During intensive strength exercises hands are prone to injuries and scrapes. A good solution is using training gloves. We present a review of the types of such gloves.
Why are gloves so important during strength training?
Thanks to using gloves we decrease the risk of blisters, which in this discipline happen very often due to heavy weights. Blisters or wounds that appear on skin often demotivate due to pain and we often quit training. The pain is smaller in gloves, the weight does not press directly the wound/blister at the same time increasing the comfort of exercising. Moreover, they ensure better grip and consequently - they increase safety during workout. Gloves are also a good solution for people with allergy. It happens that skin in contact with metal reacts with a rash. Wearing gloves during workout constitutes additional protection from allergies. Some models also have pullers, which protect against injuries.
What to pay attention to when choosing gloves for strength training?
An important element is the frequency of exercises. During sporadic strength workouts with the use of small weights, basic, cheap training gloves will be sufficient. During more advanced workouts, on the other hand, which are intensive and require heavier weights, it is worth choosing better-quality gloves. When choosing gloves, we should pay attention to the material they are made of. The best and the most resistant gloves are made of leather. Some models have additional fibers inside, which stiffen hands, but do not limit movements. Additionally, some leather gloves contain a sponge, which protects from blisters and nodes and absorb moisture. The same function is sometimes fulfilled by a gel insert. The quality of stitches is also very important.
The choice of gloves for the gym
The choice of gloves is also related to adjusting a proper size. Improperly suited gloves may inhibit exercises. They cannot be two small, as in this case they will pinch and restrict movements. Too small gloves may also block blood flow and cause hand numbness. Excessively large gloves, on the other hand, may disturb grip. Lifting the weight in too loose gloves may be troublesome and may result in injury, e.g. dropping the weight.
Types of training gloves for strength workout
Depending on the type of workout and exercises applied during training, we need to choose a proper type of gloves. There are many kinds of gloves on the market: full, fingerless, with the belt supporting wrists, equipped with inserts preventing scrapes, made of thicker material, resistant to rubbing... Below you will find the review of the most basic models of training gloves (each of the described models may appear in many variants).
Neoprene gloves with gel inserts
The material they are made of is very elastic. The interior side of the gloves is equipped with gel inserts, which absorb shocks and protect hands from injuries. This type of gloves has a good ventilation system, thanks to which exercises are comfortable. They ensure comfort and safety and are durable. Neoprene gloves are suitable for exercises with dumbbells and bars. The cost is around 10$.
High traction gloves
They contain an integrated leather wrist belt with a Velcro strap. The inside of the gloves has rubber inserts, resistant to rubbing. They are sewed in the places most prone to overload. They allow to securely keep the weight. The gloves are also equipped with a pad, which protects the wrist. Soft material inside absorbs moisture. This model is very strong and is addressed for training with free weights. The cost is around 27$.
Leather training gloves
Made of natural leather, with double layer of leather in the inside. The external side of the gloves and the space between fingers have elastane inserts, which play the function of the ventilation system. Leather gloves are comfortable and suitable for intensive workouts. An alternative to this type of gloves is a model taking into account anatomic features of the male hand. Such gloves are addressed only to men, ensure safety and comfort of use. They are suitable for strength workout Another alternative are also leather gloves equipped with additional pads at the places of the largest overloads and a belt stabilizing the wrist. This model is addressed to demanding and tough-training competitors of all sports disciplines. The cost is 10-13$.
Gloves for bodybuilders
Made of soft lather, terrycloth and net. They ensure very good ventilation. The inside part of the gloves is covered with non-slip material. They are fastened with a Velcro strap and rubber, which allow to be easily adjusted to the hands of the sportsman. Bodybuilder’s gloves improve grip. They are suitable for strength workout with the use of machines.
Gripad workout grips
Used instead of workout gloves. Workout grips enable controlling the weight. They are often made of neoprene sponge, thanks to which they are light. The bands that they contain cover only a small part of the palm and at the same time ensure maximal protection. Such a structure enables perfect ventilation. Moreover, the grips are very easy to put on and take off. They prevent the weights from slipping out and improve the grip. They are suitable for workout with free weights and with the use of machines. The cost is around 15$.
Gymnastic gloves
Gymnastic gloves are not really gloves. It is a stripped version of gloves consisting in a hole for fingers, the guard of the palm and a band securing the wrist. Gymnastic gloves protect hands during workouts on the high bar. They enable good feeling of the bar and they allow to perform of gymnastic figures (such as back hip circle, etc.). Gymnastic gloves also find application at the gym. They may be used to lift weights. The cost is around 17$.
