Trying to figure out if you need weightlifting gloves can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a glove. This 3 part series is designed to help you figure out if you need gloves, how to choose a pair for you and how to take care of your gloves.
Why do I need gloves?
Gloves enhance any training program by protecting hands and increasing traction during lifting. They cushion against the knurling (the metal teeth of the lifting bar). They also provide protection from abrasion, calluses and bacteria left on training equipment. They may also give you added support (depending on the style of glove) for your wrists, fingers and palms. Some gloves also have traction pads on the palms and fingers, improving grip.
How do I pick a glove, and what features are important when picking a glove?
Picking a glove is a very personal thing. If you lift with free weights, use weight training or cardiovascular machines, or do bag work, then training/fitness gloves are an important piece of equipment to have. Here are a few tips in evaluating gloves:
How often do you train/lift?
Based on how often you train, your level of proficiency and personal requirements, certain glove styles offer additional features and benefits.
Generally, the more you frequently that you train and the higher the intensity (or weights) of your workout, the more hand protection you should have. You may look for heavy-duty real leather gloves with wrist support, layered padding and NoSweat lining (like Harbinger’s FlexFit Ultra WristWrap) . If you workout less often at lower (weights or) intensity, you may consider lighter weight gloves with less cushioning (like Harbinger’s FlexFit.)
How often do I need to replace my gloves?
How much and how hard you train is going to determine how often you need to replace your gloves. If you take care for your gloves it will extend their life. Your will replace your gloves when they no longer perform to your expectations.
Check back next week for “Glove Features”.
