If you’ve never taken part in a real Crossfit WOD (workout of the day) then you know how easily your hands can take a beating!  Some fitness fanatics and weight lifting junkies think working out barehand is some sign of athleticism or even machismo.  They couldn’t be more wrong!  If you plan on sweating through Knees to Elbows, Kipping Pull ups, Snatches, Cleans and deadlifts, remember… NO barehand Crossfit gloves YES!  Read some reviews of our favorite hand protection for crossfit here.

Why Barehand is Not Best for Crossfit

Excess pressure and friction against the skin causes it to harden and thicken.  It’s your body’s natural response to protect itself.  Those gross thick little pads of skin on your hand is actually a medical condition called Callosity.  If you choose to ignore it, it will grow worse and as the skin dries out and gets thicker it will eventually rip and bleed leaving you exposed to infection.  There is ALMOST no advantage to going barehand without Crossfit Gloves.

Crossfit Hand Protection

So we’ve established No barehand Crossfit Gloves yes!  So then what can you do for some decent crossfit hand protection?

Chalk – Weightlifting or Bodybuilding chalk has been common in weight training rooms for years, and it’s also an option for Crossfit.  However, chalk not only does NOT protect your hands from getting calluses, because the chalk dries out the skin, it can actually expedite the process.  Leave the chalk for the professional gymnasts.  It’s not going to do you any favors.

Hand Taping – For a typical crossfit hand taping can be somewhat effective.  It will act as a barrier between your skin and the surface it’s moving against, and it won’t dry out your barehands like chalk will.  It won’t ease hand fatigue or your comfort level however.

GymPaws Original Leather Weight Lifting Grips

Originally designed to replace bulky gym gloves, GymPaws have become a favorite workout hand protection alternative for tens of thousands of Crossfit athletes and coaches!  A superior alternative for barehand.  Crossfit is a tough circuit style workout, you don’t have time to take workout gloves or crossfit gloves on and off.  Because GymPaws have 4 finger loops, they stay in place while allowing for maximum air circulation.  The slightly padded leather palm protects those barehands against friction causing calluses!  They are the ONLY weight lifting grip available that is actually Genuine Cowhide Leather versus the cheap synthetic materials most manufactuers use!

At GymPaws Inc we’re a team of Certified Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, Bodybuilders, Weight Lifting Pros, and athletes.  

We design products for performance over profit!  Don’t go barehand, call them crossfit gloves, gym gloves, lifting grips or hand pads for the gym… just do yourself a favor and try a pair today!

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