How to prevent calluses on hand from weight training?

KeraSwarl

Besides the obvious solution of wearing gloves, it can sometimes hinder my grip.
Any other prevention/remedies?

sgt1372

Nope.

If you grab the bar barehanded, you will eventually develop calluses; chalk or no chalk, doesn't matter.

Same thing applies to anything that you regularly grip barehanded and apply force to with your hands, such as baseball bats, axes, saws, shovels, etc.

jdlobb

what do you have against calluses? you a hand model?

jemhh

I have calluses but they are not super visible. Use hand lotion daily. You can also use a pumice stone or a razor to tidy up. I use the latter--suds up your palm and run the razor over just like normal shaving.

ecjim

Those calluses are trophies- you worked hard for them - Eastcoast Jim

ijsantos2005

You can keep them smooth with daily lotion.

Sunnybrooke99

I used to do the bars in gymnastics. I’m not sure why, but our instructors would tell us to put used tea bags on them. They also make leather gloves for gymnasts that only cover your palm.

canadianlbs

KeraSwarl wrote: »

Besides the obvious solution of wearing gloves, it can sometimes hinder my grip.

you mean the calluses are so extreme that they hinder your grip? or do you mean that trying to avoid getting them hinders it?

if htey're getting in the physical way and/or in danger of tearing and making a mess, then i think most people either scrub them down with pumice stone or actually trim them with a pair of nail clippers. ymmv and i imagine that there's right way and wrong way to trim them as well.

if it's the other problem - you don't want them, and thinking about it too much interferes with your grip - there's been some coverage of the problem on youtube, i think. mark rippetoe did one for sure; i recall seeing it recently. basically, the closer you get your grip to where the bar is naturally going to end up anyway once you start on the lift . . . the less movement there's going to be. which means the less friction and/or the less folding and pinching your skin.

and finally, you didn't ask for critiques on your reasons for caring about them, so i won't go there. but i will say that calluses do have a purpose, at least up till they're super extreme. if your body didn't have a good reason for laying them down then it wouldn't do it. sorry to suddenly sound like my dad there

BusyRaeNOTBusty

I just use a pumice stone to keep mine smooth.

Okiludy

I have torn off a couple of these "trophies" and it sucks. It also can mess up your grip strength for a couple of weeks as they heal. I now use a pumice stone or a nail file and keep them tamed. I still have leathery hands but they are smooth and don't get as messed up.

ck2d

Cuticle oil. Works a charm. I just picked up another tube of the stuff, as a matter of fact. I apply it after a shower when my hands are damp and warm.

ninerbuff

If you don't like gloves, big sponges are an option.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

SonyaCele

use chalk when you lift