Weightlifting is such a great way to get fit! It really helps you build strength and work towards your physique goals.
As you continue on your lifting journey, you may run into a few typical challenges—like sore hands, painful calluses, grip fatigue, or even weights that slip a bit. These problems can throw a wrench in your workouts, making them uncomfortable and affecting how well you perform and stick to your training routine.
That’s where weightlifting gloves come in. Weightlifting gloves are super popular among gym enthusiasts because they offer a better grip, protect your hands, and support your wrists. But they’re not for everyone, and jumping into them too early—or when you don’t really need to—can sometimes slow you down. So, when is the right time to start using weightlifting gloves?
In this article, we will learn about weightlifting gloves, look at their pros and cons, and help you figure out the best time in your lifting journey to start using them. Whether you’re just starting out and want to keep your hands safe or a seasoned lifter facing grip issues, knowing how and when to use weightlifting gloves can help boost your performance and comfort while working out.
1. When You Are a Beginner
Beginners often experience discomfort when gripping barbells, dumbbells, or pull-up bars. The skin on their hands may not yet be accustomed to the friction and pressure of weightlifting.
If you have just started weightlifting and feel that calluses, blisters, or pain are preventing you from performing lifts properly, gloves can help. They will protect your hands while you focus on building foundational strength and proper lifting techniques.
Tip: Use gloves as a temporary tool during the initial stages of training while working on your grip strength over time.
2. When Calluses or Blisters Become Problematic
If calluses or blisters are interfering with your lifts or causing pain, gloves can offer relief. Frequent friction from the barbell can cause the skin to tear, which may disrupt your training.
For lifters who train regularly and find calluses uncomfortable, gloves can minimise damage to the hands and allow you to maintain consistency in your workouts.
3. If your grip is bad when your hands are sweaty
When your hands are sweaty, it can be hard to hold on to weights firmly, which can cause you to slip and hurt yourself. Weightlifting gloves can help you keep your grip steady if you work out in hot places, have naturally sweaty hands, or do sets with a lot of reps.
If your only worry is getting your hands sweaty, you could also use chalk instead of gloves. When it comes to grip, chalk is better than thick padding because it soaks up moisture.
4. For extra wrist support
Gloves with built-in wrist wraps can help if you have wrist pain when doing moves like bench presses, overhead presses, or clean and jerks. When you’re carrying big things, the wrist stabilisers in your gloves can help keep your wrists from getting too stressed.
But instead of depending only on gloves for support, it’s important to fix any mobility or strength problems in the wrists.
5. When working out everyday
If your goal is to get fit rather than to compete in lifts, you can choose not to wear weightlifting gloves. A lot of people who lift weights for fun find that gloves help them feel better, keep their grip, and protect their hands while they work out.
For light lifts, the possible downsides of gloves, like a weaker grip, are not as important.
When Not to Use Weightlifting Gloves
While gloves can be useful, there are situations where they may not be ideal:
For Competitive Powerlifters or Olympic Lifters: Gloves can interfere with grip strength and bar control during maximal lifts. Competitors should train barehanded to build grip strength and improve performance.
When Grip Strength Development Is a Priority: Lifters focused on forearm and hand strength, such as rock climbers or strongmen, should avoid gloves to strengthen their grip naturally.
During Heavy Deadlifts or Pull-Ups: Gloves may increase the bar’s thickness, making it harder to hold heavy weights or perform pull-ups effectively.
Alternatives to Weightlifting Gloves
If you don’t want to wear exercise gloves but still need to protect your hands and grip something, here are some other options:
Lifting Chalk: Chalk soaks up sweat and makes it easier to hold on to things during pulls. Powerlifters and Olympic lifts use it a lot.
Lifting Straps: Straps help you hold on as you do heavy pulling workouts like rows and deadlifts.
Hand Care Routines: You can avoid painful tears by regularly filing down calluses and moisturising your hands.
In conclusion
Weightlifting gloves are a great way to protect your hands, make it easier to hold on to things, and make strength training more comfortable. Gloves can benefit beginners, people with sweaty hands, and lifters with sore calluses. However, serious lifters who prioritise grip strength development or compete in powerlifting should minimise or avoid glove use.
To use weightlifting gloves correctly, you need to think about your goals, figure out what you need, and then use them in a planned way. Remember that gloves are a tool, not a necessity. When you go to the gym, your main goals should always be to use the right method, train consistently, and build your grip strength.
Knowing when and how to use weightlifting gloves can enhance your workouts and contribute to achieving your fitness goals. Finding the right balance between hand protection and grip development will lead to the most effective results.
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