); and oh yes, I wouldn't thinking of lifting without gloves!! :nod:

I lift with gloves - they help me get a better grip of the DB/BB as well as protect my hands from callouses

I always wear gloves. It started when I was using the rower alot. Callouses. Same as everyone.

:o Not a fan of gloves so no, I don't wear them when I lift.

I only wear gloves with pulling excercises. Deads, rows, pullups etc

have you tried chalk? the type strength lifters use. its purpose isto stop hands getting calluses.

have you tried chalk? the type strength lifters use. its purpose isto stop hands getting calluses.

News to me. I have some old chalk off my uncle.

Thanks for the reminder i never used any yet. :)

i hate how my hands are sore afterwards and i (though i feel silly admiting it) worry about getting calluses. but at the same time, i worry about looking pretentious (sp?) with gloves on..


Gloves are crucial as preventive of long term and serious hand injuries:

1- If you have thin subcutaneous fat in your hands, you must wear gloves. They work as shock absorbers and protect your tendons and bones.

2- If you started training after 20 (years), you probably need gloves too. Early starters adapt to trauma better.

3- If you have short fingers, you also must wear gloves (ironic), since your grip would be tighter and more traumatic.

4- If you have heavy body and thin arms, you also must wear gloves, since your hands would be overused by constantly supporting your body weight during other activities. That should lead to the conclusion that most females need gloves by virtue of thin arms and heavy lower body.

Though I have well developed hands from 4 decades of lifting Olympic styles, lately I traumatized both hands. It is no fun to upset the nerves, tendons, and bones of the hand. I wore gloves even during my sleep during the days of acute inflammation. That protected my hands from touching sharp objects and inducing agonizing pain.

I've alternated between gloves and no gloves but lately have grown rather fond of my calluses and lifting without. However, I recently decided to test my deadlift max and tore a callus open. I will now be going with the wisened approach of wearing gloves during pulling excercises... :doh:

Every so often I like to wear my flowered print gardening gloves when I do my daily 90 minutes of fasted LISS cardio on the delyptical machine. It immediately distinguishes me from the people who are not serious about their training. Sometimes I will also wear my Emeril Lagasse cooking bib to punctuate my efforts towards my fellow gym mates. I love it :D It's the apron that has the crawfish on the front doing cardio on a stationary bike :)

Hi Zoetastic,

I wear gloves both at work and while lifting weights (I work out in my own home gym). It keeps my hands soft. My wife does not like rough hands on her soft skin. She has dry skin so I am always putting lubiderm lotion allover her body so I get the benefit of it on my hands as well. If you like softer hands I say go for them. (I do not wear gloves when doing aerobic training - elliptical or treadmill.) It all comes down to a personal choice. Make yourself happy don't worry what others may think.
Take care,
Laterrrr........
Brother Steel

I used gloves when I first started lifting, but I never lifted heavy enough weight to really 'need' them, so I just got out of the habbit of using them... and I kind of like the caluses... now though, with the weights I've started lifting for that HIT routine, I think I need to start wearing them again... my hands were having a hard time keeping a good grip during deads & shrugs.... heck, shrugs I could go up in weight more if I have a better grip on the dumbbells... so it's time to dig them back out... actually I really liked the Justitia posted the link too.... my question though.. how do you know what size will fit properly? I may have to just go to sports authority and see if they have those so that I can try them on to find the right fit... I think the ones I have are mens gloves and they're pretty cheap

OK, I think I've got it all figured out now......For my next 2 hour fasted HIIT cardio session on the decryptical machine at Planet Fitness' judgement free zone, I will wear my Nike wraparound sunglasses, my flowered print gardening gloves, NAVY SEAL flack jacket, combat boots, and my favorite pleated skirt.

If anyone's got any suggestions for my gym wear on deadlift day, please don't hesitate.....:D

:)

OK, I think I've got it all figured out now......For my next 2 hour fasted HIIT cardio session on the decryptical machine at Planet Fitness' judgement free zone, I will wear my Nike wraparound sunglasses, my flowered print gardening gloves, NAVY SEAL flack jacket, combat boots, and my favorite pleated skirt.

If anyone's got any suggestions for my gym wear on deadlift day, please don't hesitate.....:D
I suggest that you don't make a molehill of a mountain.:(

I'm glad you don't have the self-consciousness that prevents you from outfitting yourself as you see fit. But most of the other responses here indicate that this issue is not as trivial as you would like to think.

