Whether or not to wear gloves during strength training is a personal choice that depends on your preferences and goals. There are pros and cons to wearing gloves, and it’s important to weigh them before making a decision.
Pros of Wearing Gloves During Strength Training:
- Protection: Gloves can protect your hands from calluses, blisters, and other injuries. This is especially important if you’re prone to developing calluses or if you have sensitive skin.
- Improved Grip: Gloves can improve grip strength and help you hold onto weights more securely. This can be beneficial if you’re performing exercises that require a lot of grip strength, such as deadlifts or pull-ups.
- Hygiene: Gloves can provide a barrier between your skin and equipment, reducing the risk of infection and contamination.
Cons of Wearing Gloves During Strength Training:
- Reduced Proprioception: Gloves can reduce proprioception, which is your body’s ability to sense its position and movement in space. This can make it harder to maintain proper form and technique during exercises.
- Decreased Grip Strength: Wearing gloves can decrease grip strength, making it harder to lift heavy weights and reducing the effectiveness of exercises.
- Wrist Pain: Gloves can restrict wrist movement and increase the risk of wrist pain and injury. This is because gloves can create pressure on the wrist and limit the range of motion.
- Cost: Gloves can be expensive, especially if you need to replace them frequently.
Whether or not to wear gloves during strength training is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you’re prone to developing calluses or have sensitive skin, gloves may be beneficial. However, if you’re looking to improve grip strength or maintain proper form during exercises, gloves may not be the best option. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, and to focus on maintaining good hand hygiene and form during exercises regardless of whether or not you choose to wear gloves.
