Should You Wear Gym Gloves - The Pros And Cons

Last updated on : February 13 2023

Pros And Cons Of Using Gym Gloves

Are any of the claims about working out with gloves true? Well, let's dive into the pros and cons of using gym gloves:

Safe Grip

Grip safety and strength are of the utmost importance when you are working out in the gym. 

Just imagine if the bar accidentally slips out of your hands as you are hitting a hard shoulder press over your head. A slip like this is a risky situation. 

And this is one of the biggest reasons why you should use gym gloves.   

Furthermore, your hands get sweaty in the gym when you're exercising at an intense pace. Gloves will make sure that your grip remains strong and consistent regardless of the amount of sweat. 

Training while wearing weight lifting gloves is better than weightlifting without gloves at all. Plus, you get a good grip with increased strength, so it is a win-win situation.

Added Wrist Support

Some brands also make wrist support gym gloves that extend their support, specifically on the wrist.

Wrist support gym gloves usually sport a Velcro or loop and hook strap that you can quickly wrap tightly around your wrist. These gloves offer a tight grip around your wrist and add stability to it.

They keep wrist injuries at bay. And they work well for the rehabilitation of any current wrist issues, if you have any, while still weightlifting and performing other exercises.

Read More - How To Enhance Your Workout Experience With The Right Fitness Equipment

Blister and Callus Protection

If you have been training and weightlifting in the gym for long enough, then you would understand the pain and annoyance that nasty calluses cause. 

Sometimes, calluses caused by weightlifting can even transform into painful blisters if they get ripped off.

For many bodybuilders and passionate weightlifters prone to ripped calluses and blisters, hand gloves for weightlifting solve a significant issue.

Using gym gloves enables you to eliminate the formation of calluses. With the right kind of gym gloves, you can say goodbye to blisters and calluses. 

These gloves can do the trick for you, whether you want to keep your hands smooth and soft or you want to avoid blisters from forming.

Increased Pressure Capacity 

Gym gloves reduce the pressure on your palms when you lift heavier weights. The reduced pressure helps you to step beyond the boundaries of your hands. 

Most people's chest and back muscles can bear a lot more weight than their bare hands can carry. Gym gloves boost your hands' and wrists' capacity to handle the pressure.

More Comfort

Another key factor why people prefer to use weightlifting gloves is that it makes weightlifting convenient and straightforward. 

Most gym gloves come with a long grip to enable bodybuilders to bear excess weight quickly and without getting injured. 

Often weights can be cold, particularly in winter, and when holding them barehanded can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant. 

Gym gloves prevent these issues and shield you from the unpleasantness of lifting cold weights.

A Longer Grip on the Bar

During intensive training like deadlifts, dumbbell hammer curls, or barbell rows, you reach a point where you cannot do the exercise or hold the bar any longer.

The targetted muscle, be it the biceps, traps, or your back, is still strong enough to do a few more sets, but your grip is fatigued from holding the bar for so long with sweaty hands. 

There is where gym gloves step in to play their role. A well-designed set of workout gloves emphasizes the palm of the glove, which is the main point from where you grip the bar. This way, gloves ensure that there is no unnecessary movement or slippage. 

And just like this, you will be capable of holding your position for as long as your targetted muscle can do so without your grip failing first. In other words, gym gloves eliminate the weak link and allow you to get the most out of your workouts.

Cons Of Gym Gloves

There are a few cons of gym gloves. They include the cost, and that depending on their thickness and how well they fit, they might impede your grip and technique. Some weightlifters also see minimal benefit from callus protection and prevention.

In the end, it will come down to personal preference and the brands you choose. 

How to Clean Gym Gloves

Now that you know why you should use gym gloves, another critical question is how to clean gym gloves. 

Once you have bought and used your gym gloves, it is vital to take proper care of them and keep them clean. Otherwise, they will start to stink and lose their durability over time.

Here is how to clean your gym gloves after a sweaty training session at the gym:

Clean Them in the Bathroom Sink

One of the first things you need to do is to soak your gym gloves in water in the sink. 

Load your bathroom's sink with hot water and pour some dishwashing detergent in it. Ensure that the water is hot enough for you to submerge your hands in it comfortably, but that it isn't boiling. 