To some of us, our impression of how other people perceive us plays a huge role in how effectively we're able to work out.

Obviously, the answer is, wear what's most comfortable to you and enables you to work out in accordance with your goals. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done for people who are extremely self-conscious.

Yes, I'm able to lift heavier weights when I'm wearing gloves.

I'm also able to lift heavier when I'm working out at home, a truly judgment-free zone.

I suggest that you don't make a molehill of a mountain.:(

I'm glad you don't have the self-consciousness that prevents you from outfitting yourself as you see fit. But most of the other responses here indicate that this issue is not as trivial as you would like to think.

To some of us, our impression of how other people perceive us plays a huge role in how effectively we're able to work out.

Obviously, the answer is, wear what's most comfortable to you and enables you to work out in accordance with your goals. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done for people who are extremely self-conscious.

Yes, I'm able to lift heavier weights when I'm wearing gloves.

I'm also able to lift heavier when I'm working out at home, a truly judgment-free zone.

I love guava!!! :lol: :lol: :bow: :bow:

:rolleyes:

I used gloves when I first started lifting, but I never lifted heavy enough weight to really 'need' them, so I just got out of the habbit of using them... and I kind of like the caluses... now though, with the weights I've started lifting for that HIT routine, I think I need to start wearing them again... my hands were having a hard time keeping a good grip during deads & shrugs.... heck, shrugs I could go up in weight more if I have a better grip on the dumbbells... so it's time to dig them back out... actually I really liked the Justitia posted the link too.... my question though.. how do you know what size will fit properly? I may have to just go to sports authority and see if they have those so that I can try them on to find the right fit... I think the ones I have are mens gloves and they're pretty cheap

I've never been a big fan of gloves either, but lately I've been having issues with grip as well and frankly these callouses are really starting to look awful!

I've never been a big fan of gloves either, but lately I've been having issues with grip as well and frankly these callouses are really starting to look awful!

actually, I lotion my hands enough that my calouses are hardly noticable... the only one that really stands out is the one at the base of my ring finger (on both hands)... it's just grip issues with me :blank:

I used gloves when I first started lifting, but I never lifted heavy enough weight to really 'need' them, so I just got out of the habbit of using them... and I kind of like the caluses... now though, with the weights I've started lifting for that HIT routine, I think I need to start wearing them again... my hands were having a hard time keeping a good grip during deads & shrugs.... heck, shrugs I could go up in weight more if I have a better grip on the dumbbells... so it's time to dig them back out... actually I really liked the Justitia posted the link too.... my question though.. how do you know what size will fit properly? I may have to just go to sports authority and see if they have those so that I can try them on to find the right fit... I think the ones I have are mens gloves and they're pretty cheap
Hey Tanisha - do they allow chalk at your gym? I can't remember. Anyway, if they do, and if they already have it available there, you might want to try it. I find it to be useful on some lifts.

BTW, I love the new avatar!!!! It's cute, but you also look like you've leaned out more. :tucool:

Hey Tanisha - do they allow chalk at your gym? I can't remember. Anyway, if they do, and if they already have it available there, you might want to try it. I find it to be useful on some lifts.

BTW, I love the new avatar!!!! It's cute, but you also look like you've leaned out more. :tucool:

WAY back when we first moved into the new location and the owner actually had a powerlifting area there was chalk, but I haven't seen any in the gym in AGES... I'd have to ask and probably bring my own :confused: not sure how that would go over:confused:

thanks for the complement :D that was two months ago (my b-day Sept 29th) and I'm afraid I haven't leaned out any more since then :( I wish... I noticed that the picture makes me look lean too, it must be the giant hat :p :lol:

how exactly is calk supposed to help? I've always wondered about that... I would think that chalk would make the bar harder to hold onto :confused:... is it just that it keeps you from sweating? if that's the case then it wouldn't help much... I'm not losing my grip because my hands are sweating... I'm losing my grip because I'm not used to holding onto so much weight and my grip is failing :(

WAY back when we first moved into the new location and the owner actually had a powerlifting area there was chalk, but I haven't seen any in the gym in AGES... I'd have to ask and probably bring my own :confused: not sure how that would go over:confused:
Yea, definitely ask before you buy some chalk. I would think that your gym would allow it, but I have not been in there in a LONG time so I don't know what's changed.

