For many people who do weightlifting or those ready to engage in the sport, some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns include "How to get rid of calluses on hands from weightlifting?" or "How to prevent calluses on hands from weightlifting.
It is inevitable for calluses to form on your hands the moment you start working out due to the pressure and friction your hands undergo. But what are calluses? Calluses are a compilation of dead skin cells that form a hardened area on the hands or feet due to immense pressure or tension that is placed on the area.
For those who do weightlifting, their hands tend to develop calluses because the grip of the bar put force and pressure on the hands over time. Below we will highlight a few techniques you can practice to lower your chances of having bad calluses as well as ways to treat them should they develop.
How to manage and prevent excessive callus build-up during weight lifting
Calluses can be prevented or minimized by practicing proper hand care exercises like wearing protective layers (gloves or chalk) as well as doing aftercare practices like soaking and moisturizing.
Calluses are not a bad thing as they tend to form a protective barrier between your hands and your workout tools. However, you have to ensure you manage them effectively, so they don't get too big, torn, or lead to other health complications. Here are a few tips you can consider:
1. Don't wear gloves
You have been told a lot of times to wear gloves when you are doing workouts like weightlifting, which has some advantages to it. However, did you know that there are also disadvantages to it that could make the entire process uncomfortable and difficult? When you are lifting weights, it is highly recommended that you do not use gloves as this causes you not to lift the bar properly.
When you wear gloves, the pressure it places on your hands to get a proper grip is not healthy and can lead to calluses if you don’t have any. Yes, the gloves will protect your callused hands from direct exposure to the bar, but keep in mind the ultimate goal is to develop toughness and strength in the hands. Gloves also put you at risk should the bar slide because of poor gripping.
2. Hold the bar correctly
It is imminent that if you lift weights, the possibility of developing calluses is very high. But, you can help to reduce the chances of this happening by ensuring you get a proper grip of the weights. Lifting the bar in with the center of your hands is not the best practice and could put excessive strain on your hands.
Instead, ensure you grip the bar closer to your fingers where the crease is to reduce developing calluses from weightlifting. Of course, it will not completely prevent calluses build-up on your hands, but it slows the process of your developing and growing.
3. Chalk
Sweating tends to increase friction, and this is not a good sign when you want to eliminate your chances of growing calluses. A lot of people suffer from sweaty palms and trying to lift weights with moist hands will likely not work.
As such, it is best to use chalk on your hands to reduce the moisture and contain the leakage of liquid from your pores. Also, a chalk ball is better than using gloves as it absorbs the sweat and lowers the possibilities of friction or tension. You may also dry your hands on an absorbent cloth now and again to help reduce the moisture formed in your palms.
4. Soak hands
After you are finished working out, it is recommended that you soak your hands to help relax your muscles and nerves as well as soften the hard calluses. You can generally soak for 5 to 15 minutes in warm water to help soften the hardened skin that forms the callus.
This will make it easier to have the callus trimmed or shaved. Though there are people who argue that soaking in warm water will get the hands too soft, it is a good practice. However, the best way to soak is every other day or probably 2-3 times per week.
Also, ensure after soaking, you moisturize your hands to reduce the level of dryness the warm water may have caused. Also, ensure you do not moisturize too close to your workout time as this can cause problems when you grip.
5. Apply moisturizer
Even though your hands should not be too moist when lifting weights, you want to ensure they are not too "dry," either. Your hands tend to dry out easily, especially after soaking or cleaning, and as such, you need to add a little moisturizer to your hands daily. This will help to reduce the friction and tension on your hands as your calluses brace against the weights bar.
However, when searching for a moisturizer to use, you can choose one with properties like tea tree oil, shea butter, calendula, Vitamin E, and beeswax which our healing salve contains. Be mindful, however, not to apply the cream before a workout as it might be too slippery...preferably do it before going to bed.
6. Callus remover
You don't want to have overgrown calluses on your hands, as this can lead to tears and rips. When your calluses become torn, they can lead to infections and if not treated properly they can make working out very uncomfortable.
Please note, they can be very unsightly too. As such, using Callus Performance's Callus Remover will help you to effectively shave your calluses without damaging any underlying tissues or your palm, in general. It is a small portable tool that you can take with you wherever to help you treat your hands and make your workout sessions easy. Your calluses should not be too big or even too flat, and the callus remover allows you to achieve the perfect level.
7. Callus healing slave
Calluses from weightlifting can be very bad at times, as it usually requires your hand to go through lots of pressure. However, knowing how hard it can be and the need to have calluses treated the team at Callus Performance has designed a callus healing salve that is perfect for helping your calluses to heal.
After soaking and shaving/trimming, you apply the salve to the area and leave it on for a while. The salve contains elements like coconut oil, Vitamin E, shea butter, and so much more. These products have healing properties that will have your hands feeling like new in no time. It is also perfect for treating callus bumps, blisters, and rips.
Conclusion
Developing calluses on hands from weightlifting is almost inevitable, so it is important to know the best practices to prevent or treat calluses. Failure to treat them will result in becoming worse and even affect your overall health. These tips are simple yet effective and are recommended by most sporting personalities and weightlifters. From soaking to moisturizing, then trimming and applying the healing salve, your hands will be as new within days to a few weeks.