Only use enough detergent to make the water foamy, do not go overboard with the detergent.

Dip your gym gloves in the hot, foamy water. Gently rub each of the gloves to make sure you get water in and around every area. Let the warm water in through the fingers of your gym gloves as well, and wipe off any dirt and dust that may have formed in them.

Read More - 10 Essential Steps For Soft, Sleek And Beautiful Hands

Flip Them Inside Out

After you've spent enough time washing and rinsing your gloves in your bathroom sink, it's time to flip both the gloves inside out. 

Flipping them inside out makes it much easier to clean the insides of the gloves. After they are inside out, clean them the same way that you cleaned the outside.

Your gym gloves can start to smell bad, even after you have cleaned them from the inside out. 

It's better just to let them sit in hot water for about an hour after you have cleaned them up before you rinse them once again. 

And when you're satisfied with a complete clean-up on both sides of the gloves, wash each pair of your gym gloves with clean water. Make sure that you rinse them well and don't leave any residue behind.

Air Dry the Gloves

After thoroughly washing and scrubbing your gloves, both from the inside and the outside, and then cleaning them with clean water, leave them to hang somewhere in the open so that they can get dry. 

You do not have to waste your time throwing them in a dryer. It is always better to let the gloves dry in the air so they don't get ruined by excess heat – that is also why you need to ensure that the cleaning water is not too warm.

An Alternative: Use a Washing Machine

Although it is still a better idea to learn how to clean your gym gloves by hand, it is understandable that not everyone has the time and energy to do that. 

In that situation, you can also make use of your washing machine to get the job done. 

Toss your gym gloves in your washing machine with other pieces of clothing that you want to wash. Ensure the washing machine has a gentle configuration and firmly tighten the Velcro straps of your gym gloves so they do not stick to any other garments in the washing machine.

It's a smart option to wash your gym gloves every once in a while – this helps you stay relaxed when wearing them for your intense training sessions and maintain them in excellent condition for a more extended time until you have to replace them with a new pair of gym gloves.

Wrapping It Up

Gym gloves or exercise gloves are used by weightlifters when training and lifting heavy weights. 

We believe gym gloves are among the most critical things to be added to the list of necessities for just about any gym activity. These gloves play a crucial role in protecting your hands and giving them a tighter and better grip.

There are many other benefits of weightlifting or gym gloves, so experts and professionals commonly use them. However, they do have cons and so should be a personal choice and one you should try out and test before making a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions most frequently asked by our readers:

1. What are gym gloves, and why are they used?

You can wear gym gloves during weightlifting and other strength training exercises. They provide a barrier between the skin and the equipment, preventing calluses and blisters from forming on the hands. They also help improve grip, reducing the risk of slipping and injury.

2. What types of gym gloves are available?

Several types of gym gloves are available, including full-finger gloves, half-finger gloves, and wrist wraps. Full-finger gloves cover the entire hand and are ideal for weightlifting and other exercises where grip is essential. Half-finger gloves provide more agility and are more suitable for exercises that require a lighter touch. Wrist wraps offer support for the wrist and are particularly useful for weightlifting exercises.

3. What materials are gym gloves made of?

Gym gloves can be made of various materials, including leather, synthetic leather, neoprene, and spandex. The type of material used will determine the gloves' durability, breathability, and comfort.

4. How should gym gloves fit?

Gym gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly. They should not restrict movement or cause discomfort but should be snug enough to provide a secure grip.

5. Can gym gloves be washed?

Yes, you can wash gym gloves, although the exact method will depend on the type of material (see above). Many gym gloves are machine washable, but it is essential to read the care instructions before washing to avoid damaging the gloves.

6. How often should gym gloves be replaced?

Generally, it would be best to replace your gym gloves when they show signs of wear and tear, such as fraying or holes. It is also a good idea to replace gym gloves if they feel loose or uncomfortable.

7. Are there any safety considerations to keep in mind when using gym gloves?

It is vital to ensure that gym gloves fit correctly and provide a secure grip. These factors reduce the risk of slipping and injury during weightlifting and other exercises. It is also essential to replace gym gloves if they show signs of wear and tear.

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