thanks for the complement :D that was two months ago (my b-day Sept 29th) and I'm afraid I haven't leaned out any more since then :( I wish... I noticed that the picture makes me look lean too, it must be the giant hat :p :lol:
It's not the hat, it's your waist and arms. You look great there! :tucool:

how exactly is calk supposed to help? I've always wondered about that... I would think that chalk would make the bar harder to hold onto :confused:... is it just that it keeps you from sweating? if that's the case then it wouldn't help much... I'm not losing my grip because my hands are sweating... I'm losing my grip because I'm not used to holding onto so much weight and my grip is failing :(
I'm not sure about calk, but chalk is pretty good. HAHAHA J/K with ya! ;) :lol: :D

You're right, it's not much of a help with the grip STRENGTH but it would help you with the bar slipping, from sweat or maybe from the bar being kinda smooth.

So, in your situation it probably wouldn't do much. But then, how would gloves help? I need to go reread this entire thread (:o), I must have missed something. Or are you using wrist straps? Those would certainly help with grip strength.

Yea, definitely ask before you buy some chalk. I would think that your gym would allow it, but I have not been in there in a LONG time so I don't know what's changed.


It's not the hat, it's your waist and arms. You look great there! :tucool:


I'm not sure about calk, but chalk is pretty good. HAHAHA J/K with ya! ;) :lol: :D

You're right, it's not much of a help with the grip STRENGTH but it would help you with the bar slipping, from sweat or maybe from the bar being kinda smooth.

So, in your situation it probably wouldn't do much. But then, how would gloves help? I need to go reread this entire thread (:o), I must have missed something. Or are you using wrist straps? Those would certainly help with grip strength.

it's a bit of both my grip failing and slipping... it's a bit of both.. the gloves wouldn't help with the strength issue, but they would with the slipping... so I guess chalk (not calk :lol: ) might help a little, but gloves would be less messy ;)

I have thought a little about straps, they would help a LOT :D but I'm not sure if I want to mess with them... although I'd only need them on one or two lifts, mainly shrugs & deads

Chalk "work-arounds" for the "cleanliness-obsessed" gyms....

Metolius Eco Ball (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=265293&parent_category_rn=40000054) four bucks, no mess, never had a problem with it in any gym anywhere.

Dry Hands (http://www.dryhands.com/) liquid, small amount on hands is all you need. Never seen a gym object to it.

Not as much fun as digging into a chalk pit and producing a cloud of smoke on the way to the bar, but does the job...;)

No gloves for me, but my wife uses them when she works out.

I have thought a little about straps, they would help a LOT :D but I'm not sure if I want to mess with them... although I'd only need them on one or two lifts, mainly shrugs & deads

Those are great!! I used them at my trainers when doing heavy deadlifts. I can concentrate more on the lift and not worry if I'm loosing my grip.
I need to buy them here.
I dont see anyone using them at the gym here.... but then again... I don't see many people doing deadlifts anyway :confused:

I've just got some NewGrips which I tried out on Friday and I really like them so far. They work a bit differently than gloves and seem to have some good advantages and generally be more effective. :)

I finally tried some chalk with my deads yesterday. I won't be using gloves anymore. Chalk rocks! :D

Those are great!! I used them at my trainers when doing heavy deadlifts. I can concentrate more on the lift and not worry if I'm loosing my grip.
I need to buy them here.
I dont see anyone using them at the gym here.... but then again... I don't see many people doing deadlifts anyway :confused:

I haven't used lifting straps in quite awhile, but I loved them. I was just thinking of buying a new pair for shrugs, deads and the like.

I find the chalk makes it easier to stop the flesh of my hand bulk up and get caught and form blood blisters and nasty stuff like that (if that was at all coherent). I find my hands avoid sticking just enough with it for it to work. If you're a non-sweaty warm palmed person (i myself sweat when I work out quite a lot but that does vary heavily -my friend doesn't at all and he also tans better) and your problem is slip-slide not high levels of unwanted grip from sticky sweat i've no idea what could help that.

i apologise for bumping this ancient thread + yes, guava does rock.

