If you are a novice lifter, holding on to free weights probably hurts your hands. If you have been weight training for a while, you have likely developed callused hands, and that is a good thing. Calluses form to protect your hands against the pressure and friction of the bar. The trick is not letting them get too big, where they could tear. Below are a few tips on developing and maintaining calluses.
Don’t Wear Gloves. According to stronglifts.com, gloves decrease grip strength and can cause bad form. Plus, what if you drive all the way to the gym and realize you forgot your gloves. Save yourself hassle, and let your hands naturally develop calluses.
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Adjust Your Grip. This simple technique can help eliminate the pain you feel in your calluses while lifting. Adjust where you are gripping the bar to ensure the calluses are not being pinched.
Use Chalk. Chalk helps dry your hands to give you a better grip and it fills the skin folds. Both of these factors will help prevent calluses from tearing.
Keep Calluses Level. A pumice stone is the best way to level your calluses. Follow pumice stone treatment by moisturizing. Cheese graters and ped eggs are too harsh and may take off more than just the callus. Never use scissors, nail clippers, or a razor to shave your calluses.
