Let’s talk hand care

Let’s talk hand care. Most people wear gloves when they lift to prevent calluses from forming. Others wear them to prevent already formed calluses from tearing. The reason a callus tears is because that built up skin gets pinched between your hand and the barbell or dumbbell. IMO you actually have a much better handle on the barbell or dumbbell if you grip it with your bare hand. I never wear any hand protection, even when I do heavy barbell cycling, deadlifting, or any of my Olympic lifts.

I started shaving my calluses down over 3 years ago. A lot of CrossFitters brag and like to show off their tears, and that’s one of the dumbest things I can think of, and I semi rage every time I see it on social media. It means you’re not taking care of your hands and it’s nothing to be proud of, IMO.

2-3 times a week I use a Ped Egg to shave down the calluses on my hands and fingers. It looks like a cheese grater for your hand and it’s gross, but it’s worth it. It’s far superior to a pumice stone, which is not abrasive enough to shave down multiple layers of epidermis. I shave them so they are flat and even with the rest of the skin on my hand. I then apply an intensive moisturizer or even Vaseline if my hands are really struggling and then put on cotton gloves while I sleep l. My husband calls me Micky Mouse, but I don’t care. I haven’t ripped my hands in 3 years.

Take care of your hands, for they are what connect you to the iron.