I'm sorry to bring this up again, but I have been thinking about buying myself gloves, since I have very soft skin and after only a few months of lifting I now have some bad callouses. The question for those who do use it (since I can't buy the above mentioned brands in Croatia), what kind of material are they from (pure cotton/some sort of artificial material)? And, when it comes to the size, should they be tight or a bit loose?
Again, the question might seem silly, but I really have no one to ask, since the women doing lifting in my gym seem to be doing many things wrong, therefore I don't have much confidence in them:)
tnx

I'm sorry to bring this up again, but I have been thinking about buying myself gloves, since I have very soft skin and after only a few months of lifting I now have some bad callouses. The question for those who do use it (since I can't buy the above mentioned brands in Croatia), what kind of material are they from (pure cotton/some sort of artificial material)? And, when it comes to the size, should they be tight or a bit loose?
Again, the question might seem silly, but I really have no one to ask, since the women doing lifting in my gym seem to be doing many things wrong, therefore I don't have much confidence in them:)
tnx

I have gloves of the brand "Crazy" (or something similar), the palm section is of some kind of soft leather which was a bit unflexible in the beginning (gripping was a bit awkward) but the leather becomes nice and smooth after some time. I prefer them to be tight but unfortunately mine are too big even though they're an S, probably because they were designed for men. This is not a problem though. I'm still developing callouses but surely much less than if I didn't use them. my bf who's been lifting for ten years has huge callouses which I definitely don't want to imitate :D

How about asking one of the trainers at the gym? at my gym I also see guys wearing gloves.

I have gloves of the brand "Crazy" (or something similar), the palm section is of some kind of soft leather which was a bit unflexible in the beginning (gripping was a bit awkward) but the leather becomes nice and smooth after some time. I prefer them to be tight but unfortunately mine are too big even though they're an S, probably because they were designed for men. This is not a problem though. I'm still developing callouses but surely much less than if I didn't use them. my bf who's been lifting for ten years has huge callouses which I definitely don't want to imitate :D
:lol::lol::lol:

How about asking one of the trainers at the gym? at my gym I also see guys wearing gloves.
tnx kitty, i'll do that, but i wanted girls' perspective i guess:) when it comes to guys wearing gloves in my gym, and most others, the more i read here it just seems there are very few of them who actually do things properly.:confused: so, i don't trust their opinion.

I find the chalk makes it easier to stop the flesh of my hand bulk up and get caught and form blood blisters and nasty stuff like that (if that was at all coherent). I find my hands avoid sticking just enough with it for it to work. If you're a non-sweaty warm palmed person (i myself sweat when I work out quite a lot but that does vary heavily -my friend doesn't at all and he also tans better) and your problem is slip-slide not high levels of unwanted grip from sticky sweat i've no idea what could help that.
You're right that helping keep the skin from bunching up is something else chalk does. If the bar is moving around in your hand, it drags the skin along with it. Drag enough and it rips. :( The chalk helps keep it from moving around so much.

It's not fool proof though. I filed my calluses down on Monday, used chalk, and yet still got a rip while doing some hang power snatches. C'est la vie. Time to tape up...

Hell yes to wearing gloves! I use the every time I lift. And to glorify my girlyness (which I don't do often...) I got them in pink. :)

You're right that helping keep the skin from bunching up is something else chalk does. If the bar is moving around in your hand, it drags the skin along with it. Drag enough and it rips. :( The chalk helps keep it from moving around so much.

It's not fool proof though. I filed my calluses down on Monday, used chalk, and yet still got a rip while doing some hang power snatches. C'est la vie. Time to tape up...
there's no chalk in my gym:cry:

Hell yes to wearing gloves! I use the every time I lift. And to glorify my girlyness (which I don't do often...) I got them in pink. :)
what material are they made from?

The ones I have are black on the outside, with grey suede and leather palm, with a hint of baby blue lycra around the edges of the fingers. :)

http://www.poweredgeathleticgear.com/item114.htm

Women's Power Diva™ Fitness gloves are made with soft and supple, extra durable, premium quality amara leather that is machine wash and dry. The palms, fingers and thumb all have gel padding for extra protection to minimize callous development. 4 way stretch nylon on the back of the hand and stretch lycra in between the fingers enhance the fit of these multi purpose gloves.

The ones I have are black on the outside, with grey suede and leather palm, with a hint of baby blue lycra around the edges of the fingers. :)

http://www.poweredgeathleticgear.com/item114.htm

Women's Power Diva™ Fitness gloves are made with soft and supple, extra durable, premium quality amara leather that is machine wash and dry. The palms, fingers and thumb all have gel padding for extra protection to minimize callous development. 4 way stretch nylon on the back of the hand and stretch lycra in between the fingers enhance the fit of these multi purpose gloves.

tnx for the detailed info guava, just one more thing: how tight/loose are they? i suppose the leather must become softer and loose in time?